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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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/

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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/

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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/

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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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/

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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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/

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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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/

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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/

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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!
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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

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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!
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In this episode, Nicole and Sarah host Kelly Pilla, co-owner of Ski Haus,to discuss running her family's three New England ski shops. Starting as a college student who met her future husband on the job, Kelly shares how they started with their first store in Salem, NH in 1988 and expanded to locations in Framingham and Woburn, MA.

Kelly highlights Ski Haus' popular trade-in and junior lease programs, which help make skiing more affordable for growing families. She emphasizes the value of professional equipment fitting, safety checks, and having access to knowledgeable staff who actively ski and understand the products they sell.

We cover Ski Haus' evolution as a year-round business, combining winter sports with patio furniture sales. Kelly discusses their professional tuning services, customer appreciation events, and ski bus trips to various New England mountains.

We loved talking about the importance of supporting local ski shops and the unique value they provide through personalized service, equipment expertise, and building community among skiing families.

Keep up with the Latest from Ski Haus:

Website: skihaus.com
Instagram: @skihaus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/skihauspatioplace

Junior Lease & Trade In Program: skihaus.com/jr-lease-trade-in/
Ski Bus Trips: skihaus.com/mtn-snow-reports/

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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]
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In this episode, Nicole and Sarah host Dana Kent, a long time ski industry professional turned executive coach. Dana  shares her career journey from growing up skiing in Vermont to her work in the ski industry and her path to become an executive coach. 

Dana discusses her 20+ year career with Vail Resorts, focusing on health and safety, and explains the importance of human connection in promoting safety culture at ski resorts. Dana offers insights on lift operations, ski patrol, and guest responsibility. She talks about transitioning back to Vermont and pivoting to executive coaching, emphasizing her focus on supporting women in male-dominated outdoor industries. 

Dana describes her coaching approach and who can benefit from working with her, sharing thoughts on work-life balance and enjoying outdoor activities post-career change. A key quote from the episode: "The human to human connection is the most important thing. We become almost agents of behavioral change."

Keep up with the Latest from Dana:

Website: https://www.danakentcoaching.com

Dana’s Blog: https://www.danakentcoaching.com/blog

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

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

Register by August 15, 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.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. 

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]