An icon, to put it mildly. Photos: (L) Shaina Joel, (R) Gnu
Barrett Christy Cummins is the archetype of a living legend. From the mid ‘90s through the early 2000s, Barrett was a multi-discipline contest destroyer, dominating halfpipe, big air, and slopestyle, and helping to shape the sport during its impressionable, nascent years. Additionally, her trailblazing contributions extended beyond her riding to women’s-specific product development and video projects, an element of bringing others into the community that has been a through-line of her career.
And that’s just the start of her story. Since hanging up her competition bib, Barrett’s impact has only expanded. Through industry-leading roles at Nike and Mervin, her commitment to athletes, mentorship, and career planning continues to propel riders forward and influence the industry. She’s an outspoken advocate for women in action sports, leading by example and lifting others up. Later this year, a new documentary film chronicling women’s snowboarding is set to come out, filmed by Mia Lambson with Barrett as a producer. It’s yet another way that Barrett continues to push through the status quo to what she knows to be possible. Pioneer, Olympian, mother, collaborator, supporter, and just a great person to take laps with — Barrett is one of the all-time greats, an we asked her to weigh in on a few of the greatest things she’s seen, done, and continues to be a part of.
The greatest thing about snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest? Honestly, the fact that there’s enough moisture in the snow that it sticks to the slope. The temperatures are not as frigid as higher altitude snowboarding, and there’s a wide variety of options within a short (ish) drive from Seattle.
The greatest place to ride powder? Mt Baker. If you get up early and are in the front of the line on a powder day, in-bounds runs are so fun. Lots of good terrain for motivated (and experienced)hikers when the resort is tracked.
The greatest place that snowboarding has brought you? Home. Snowboarding brought me family and a home, with Temple, Ayla, and Cannon. J
The greatest thing about being a snowboarder and a mom? Seeing the kids find joy in the thing that’s responsible for their creation. I never would have met Temple if not for snowboarding. Seeing them progress and look at the mountain through their own lens is so cool. Cannon sees things and rides the mountain in a way I never had imagined.
The greatest event or competition you’ve ever ridden in? Legendary Banked Slalom 2001! Winning the pro division the same year Temple won. I flew to X Games the next day to compete. That was a rough travel day after all that excitement.
The greatest thing about the Olympic experience? Making the team. The rest is a little blurry. Nothing about it was what I expected. The excitement and honor of being on the Olympic team was the highlight.
The greatest thing about riding halfpipe? When I was riding the pipe it was more about amplitude and flow. I didn’t have to unleash as many rotations as they do today. The feeling of momentum and flow in a smooth pipe was the best.
The greatest halfpipe you have ever ridden? Stratton US Open 1997 (probably 10-foot walls). I don’t remember the ruts and kinks in that thing, but I remember the crowd and the energy: people hanging in trees, stoked out of their minds to be there. That time in snowboarding and that event vibe made it the greatest pipe I’ve ridden!
The greatest thing about snowboarding in the 90s and early 2000s? No social media. The ability to ride more without the constant need to document it in the moment was awesome. The photos and footage wouldn’t be seen for months or until the next season when the mags came out, so it made being a pro at that time a lot more chill.
The greatest influence on your career as a pro athlete? I think getting sponsored by Nike was really when I went from pro snowboarder to pro athlete. It was the association with athletes on a whole different level that influenced me in a positive way and made me think of training more proactively, rather than just for recovery. I wanted to live up to the opportunities that came with that partnership. Plus, for a while I had the chance to be a Nike Women’s ambassador and be featured in campaigns that weren’t just snowboarding focused.
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The greatest influence on your career in the industry? Mervin. They were my first real sponsor and their support throughout the many transitions in my career has been pretty special.
The greatest challenge of being a pro rider? Staying healthy and strong, and focused on the goals. There’s a lot of distractions out there, and even more so now. I think that’s the greatest challenge of most athletes, just staying focused and confident.
The greatest thing about witnessing snowboarding’s evolution? Staying involved long enough to play a part in the crazy progression over the last decade. Staying involved in the product development has been a great way to participate in the evolution without hucking myself anymore.
The greatest thing about mentorship? The mentor probably gets as much value from the experience as the mentee. When we can share knowledge for the purpose of lifting someone else up and contributing to them positively, I firmly believe the abundance is returned. Being open to helping others without expecting an immediate return is where mentorship begins. In an industry that is so tight, why not strengthen relationships by supporting those that want to make it better?
The greatest advice for up-and-coming riders? Make friends and be considerate. Find your strengths and get creative. Don’t try to model yourself off of someone else.
The greatest thing happening in snowboarding right now? Women. THE most exciting thing is the progression on display by women in snowboarding right now.
The greatest challenge facing the snowboarding industry? Ever-shrinking budgets. It still effects the women’s market more than men, I’d say. Anyone working in snowboarding knows the challenge of doing more with less. Bad winters lead to slower sales, which leads to budget cuts, which leaves less opportunities for marketing dollars and less available support for women (and men). But, when we have more support for female athletes, we see more progression – and everyone wants to see that!
The greatest thinking mind in snowboarding? Pat Bridges or Dave Sypniewski (but he’s in beer now). Brilliant minds with encyclopedia knowledge of who, what, when, where things happened, and are happening, that impact snowboarding.
The greatest snowboard video? Wayward. Coming soon, later in 2025!
The greatest video part? Honestly, I never spent much time watching full videos! I couldn’t tell you the greatest part, but a few shots that stick out to me are these: Andy Hetzel’s naked big air jump and getting tackled at the bottom. (Not even sure if that was in a video or if I witnessed it in person!) Tina Basich backside seven in powder in one of Hostynek’s Absinthe films. Morgan Lafonte’s double backflip in one of the Standard films in the mid ’90s. Annie Boulanger had some really sick clips in Absinthe films — big pillows and big lines. And because I love entertainment and a good competition, I’m going with NST — always the best riding, under pressure, in beautiful terrain.
The greatest snowboarder (man), ever? Temple (Cummins). Duh, of course! Not just saying that because he’s my husband! I love how much he loves snowboarding and his natural ability to read and ride terrain and find transitions.
The greatest female snowboarder (woman), ever? Jamie Anderson. Style, strength, and she can take it from parks to big mountains. She can produce her own content, always provides value to her partners, and is relatable to young kids and moms. It’s been so amazing to work with her and watch her progression over the years. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
The greatest snowboarder at a sport that’s not snowboarding? Ivan Florence. This guy loves snowboarding, but he’s an insane surfer and I’m a fan.
The greatest snowboarding you’ve witnessed in person? Cannon Cummins. Been witnessing him since he was wearing diapers on the hill and it’s always a treat to watch him ride! He continues to amaze me.
The greatest hope for the future of snowboarding? An end to global warming.
