Gabel was introduced to snowboarding in 2000 and quickly developed a love for the sport. In June 2005, Gabel was involved in an industrial accident that crushed his left foot. Following many complications and treatments, doctors determined that amputation would be necessary for Gabel’s survival. Just three months post-op, Keith returned to his snowboard; however, it wasn’t until the 2010-2011 season (his sixth winter riding with a prosthetic) that he found competitive para snowboarding and began training with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. He progressed quickly through the international ranks, which earned him a sport on the 2014 Paralympic Team heading to the Winter Games in Sochi. In his Paralympic debut, he earned an impressive bronze medal in snowboardcross. At the Paralympic games in 2018, Gabel improved on his 2014 results by finishing in second place in the snowboardcross. Since then, he has become a snowboardcross World Champion (2019) and earned a silver in snowboardcross team in 2023.

Gabel enjoys hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, cliff diving, camping, playing and writing music, and hanging out with his dog when he isn't racing. He’ll do anything to get himself outside! He is passionate about cooking and baking, and his hidden talents include juggling and accurately mimicking animal sounds.