Dope Snow athlete steepsteep on skiing, storytelling, and surprising fan mail

Name: Nick Riemer
BIO: Skier, Filmer, Broadcaster, YouTuber, Dope Team Rider
Age: 26
Hometown: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Based in: Kelowna, BC, Canada

When it comes to blending skiing and storytelling few people have built a community quite like steepsteep. What started with a back injury and some YouTube videos of the ski game Steep has grown into one of the most fun and inclusive ski communities online. Today, steepsteep isn’t just a skier and content creator - he’s a voice in freeskiing, a commentator at major events, and someone who’s helped connect the sport to millions of people around the world.

From unforgettable moments at The Nines to wild fan encounters (like a custom rug showing up on his doorstep), steepsteep has a knack for turning every chapter of his journey into something the ski world can share. As part of the Dope Snow family, he continues to bring that same authenticity and passion, whether he’s chasing powder in the Kootenays, hosting live events, or pushing his own progression on skis and, more recently, snowboards.

How did your skiing journey begin and how did it turn into building one of the most fun ski communities online?

I started skiing when I was six, after my parents put me in the local race program. Pretty quickly I found myself drawn more to freeskiing, and I started competing across Canada. At 17, a serious back injury almost ended it all, but that downtime ended up opening a new door. I started making YouTube videos about the ski video game Steep.

What began as just a fun way to stay connected to skiing grew into this amazing community of gamers and freeski fans who followed me as I worked my way back onto the snow. Since then, I’ve had the chance to ski and film with some of my childhood heroes, host and commentate at big events, and help share freeskiing with millions of people around the world.

What’s been the most fun video or project you’ve ever made - the one you’ll never forget?

That’s a tough one. I’ve had so many unreal moments with amazing people that choosing just one feels almost impossible. But if I had to, it’s my first Nines ski video. After nearly two decades in freeskiing, it was the first time I actually got to ski and film with the pros I grew up watching. I’ll never forget stepping off the gondola in Crans-Montana, hiking over the ridge, and seeing Marcus Kleveland just throw a triple 1440 like it was nothing. That moment, and that first Nines project, flipped everything for me. Without it, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

Has there ever been a time when filming went totally wrong, and what did you learn from it?

Absolutely. Injuries are, unfortunately, a big part of this industry, and I’ve had my fair share. The most recent was when I broke my ankle and shoulder trying to backflip my bike for the first time. With help from legends like Jackson Goldstone, Erik Fedko, and Ben Thompson, I managed to unlock the trick on an airbag. But when I went to clean it up, the stunt went sideways and I ended up in a cast on my wedding day.

As tough as those moments are, they always teach me something. Every injury closes one chapter but opens another, whether it’s learning patience, building resiliency, or finding new ways to stay creative during recovery.

What’s the wildest or funniest fan interaction you’ve had on the mountain?

Every fan interaction is special. It’s one thing to see view counts on a video, but it hits different when those numbers turn into real people. One fan encounter, though, will always stick out. I woke up to an email from a guy in the States who said he’d been watching my videos for years and that he worked in the rug business. A month later, a fully custom handmade rug of my steepsteep logo showed up on my doorstep. It’s been in my office ever since, and honestly, it’s the coolest piece of mail I’ve ever received.

What’s your go-to way to celebrate after an epic filming day?

Without question, a double shot of espresso and a sauna.

What’s the most underrated ski spot you think people are sleeping on?

The Kootenays in Southern BC are home to some of the best lines and snow I’ve ever had the privilege of shredding… but let’s not tell too many people.

How did your connection with Dope first come about, and what made it feel like the right fit?

The one and only Charlie Kumlin reached out to me after he saw me help film Jesper Tjäder’s World Record Longest Rail Slide. From the very beginning, Dope stood out. In a world where so many brand partnerships feel corporate, this one immediately felt like family. It wasn’t about slapping logos on gear or staged ads - it was about real people who love skiing and snowboarding as much as I do. Dope’s community is built on authenticity, and every collaboration since has carried that same raw passion for freeskiing and the culture around it.

Looking ahead, what excites you most - crazier lines, bigger videos, or something totally unexpected?

There’s always so much to be fired up on, but moving forward I’m prioritizing 3 things:

Stay tuned rubber ducky…

Shop steepsteep's look

Spartan Ski Jacket Men Metal Blue

Big Ski Pants Men Khaki