Chris – Hence Creative

Back to Roster

Edit avatar

Chris Benchetler

Home Base / Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA

Edit basic information

Overview

Athlete

Skier

Art

Artist Designer

Film

Producer

Top Clients

Atomic Arc'Teryx Dragon Alliance Mammoth HEST June Shine Clif GoPro Smartwool Marea Coffee

Activity

Backcountry Skiing Freeride Skiing

Biography

Pro freeskier 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. “Mother Nature was and continues to be my best teacher!” Benchetler asserts.

His backcountry skills and dynamic artistry secured major sponsors and screen time in ski movies including the groundbreaking film, 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 created top sheet graphics for Atomic’s Bent Chetler, a wildly successful, pro model line. The company recently appointed him creative director of freeskiing. He has also created artwork for other major brands such as Arcteryx, Dragon, and Smartwool.

One of Benchetler’s most artful collaborations—a multi-brand, group of essentials designed for the ultimate backcountry skiing experience, emblazoned with the emblem of the Grateful Dead—inspired him to make a film. The result, Fire On The Mountain, is an award-winning film, narrated by Hall of Fame basketball player and self-professed Deadhead, Bill Walton. The film features Benchetler and action sports stars—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 Kimmy launched The Benchetler Fasani Foundation after her bout with breast cancer. The BFF provides meaningful connections to the outdoors and the healing properties found in nature to those who have suffered loss or hardship.

Though skiing is still very much a way that Benchetler expresses himself, he is relying heavily on his artwork as a means of self-expression. His home studio in Mammoth evidences his commitment; paint covers the floor and bright splashes of color dot the walls. Benchetler explains, “Creating art is a process of discovery. I’m embracing my self-taught nature and throwing paint at the canvas!

Portfolio

Benchetler: Filmmaking—Fire On The Mountain

Benchetler: Product Design—Atomic

Benchetler: Athlete

Benchetler: Murals

Benchetler: Unraveling

Benchetler: Chasing AdVANture

Benchetler: Atomic Ten Years Later

He’s famous in the ski world as an athlete and an artist, but Chris is also a producer and director. He was the force the movie Fire On The Mountain in 2019. “I like having creative and artistic control over projects,” he says. “I really enjoyed the process of making a film that transcends action sports.”

As an athlete, Chris is clearly on the top of his sport,” says David Lemieux, the head archivist for the Grateful Dead. “But he’s also a super talented artist that’s fun to work with. It’s rare that somebody comes from outside the Grateful Dead and really gets it. His artwork captures Grateful Dead iconography, which is rare.

Screenshot 2023 10 20 at 6.35.15 PM aspect ratio 150 150

David Lemieux

Head archivist for the Grateful Dead

“There might be a sequel to Fire On The Mountain,” says Chris. “It’s several years down the road, but we are having conversations. Everybody from athletes, to filmers, to sponsors are on board with the concept.”

Awards and Recognition

20230921

Dead & Co. — Chris' Fire On The Mountain footage played behind the band.

20201026

ESPN Aired Fire On The Mountain

20230921

Dead & Co. — Chris' Fire On The Mountain footage played behind the band.

20201026

ESPN Aired Fire On The Mountain

Featured in Hence Journal

Meet a Pro

November 11, 2023 / by Marc Peruzzi

Chris Benchetler

Trade Secrets

October 23, 2023 / by Marc Peruzzi

Chris Benchetler | Stay True to Yourself

11th Nov 2023

Meet a Creative: Chris Benchetler

23rd Oct 2023

Trade Secret: Chris Benchetler | Stay True to Yourself

Chris Benchetler

Portfolio

Awards and Recognition

Featured in Hence Journal

Featured in Hence Journal

Endorse