Kevin Nichols

ABOUT ME: 
I was born and raised in Vail, Colorado. Ever since I can remember I’ve been trying to keep up with my two older brothers. Whether it was racing, park, pipe, or in the backcountry I just tried to go as big and as fast as they did. We all bounced around disciplines until we discovered the Junior Freesking Tour which later developed into what is now known as the IFSA Junior Freeskiing Tour. From ages 9-18 I traveled religiously across North America competing and making some lifelong friends. Through competing on the IFSA Junior Tour I qualified a spot for the Freeride Junior World Championships in 2016, in Andorra. It has been my childhood dream to be an International competitive Freeskier. I am still trying to pursue that dream.

• What MOMENT do you ski for?

Skiing brings an overwhelming presence of nothingness to my brain. Whether its ripping turns on a groomer, hitting bottomless pow, or doing a massive backflip, whenever I am skiing I feel nothing. It’s beautiful and it just feels right. 

MORE: 

• What’s your favorite quote? Why does this quote resonate with you? 

“Some of my best friends are tattooed from head to toe. Some would never think of it. Some are rocking a mullet and a moustache and others are clean cut. It’s funny that you don’t need to speak the same language or look like someone to fit in” – Travis Pastrana
Whenever I read that quote I think of how skiing is a universal language that brings so many different people together. Further, it encourages the pursuit of individuality, creativity, and freedom. That in itself is a beautiful thing.

• How do you conquer difficult situations? 

Whenever I am at the forefront of what feels like the most difficult situation of my life I like to take a moment to asses the severity of my situation in comparison to that of the rest of the world. When I take the time to listen to the true cries of the world like poverty, corruption, and disease, suddenly my problems feel more manageable.

• How does your mindset (or attitude) influence your performance? 

Put simply, if I’m not stoked on what I’m doing, I’m not going to do it very well. My best performances are all products of me being happy and genuinely happy about what I’m doing.

• What do you do when you aren’t skiing? 

I am currently obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at Montana State University. When I am not in school I can be found working in a kitchen, skateboarding, biking, or watching ski videos thinking about skiing.