Inside Kings & Queens of Corbet’s with Veronica Paulsen
Posted on
02/02/2026
This winter, Jackson Hole once again becomes the epicenter of freeride with the celebration of Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, one of the most iconic events in the world of skiing and snowboarding. As an official sponsor of Jackson Hole, BUFF® is proud to be part of this legendary destination and its vibrant mountain community for another season.
Few athletes embody the spirit of Kings and Queens quite like Veronica. A longtime competitor and the 2020 Queen of Corbet’s and the first woman to land a backflip into the legendary couloir, her impact on the event and the sport is undeniable. This year, while she steps away from competing, her connection to Kings and Queens remains stronger than ever as she takes on a new role supporting the athletes and shaping the event from the inside.
We caught up with Veronica ahead of competition week to talk about what Kings and Queens means to her, how that historic 2020 win changed everything, the pressures of progression at the highest level, and what it’s like to experience the event from a different perspective.
Veronica, it’s Kings and Queens Time! Even though you’re not competing this year, as a long-time competitor for this event, what does it feel like as this week approaches? What goes through the mind of an athlete in the lead-up to the event?
Kings and Queens has been my favorite week of the winter each year since it’s inception. The best part about Kings and Queens isn’t even the competition itself but the week leading up to it. Through the competition you get to meet some of the best competitive freestyle skiers in the world, you form new friendships and get to ski and hang out with each other all week long. Because of Kings and Queens I’ve been able to make some of my best friends in the ski world.
You won Queen of Corbet’s in 2020 as the first woman to land a backflip into the couloir. The video from that was everywhere and overnight you became one of the gnarliest women in skiing. How did that change your career?
Winning Kings and Queens in 2020 really kick started my entire career. Before that competition I didn’t have any real sponsors, I would just get a few pieces of gear each year. After winning, I got my first professional contract, was invited to film with TGR, and gained tens of thousands of followers on social media overnight. That win took me years of dedication and hard work, and it allseemed to pay off overnight.
What’s the pressure like to go back the next year and try to top what you did the prior year?
As skiers, we all feel pressure to continually improve our skills and see what we’re capable of. Though there is definitely pressure from the competition to top what we did last year, I think that pressure comes more from our internal drive as skiers to continuously push our limits.
This year you’re shifting focus away from competing and instead you’re going to be a part of the color commentary for the event. What will your day to day role be during competition week?
During the competition week I’ll be acting as an athlete liaison, which means I’ll get to ski with the competitors, and show anyone who hasn’t been to Jackson before my favorite places to ski. I’ll also be there to support the athletes with any concerns about the course and conditions, and help coordinate any needs with the Jackson events team.
What lead you to make this decision?
After competing in Kings and Queens for 7 years, was ready for a change in my life. Though it’s only one week a year, Kings and Queens can easily take over your entire winter, as it requires a lot of focus and training. I’m excited to move on to other goals and work on new things.
What are you looking forward to with this change?
What advice do you have for the competitors who are new to Kings and Queens?
My advice to the new competitors boils down to one thing: soak it all in! The week leading up to the competition should be one of your most fun weeks of the year as you get to make new friends and ski with some of the best in the world. When the competition day itself comes, stay calm and enjoy the fun. We get a great crowd every year and it’s so fun to ski down Corbet’s and see all your friends cheering for you at the bottom. Make sure to take a moment to soak it all in and enjoy yourself!
Do you think you'll enter the competition again, or are you happy with your victory and want to continue to focus on filming and ski progression?
I would never close the door completely and say that I will never compete again. But for now, I’m excited to take a step away while still being able to be a part of the event. Filming my YouTube series has become a huge passion of mine, and I can’t wait to focus my energy on making more episodes.
As a BUFF® athlete, what is your go-to product for big pow days in Jackson Hole?
My favorite BUFF® product for pow days is the Thermonet Balaclava. It keeps my face completely warm while remaining breathable, and it has an opening for a ponytail in the back to keep my hair tidy and out of my face.
