For this installment of Personalities, we talk with Mammoth local and DC pro Kimmy Fasani. Kimmy has already been on fire this season, landing a double backflip on a 50 foot booter in the backcountry last week, during a trip that will be a feature story in the magazine this fall. Instead of giving herself props for landing the double, Kimmy was adamant about thanking the crew for supporting her and giving her the inspiration to try it. That's just the girl Kimmy is. She's sweet and sincere and will never pat herself on the back. Deciding to put contests aside for the year and focus on filming for Standard's TB20, Kimmy is soon headed to Whistler for a month to ride with fellow DC teammates Devun Walsh and Iikka Backstrom. Kimmy stays busy when she's not on the snow, planning her wedding in September to pro-skier Chris Benchetler, taking care of her pride and joy, little pup Reese and cooking when she's home. Get to know one of the raddest and baddest chicks in the game, Miss Kimmy Fasani.

Photos by Christy Chaloux

Interview by Tawnya Schultz

Let's get right to it. You just landed a double backie on a jump in the CO backcountry. Describe the day and what the setting was like in order to pull it off.

The double back flip has been a long term goal and I just kept waiting for the right moment. As soon as I saw the jump and the open landing I decided to try and make this trick happen. We built the jump the day before we hit it, so I kept pretty quiet about what I was thinking of doing to avoid putting pressure on myself, however, that night I just visualized the double backflip going down flawlessly. As soon as we got up to the jump the next day I just felt that feeling, "today is the day." I became really confident and committed to doing the trick and it all worked out.

Now that you got that out of the way, what are some other tricks on your bucket list?

I have everything on the list. I want to try to get a double to switch since I got really close on the CO trip. I also would love a couple 540s and 720s. The list goes on and on. Everything I do is based on timing and how I feel the day I hit something.

This year's the first you won't have competition commitments. What's that like?

Contests are made for some people. I am not a very competitive athlete. I am only competitive with myself and my own goals. Not having to compete this year has taken a lot of pressure off me and now I am able to just focus on filming. I feel like this change in routine is going to be a good thing for the season.

This is your second season filming for Standard? How has filming been going so far this year?

Since it's my second season filming for Standard, I have a better idea of what to expect. I have a good idea of what it takes to get shots, and I know I just have to plug along day by day. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the big picture of "filming for Standard", so this year I am just focusing on my goals and following the good conditions. The trip to Southern Colorado was a great first trip of filming and I'm hoping the rest of the season falls into place like that week did.

You'll be in Canada for a whole month filming with DC teammates Devun Walsh and Iikka Backstrom. What are you expectations?

If all goes as planned, yes, I will be riding with my teammates in Whistler for a month. I know that those two riders are going to push me out of my comfort zones and I'm trying to prepare myself for that. I try not to have expectations and just take things as they come. It's going to be an intense experience, that I am certain of.

What is it like going from looking up to Devun in videos when you were younger and now going out and filming with him?

Devun has always been a rider I have looked up to. His style and attitude make him such a legend and I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with him this season. I am going into this experience with an open mind because I really have no idea what to expect. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I remember what I get to do for a "job".  

We talked a little bit about ages of girl pro shreds and how they come into their own later than guys. Does your age (even though you're still young) get to you when it comes to putting pressure on yourself to progress? What keeps you motivated and wanting to go for it, instead of getting thoughts in your head that people think there's an expiration date on being pro?

Age is a hard subject, especially in the women's side of the sport. For some reason women get this "too old" label in their late 20's and early 30's. I was scared when I hit 25 that snowboarding would disappear, however, what I have learned is it doesn't matter how old you are, it's what you're doing in the sport. I push myself the most when I'm in a good crew of positive people. I don't ever think, 'oh I'm too old to do that'… instead I just do what I want when it feels right. Because of my age I understand the consequences of injuries and make decisions based on the best interest for my body. Snowboarding is a passion for me, not a job, so age is irrelevant.

What do you see yourself doing down the road, when you are done being a professional snowboarder?

I have a degree in marketing so I will probably do something with women's marketing in the snowboard/action sports industry. I always toss ideas around, but I won't really know until my snowboarding career ends.

Where are some destinations you would like to visit and snowboard?

I definitely want to go back to Japan. That's my favorite country and the snow is unbelievable. I also really want to go to Chile and Argentina because I have heard amazing things about those places. I would also love to explore the European back country.

What do you do to get in shape for hiking, building and snowmobiling in the backcountry?

I do a lot of weightlifting, hiking, biking, and plyometrics throughout the summer and fall. Once the season hits I just try to keep my muscle mass and that's about it. Snowmobiling, shoveling, and hiking become my workout during the winter.

What advice do you have for people to follow their dreams?

My advice is to never limit yourself, you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Lastly, you only have one shot at this life so do what makes you happy, don't go through life trying to please others.

Sponsor shout-outs: DC, Smith, Skullcandy, Clif Bar, Mammoth Mountain, Elemental Herbs, Snowcreek Athletic Club.

Anything else you wanna add?

Thanks to Snowboard Magazine for one of the best trips of my life.