Sponsored, Episode 30: Kim Reichhelm

Sponsored, Episode 30: Kim Reichhelm

Author: Powder Radio April 12, 2017 Duration: 41:31

On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, Kim Reichhelm, one of the original badasses of freesking, joins host Mike Powell. Reicchelm is candid about her upbringing with a stern father and her current rock and roll lifestyle. The veteran ski racer, commentator, two-time World Extreme Ski Champion, and the figurehead of the highly successful "Ski With Kim" camps, Reichhelm discusses how she was made fun of at school, but found herself through sports.

"All of my confidence came from sports because I was a horrible student," she says. "I was dyslexic, I had difficulty reading, I really, really struggled in the classroom and the playground was where all my confidence came from. I was respected."

Reichhelm was also one of the first skiers to turn herself into a successful brand, and she talks about how she had to choose between ski racing and having fun. For her, the choice was easy.

"I had to say I'm either going to win the tour, or I'm going to quit. I wanted to win, and then I realized that in order to win the tour I was going to have to drink less beer and focus on ski racing and not traveling around to Miami Beach between ski races, so I decided to stop racing."

For Reichhelm, who always followed her heart, it couldn't have worked out better.


There's a whole world of experience waiting just off the groomed trails, and Sponsored: The stories behind the skiers from Powder Radio is your ticket to it. This isn't just about technique or gear reviews; it's about the people who live for the mountains and the unique lives they've built around them. Each episode pulls up a chair in the lodge or sits on a ski lift next to someone fascinating, exploring how skiing shapes identity, community, and adventure. You'll hear from athletes, guides, artists, and locals whose personal journeys are deeply intertwined with the snow and the slopes. The conversations naturally delve into the culture of mountain towns, the thrill of discovering remote places, and the societal threads that bind this passionate community together. By focusing on the human element behind every turn, this podcast captures the spirit of the sport in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Tune in for authentic stories that go far beyond the finish line, reminding us why we're drawn to these wild, beautiful places in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

Sponsored: The stories behind the skiers
Podcast Episodes
Sponsored, Episode 23: Elyse Saugstad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
Over the past 10 years, Elyse Saugstad has been one of the most influential skiers in the sport. In 2008 she won three out of four Freeride World Tour stops and was the overall champion. In 2013, she won Best Female Perf…
Sponsored, Episode 22: Lexi duPont [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, host Mike Powell interviews Lexi duPont, a Sun Valley, Idaho, native, film skiing regular, and a 17th Annual Powder Awards "Best Female Peformance" nominee. The two discuss gro…
Sponsored, Episode 21: Aaron McGovern [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
Aaron McGovern was known for sending it. Violent crashes were known as "McGoverning." In the bar, he was known for getting wasted and picking fights. McGovern was constantly flirting with "the edge of destruction." Somet…
Sponsored, Episode 20: David Lesh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:07
Pro skier David Lesh is known for his controversial promo videos. To say he is misunderstood may be an understatement. This week on the "Sponsored" podcast, host Mike Powell has an honest conversation with Lesh about his…
Sponsored, Episode 19: Frank Raymond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:29
One of the original rail skiers, Frank Raymond joins "Sponsored" to discuss all he learned through skiing and what he's up to now. Show Notes 2:30: The real world 4:00: Getting into skiing 6:00: Focusing on skiing 7:00:…
Sponsored, Episode 18: Caroline Gleich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
Once labeled a ski model, Caroline Gleich is open and honest about all she has done to become a respected ski mountaineer. 1:11: Busy early season 2:00: Getting into skiing in MN 3:40: Small in stature 7:12: Moving to Ut…
Sponsored, Episode 17: Karl Fostvedt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:20
On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, Karl Fostvedt talks to host Mike Powell about pursuing his dream of being a professional skier at all costs. "I always wanted to be a pro skier. I've always wanted it and have…
Sponsored, Episode 16: Clayton Vila [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Clayton Vila is one of the hardest working and most accomplished street skiers in the world. On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, Vila and host Mike Powell discuss how he got into street skiing as a kid from Rhode…
Sponsored, Episode 15: Glen Plake, part three [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:36
On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, Glen Plake comes on for the third and final part of his conversation with host Mike Powell. The two talk about the dawn of snowboarding and how it was pitted against skiing as…
Sponsored, Episode 14: Glen Plake, part two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:39
On this episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, Glen Plake comes on for part two, recorded just after the 2016 presidential election. Plake discusses the election with host Mike Powell. "We've had all these baby boomer presi…