Advertise on podcast: The Ski Moms Podcast

In this episode Nicole talks with Jill Brabec, President of Nordic Combined USA, about one of the Olympics' oldest sports that still excludes women. Nordic Combined blends ski jumping and cross country skiing, requiring athletes to launch themselves down steep terrain at maximum speed, fly the length of a football field, then immediately race 5K on skinny skis. Despite being in the Olympics since 1924, women were denied entry to the 2026 Games. Jill, a Steamboat Springs ski mom turned advocate, formed a nonprofit with other parents to save the US team when funding collapsed. Her daughter Alexa trains in Norway but can't compete in the Olympics due to gender restrictions.  The IOC will decide about 2030 inclusion this spring after reviewing 2026 data. Jill draws parallels to women's ski jumping, which faced identical arguments 15 years ago and is now successful. She encourages fans to watch men's Nordic Combined February 11, 17, and 19 to show viewership demand, sign the petition at nordiccombineusa.org, and follow athletes on social media. The sport features 17 World Cups for women who jump the same hills as men and train at Lake Placid, Park City, and Steamboat Springs. Families with adventurous kids can find programs starting at age 5-6 through the website. Website: nordiccombineusa.org Instagram: @NordicCombinedUSA NOTABLE QUOTES"It's really hard to see one sibling able to go to the Olympics and the other sibling not able to go simply because of gender." "What this fight is for is for that next group of girls that are coming up and their chance to pursue it. And whatever other girls are out there looking for a sport that just fits." Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode Annie Fast, Oregon-based freelance writer and former professional snowboarder, joins the Ski Moms to discuss two critical barriers facing ski families: accessible childcare at resorts and mothers competing at elite levels. Annie's investigative work for Ski Area Management revealed a troubling trend of resort daycare closures post-COVID, including Vail's Small World, Jackson Hole, and Bridger Bowl facilities, while highlighting success stories at Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood Meadows, Brundage, and Tamarack with year-round programs. She explains why finding childcare information on resort websites is nearly impossible and how this impacts both visiting families and employee retention. Annie also previews her coverage of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, spotlighting Olympic moms competing with young children and the challenges of decentralized venues. The conversation covers practical advocacy tips for ski families, the reality of split-day skiing for toddlers, and why true "family-friendly" resorts must offer guest childcare.  Keep up with the latest from Annie! Website: https://anniefast.contently.comInstagram: @anniefastCelebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms head out west to explore Mount Bachelor with Lauren Burke, Director of Marketing and Communications at one of the Pacific Northwest's largest ski resorts. Lauren shares her unconventional path into the ski industry, from growing up in San Diego with childhood trips to Mammoth, to falling in love with mountain life at University of Colorado Boulder. After over a decade at Mammoth Mountain, Lauren made the move to Mount Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, where she discovered a unique ski destination unlike any other. Lauren paints a perfect picture of what makes Mount Bachelor special: affordable lodging in nearby Bend and Sun River, free parking, 410 inches of annual snowfall and 360-degree skiing on a dormant volcano with over 4,000 skiable acres. She emphasizes that spring is the absolute best time to visit, with the whole mountain open through Memorial Day and sunny weather that allows families to combine skiing with mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor concerts. For families, Mount Bachelor offers year-round daycare, Kids Ski Free passes, extensive beginner terrain on both base areas, and affordable lesson packages. Lauren also highlights the resort's four-season offerings including downhill mountain biking, zip tours, whitewater rafting and fine dining experiences at the mid-mountain lodge. Quotes: "There is no winter destination quite like Bend, Sun River, Mount Bachelor. I just cannot find a comparable ski destination that is anything like this.""My number one tip for families visiting Bachelor is come in the spring. It is so good in the spring. The whole mountain's open. The weather is good, you get snow, but when it's not snowing, you get sun.""The summit of Mount Bachelor is a true bucket list ski experience. It's skiing from the top of a dormant volcano... you can ski a true 360 degrees around the mountain, which you really can't do anywhere else."Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

The Ski Moms welcome legendary skier Wendy Fisher, whose name is synonymous with both Olympic racing and big mountain freeskiing. Wendy started skiing at age 2 in Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), chasing her older brothers down the hill. After losing one of her brothers in a tragic accident, she poured her grief into skiing—eventually making the U.S. Ski Team and competing in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Wendy opens up about the emotional toll of elite racing, how fear of failure held her back, and what finally pushed her to walk away at age 23. A soul-searching road trip led her to Crested Butte, where she entered her first big mountain contest and redefined the sport by skiing bold lines no woman had attempted before. She went on to become a two-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and star in iconic films by Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions. Now based in Crested Butte, Wendy shares how she’s reinvented herself many times—becoming a mom of two, ski instructor, DJ, and event coordinator. She talks about teaching through Vail Resorts' “Ski with an Olympian” program and her ongoing love for skiing and community. Resources: Website: WendyFisher.meSki with Wendy: Available at Crested Butte and Epic Pass resortsDJ Services: DJ Red for events and weddingsAprès Ski: The Beckwith (formerly Elevation Spa), Crested Butte Mountain Resort base areaNotable Quotes: "I felt so much guilt for losing the love of skiing, because by the end of my racing career, I just dreamed of when I was 7 and skiing at Squaw, having fun, hitting jumps, playing. Like, skiing used to be so fun. Where did it go?" "When that crowd noticed where I was going, they just started screaming and roaring. I was just like, oh, my God. Like, this is crazy... And everyone surrounded me. They're like, we've never seen a girl do that." "My thought in my head of raising our kids is I just want to get to the point where we can ski th Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Tallie Lancey, a Big Sky real estate expert with 18 years of experience representing buyers and sellers in Montana's premier ski destination. Tallie shares her journey from Ohio to Big Sky in 2005. She provides comprehensive insights into Big Sky's unique geography, explaining the three distinct areas: the Mountain (base area with ski-in/ski-out access), the Meadow (six miles away with walkable amenities and better value), and the Canyon (the scenic Gallatin River corridor). Tallie details lodging options from hotels to Airbnbs, private clubs and the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club. She offers practical travel tips including flying into Bozeman's charming airport, renting a car and stocking up on groceries before the drive. The conversation covers Big Sky Resort's impressive infrastructure including bubble lifts, double bubble magic carpets for families, a new gondola, and the largest contiguous ski area in the US. Tallie discusses real estate opportunities and emphasizes hiring a local buyer broker due to Big Sky's unincorporated status. The episode explores must-do experiences including the Enchanted Forest, Lone Mountain Ranch's sleigh ride dinner, skijoring events in February, and summer activities. Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Mabel's LabelsUse code SKIMOMS for 15% off. Code not valid on sale items or stamps. Other restrictions may apply.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Kameron Tucker, Mountain Sports Director at Massanutten Resort in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Kameron shares her inspiring journey from receiving ski passes in her Christmas stocking as a child to leading mountain operations at the resort where she first learned to ski. Now in her third season as Mountain Sports Director after 12 years with the resort, Kameron brings a wealth of experience from roles spanning the family adventure park, ski patrol , and ski school operations. Kameron provides an insider's guide to Massanutten, a true four-season destination resort spanning over 6,000 acres with something for every family member. She explains how the resort welcomes skiers from their local Harrisonburg community, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and even Florida, with passholders who maximize their week-long visits by skiing every day. The typical season runs from mid-December through early March, with aggressive snowmaking to ensure quality conditions. Massanutten is a beginner-friendly mountain that teaches people to love skiing and snowboarding, with terrain perfect for learning.  Beyond skiing, Kameron highlights the resort's extensive amenities including diverse lodging options, an indoor/outdoor water park with a new hotel under construction, two rec centers, escape rooms, 36-40 miles of hiking trails, zip lines, snow tubing, and a full-service spa. Dining options range from a unique ramen bar and cafeteria-style service to the popular Umbrella Bar (a heated yurt with 360-degree glass walls) and Mid Mountain Grill with fire pits and DJ entertainment. Kameron also shares practical tips for families, including the importance Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Ski Moms Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Averett, Utah-based mom of five, former professional ski instructor, and founder of SkiingKids.com, a must-visit site for families who love to ski. Jessica shares her expert tips for teaching kids to ski — without breaking the bank on ski school. She talks through gear must-haves (and what to skip), how to manage different ability levels on the mountain, and her family’s tried-and-true system for stress-free ski days with five kids, ages 8 to 18. We also cover: Choosing family-friendly resorts in Utah (including Snowbasin, Solitude & Brighton)What to pack, how to organize gear, and storage hacks at homeFavorite mittens, outerwear, and the one $10 item every parent should haveJessica’s new Teach Your Kids to Ski course & bookIf you're looking to make skiing easier, more affordable, and more fun for your family, this episode is full of real-life strategies from a ski mom who’s been through every stage. 🎧 Follow Jessica at SkiingKids.com and on Instagram at @theadventuretravelfam Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Chemmy Alcott, a British former World Cup alpine ski racer who competed in all five disciplines and represented Great Britain at four Olympic Games. Growing up in London, Chemmy's journey to elite ski racing is extraordinary, she trained on eight-second dry ski slopes made of plastic "hairbrushes" and at age 10 convinced her parents to let her travel alone to New Zealand for two months of training, a pattern she continued for eight years. Chemmy opens up about skiing at only 80% capacity for eight years due to fear of failure before her breakthrough at Sölden, where she embraced 100% effort and risk-taking. After coming within 1.8 seconds of an Olympic medal at Sochi 2014, her surgeon's warning about potential leg amputation led to her retirement. Now a mother of two boys (ages 8 and 6), she's achieved her childhood dream as presenter of BBC's iconic Ski Sunday and co-founded Carpe Diem Coaching with her husband Dougie, running camps across Europe for ages 6 to 89 focused on building confidence and resilience. She also founded Swiss Mountain Rescue after discovering CBD and meditation eliminated her chronic pain in just two weeks after 10 years of suffering. Resources: Carpe Diem Coaching: https://www.cdcperform.com/Instagram: @chemmyskiBBC Ski SundaySwiss Mountain Rescue (health and wellness brand)Imbrace (compression leggings)Key Quotes: "I always say that I was made to be a ski racer. I got his glutes and her lungs and I was made to be this mountain goat." "My injuries are something I'm really proud of because every time I got injured was a moment where I was choosing to be my very best and take those chances." Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, we tackle a topic that's been the elephant in the room of the ski world: fear. We sit down with Dr. Carol Porter, a Snowsport England coach with 20 years of experience and a PhD in pedagogical philosophies, and Kimberley Kay, author of the beloved "Ski A to Z" book and advocate for women in snow sports. Together, they reveal findings from their Fear Project research study that surveyed women globally about anxiety and fear in skiing. The results are eye-opening: 62% of women report that fear or anxiety affects their enjoyment when skiing, with mothers experiencing the highest levels of fear. The conversation explores why women's participation in skiing is dropping below 40% in the US, the unique fears mothers face on the slopes, and practical, research-backed strategies for rebuilding confidence after injury or setbacks. From breathing techniques to choosing quieter resorts to working with mindset coaches, Carol and Kimberley offer actionable advice for any ski mom who's lost her nerve or joy on the mountain. They also share exciting news about their presentation at the inaugural World Women's Snow Sports Summit and their ongoing work to make the ski industry more responsive to women's needs through visual safety education and industry advocacy. Resources Website: Kimberley Kay  Website: Dr Carol Porter: https://jeaniusski.com/ski-fearless/"Suddenly having responsibility for more people who don't have the same awareness of what could go wrong, and then knowing that if anything happens to me, well, who's gonna get them to school?" — Dr. Carol Porter "No one can learn when they're scared. It's just not possible." — Dr. Carol Porter "I'm a great advocate of breathing. Just take time and breathe intentionally and deeply and just feel the coldness of the air as it goes in." — Dr. Carol Porter "The physical responses we feel when we feel afraid are the Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

Jordan Watts, co-founder and head designer of Jorde, joins the Ski Moms podcast to share her journey from competitive ski racing to creating a modern ski apparel brand. Born in Texas but raised in New Hampshire's ski country, Jordan's path to fashion design began on the slopes. She attended Burke Mountain Academy, where the demanding schedule of academics and training taught her invaluable time management skills and fostered an intensely competitive spirit. Jordan attended UVM before landing a job in luxury ski fashion, where she gained experience across sales, marketing, and operations. Working with her boyfriend (now fiancé) Jackson, Jordan launched Jorde with a clear vision: create classic, beautifully designed ski wear at an accessible luxury price point, using PFA-free fabrics and thoughtful details like monochromatic trims and innovative ankle patches. The brand focuses on timeless silhouettes that will last for years rather than trendy designs. Jordan personally handles customer service inquiries, helping customers find the right size and fit. The design process takes about two months per collection, with Jordan carefully selecting colors that work together and obsessing over details like button colors. Based in Stowe, Vermont, Jordan and Jackson run the two-person operation (with help from Jordan's mom) while maintaining work-life balance through daily walks with their dog and regular ski days. Jorde is sold at major retailers including Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Backcountry, and Revolve, as well as boutique ski shops in Stowe, Aspen, Big Sky, and Sun Valley. Keep Up with the Latest from Jorde:  Website:https://shopjorde.com/ Instagram: https://www.pinterest.com/SHOPJORDE/_pins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopjorde Key Quotes: "I felt people wanted a more classic design, maybe more simple, but also still had that kind of attention to detail, those little details that make something so beautiful." "If you like your outfit, you're just, you know, you're gonna have a better time." Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Ski Moms Podcast, hosts Nicole and Sarah welcome Rachel Proper, founder of Keep Vermont Wild, for an in-depth conversation about making Vermont's outdoor adventures accessible to everyone, especially families with young children. Rachel shares her journey from posting personal outdoor adventures to creating a comprehensive resource that showcases Vermont's beauty while promoting responsible tourism and Leave No Trace principles. The conversation covers practical advice for visiting Vermont, including navigating the state's notorious lack of cell service, understanding mud season (Vermont's unique fifth season), and the challenges of electric vehicles in cold, hilly terrain. Rachel provides insider tips on family-friendly ski resorts, recommending Smuggler's Notch as an excellent family destination alongside larger resorts like Stowe, Sugarbush, Killington, Stratton, and Jay Peak. Rachel emphasizes that Vermont outdoor experiences don't require expensive gear investments, highlighting rental options at local ski shops, free snowshoe rentals at public libraries, and the importance of wool base layers for winter activities. She recommends toddler-friendly hikes like Mill River State Park in Jericho and discusses creative Vermont initiatives like story hikes and story skis that combine outdoor activity with children's literature. The episode also explores the delicate balance Rachel maintains as a content creator—promoting Vermont tourism while protecting fragile ecosystems and respecting local communities. Keep Vermont Wild: Instagram: @keepvermontwildTikTok: @keepvermontwildWebsite: keepvermontwild.comSeasonal guides available for purchase (downloadable PDFs and hard copies)Key Quotes On Keep Vermont Wild's Mission: "Vermont wasn't meant to be enjoyed indoors. I really do not believe that. I truly, honestly believe it was meant to be enjoyed outside." On Accessibility: "I really just want to eliminate those barriers and that anyone can get outside. Whether you have little kids, whether you're older, whether you have a hard time really even walking, you can still get outside and enjoy Vermont." On Environmental Responsibility: "Let's follow the no trace pr Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, Nicole and Sarah sit down with Rhonda Swenson, founder and creative director of Krimson Klover, a women's outdoor lifestyle brand known for its vintage-inspired illustrated base layers and bold, colorful knitwear. Rhonda shares her journey from Texas ski slopes to building a successful Boulder-based company, emphasizing her commitment to slow fashion, ethical manufacturing, and sustainable practices. With a 15-person team (plus up to eight dogs in the office!), she's built a brand that takes 18-24 months to bring products to market, working with renowned international artists and maintaining 20-year relationships with factory partners. The conversation covers Rhonda's entrepreneurial path—from flight attendant to ski industry rep to serial founder—and her philosophy on work-life balance, with no one working more than 40 hours per week. As an avid backcountry skier who calls Vail her home mountain, Rhonda embodies the outdoor lifestyle her brand represents. She shares practical advice for ski moms building their wardrobes, highlighting the bestselling Switchback jacket and the versatile Carving Skirt. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is clear: "Go for it. What have you got to lose?"  You can find Krimson Klover at www.KrimsonKlover.com, on Instagram @krimsonklover, and in ski shops nationwide. Memorable Quotes On entrepreneurship: "I always just say, go for it. What have you got to lose? You'll have regret if you don't go for it. I think fear drives people's hesitation to jump in and do something new." On failure: "Failure wasn't an option for me. I had to pick myself up and keep on going. I've made a lot of mistakes along the way, but you learn from them." On work-life balance: "We pride ourselves on work, life, balance. Nobody works more than 40 hours in a week. We all take a lot of time off. We encourage travel." On her South American knitters: "My knitters leave a little piece of their soul in every sweater they Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms are joined by Julie Gacnik, co-founder of Pure Mountain Fun and mom of four who turned her family's ski day frustrations into a thriving business. A former university administrator who learned to ski in Iowa, Julie's journey began when her 10-year-old daughter invented a 3.5-ounce ski carrier for a school project. After strangers at Beaver Creek asked where they could buy it, the family launched Pure Mountain Fun in March 2020, just one week before the ski industry shut down. Julie shares how the COVID pandemic actually helped them build their business, giving time to figure out domestic manufacturing and navigate virtual trade shows. All four children remain actively involved, from choosing product colors to inventing new items like the ski mat and ring toss made from remnant fabric. The family's commitment became clear when they turned down an offer to sell the business after the kids insisted they wanted to maintain control over their story. The episode concludes with their après ski traditions: chips and salsa, root beer for the youngest, and blowing bubbles that freeze in the mountain air while watching "Foxana" the fox visit their condo patio. Quotes: "The ski pack is a 3 1/2 ounce ski carrier designed to fit like a backpack, but also intuitive enough that a little child such as a three year old understands how to carry it." "If the kids have fun, if the memories are left on the mountain and not in the parking lot from a negative experience, they had a positive experience on the mountain." Links: Pure Mountain Fun: PureMountainFun.com Special Offer: Use code SKIMOMSFUN for 15% off Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms sit down with Barbara Sanders, the dynamic founder and publisher of The SNOW Magazine and creative force behind Snow Society and Snow Tequila. Based in Aspen, Barbara has been shaping mountain culture for decades, starting as a ski instructor and evolving into a multi-faceted entrepreneur. She shares her journey from teaching skiing at Mammoth and Aspen to launching a glossy lifestyle magazine that celebrates the glamorous side of ski culture. Barbara discusses her exclusive Snow Society membership club that offers unique ski experiences, plus luxury ski trips to destinations like Portillo and Courchevel. She tells us the story behind Snow Tequila, a clean, female-owned tequila brand she co-founded. Throughout the conversation, Barbara provides insider tips for visiting Aspen with families, discusses the importance of ski fashion, and shares her philosophy on entrepreneurship and following your passion. Keep up with the latest: The SNOW Magazine: thesnowmag.comSnow Tequila: snowtequila.comNotable Quotes: On Following Your Passion: "When you feel something in your heart that you're passionate about, you can do anything. And it is. It's a question of just doing it, believing in yourself, reaching out to people. Everyone knows somebody who knows somebody who can help and support." On Ski Fashion Philosophy: "You'll never, you almost never find me in black. I'm not going to a funeral. I'm going skiing. So I like bright colors and fun and I like to push the envelope, so it's always something different." Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, the Ski Moms sit down with Kathleen Doehla, a physical therapist and founder of Points North Sports and Regenerative PT in Stowe, Vermont. Kathleen shares her  journey from a terrified beginner who crashed into the Spruce Peak base lodge to becoming a confident skier and respected PT specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine injuries.  With 26 years of experience, Kathleen discusses the critical importance of physical therapy homework. She breaks down common ski injuries, prevention strategies, and when to seek professional help.  The conversation also covers Vermont's healthcare challenges, the evolution of physical therapy degrees, and practical tools every ski mom should have at home. Kathleen also shares her favorite Stowe recommendations, from Raja Indian food to the Cliff House at the top of the gondola, and her go-to après ski spot - the Après Cocktail Lounge for hot cocktails and chicken nachos. Resources: Website: pointsnorthphysicaltherapy.com"I would say any injury or illness or condition that is preventing you from living your fullest life" [is worth seeing a PT for]. "I think it's about learning to live a full life with imperfection and don't expect to be perfect necessarily. You know, everybody's managing something." "So I would recommend to that person that they go see a PT for one session. You don't have to commit to months of it and just see what they have to say." Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:  👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club There  are 4 events happening this year at: Sugarbush, Sunday River and Stratton, plus a cross country skiing event at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Register here, spots are limited https://www.theskimoms.co/events Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!  👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Support the show Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms! Website: www.theskimoms.co Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected] [email protected]