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Who was the top paid skier this past year?

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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
I had always assumed it would be the olympic gold medalists but I have a hard time believing that Wise and Christensen made more than the guys who were the marketing poster children leading up to the games... (Wallisch, Goepper, Dumont, etc.)

Or maybe some of the European guys are just crushing it below the radar.
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Sep 3 2014 1:26PM
221 25
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smooter
Posts: 1121 - Karma: 1,368
gus maybe?
Sep 3 2014 1:28PM
24 0
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
Skiers don't make alot of money in the first place.

Unless you are Jon Olsson.
Sep 3 2014 1:28PM
31 1
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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
GrizzlyBurrSkiers don't make alot of money in the first place.

Unless you are Jon Olsson.


Agreed, but who is at least making a bit of money?
Sep 3 2014 1:34PM
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powderhound123
Posts: 70 - Karma: 39
I pulled some of the brass tack from an older article that piqued my interest back in the day... Some guys are making money. I bet they made a lot of money with the surge in promotional dollars the last few years. My money is actually still on Dumont. (Target wrote him some big checks.)

IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET RICH SKIING. BUT FOR THOSE WHO CAN, IS IT EVEN WORTH IT?

"There's a little club that's making really good money," explains Douglas, "and a really big club that's not." By really good money, Douglas means an annual salary north of $200,000 paid from contracts combined from ski companies, eyewear, clothing, and for the lucky few an energy drink or some other non-endemic sponsor like Target or Nike.

While no one was willing to talk specifics for this article, educated generalizations can be made: Top-tier competition skiers with a stranglehold on the X Games podium and a good agent--or multitaskers like Douglas--can command upwards of $200,000 a year. Established veterans with several years of competition results followed by several years of good coverage in magazines and movies are more likely in the $80,000 to $100,000 range. Everyone else, the aforementioned "big club," is making anywhere from $50,000 down to absolutely nothing.

There are a few ways you can climb to the top tier. The obvious method is to recalibrate the height-o-meter of the X Games superpipe, like Simon Dumont. Last winter, he claimed nearly $150,000 in contest winnings alone. That's on top of his retainers with Salomon, Oakley, Red Bull, and Target. Or you could parlay your status as the symbol of Swedish freeskiing into a gig as the face of an international fashion brand, as Jon Olsson did with Stockholm's J. Lindeberg. Olsson now owns a Lamborghini and lives in Monaco for tax purposes. "I'm number two," Dumont admits when asked who he thinks is the best paid freeskier in the world. "Jon's number one."
Sep 3 2014 2:27PM
8 0
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APunx176
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 2,628
powderhound123I pulled some of the brass tack from an older article that piqued my interest back in the day... Some guys are making money. I bet they made a lot of money with the surge in promotional dollars the last few years. My money is actually still on Dumont. (Target wrote him some big checks.)

IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET RICH SKIING. BUT FOR THOSE WHO CAN, IS IT EVEN WORTH IT?

"There's a little club that's making really good money," explains Douglas, "and a really big club that's not." By really good money, Douglas means an annual salary north of $200,000 paid from contracts combined from ski companies, eyewear, clothing, and for the lucky few an energy drink or some other non-endemic sponsor like Target or Nike.

While no one was willing to talk specifics for this article, educated generalizations can be made: Top-tier competition skiers with a stranglehold on the X Games podium and a good agent--or multitaskers like Douglas--can command upwards of $200,000 a year. Established veterans with several years of competition results followed by several years of good coverage in magazines and movies are more likely in the $80,000 to $100,000 range. Everyone else, the aforementioned "big club," is making anywhere from $50,000 down to absolutely nothing.

There are a few ways you can climb to the top tier. The obvious method is to recalibrate the height-o-meter of the X Games superpipe, like Simon Dumont. Last winter, he claimed nearly $150,000 in contest winnings alone. That's on top of his retainers with Salomon, Oakley, Red Bull, and Target. Or you could parlay your status as the symbol of Swedish freeskiing into a gig as the face of an international fashion brand, as Jon Olsson did with Stockholm's J. Lindeberg. Olsson now owns a Lamborghini and lives in Monaco for tax purposes. "I'm number two," Dumont admits when asked who he thinks is the best paid freeskier in the world. "Jon's number one."


$50,000 isn't too bad. Also, freeskiing is getting more popular, so I feel like the numbers are probably going up.
Sep 3 2014 5:21PM
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nate4500
Posts: 41 - Karma: 45
I think any pro skier would say it wasn't about the money but about skiing.
Sep 4 2014 2:59AM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,072
CalebTheKillian$50,000 isn't too bad. Also, freeskiing is getting more popular, so I feel like the numbers are probably going up.


You'd be shocked how many of your favorite skiers make much less than even this.

also, compared to even skateboarding snow sports make substantially less and then there isn't even a comparison to big sports like basketball or football.

But most of your favorite skiers don't care about money, they just wanna ski. A small percentage of pros make a very comfortable living, 70% make enough to supoort them selves and the rest work jobs in the off season to have enough money.
Sep 4 2014 3:18AM
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
They also have to pay their own expenses when they take ski trips to other countries. NOT cheap.
Sep 4 2014 8:49AM
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hcaulfield
Posts: 112 - Karma: 393
I heard scrappy joe makes 500k+
Sep 4 2014 9:27AM
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auski
Posts: 730 - Karma: 1,033
Bobby could have earned more than anyone on that the survey over the last year. He's in movies (unlike joss, nick and David Wise), does ok on the comp scene and hasn't been injured this past year like tom and simon have been.

In summary - comps, movies, no injuries, red bull
Sep 4 2014 9:50AM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,983
Andy Parry has been making some bank at Pizza Hut these days. I wouldn't rule him out.
Sep 4 2014 10:06AM
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ShaunNDDuffY
Posts: 67 - Karma: 204
David Wise with his million dollar smile...
Sep 4 2014 10:55AM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
Lindsay Vonn when healthy easily makes at least a million. Seems like the only freeskiers who really "make it" long term are those who can segway their skiing career into owning a brand (ex tanner, dumont) or Jon becoming a big symbol in his country.
Sep 4 2014 10:59AM
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madcult
Posts: 45 - Karma: 288
I read somewhere that Bobby was the first freeskier to sign 1 milion contract. Maybe true maybe not...
Sep 4 2014 2:23PM
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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
nate4500I think any pro skier would say it wasn't about the money but about skiing.


They are inseparable... Every athlete wants to ski for companies that help them reach their goals. Money empowers film projects and travel schedules, Heli time and camera time, trainers and health benefits... The list is endless.

Any skier that is ignoring the money is inherently shortening their career and ski careers are short to begin with.
Sep 4 2014 2:26PM
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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
madcultI read somewhere that Bobby was the first freeskier to sign 1 milion contract. Maybe true maybe not...


Bobby Brown probably should be on the survey but I also doubt he is making that kind of money. Where did you hear it?
Sep 4 2014 2:30PM
1 1
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madcult
Posts: 45 - Karma: 288
reedwjBobby Brown probably should be on the survey but I also doubt he is making that kind of money. Where did you hear it?


Sorry meant Salomon. Actually I think the rep from Atomic (as Salomon, Atomic etc are part of Amer Sports Company) told me that.
Sep 4 2014 3:11PM
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AlexFogo85
Posts: 572 - Karma: 7,471
Not saying he makes the most, but Torin is certainly making a lot of money for his age, especially after signing with some big names like target and poptarts
Sep 4 2014 4:36PM
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simon.says
Posts: 36 - Karma: 131
Torin could have got a lot of money if he wasn't injured for the olympics. He's got best skill and best attitude!
Sep 4 2014 5:06PM
1 0
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matthewisme
Posts: 21 - Karma: 20
This is the leaving out the people who are actually making money, Axle Lund Svindol, Ted Ligedy, Bode Miller. They are the ones making the real money.
Sep 4 2014 5:37PM
0 1
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
For freeskiing, I'm suprised more of you haven't said David wise. 3 gold xgames medals in the past 3 years and the gold Olympic medal. Also he owns a share in 4frnt. He's gotta make some good money. Also I feel like since he has kids (he actually just had his second baby) that he kinda sets an example in way? That you can have kids and win Olympics. I feel like he migh make money off his kids.
Sep 4 2014 6:42PM
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Willskiforfree
Posts: 929 - Karma: 3,167
powderhound123My money is actually still on Dumont. (Target wrote him some big checks.)

So what about TYW? He is with target too plus he had the whole great starts torin thing with kellogs
Sep 4 2014 6:49PM
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bnewbs6
Posts: 1919 - Karma: 1,463
European ski racers. Thats who's making the most money
Sep 4 2014 6:57PM
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openmindportrait
Posts: 1157 - Karma: 818
auskiIn summary - comps, movies, no injuries, red bull


I'm not entirely sure people understand how red bull "works"

I've worked with them on the media side of things and am good friends
with 80% of their MTB athletes...

They sign riders not to pay them heaps but to essentially give them the best
training and prep, training facilities, health care, media coverage, family support,
and most importantly visibility...

Red Bull invests its money in an athletes pursuit to be the best... Not to pay them heaps and
have them spend it all on hookers and blow...

Some top lads may not make get paid more than 1000 per month from red bull but will have
a house right at the mountain, a slope course in their yard, and the best photog's and filmers
at their doorstep constantly...

Thought I would clarify.
Sep 4 2014 9:40PM
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openmindportrait
Posts: 1157 - Karma: 818
sorry i blew some of that grammar... i wrote it fast
Sep 4 2014 9:41PM
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galardogod
Posts: 1698 - Karma: 5,209
jasperwesselmanI'm not entirely sure people understand how red bull "works"

I've worked with them on the media side of things and am good friends
with 80% of their MTB athletes...

They sign riders not to pay them heaps but to essentially give them the best
training and prep, training facilities, health care, media coverage, family support,
and most importantly visibility...

Red Bull invests its money in an athletes pursuit to be the best... Not to pay them heaps and
have them spend it all on hookers and blow...

Some top lads may not make get paid more than 1000 per month from red bull but will have
a house right at the mountain, a slope course in their yard, and the best photog's and filmers
at their doorstep constantly...

Thought I would clarify.
this
Sep 4 2014 10:43PM
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brandonhausner
Posts: 201 - Karma: 837
my girlfriends cousin is best friends with aaron blunck from CB and he was telling me he doesnt go to school because he doesnt need to and he said he made around 100,000 last year. thats pretty damn good.
Sep 4 2014 11:44PM
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brandonhausner
Posts: 201 - Karma: 837
brandonhausnermy girlfriends cousin is best friends with aaron blunck from CB and he was telling me he doesnt go to school because he doesnt need to and he said he made around 100,000 last year. thats pretty damn good.


im not saying this as he was the highest paid skier obviously im just saying that i think they make more than we think
Sep 4 2014 11:46PM
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powderhound123
Posts: 70 - Karma: 39
brandonhausnerim not saying this as he was the highest paid skier obviously im just saying that i think they make more than we think


I think $100,000 is a lot less money than you think it is... If Aaron thinks that's enough money to justify not going to school then he is blowing it!
Sep 5 2014 12:43AM
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Karl_Hungus
Posts: 510 - Karma: 3,664
hcaulfieldI heard scrappy joe makes 500k+


this is true, scrappy makes millions
Sep 5 2014 2:03AM
1 0
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945
jasperwesselmanI'm not entirely sure people understand how red bull "works"

I've worked with them on the media side of things and am good friends
with 80% of their MTB athletes...

They sign riders not to pay them heaps but to essentially give them the best
training and prep, training facilities, health care, media coverage, family support,
and most importantly visibility...

Red Bull invests its money in an athletes pursuit to be the best... Not to pay them heaps and
have them spend it all on hookers and blow...

Some top lads may not make get paid more than 1000 per month from red bull but will have
a house right at the mountain, a slope course in their yard, and the best photog's and filmers
at their doorstep constantly...

Thought I would clarify.


But if they're covering your and your family's health care and taking care of you, then money from other sponsors is now in your pocket as opposed to paying for those things.

Benefits are as good as cash, sometimes. And it may not show up in a discussion like this (how well are these athlete's "paid") but at the end of the day, someone with benefits like that is going to have a lot more left than someone who doesn't.
Sep 5 2014 2:16AM
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Newschoolers55
Posts: 851 - Karma: 4,792
Big air Dave. He makes millions
Sep 5 2014 2:23AM
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losh
Posts: 1126 - Karma: 4,695
reedwjAgreed, but who is at least making a bit of money?


wasnt he rich before he skied?
Sep 5 2014 8:24AM
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bigant
Posts: 85 - Karma: 181
Tanner makes a bunch of money considering he is the founder of armada and he is like x-games legend
Sep 5 2014 9:35AM
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LOLZfajitas
Posts: 393 - Karma: 1,054
Remember kids, mr Tom wallish signed with wetzel pretzels, and I eat a lot if pretzels (to help my skiing) and I always tell the employee of wetzel pretzels to slide 50% to mr wallish, they always look confused but I think they keep it a secret like that
Sep 5 2014 10:31AM
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LOLZfajitas
Posts: 393 - Karma: 1,054
Remember kids, mr Tom wallish signed with wetzel pretzels, and I eat a lot if pretzels (to help my skiing) and I always tell the employee of wetzel pretzels to slide 50% to mr wallish, they always look confused but I think they keep it a secret like that
Sep 5 2014 10:31AM
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KillaSeason
Posts: 3495 - Karma: 1,774
Surprised more people haven't mentioned Joss... he won the fuckin Olympics. I'm sure there's a hefty amount of endorsement money that comes from that
Sep 5 2014 10:54AM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
Considering Jon's Gumball car was worth $400k+ alone I think hes out earning anyone else. To buy an ex Lemans car is a massive investment, to then pay to have it made road legal will make even a new Ferrari look cheap. For instance the suspension alone would have been $20k. That and his house in Marb's, Monaco and hes been spotted test driving the new Mclaren 650s.
Sep 5 2014 12:51PM
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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
Just realized you can edit the pole... Adding Bobby Brown and Jon Olsson---> they are kind of screwed though since 170 people have already posted an answer. Oh well
Sep 5 2014 2:28PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
Lordf*Considering Jon's Gumball car was worth $400k+ alone I think hes out earning anyone else. To buy an ex Lemans car is a massive investment, to then pay to have it made road legal will make even a new Ferrari look cheap. For instance the suspension alone would have been $20k. That and his house in Marb's, Monaco and hes been spotted test driving the new Mclaren 650s.


Jon definitely does well, but I think his lifestyle makes him seem like he makes more than he does. From what I've heard through the industry, Jon spends everything he makes to live the life he lives.
Sep 5 2014 2:29PM
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LOLZfajitas
Posts: 393 - Karma: 1,054
Mike.RecordsJon definitely does well, but I think his lifestyle makes him seem like he makes more than he does. From what I've heard through the industry, Jon spends everything he makes to live the life he lives.


So what? Fuck it, life's about living not saving money for nothing, I'd rather be ballin and broke then have a bunch of cash stashed and be a hard ass
Sep 5 2014 2:55PM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
Mike.RecordsJon definitely does well, but I think his lifestyle makes him seem like he makes more than he does. From what I've heard through the industry, Jon spends everything he makes to live the life he lives.


Can fully agree with that, also his deal with Audi covers him pretty well for his other cars. With what I know friends paid for a small pad in Monaco even if its mortgaged and even if the super cars are on finance its still a pretty baller amount to be paid to fund it. Head are no doubt dripping him a decent amount of money still too, now hes finished with the FIS stuff I see Head adding a JON version of the Cyclic or Turbine soon too.
Sep 5 2014 2:55PM
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reedwj
Posts: 344 - Karma: 1,262
LOLZfajitasSo what? Fuck it, life's about living not saving money for nothing, I'd rather be ballin and broke then have a bunch of cash stashed and be a hard ass


That statement hurt my brain... Please tell me you are kidding.
By that logic I see a lot of ditch digging in your future...
Sep 5 2014 3:11PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
LOLZfajitasSo what? Fuck it, life's about living not saving money for nothing, I'd rather be ballin and broke then have a bunch of cash stashed and be a hard ass


This thread is about how much skiers make. I'm pointing out that I think Jon makes less than a lot of people think. How he lives is none of my business, nor did I say it was.
Sep 5 2014 4:23PM
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Bum.Life
Posts: 507 - Karma: 2,608
Bode Miller is actually the highest paid skier in the industry right now. Last year he placed top 3 in 9 world cup races. His net worth is 8 million which is insane for a skier.
Sep 5 2014 6:10PM
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