I copy and pasted this from a post of mine in another thread. There really should be a sticky...then again, maybe not...
Step 1: STOP CARING ABOUT GETTING SPONSORED!! - it makes you look desperate or that you only care about the status/getting free stuff. Companies want riders who can do something for them, not what they can do for you.
Step 2: Go to local shops on a regular basis, every now and then, buy stuff, but mostly just hang out and have them get to know you. These are going to be the biggest key to getting names of reps.
Step 3: Find the local reps in your area - the company doesn't really matter, but the more people you know the better
Step 4: Figure out what makes YOU special and what YOU can do for the company you're looking to get sponsored by - be specific - don't just list tricks or anything like that, companies could really care less about what tricks you can do, they care more about you're marketability - what makes you stand out on the mountain and why people would buy a product that you're riding.
Step 5: Put together and edit of your riding style, make it look good, but don't make it look too gangster or anything like that, just have it show a bit of what you can do and what you look like on the hill - again, marketability.
Step 6: Come up with a plan and goals for the season - what are you planning to do...compete, film, whatever - stand out!!
Step 7: Talk to your local shop first, they're the easiest to get a sponsor with and once you're sponsored by someone, it's easier to get other sponsors, plus they know all the reps and can get you involved with them
Step 8: contact reps and let them know of your goals and show them your edit
Step 9: Once you've gotten sponsored, you have to work for them now, keep progressing and constantly keep in contact with your reps/team managers
Honestly, getting a sponsor isn't all that it's cracked up to be, it's a lot of work and you're constantly skiing for someone else, you're no longer skiing for yourself.