Kimmy Fasani was shredding powder before some of us could properly walk. Her passion for snowboarding, combined with her love for adventure have taken her to where few women have dared to venture before. When she’s not busy snowboarding on the mountains, you can find her on your television screen, riding tough in the Whistler backcountry with some of the most well-known snowboarding legends. As one of only three professional women selected to work with Standard Films, you can bet Kimmy is a force to be reckoned with.
1. You started on the snow at a young age. Can you tell us a little bit of your background in skiing and snowboarding?
I started skiing at 2 years old. Then my mom bought me a snowboard when I was 9 years old. I loved doing both until I was 12. When it was time for me to get new equipment for both sports, my mom let me choose which one I wanted to stick with. Snowboarding was a growing passion of mine so I gave up skiing and focused on snowboarding.
2. At 15 years old you were crowned the USASA National Slopestyle Champion 3 years in a row. How did it feel to achieve something like that at such a young age?
Those results were really exciting at that age. I was having fun and trying to learn as much as possible on my snowboard. Having success in contests at a young age gave me confidence to keep pursuing snowboarding and gave me motivation to make it a career.
3. TransWorld SNOWboarding Rider’s Poll nominated you for “Rookie of the Year.” Then you became the first female in five years (and only the fifth female ever) to land the cover. What do you owe these achievements to?
I owe these achievements to a lot of hard work and commitment through years of learning and growing as a rider. However, these moments were also some of my most fun days on the hill. I find that when I am out in the mountains, enjoying every moment, good results come from them and that was the case for these achievements.
4. How did you begin working for Standard Films and what has your experience been like?
Working with Standard came about when I was with a past sponsor. There was a chance for a few women to film together in the movie and I was included in that short list. Filming for a Standard was an incredible experience because I had idolized their movies as a child. Filming with them was a huge opportunity; it gave me a ton of back country experience, and was a very humbling opportunity.
5. How did you feel when you became the first woman to land the double backflip in both park and powder?
Being able to land this trick in the park and back country was really exciting. I learned that the power of my mind was and is pretty amazing. I was able to overcome fear and accomplish something that I had really put my mind to. I have been able to remember that feeling and apply it to more of my personal progression and growth on and off the hill.
6. What do you think you would be doing if you never set foot on a snowboard?
I would probably be chasing an Olympic dream to be a gymnast or maybe I would be a nurse or doctor. I have no idea really. I feel lucky that I found snowboarding at a young age and have been able to make a career out of it. There’s nothing I would rather be doing at this moment.
7. What does the future have in store for you?
I love doing what I am doing currently. I hope to keep riding big mountains for years to come. Eventually, I would love to help other aspiring professional snowboarders learn about the back country so we can introduce more riders and women to powder riding.
8. Can you make up a word and its definition?
Futurtunity: The future opportunities that await.
9. What’s the most embarrassing thing you own?
A lot of Disney movies. I also travel with a pillow that my mom made me.
10. Scenario: It’s the zombie apocalypse. Time to grab your weapon of choice a _______________.
Bow and arrows.
11. Our website is focused on the theme of adventure. How do you define adventure in your own words?
Adventure to me is stepping outside your immediate comfort zone and seeing something new. This could be going for a swim in a lake or the ocean, going on a bike ride, hiking, running, etc. I find my most adventurous days are when I set out to see nature and embrace my surroundings.
Thanks so much Kimmy! And don’t worry, you’re not alone. I think we all have our secret arsenal of Disney movies…
*Kimmy is currently sponsored by Burton, Zeal, Clif Bar, Skullcandy, Evo, Mimi’s Cookie Bar, and Mammoth Mountain.
Photo Courtesy of grindtv.com
