In this episode, the Ski Moms sit down with Annie Pilek, Director of Recreation and Entertainment at the historic Mohonk Mountain House. Located just 90 miles from NYC in the Catskills (NY State), this resort has been welcoming guests for over 150 years. 

Annie shares how the property offers something for everyone in every season - from winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating to summer adventures including hiking, boating, and rock climbing. She details the resort's extensive kids' programs, farm-to-table dining experiences, and luxurious spa amenities. 

The conversation also explores Mohonk's deep commitment to conservation through its connection with the Mohonk Preserve and various sustainability initiatives. Whether you're planning a family getaway or a romantic escape, Annie provides insider tips on making the most of this unique destination that feels worlds away from city life while being easily accessible from the New York metro area.

Keep up with the latest from Mohonk Mountain House:

Website: www.mohonk.com

Instagram: @mohonkmountainhouse

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mohonk

YouTube: www.youtube.com/mohonk

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 explore Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area with Susan Saad, Director of Community and Customer Relations. Susan shares how this unique nonprofit ski area, just 16 miles from downtown Boise, has evolved over her 10-year tenure. Susan discusses the mountain's impressive 2,600 skiable acres, making it Idaho's second-largest resort, and details the extensive improvements made possible by their nonprofit model, including new chairlifts and state-of-the-art snowmaking.

Susan highlights Bogus Basin's deep community connections through innovative programs like their extensive school outreach serving 3,000+ kids annually, a groundbreaking homeschool program with 800+ participants, and their environmental education initiatives through SnowSchool. Susan explains their commitment to accessibility through affordable pricing, including $19 night skiing tickets and various pass options for different demographics.

We cover on-mountain amenities, from the main Simplot Lodge to the popular "Beach" area known for gourmet grilled cheese. Susan shares local traditions and details year-round activities, including summer mountain biking and their mountain coaster. Her insights reveal how Bogus Basin's nonprofit status allows them to prioritize community engagement while maintaining high-quality ski operations, making it a unique model in the industry. The episode provides a comprehensive look at this community-focused mountain that combines affordable access with extensive terrain and programs for all ability levels.

Keep up with the latest from Bogus Basin

Website: bogusbasin.org

Instagram: @bogusbasin

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BogusBasinIdaho

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 dive into the world of Okemo Mountain Resort with Abby Childs, co-founder of Unofficial Okemo. Abby shares her journey from Rhode Island to becoming a local expert on all things Okemo. She discusses the mountain's layout, including the two base areas (Clock Tower and Jackson Gore) and offers tips on navigating the trails. Abby highlights Okemo's family-friendly features, such as the heated bubble chairlifts and varied terrain suitable for all skill levels.

The conversation covers local dining gems, both on and off the mountain, with recommendations like the fried pickles at The Bull, Homestyle Hotel's sticky ribs, and the Unofficial Spritz at Main + Mountain. Abby also reveals hidden treasures like the mysterious Candy Mailbox on the slopes. For rainy day activities, she suggests options like the Spring House pool facility and the arcade at Game Bird restaurant. Throughout the episode, Abby's passion for Okemo and the Ludlow community shines through, offering an authentic insider's perspective on planning the perfect family ski trip to this Vermont destination.

Resources:

Website: https://www.okemo.com

Main & Mountain Hotel and Bar

Homestyle Hotel Restaurant

Game Bird Restaurant

Keep up with the latest from Abby on Unofficial Okemo and Wavy Grape:

Website: www.unofficialokemo.com

Website: www.wavygrape.com

Instagram: @wavygrape

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 Charlotte Lilley, founder of The Ski Retreat, about creating transformative ski experiences that bring women together for adventure, connection and confidence on the slopes.

Charlotte shares how she turned her lifelong passion for skiing into a mission to empower women, designing curated 3-4 day retreats that combine skiing with yoga, art, inspiring speakers, chef-prepared meals and meaningful connection. From her early days learning to ski at age three in Tahoe to launching The Ski Retreat while working in tech, Charlotte discusses her journey as a female entrepreneur in the ski industry. She explains how The Ski Retreat creates a supportive environment for women of all ability levels to challenge themselves on the mountain while forming lasting friendships. 

The conversation covers everything from retreat logistics and destinations to après ski culture and the importance of offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Charlotte's passion for fostering authentic connection between women while helping them push their comfort zones on the slopes shines through as she shares her vision for growing The Ski Retreat's impact.

Keep up with the latest from The Ski Retreat:

Website: https://www.theskiretreat.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskiretreat

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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, Nicole and Sarah welcome Kendra Scurfield, Vice President of Brand and Communications at Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort in Banff, Canada. As both a ski industry professional and a mom to a young skier, Kendra offers unique insights into the family-friendly aspects of skiing in Banff.

Kendra shares her deep connection to the area, having grown up in Banff and now working at her family's resort. She provides comprehensive information about Sunshine Village, from its unique gondola access to its variety of terrain spanning over 3,000 acres! The discussion covers everything families need to know about planning a ski trip to Banff, including transportation, accommodation options, and activities both on and off the mountain.

We loved learning about the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the area's only ski-in/ski-out hotel, and its family-friendly amenities including an on-mountain licensed daycare - a rare find in today's ski industry. Kendra also explains the differences between Banff's three ski areas and why Sunshine Village is particularly well-suited for families.

Keep up with Sunshine Village: 

Website: https://www.skibig3.com/ski/resorts/banff-sunshine/
Sunshine Mountain Lodge: https://www.sunshinemountainlodge.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skibig3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkiBig3/

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director of PORA (Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association), to discuss skiing in the Keystone State. 

Lutricia shares her journey from college skiing at Round Top Mountain to her current leadership role, transitioning from an IT career through various positions in the ski industry. 

Pennsylvania's winter sports landscape includes 23 member resorts, ranging from day facilities to full-service lodging properties like Seven Springs, Liberty Mountain, Camelback, and Bear Creek. The state's resorts are known for extensive snowmaking capabilities, night skiing options, and family-friendly base areas, typically operating from mid-December through mid-March. 

Lutricia highlights Pennsylvania's significant outdoor recreation economy, with skiing contributing nearly $1 billion to the state's $17 billion outdoor recreation sector. As PORA's leader, she focuses on workforce development and promoting outdoor recreation careers, while maintaining the organization's "Start Here" philosophy that positions Pennsylvania as an accessible destination for families beginning their outdoor adventures. 

Resources for planning a Pennsylvania ski trip can be found at SkiPA.com, while those interested in industry careers can visit PathToOutdoorRecJobs.com.

Keep up with the latest from Ski PA:

Website: https://www.skipa.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoSkiPA/

Path To Outdoor Rec Jobs: https://pathtooutdoorrecjobs.com

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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, Nicole and Sarah chat with Kimberley Jochl, Vice President and Director of Marketing and Merchandising at Sugar Mountain Resort in North Carolina. A former US Ski Team member and Junior World Champion, Kimberley brings her extensive skiing background to the southern skiing scene.

Kimberley shares her journey from racing in the Berkshires to competing internationally, and eventually finding her way to Sugar Mountain. She provides valuable insights into the vibrant southern ski culture and how Sugar Mountain caters specifically to families and first-time skiers. The resort's commitment to accessibility is evident in their comprehensive offerings, including clothing rentals, on-site daycare, and lesson programs for all ages.

The discussion highlights Sugar Mountain's role in introducing new skiers to the sport, with approximately 60% of their visitors being beginners. Kimberley also details the resort's recent improvements, including new high-speed lifts and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities that allow for a November-to-March season.

Keep up with the latest from Sugar Mountain:

Website: http://skisugar.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skisugar

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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, Nicole welcomes Tori Collins, a professional ski instructor from France who specializes in teaching toddlers to ski. Tori shares her fascinating journey from learning on dry slopes in England to becoming a specialized instructor in the French Alps, where she now teaches as an independent instructor and raises her four ski-loving children.

Tori offers invaluable insights about introducing young children to skiing, emphasizing that the journey can begin even before hitting the slopes. Tori recommends using books, videos, and play at home to familiarize toddlers with skiing concepts and equipment. A key message from Tori is the importance of letting children set their own pace, focusing on making skiing fun rather than pushing technical skills too early.

We cover practical advice for parents, including how to prepare children for their first lesson, what to expect at different ages, and how to use teaching tools like the edgy wedgie effectively. Tori also provides interesting comparisons between skiing in Europe and the United States, touching on differences in instruction methods and mountain culture.

This episode provides great tips for any parent considering introducing their young children to skiing, with practical advice grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience.

Keep up with the Latest from Tori:

Website: https://tori.ski

Instagram: @tori.ski/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnHiD0cAoWkweNT6ub9fVxw

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 Alice Merryweather, former U.S. Ski Team member and recent Dartmouth graduate. Alice shares her path from a Massachusetts recreational skier to World Cup competitor, and now to her post-racing life. Like many East Coast racers, Alice started at her local mountain - Attitash in New Hampshire. Alice's ski journey led through Stratton Mountain School to earning a spot on the U.S. Ski Team at 19, where she competed on the World Cup circuit and represented Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Alice speaks openly about navigating injuries, eating disorder recovery, and completing her degree at Dartmouth while maintaining her professional skiing career. Her candid discussion about mental health advocacy and the support she received from teammates and family offers valuable insights for athletes and families facing similar challenges.

Now a recent college graduate, Alice shares how she's rediscovering skiing for pure enjoyment while exploring new career opportunities. Her perspective on transitioning from elite athletics provides a thoughtful look at life after competitive racing.

Resources:

Athlete Mental Health Week

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)

ED Care Treatment Centers

Keep up with the Latest from Alice:

Instagram: @aliweather_

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alicemerryweather96/

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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 host Annie Parsons, ski mom and owner of Center Studio Yoga in Waterbury, Vermont. We have an in-depth discussion about integrating yoga into your ski lifestyle. Annie, whose journey took her from competitive tennis player to ski instructor to yoga studio owner, shares valuable insights about how yoga can enhance skiing performance through improved breath awareness, body control, and balance. 

We cover practical approaches for beginners, including how to choose the right type of yoga class as a skier and simple 15-30 minute routines for both pre and post-ski sessions. Annie addresses common concerns about starting yoga, offering encouragement for those who might feel intimidated by their first class. 

Annie emphasizes yoga's role in injury prevention and performance enhancement for skiers, sharing specific poses and practices that particularly benefit snow sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or completely new to the practice, this episode offers valuable insights for incorporating yoga into your ski season routine.

Keep up with the Latest from Annie:

Website: www.centerstudioyoga.com
Instagram: @centerstudioyoga

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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]