How can someone get into the Winter Olympics?

I mean, I'm fifteen now and my goal is to get into Winter Olympics for snowboarding. Of course, I'm not expecting to get into the 2014 Olympics, but I was wondering how do I get in. Is there a certain number or set of competitions to qualify? I'm planning to start competing this year or next year, whether my family has enough money to take me. Would it be harder for women to get in?