For two Winter Olympic Games running, Jamie Anderson has reminded everyone that women’s slopestyle snowboarding is her event by producing a complicated collection of twists, jumps, and tricks to earn top honors. Being the first and only athlete to win Olympic gold in this discipline, at its Olympic debut nearly eight years ago in Sochi, Russia—and then again at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, Korea—means she sort of owns it.
Fast-forward to 2022: After sweeping the slopestyle and big air events at the 2021 X Games in Aspen and then winning the slopestyle event at the Mammoth World Cup, Anderson appears poised to head into her third Olympics, the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, China, at the top of her game.
It's no secret that her hometown has been instrumental in making her a champion, which is why she launched the Jamie Anderson Foundation in 2013 to help youth pursue their athletic dreams. The foundation has helped more than 30 winter sports athletes, providing them gear, season passes, and even financial aid to travel for competitions.
The more than 20-time Winter X Games medalist returns to her old shredding grounds as often as possible—there's nothing like being home to inspire her to dream big. She shared her favorite things about the Golden State below.
Where do you live? South Lake Tahoe.
Why do you live in South Lake Tahoe? I am one of eight siblings. We all grew up in South Lake Tahoe, skiing and snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe Mountain. My mom home-schooled me so that I could spend most days snowboarding at Sierra with my siblings. It is where I started my Olympic dreams.
Who or what is your greatest California love? Sierra-at-Tahoe Mountain, Fallen Leaf Lake, Emerald Bay.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we don't work hard. We just know how to find balance.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That everyone is following a dream. So many Californians find something they’re passionate about and really pursue it.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Getting a cabin in the mountains. It is always such a great way to get a good night's sleep, meditate, and do some great snowboarding.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? Probably down the coast to visit my sisters who live in Southern California.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Healthy food! It is really easy to find pure, organic, whole foods in California. You are never far from a fresh juice or organic smoothie.
Best California songs? I can’t think of my favorite California songs [off the top of my head], but when I'm on the mountain, I love listening to hip hop.
How would your California dream day unfold? Dinner with friends and family, relaxing in my sauna or a nice hot spring. Near Mammoth Lakes, there are some amazing hot water springs that are relaxing and good for the soul and sore muscles.
How do you define California style? By the outdoors. You can do yoga, hike, surf, or anything outdoors—almost year-round—and dress accordingly. It's amazing.
