Chris Burandt has been called the world’s best all-around snowmobiler, and with good reason. He began riding snowmobiles in the Colorado backcountry surrounding his grandparents’ cabin when he was six years old. It became apparent early on that Chris had an abundance of natural talent to ride snowmobiles, leading to a successful career in Snowcross events as a teenager. Eventually, the speed and standard jumps of conventional Snowcross didn’t provide enough excitement for him, and Chris’ strong competitive edge and a desire to give the crowd a show led to him see just how far he could make his machine fly. In 1999, Chris found a showcase for his talents when he was part of the film Slednecks 3, which opened the door to a career as a professional snowmobiler.
Chris’ remarkable abilities on a sled helped pioneer the sport of snowmobile freestyle, and in the early 2000’s he acquired the nickname “Big Air Burandt.” In 2007, he prepared to enter ESPN’s Winter X Games by learning how to back flip a sled just two weeks prior to the start of the games. In a sensational performance of control and daring, the move was successful, and Chris took home the gold medal in Freestyle Snowmobile competition. He went on to master the backflip and a number of other seemingly impossible moves, earning him recognition as an innovator and leader of the Freesyle Snowmobile community.
Chris’ drive to succeed has helped him to go further than any other snowmobiler in the world, pushing backcountry riding to a whole new level. He shares his passion and expertise in his Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure business, where he gives riders the opportunity to build their own skill sets through instruction of revolutionary new methodologies for backcountry riding on his guided snowmobile tours. Burandt’s Backcountry Adventures is also highly valued as a source for hundreds of “backcountry tested, Burandt approved” snowmobile parts, accessories, and gear.
Chris Burandt has enjoyed a successful career as a world-class athlete and a reputation as the best snowmobile pilot in the world. As a fierce competitor, actor and social media star, and passionate pioneer of the Freestyle Snowmobile sport, Chris has touched the lives of countless enthusiasts and backcountry adventurers. In recognition of his international accomplishments and contributions to his sport, we now enthusiastically welcome him into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame with the Class of 2024.
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