Winter sports are a world of precision, resilience and strength, where athletes push their bodies and minds to the limit. Traditionally dominated by men, the landscape of winter sports has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. So let’s take a look at some of the female athletes shaping winter sports in 2025.
In 2025, women athletes are not just participants in winter sports; they are leaders, trailblazers and record-breakers, reshaping the future of these disciplines and inspiring the next generation of athletes. From record-breaking comebacks to groundbreaking victories, women are carving out their legacy in the snow and ice.
Sports Betting: A Growing Influence on Winter Sports
As winter sports grow in popularity, so too does the industry surrounding them, particularly sports betting. The rise of legal sports betting in many countries, including the United States, has introduced a new layer of excitement and engagement for fans. With major events like the Winter Olympics, FIS Ski World Cup and X Games, sports betting is becoming an integral part of the winter sports experience.
For fans and gamblers alike, the ability to bet on outcomes – whether it’s a race, a slopestyle event, or a snowboard cross competition – adds an additional level of excitement. This trend has also brought attention to the athletes themselves, with more people following their careers and performances in the hopes of making informed bets. As more women continue to break records and rise to prominence in winter sports, they are not just influencing the competition – they are shaping the betting landscape as well.
Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Comeback
Perhaps no one embodies the spirit of resilience in winter sports more than American Alpine ski legend Lindsey Vonn. In March 2025, at 40 years old, Vonn proved that age is just a number when she made an extraordinary return to competitive skiing. After retiring in 2019, Vonn stunned the world by coming out of retirement to compete in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Idaho. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular – she secured silver in the Super-G, making history as the oldest woman to medal in an Alpine World Cup event.
Vonn’s comeback is a testament to her unmatched determination and skill. Not only did she return after a significant hiatus, but she also managed to compete against some of the best in the world. Vonn’s return is a symbol of persistence and passion, reminding athletes everywhere that the love for sport knows no age limit. She remains a role model, not just for aspiring skiers, but for anyone who faces setbacks in their careers or lives.
Ester Ledecka: The Dual-Sport Dominator
Czech athlete Ester Ledecka is another incredible example of versatility and excellence in winter sports. A true icon, Ledecka continues to shine brightly in both snowboarding and skiing, becoming a dominant force in both disciplines. In 2025, she secured her first snowboard world title in the parallel giant slalom at the Freeski and Snowboard World Championships – her first major victory since 2017.
Ledecka made history in the 2018 Winter Olympics when she won gold in both snowboarding and skiing, an unprecedented feat. Since then, she has solidified her position as one of the most talented athletes in winter sports. Her achievements have not only expanded the boundaries of what is possible in both sports but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their passions in multiple disciplines. In 2025, Ledecka’s achievements continue to remind the world of the power of versatility and the importance of breaking barriers.
Zhang Xiaonan: A Groundbreaking Victory in Snowboarding
As winter sports gain popularity around the globe, China has emerged as a rising powerhouse in the industry. One athlete who exemplifies this shift is Zhang Xiaonan, a snowboarder from China who made history at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games. Zhang claimed gold in the women’s slopestyle event, marking China’s first-ever victory in this discipline. This win is not only a monumental achievement for Zhang but also for Chinese winter sports, as the nation continues to invest in and develop its winter sports talent.
Zhang’s victory is part of a broader movement in Asia, where countries like China, Japan and South Korea are rapidly developing their winter sports infrastructure and training programs. With athletes like Zhang leading the way, the future of winter sports in Asia looks incredibly bright, and her victory serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young women, across the continent.
The Rise of Women’s Snowboarding
In 2025, women’s snowboarding has reached new heights, thanks to the next generation of athletes who are redefining the sport. As more women take to the slopes and break records, the landscape of snowboarding is changing. Riders are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, executing complex tricks and manoeuvres that were once thought to be unattainable.
These athletes are not only excelling in competition but also in innovation, constantly pushing the sport’s limits to inspire others. The progression of women’s snowboarding is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of these athletes. From the X Games to the World Cup, women’s snowboarding is no longer a side event; it is one of the most exciting and dynamic sports on the planet.
‘Women of Winter’: A Movement for Inclusivity
While significant progress has been made, the fight for equality and visibility continues. In March 2025, programs like Women of Winter were instrumental in encouraging greater participation from women in winter sports. The initiative, which collaborates with the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, offers coaching and professional development opportunities for women in skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. In 2025, the program introduced an Alpine Level I certification course for female athletes, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the industry.
Women of Winter is just one of many grassroots movements that are committed to increasing representation and providing opportunities for women in winter sports. As these initiatives continue to grow, they will help create a more inclusive and supportive community, allowing women athletes to not only compete but thrive in their respective sports.
Breaking Barriers in Gender Equality
Despite the incredible strides that women have made in winter sports, challenges remain. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of gender equality in certain winter sports. Nordic combined, a sport that combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, remains the only Winter Olympic event without a women’s competition. In February 2025, efforts to include women’s Nordic combined in the Winter Olympics gained traction, as discussions about gender equity in sports continue to grow. Advocates are hopeful that the sport will be added to the Olympic roster in future Games, further levelling the playing field for women athletes.
The lack of a women’s Nordic combined event highlights a broader issue in winter sports: while progress is being made, there is still a need for greater equality in terms of opportunities, recognition, and compensation. As more women make their voices heard and fight for their place in these sports, it is clear that the future is bright for women in winter sports.
A New Era for Women in Winter Sports
In 2025, women are no longer just participants in winter sports; they are shaping the future of these disciplines with their talent, innovation and determination. From Lindsey Vonn’s inspiring comeback to Ester Ledecka’s dual-sport dominance, women are proving that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Athletes like Zhang Xiaonan are rewriting history books, while movements like Women of Winter are paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
While there is still work to be done to achieve full gender equality in winter sports, the progress made in recent years is undeniable. The women of winter sports in 2025 are not just competing – they are breaking barriers, challenging norms and setting new standards of excellence. As these athletes continue to defy expectations, they will undoubtedly inspire countless others to dream big, work hard, and reach for the slopes and the skies.