The Ski Moms Podcast

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In this episode The Ski Moms welcome Sage McCririck, marketing and events manager at Loveland Ski Area in Colorado, as the resort approaches its 90th anniversary. Sage shares her three-generation family connection to the mountain, where her father, ski photographer Flip McCririck , taught her to ski and she now teaches her own daughter. Located just 52 miles from Denver, Loveland offers two base areas: the Basin with challenging Continental Divide terrain, and the Valley with beginner slopes and affordable $50 adult/$30 kids tickets. This independent, family-owned resort prioritizes accessibility with dynamic pricing, Indy Pass partnership, and creative packages. Sage shares insider tips including the convenient Valley base area, unique on-mountain BBQ grills, and special events like the 35th annual Mountaintop Matrimony on Valentine's Day and live music every weekend March through May. April is the sweet spot for visiting with fresh snow, sunshine, live music, and lower prices after April 6th. Loveland maintains its old-school community vibe while offering over six months of quality skiing from early November through early May.

Resources: 

• Loveland Website  Loveland on Facebook Loveland Instagram
• Location: 52 miles from Denver, right off I-70
• Base Areas: Loveland Basin (main terrain) and Loveland Valley (beginner/family area)
• Nearby Lodging: Georgetown, Silverthorne, Dillon, Keystone, Frisco, Breckenridge
• Season: Early November through early May

"The first thing that comes to mind is old school, but that's really just because the community feel reminds me of what growing up in the ski industry really felt like. A lot of smiling, friendly faces that know each other, a lot of people coming back year after year, families that have raised their kids here."

"April is definitely my favorite month. You get the best of all the worlds. You usually get fresh snow, you usually get sunshine. You get the live music on the patio. Get the full experience."

"We, through and through want everybody to be able to love this sport. And we want everybody to feel like they're able to participate in this sport."

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

The Ski Moms welcome back Kendra Scurfield (Chief Marketing Officer at Banff Sunshine Village, author, and mom) to share why spring skiing in Banff is a hidden gem for families. They explore what sets Sunshine Village apart—from its high elevation and consistent late-season snowfall to its sunny, celebratory spring atmosphere with longer days, soft snow, and lively après.

The conversation covers practical planning tips, including flying into Calgary, choosing between staying in Banff or at the ski-in/ski-out Sunshine Mountain Lodge, and how to prepare for spring conditions with smart layering, extra gear for kids, hydration, and sun protection.

Kendra also explains why spring is ideal for progression, with softer snow and warmer temps helping both kids and adults build confidence. They highlight family-friendly terrain, childcare and lessons starting at 18 months, and opportunities for moms to push their own skiing—from groomers to more advanced terrain.

Off the slopes, they share what makes spring at Sunshine so fun, from outdoor dining and ski boot dance parties to themed weekends and the iconic Slush Cup. This episode is full of inspiration and practical advice for families looking to extend their ski season and embrace the ease and joy of spring skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

Resources:

Instagram: @kendrasonia

www.skibanff.com

www.skibig3.com

Previous episode: Season 4 Episode 29 

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

The Ski Moms celebrate Crystal Mountain's 70th anniversary with Karen Thor (COO, 32 years at the resort) and Brittany Primeau (Director of Communications and new mom). They explore Crystal's evolution from Buck Hills community ski area to today's master-planned four-season resort village with 1,500 acres. Karen and Brittany share their ski origin stories and discuss the family-owned Petritz legacy that created a destination where families can park once and access everything on foot or by shuttle, from ski-in/ski-out accommodations to the LEED-certified spa. 

The conversation covers practical planning tips including getting fitted for rentals the night before, booking lessons for ages 3 to "retired, not tired," and using the Nanny McSki program for full-day childcare on the slopes. Crystal features terrain for all levels with magic carpets, a backyard teaching area, and night skiing Tuesday through Saturday. Beyond winter, they highlight year-round activities including two championship golf courses (home to the Michigan Women's Open for 20+ years), the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide (Michigan's only alpine slide), Michigan Legacy Art Park, and the resort's role as a base camp for exploring Northern Michigan attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City.

Resources:

• Website: www.crystalmountain.com
• Location: Thompsonville, Benzie County, Northern Michigan
• Season: Thanksgiving weekend through first weekend of April
• Lodging: Hotel rooms to 5-bedroom townhomes, many ski-in/ski-out
• Dining: Clipper Cafe, Thistle Pub and Grill, Wild Tomato, Mountain Market, Betsy River Pizza
• Special Programs: Nanny McSki, Ski and Sip (Nordic skiing with wine and cheese)
• Nearby: Iron Fish Distillery (3 miles), Frankfort (20 minutes), Traverse City (40 minutes)

Notable Quotes: "It's not intimidating. That's one of the best things about it. Once you're off the bunny hill, everything kind of funnels back down into the village so you don't have to worry so much about losing a kid out in the mountains." - Brittany Primeau

"There's no bad weather, just bad gear. Make sure you have everything you need. And the most important rule is just have fun." - Brittany Primeau

"Our guests are like guests in your own home. That's the way we like to think of it and treat folks. Crystal's always taken the long view and this family owned, operated feeling has just continued throughout the years." - Karen Thor

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, the Ski Moms sit down with Cindy Dady, CEO of Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Cindy brings 45 years of ski industry experience — from teaching toddlers on the bunny hill to becoming the first female general manager in Colorado not serving as an owner-operator. She shares what drew her to Sunlight, why this independent mountain is a must-visit for families, and how she's leading the resort through its biggest capital investment since 1966.

Cindy walks us through Sunlight's welcoming terrain (70 trails, 720 acres), its centralized and stress-free base area, and the resort's commitment to unreasonable hospitality. She also opens up about her career journey, the mentors who shaped her, and what a typical powder day looks like when you're the CEO who greets every guest at the lift.

Resources

• Sunlight Mountain Resort: https://www.sunlightmtn.com
• Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop (Glenwood Springs): https://www.sunlightmtn.com/ski-bike-shop
• Indy Pass: https://www.indyskipass.com
• Colorado Ski Country: https://www.coloradoski.com
• Fly into: Eagle/Vail (EGE) – 25 min from Glenwood Springs; Aspen (ASE); Grand Junction (GJT); or Denver (DEN)

Key Quotes

"We provide unreasonable hospitality to every single guest that comes. We're the Cheers bar of ski areas — everybody knows everybody."

"Every single trail leads back to the base. You will always end up in the same spot.

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

Kristin Ruud is the founder of Northern Classics, an outdoor clothing brand that blends timeless, elevated aesthetics with high-performance technical outerwear for kids. A University of Michigan business school graduate, Kristin's career took her through financial consulting, hedge fund management, and commercial construction before an entrepreneurial spark and three kids under one and a half during COVID led her to launch Northern Classics. In this episode, Kristin shares how she identified a gap in the children's ski apparel market: technical gear that was either purely functional or purely cute, but never both. Kristin opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch with no apparel background, the power of community and customer feedback, and what it's like to see her designs "in the wild" on the slopes out west. As a mom of four (twins almost 7, a 5-year-old, and a 3-year-old), Kristin brings both personal credibility and infectious joy to everything she creates.

Notable Quotes:

"I always say I'm selling — I am my own customer."

"I try really hard to keep my kids at the forefront. I mean, they were the inspiration behind this brand."

Resources:

• Northern Classics Website: northernclassics.com
• Retailers: Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Over the Moon, Maisonette, Janie and Jack, select REI stores, and ski shops nationwide
• Instagram: @NorthernClassics

Email: [email protected]

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

Nicole and Sarah spent over a year planning seven days in the Dolomites for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and it was 100% worth every chaotic, confusing, cowbell-confiscating moment. In this episode, they break down everything: decoding the ticket matrix, hunting down hospitality packages on two separate platforms, navigating snowy switchbacks from Venice with skis on the roof, and what it's actually like to stand in the finish area for some of the most historic women's Alpine races in recent memory.

The ski racing delivered in a big way! Federica Brignone won gold on home snow to a stadium full of tiger-suited superfans. Mikaela Shiffrin closed out the women's events with a gold in the slalom that had Nicole in tears. Paula Moltzan won the second run, finished eighth, and later handed out uterus pins in the center of Cortina.

Start planning earlier than you think, use miles, go with another family to split costs, and bring really good shoes. 

Quotes:

"I think it was a complete bucket list trip of a lifetime. It was a tremendous mix of experiencing another culture in a really fun way, having intense American pride while you're there." 

"It was a hundred percent worth it. And we got very lucky with amazing weather, smooth travel — all those things went right."

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

Megan Harrod has lived many lives, from being born in a trailer home in Montana to spending nearly a decade as the Alpine press officer for the US Ski Team, traveling the World Cup circuit and managing media for some of the world's best athletes. Now a brand strategist, publicist, and podcast producer working closely with Mikaela Shiffrin, Megan shares her remarkable journey from racing on Midwest man-made hills to the finish lines of Olympic venues. She opens up about the financial barriers in ski racing, the importance of accessibility programs like Share Winter, and how her experience managing intense athlete dynamics has made her a better mom to her two children, Pierce and Stetson, who are just 13 months apart. Megan discusses producing Mikaela's podcast "What's the Point," the powerful Mik 100 campaign that raised nearly $500,000 for ski access, and how she's learned to balance remote work with traveling to World Cup races with babies in tow. Her authentic approach to storytelling and her commitment to making the sport more accessible shine through as she reflects on memorable moments like Beijing 2022 and the importance of mental health in athletics.

Notable Quotes:

"I wouldn't have it any other way. It was such a cool family experience... it was such a strong community and I still have friends from that team growing up."

"In many ways, that was the best thing that could have happened because people really saw who she is at the core. And as hard as it was for everyone, I think that was a really beautiful gift that she shared with the world."

Resources:

• Podcast: What's the Point
• Instagram: @MeganHarrod
• Share Winter Foundation: Supporting ski access for underserved communities

YouTube Series: "Moving Right Along" with Mikaela Shiffrin

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

We’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations — with Olympic gold medalist, ski mom, and mental performance coach Barbara Cochran.

Why now? On February 11, 1972, Barbara won Olympic gold in slalom in Sapporo by just .02 seconds. And 54 years to the day later, her son, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, won Olympic silver in Super-G in Cortina.

An Olympic legacy — built on a Vermont rope tow.

Barbara grew up skiing at her family’s backyard hill, now known as Cochran’s Ski Area — a nonprofit, community-driven mountain where lift tickets are still affordable, race training happens under the lights, and hot chocolate costs $1.50.

We talk about:

• Growing up in a ski racing family
• Training on the legendary rope tow
• The “Cochran Way” philosophy of excellence without pressure
• Raising an Olympian as a single mom
• And the mindset that wins medals

Barbara’s father believed skiing should be joyful — but that striving for excellence builds character. Before sports psychology was mainstream, Barbara was practicing it. Heading into her Olympic race, she repeated:

That mindset carried her to gold — and now informs her work helping athletes who “train better than they race” learn to compete with confidence.

We also talk about the financial realities of ski racing, how Ryan nearly declined his U.S. Ski Team nomination due to cost, and the scholarships that helped keep the dream alive.

This episode is about more than medals. It’s about:

• Community skiing
• Raising resilient kids
• Keeping the joy in competition
• And building confidence that lasts long after the finish line

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

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

"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."

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

Register by September, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip*

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

*discount only available for full payment, not deposit.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]

Send us Fan Mail

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.com
• Instagram: @anniefast

Key Quotes

"If you're going to call something a family-friendly ski area, it has to have childcare for guests. I just can't imagine how that works otherwise."

"Let them know that if you do decide not to go to the resort because there is no childcare, that was a deciding factor. Otherwise they just won't know that's something that's missing."

Scheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. 

Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: 

• Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)
• $99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)
• Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore Mtn
• MORE!
  
  

This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com.

The countdown is on ❄️ Snowbound Expo tickets are live! 

Join the fun at Mohegan Sun, CT, November 14-15. Grab your tickets at snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets with code SKIMOMS

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]