Veronica Paulsen: Breaking Boundaries in Big Mountain Skiing

Nate: Veronica, thanks for joining me! To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you discovered your passion for skiing?

Veronica: For sure! I grew up in Tiburon, California, in the Bay Area. My family wasn’t really into skiing, but my mom wanted me to learn, so I started going to Tahoe. It wasn’t until high school that I really fell in love with it. I got a lot of support to pursue skiing and quickly started competing in moguls. I stayed focused on mogul skiing all the way through college. But eventually, I wanted to get back to the joy of exploring the mountains, like when I was a kid, and that led me to freeride skiing. I moved to Jackson Hole without ever visiting before or knowing anyone, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Nate: That’s a bold move! How did Jackson shape your skiing career?

Veronica: Moving to Jackson was life-changing. I signed up for Freeride World Tour Qualifier comps and started backcountry skiing here, which was so invigorating. Then Jackson Hole launched Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, and I just went for it. I was skiing every day and waiting tables at night, and somehow, I got a spot in the competition. That experience set the wheels in motion for my career. Landing the first-ever backflip into Corbet’s as a woman completely changed my trajectory. Sponsors started coming in, and I began working with Teton Gravity Research (TGR), which eventually led me to create my own content, including my YouTube series! 

Nate: What inspired you to start creating your own content, and how has that added a new dimension to your career?

Veronica: After my achievements at Kings & Queens and filming with TGR, I realized the importance of controlling my narrative. Creating my own content allowed me to share my journey authentically and connect with a broader audience. It also provided a platform to highlight the nuances of big mountain skiing and the dedication it entails. This venture has enriched my career, offering opportunities to collaborate with fellow athletes and inspire aspiring skiers worldwide. So far, I've released five videos that I've dubbed The Series.

Nate: That’s an incredible perspective. Speaking of training and dedication, what were you up to this summer?

Veronica: My summer is all about training. I spend a lot of time in the gym and hit the trails for running and hiking, especially in the alpine. I also head back to California for surfing, which I love because it’s mentally similar to skiing—you have to be present in the moment and overcome fear. I also train on airbags and water ramps to keep my air awareness sharp. I try to dedicate at least a couple of hours every day to training in some form.

Nate: Let’s dive into Kings & Queens—what have been some highlights and challenges for you over the years?

Veronica: My debut was in 2018 at the first-ever Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, and in 2020, I landed the first single backflip into Corbet’s by a woman. That was a career-defining moment. Last year, I attempted a double backflip, which was the first time a woman had ever tried it. I didn’t land it, but it’s given me even more drive to come back and stomp it this year.

There have been challenges, too. One tough season filming with TGR had considerable avalanche danger that kept me from putting together a segment I was proud of. Then, after a big moment at Kings & Queens, I lost sponsors and had to rebuild my career by focusing on creating my own content. It’s been a rollercoaster, but those lows have fueled my determination.

Nate: How do you manage your emotions during high-stakes events like Kings & Queens?

Veronica: A lot of it comes down to preparation. I remind myself that if I’ve truly put in the effort during training, I can be proud no matter what happens on competition day. Visualization is key—I picture exactly what I want to do, and I use breathwork to calm my heart rate. I also repeat a mantra: “You got this. You’re prepared. You know what you’re doing.” That mental routine helps me stay focused and confident. 

Dive into the mental side of Kings & Queens, starring Veronica, below.

Nate: How can people follow what you’re up to? Any new content to check out?

Veronica: Definitely check out my YouTube channel! I have a playlist called “The Series” where you can find my latest adventures. One of my favorite episodes is Teton Hard Bitch, which I filmed with Madison Ostergren. My dream is to use the channel to travel the world, meet skiers from all over, and learn from other outdoor athletes. I have some new episodes dropping soon, keep an eye out!

Watch Veronica and fellow Jackson Hole athlete Madison Rose Ostergren tackle a burly line in the Tetons below.

Nate: You’ve been a Jackson Hole athlete for a while now. How has that impacted your career?

Veronica: It’s been incredible. Being part of the Jackson Hole athlete team has given me so much confidence—not just as a skier, but as a part of this amazing community. It feels like being welcomed into a big family, and it’s pushed me to be the best version of myself.

Nate: What’s ahead for this winter? Any big goals?

Veronica: This is the year I’m stomping that double backflip at Kings & Queens—no question about it! I’m also working on more episodes for my YouTube channel, including some behind-the-scenes looks at Kings & Queens and a few local objectives in the sidecountry and Grand Teton National Park. It’s going to be an exciting season.

Nate: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring skiers looking to make it in the industry?

Veronica: Stay focused, but don’t forget to enjoy the process. Some of my favorite memories are from before I had sponsors—just skiing for the love of it. Learn something new every day in the mountains, and eventually, you’ll get where you want to be. And most importantly, have fun.

Nate: Quick one before we go—what’s your favorite run at JHMR?

Veronica: Easy—on a powder day, I’d hit Corbet’s, then the Tensleep windlip, Expert Chutes, and finish with Dick’s Ditch to the lower faces under Thunder. It doesn’t get better than that.

Nate: Veronica, thanks so much for sharing your story. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish this season!

Veronica: Thanks, Nate! It’s going to be a good one—see you out there!