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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

Check out the gift guide here

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

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!
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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

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]
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Send us Fan Mail

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/

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]

Send us Fan Mail

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

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]

Send us Fan Mail

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/

Check out the gift guide here

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

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]

Send us Fan Mail

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

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Nicole and Sarah welcome Tracy Meier, Chief Programming and Education Officer for the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah. Tracy provides an overview of NAC's programs, focusing on their ski program at the new McGrath Mountain Center. She offers valuable tips for families considering adaptive skiing, drawing from her experience as both a professional and a mother of three. 

The conversation covers NAC's various winter programs and Tracy's own skiing experiences with her family. She discusses balancing her professional role with family ski time, including their tradition of exploring different Utah resorts during spring break. 

Looking ahead to the 2034 Olympics and Paralympics in Utah, Tracy is excited about NAC's potential role and the increasing inclusion in adaptive sports. As always, we we conclude by hearing about Tracy’s ideal après-ski scene: good friends, laughter, and fun in the parking lot after a day on the slopes. Tracy welcomes inquiries about adaptive sports and recreation opportunities at NAC.

Keep up with the Latest from The National Ability Center:

Website: discovernac.org
Instagram: @nationalabilitycenter
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalAbilityCenter

Find an adaptive skiing program near you

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]

Send us Fan Mail

2024-25 Ski Camps and Clinics Listing

Check out the 2025 Ski Moms Women-Only Events

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michelle Leibowitz to explore the empowering world of women’s ski camps and clinics. Whether you're looking to build your confidence on the slopes, improve your technique, or simply connect with other women who share your passion for skiing, these programs offer something for everyone. Michelle shares her personal experiences, insider tips, and the transformative impact these camps can have on your skiing journey.

We discuss how women’s ski camps foster a supportive and encouraging environment, why they’re perfect for skiers of all levels, and how to find the right camp or clinic for you. Tune in to discover how investing in yourself can lead to unforgettable adventures on the mountain!

Check out the gift guide here

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

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]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Nicole and Sarah welcome Marsha Hovey, marketing director at Trollhaugen, a family-friendly ski area celebrating its 75th anniversary just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Trollhaugen, though small with 80 acres, 270 ft vertical, and 30 trails, offers an affordable and accessible skiing experience. Adult day tickets max at $65, while season passes start at an incredibly low $270. 

The resort caters to all ages, with programs starting for kids as young as 3 and extending through college. Marsha discusses Trollhaugen's strong Scandinavian heritage, evident in its troll mascots and themed trails. Popular events like Late Night Fridays, where the resort stays open until 3am, showcase the area's unique charm. 

Marsha also highlights Trollhaugen's efforts to increase diversity in winter sports, including collaborations with groups like Melanin in Motion to make skiing more accessible to BIPOC communities. As part of the Midwest Ski Areas Association, Trollhagen works closely with other regional resorts, emphasizing the crucial role small ski areas play in nurturing future generations of skiers. 

Marsha advocates for the importance of creating a welcoming community atmosphere for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and backgrounds, positioning Trollhaugen not just as a ski resort, but as a vital part of the local community and the broader skiing ecosystem.

Keep up with the Latest from Trollhaugen:

Website: trollhaugen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/trollhaugen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrollhaugenTroll
Youtube: www.youtube.com/Trollhaugen

Our 2025 Gift Guides are here! Ski Moms, we've got your gift lists covered! Our curated guides feature perfect picks for every member of your snow-loving family. Cruise through our Ski Mom-approved selections and make this season's gifting as smooth as freshly groomed runs!

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Nicole and Sarah welcome ski mom Kaylin Richardson. Kaylin is a two-time Olympian and former pro skier. She walks us through her journey from competitive racing to her current role in Deer Valley's Ski With a Champion program. She shared her experiences transitioning from World Cup racing to big mountain and backcountry skiing, including her work with Warren Miller films. 

Kaylin offers insights on balancing her skiing career with motherhood, emphasizing the joy of seeing her children develop a love for the sport. Kaylin also gives us great tips for family ski trips for making family ski trips a success. 

Kaylin discussed Deer Valley's expansion, including 316 new acres opening this season and highlighted the importance of fostering a love for skiing in children without pressure.Kaylin shared her favorite apres ski locations and recommended the Sticky Wicket bar at Deer Valley for its retro 70s-80s ski vibe and mocktail options. 

Keep up with the Latest from Kaylin and Deer Valley:

Website: www.deervalley.com
Ski With a Champion: www.deervalley.com/things-to-do/activities/ski-with-a-champion
Instagram (Deer Valley): @deervalleyresort
Instagram (Kaylin): @kaylinrichardson
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=edHgF6xigWU

Our 2025 Gift Guides are here! Ski Moms, we've got your gift lists covered! Our curated guides feature perfect picks for every member of your snow-loving family. Cruise through our Ski Mom-approved selections and make this season's gifting as smooth as freshly groomed runs

Check out the gift guide here

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

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS.

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]