We’ll start by kicking off with a classic part from 2007 Absinthe flick Optimistic? featuring the legendary Annie Boulanger. The Canadian shredder was the first woman since Victoria Jealouse to join the ranks of the best big-mountain riders in snowboarding. Up until this movie, Absinthe had never filmed with a woman before.
Annie started out making a name for herself in competitions, winning the US Open quarterpipe in 2001 and slopestyle in 2002. Multiple injuries however meant she was unable to compete past 2003, so she grabbed a sled and started making video parts. Many didn’t believe she could sustain a career as woman by just filming, and yet here she is – killing it alongside Gigi, Nicolas Müller, Romain de Marchi and the rest. Annie will always be in our minds as one of snowboarding’s greatest riders.