Elena Hight, a prominent snowboarder, made a significant career shift five years ago, transitioning from halfpipe snowboarding to big-mountain riding. Despite her successful 16-year career in halfpipe, including two Winter Olympics appearances and multiple X Games medals, Hight felt the need for a new challenge after not making the U.S. Olympic team in 2018.
Her journey into the backcountry was documented in the 2020 film Blank Canvas, where she ventured into big-mountain riding with renowned mentors. Since then, Hight has competed in the Natural Selection Tour, winning the overall women's championship in 2022.
While her recent performance at the 2024 Natural Selection event in Revelstoke didn't advance past the quarterfinals, Hight remains grateful for the opportunities her new career path has provided. She sees her transition as not only personal growth but also as a contribution to the progression of women in backcountry snowboarding.
Hight's success has coincided with an increase in opportunities for women in the sport, with brands like Arc’teryx investing in female athletes and expanding their women's teams. This shift reflects a broader trend of more women entering the backcountry snowboarding scene.
As Hight continues to push her boundaries in both competition and filming, she emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creativity in sharing her experiences with audiences. Her upcoming projects include filming in Alaska and Norway, showcasing her dedication to exploring new terrain and pushing the boundaries of snowboarding.
Overall, Hight's journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of snowboarding, where athletes like her are breaking barriers and inspiring others to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the sport.
