Pro freeskiing legend Chris Benchetler grew up in the shadows of California’s eastern Sierra Nevada range where his skiing and art making evolved organically in concert with the natural world. His backcountry skills and dynamic artistry secured major sponsors and screen time in ski movies including the groundbreaking Afterglow. In 2007, he co-founded Nimbus Independent, an artsy ski film company, along with fellow pro skiers Eric Pollard, Pep Fujas, and Andy Mahre. Benchetler has created artwork for brands such as Atomic, Smartwool, and Dakine. His award-winning film Fire On The Mountain features Benchetler and action sports stars like his wife, pro snowboarder Kimmy Fasani, surfer Rob Machado, pro skier Michelle Parker, and pro snowboarders Jeremy Jones and Danny Davis. In 2022, he and Fasani launched the Benchetler Fasani Foundation after her bout with breast cancer. The BFF provides meaningful connections to the outdoors to those who have suffered loss or hardship.