Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. If you've ever crowded into the snowy, frigid lift line at the base of Silverton Mountain in the morning as groups are divided by skill level, you've likely heard requests for Kim Grant.

"Is Kim working?"

"Where's Kim's group?"

The 25-year ski guide who moves between the rowdy San Juans and the Chugachs in Alaska knows how to settle skier jitters like no other. Her relaxed vibe in stout terrain has led countless skiers to their best day ever. She has all kinds of strategies for helping skiers find inner strengths and push themselves into the steepest and deepest. And it all starts with breathing.

Topics:

2:43 - College in Georgia, summers in Colorado

5:14 - Telluride ski patrol to Silverton Mountain

6:52 - Facets of the San Juans, the most dangerous snowpack

10:55 - Slow down and take breaths

11:22 - Shed layers

13:32 - One turn at a time

15:52 - Yoga and breathing for focus during the fight-or-flight response

25:45 - The most amazing tool for centering, focusing on fun

29:15 - Big changes for Silverton Mountain

31:30 - Look where you want to go

Resources:

Moves Silverton

Silverton Mountain

Wagner Custom Skis