Iouri Podladtchikov is one of the sickest riders on the slopes as well as a true charmer who befriends everyone he meets with a smart and funny character. This young half Suisse, half Russian young gun is living the dream, traveling the world and winning contests every winter season. Growing up in Davos, Switzerland; Iouri’s snowboarding was heavily influenced by close friend and former Olympic Gold medalist Gian Simmen. Iouri began seriously competing in 2005 and ended his rookie 2006/2007 season with a ranking of 6th place overall in the TTR World Snowboard Tour. Iouri’s accomplishments have racked up quite quickly and in 2010 he took the 2nd place overall title in the TTR World Snowboarding Tour and also secured himself a spot on the elite Swiss Olympic Snowboard Team. The halfpipe is Iouri’s favorite event. In 2009, he scored second place in the Dew Action Sports Tour and first place at the 2010 O’Neill Evolution. Iouri also took first at Giacomo Kratter’s Rock The Spot event. Only the twelve best riders in the sport were invited, and Iouri came out victorious. Quite an accomplishment considering the legends he was up against. Iouri, who is known in the snowboarding industry as I-POD, also enjoys skating and surfing in his free time. Iouri’s future plans are geared toward advancing himself and progressing in snowboarding after this strong last season. He has a passion for riding in the backcountry and is always looking to build out his skills for upcoming video parts.