Nick Southwell spills the beans on the life of a pro skier
Admit it, if you're visiting this site it's fairly likely you've had a daydream or two about being a pro skier or boarder. Endless days of powder, shooting video footage in far flung destinations, adoring fans falling at your feet...But what's it really like? We caught up with Nick Southwell, British freeskier and sponsored rider for Dare 2b, to get the lowdown on life on the slopes. And the friendly folk at Dare 2b are giving away a voucher for £100 of clothing to one lucky winner - just read on to be in with a chance of winning.

If you'd like to see Nick in action, with his brother Chris he'll be doing some big air demos at the Big Snow Festival in Andorra in March. Seven nights at the Big Snow Festival starts from £359 - Natives readers can save 10% on any of the prices of the Big Snow Festival by quoting NATIVES.

Can you introduce yourself and tell me a little about what you do?
My name's Nick Southwell, I'm 25 years old and have been a professional skier since the age of 16. I have been based in Verbier for the last seven years while also taking trips all around the world. I spread my time between training, filming and competing. Filming wise, I have co-produced and starred in three major British ski films, worked with multiple TV channels and I am now producing an online series called Mountain Lives which will be broadcasted on Sky at the end of the Winter. Competition wise, I've been Britain's highest ranked freeride skier for a number of years through competing on the Freeride World Tour and Freeride World Qualifying Tour.

How did you get to where you are today?
Through a lot of luck and hard work! I have been really fortunate to have some great friends/mentors in the ski industry including the likes of Warren Smith and Pat Sharples, and they've been instrumental in getting me to where I am. Being based in Verbier has also been a really important factor as the terrain there in unbelievable and can only help strengthen your skiing. I have also been really lucky to enjoy the support of some fantastic sponsors (Dare 2B, K2, Oakley, Verbier, Hotel Farinet, Demon Protective Wear, Ski Club of Great Britain and Natives) which has enabled me to spend so much time on the snow and turn all the hard work into success.

What's your involvement with the Big Snow Festival?
Really excited about the Big Snow Festival and from what I can tell, it looks like it's going to be a crazy few days, especially with the location and music line up. Alongside my brother, we are doing some big air demos which is going to be a great experience and I cannot wait!

What's the best bits of being a pro rider?
Without doubt it's the ability to combine work with your favorite past time and passion.

And the worst?
The injuries, there is nothing fun at all about being sidelined.

Any advice for following in your footsteps?
First and foremost make sure you have the ultimate passion for skiing. Then be prepared to put the hard work in - I recommend going on training courses like the British Freeski Camps and the Salomon Grom Camps as they are a perfect opportunity to get coached by the best and get recognition. Once you reach a level of becoming a sponsored skier it's then about continually pushing yourself to become better and also working to inspire others to get motivated by snowsports.

And any advice for beginners starting out with skiing?
Just go try it. There is no better holiday than a ski holiday and even a session in a snowdome or on a dry slope is great fun.

Who are you most looking forward to dancing the night away to at the Big Snow Festival?
It's definitely got to be Calvin Harris on the Saturday night and Brandon Block especially with his Old Skool Disco set.

What do you hope to achieve this season?
Looking to have some strong results in competition, get loads of filming done for Mountain Lives and other film companies and also continue to build on my great relationship with sponsors. And to top all of this, ski some great powder and have a great time!

What's your surefire cocktail/drink/drinking game for getting the party started?
Hmm, quite partial to a Long Island Ice tea.

To be in with a chance of winning £100 of Dare 2b vouchers, simply answer this brainteaser:

Which drink is Nick quite partial to?

This competition has now closed.

Please note that your details will not be forwarded to any third parties and you will not be contacted by Natives about anything apart from Dare 2b competition. Only one entry per email address please!

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