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. He progressed quickly through the international ranks, which earned him a spot on the 2014 Paralympic Team heading to the Winter Games in Sochi. Keith was part of the first-ever Para Snowboard men's winter Paralympic medal sweep with a third place in boardercross in Sochi 2014. Throughout his career, Keith has earned 56 World Cup podiums and hopes to reach 60 this year.  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. Keith is a 2x X-Games boardercross gold medalist (2012, 2015). He was selected as the 2022 Paralympic closing ceremonies flag bearer in Beijing. Outside of snowboarding, Gabel is a fierce mental health advocate and keynote speaker for companies, corporations, and groups. 

Gabel enjoys mountain biking, jiu-jitsu, golfing, hunting, fishing, camping and is an overall outdoor enthusiast. His biggest motivator is his son, and he loves to spend time with his family.