Skida is thrilled to welcome professional snowboarder and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team member Bea Kim to the Skida Athlete Program. The 16 year-old from Palos Verdes, California took the professional snowboard world by storm last season, landing on her first World Cup podium at the Laax Open, placing fourth at her debut X-Games, and finishing her season third in the overall World Cup standings.
Skida founder Corinne Prevot, a former nordic ski racer, introduced the Skida Athlete Program in 2011 to support and uplift emerging athletes, helping them manage the financial costs of performing at an elite level while also building brand relationships that will last throughout their careers. Beyond financial support, the program also helps build awareness for team athletes during their formative years with the intention of positively contributing to their growth and development in the future. Historically, the program has focused on supporting skiers; Kim will be the first snowboarder to join Skida’s team.
“I feel honored to be the first snowboarder and can’t wait for my name and product to be alongside all the other amazing athletes on the team!” Kim said.
Skida Brand Manager Eliza Nixon expressed excitement about supporting Kim as she grows her professional snowboarding career.
“Bea is passionate, creative, and driven, and we are so excited to welcome her to the Skida Athlete Program as our first snowboard athlete!” Nixon said. “Last year, Bea moved up from the U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team to the Pro team and exploded onto the scene, achieving top placements in major competitions throughout the season. We are thrilled to continue cheering Bea on as she enters her second year on the Pro team!”
While Kim’s success on the snow is certainly commendable, her commitment to her interests off the hill make her a particularly good fit for Skida’s Athlete Program.
“Bea embodies so much of the Skida ethos: she lives boldly in her sport and environmental activism, while also bringing color to her day-to-day life through her personal style on the slopes and off. She’s got an especially keen eye for secondhand and vintage finds!” Nixon said. “When we first connected with Bea last fall, we were impressed both by her accomplishments on snow and by her dedication to creating change in her community beyond her sport.”
Notably, Kim is a member of the Protect Our Winters Athlete Alliance. Most recently, Kim was invited to speak at the United Nations and on Capitol Hill about the effects of climate change on the world around her, seen through her experiences as a professional snowboarder and outdoor enthusiast.
With a long winter ahead, Kim is entering the upcoming snowboard season full of anticipation.
“I am looking forward to getting back to competing, especially at the Laax Open! The energy is so contagious! It’s such a fun event,” Kim said.
And beyond that? The mountains of Italy, where a fresh halfpipe will be cut for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
