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Special Podcast offer:  Valid now through 12/31. One use per customer. Take 20% off Promo items at GearTrade.com.

Welcome to season four of the Ski Moms podcast!
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In this episode of The Ski Moms Podcast, our hosts chat with Laura Provine, Head of Operations at Gear Trade, about sustainable shopping, outdoor gear recycling, and the ski industry's impact on the environment. Gear Trade is a marketplace designed for pre-owned outdoor gear, where Laura and her team are passionate about giving outdoor equipment a second life and promoting sustainable shopping for all adventure lovers, from skiers to hikers.

Laura shares insights into Gear Trade’s mission, their Recommerce™ system, and the benefits of choosing used gear for families, the planet, and your wallet. She also explains how to buy and sell through Gear Trade, helping moms find quality gear for their families at affordable prices. For families focused on skiing and sustainable living, this episode offers valuable tips on reusing and recycling ski gear to keep your winter adventures eco-friendly and affordable.

Topics Discussed:

• Sustainable shopping for skiing and outdoor gear
• Benefits of purchasing pre-owned equipment
• How Gear Trade’s marketplace works for buying and selling ski gear
• Gear Trade’s Recommerce™ system for environmentally conscious consumers
• Tips for saving mo

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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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Welcome to season four of the Ski Moms podcast!
Become a paid subscriber on Substack to listen ad-free

In this episode the Ski Moms are joined by Heather Nelsen, a creator who writes about travel and motherhood. Heather is from Roswell, Georgia, not a typical ski hub, but her family has made skiing a tradition. They started taking ski trips to Utah when Heather was first married, and now bring their 4 kids (ages 5-10) on ski trips every year.

Heather shares some great tips for outfitting the family on a budget, using Costco and consignment gear. To make meals easy and affordable, the family stays in condos and uses grocery delivery services. Heather's in-laws often join the trips, creating awesome multi-generational memories on the slopes. Heather encourages families to dive into ski trips, highlighting the benefits that go well beyond just skiing.

After a day on the slopes, the family enjoys cozy time together playing card games and board games like Uno, and Pass the Pig. Heather and her husband unwind with a glass of wine while the kids play. 

We loved Heather's positive attitude and adaptability are key to successful family ski trips. Getting the whole family, including grandparents, invested in the ski tradition has created lasting memories. And family meals and games in the condo make for quality family time off the slopes.

Resources:

Keep up with the Latest from Heather!

Website: https://makinghomehere.

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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 a text

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We are revisiting our conversation with Olympic gold medalist and ski mom, Kikkan Randall, about her journey with breast cancer and her mission to raise awareness. Kikkan shares her personal story, from her shocking diagnosis just months after her Olympic triumph to the resilience and strength she discovered during her treatment.

Kikkan offers valuable advice for women on how to prioritize their health while managing busy lives, and the ways her experience has changed how she approaches life as a mom, athlete, and advocate.

Each year, over 280,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone. Here are three key things you can do to help:

1. Get screened regularly. Early detection is crucial. Schedule your mammograms and encourage your friends and family to do the same. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatable it is.
2. Know your body. Stay in tune with any changes in your breasts, such as lumps, pain, or skin changes. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if something feels off.
3. Support each other. If a friend or loved one is going through a breast cancer diagnosis, be there for them. Whether it’s offering emotional support or helping out with daily tasks, small gestures make a big difference.

We hope this episode has been a reminder to take action for your health and the health of those you love. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time on the Ski

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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 a text

Become a paid subscriber on Substack to listen ad-free

In this episode the Ski Moms host Lenore Moritz, founder of momentum, a coaching and mindfulness company. Lenore works both 1:1 and with groups addressing a wide range of needs in both the professional and personal realms.

We always start with our guest’s ski origin story and  Lenore's started skiing as a teen was a challenging first time on snow. Now as an adult, Lenore embraces skiing on her own terms, not focusing on constant improvement or keeping up with anyone else. 

We learn about Lenore’s career path and her career pivot from corporate communications to full-time coaching and mindfulness work. Lenore explains that coaching is about asking questions, challenging assumptions, and empowering clients to find their own solutions.

In her practice Lenore uses a variety of techniques that she thinks can also apply on the slopes, for example she explained how mindfulness techniques like focused breathing can help skiers manage fear and anxiety on the mountain. Additionally, visualization and breaking down challenges into smaller steps can also boost confidence on the slopes. 

Perfect ski day for Lenore involves sunny weather, crowd-free slopes, and enjoying at her own pace. 

We loved learning about what a coach can offer us in both our personal and professional lives. 

Keep up with the Latest from Lenore:

Website: https:

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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 a text

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In today’s episode, we are revisiting our conversation with Dr. Leslie Desrosiers, a physical therapist and creator of the ACL Strong Program, designed specifically to help skiers prevent ACL injuries and build resilience for a long skiing life. We’re sharing our experiences with the program and how we aim to keep our bodies strong and injury-free for the slopes. 

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Dr. Leslie Desrosiers: A physical therapist with over 15 years of experience working with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Her passion for injury prevention led her to create the ACL Strong program, a preventive training system tailored for skiers and snowboarders.
• Why ACL Injuries Are Common in Skiing: Dr. Desrosiers explains why skiers are particularly vulnerable to ACL injuries and what movements on the slopes increase the risk of tearing or damaging this critical ligament. Learn how common these injuries are and how they can often be prevented with the right training.
• What is the ACL Strong Program?: The ACL Strong program is a science-backed, step-by-step online course designed to strengthen key muscles, improve balance, and teach proper movement patterns to help protect your knees and reduce injury risk. It’s accessible for skiers of all levels—whether you're a weekend warrior, ski mom, or competitive athlete.
• Preventative Care for Active Skiers: Dr. Desrosiers shares practical exercises and tips from the program that you can incorporate into your off-season and pre-season training. The focus is on building knee and leg strength, core stability, and improving agility to keep you skiing confidently and injury-free.
• Getting Started with ACL Strong: We discuss how you can easily sign up for the ACL Strong program and get started right at home with minimal equipment.

Key Takeaways:

• ACL injuries are common in skiing, but they can be prevented with the right

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

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

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 a text

Become a Ski Moms substack subscriber here.

In this episode Nicole and Sarah talk with Tess Miner-Farra, the head of the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah. This is a unique public charter school that serves 9th-12th grade students focused on winter sports.  

We loved learning about the Winter Sports School and what makes it such an amazing place for young student-athletes. The school has a non-traditional academic calendar, running from April to November, allowing students to focus on their athletic training and competition during the winter months. For a little history, the Winter Sports School was founded in 1994 as a partnership between the Park City ski team and local educators. In 2014, it transitioned to become a public charter school.

The school's unique model allows students to train and compete at a high level while maintaining a rigorous college prep curriculum. Teachers and staff are very supportive of the student-athletes.  The school serves around 150 students, with 30-40% being alpine ski racers, 30% freestyle/freeski, and the rest a variety of other winter and non-winter sports.

Academics follow a traditional high school model, with students earning about 7 credits per year. As a public charter, the school must meet state graduation requirements.  The application process is a lottery system for Utah residents, with a more selective process for out-of-state applicants.

Tess discusses the challenges and benefits

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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 talks with Alli Widman, CEO of Avant Ski. Alli recaps her eventful ski season, including trips to Alta, Heavenly, Grand Targhee, and resorts in Austria and Germany.

Alli knows ski passes better than anyone, so we talked updates on major ski passes.  Epic Pass did not have major updates, but did add the location of Crans, Montana (Switzerland) to their offering. Both Epic and Ikon Passes continued to increase prices for the upcoming season. The Indy Pass continues to be very popular, but sells out fast. And Alli recommends the Mountain Collective pass for occasional ski trips to big resorts.

Alli shares some exciting new enhancements recently launched by Avant Ski, including a great new website with helpful features like resort guides, inspiration lists, and expanded trip planning services. We were excited to hear that Avant Ski is now offering flights, 5,000+ hotel partners, and local guide connections for full-service ski travel

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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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Become a Premium Subscriber and Support the Ski Moms for $3/month

In this episode, the Ski Moms are joined by Kelly Pawlak, CEO of the National Ski Area Association (NSAA). Kelly walks us through lots of interesting ski industry trends and data. The NSAA gathers data and insights from U.S. ski areas on visits, demographics, and spending. Last season there were 60.5 million skier visits, the 5th best on record, though down 7.5% from the previous year. The Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest performed strongest while the Midwest had a tough season. 

The survey highlights an aging skier population and as a result, resorts are focusing efforts on attracting more youth and families. As we often discuss, cost and accessibility can be barriers to getting a family on snow. It was great to learn that ski resorts are spending at record levels, mostly focused on lifts, housing, and infrastructure like snowmaking. 

From an industry standpoint, Kelly told us that resorts collaborate well, sharing best practices especially around safety initiatives. The NSAA has annual awards for sustainability, safety, marketing, and converting newcomers to lifelong skiers. The ski population remains majority white, affluent, and intermediate/expert skiers. Sadly, female participation is slightly declining, a trend we hope to see reversed as more and more resorts are led by women. 

Kelly recommends that families explore smaller, unique ski resorts and not just the most we

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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, the Ski Moms are joined by Kelly Pawlak, CEO of the National Ski Area Association (NSAA). Kelly walks us through lots of interesting ski industry trends and data. The NSAA gathers data and insights from U.S. ski areas on visits, demographics, and spending. Last season there were 60.5 million skier visits, the 5th best on record, though down 7.5% from the previous year. The Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest performed strongest while the Midwest had a tough season. 

The survey highlights an aging skier population and as a result, resorts are focusing efforts on attracting more youth and families. As we often discuss, cost and accessibility can be barriers to getting a family on snow. It was great to learn that ski resorts are spending at record levels, mostly focused on lifts, housing, and infrastructure like snowmaking. 

From an industry standpoint, Kelly told us that resorts collaborate well, sharing best practices especially around safety initiatives. The NSAA has annual awards for sustainability, safety, marketing, and converting newcomers to lifelong skiers. The ski population remains majority white, affluent, and intermediate/expert skiers. Sadly, female participation is slightly declining, a trend we hope to see reversed as more and more resorts are led by women. 

Kelly recommends that families explore smaller, unique ski resorts and not just the most well known places. As always, we wrapped up learning about Kelly’s perfect ski day which involves skiing hard until lunch, then relaxing with a beer. Sounds great to us!

Keep up with the latest from NSAA:

Instagram: https://www.nsaa.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSAA.org

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

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.skimomsfun.com
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://skimomsfun.com/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 10,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://instagram.com/skimomsfun

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
[email protected]
[email protected]

Send a text

Become a Premium Subscriber and Support the Ski Moms for $3/month

In this episode, the Ski Moms are joined by Leah Waaramaki, a ski mom and the Customer Service Supervisor at Nikwax North America. Leah shares her unique journey from winemaking to joining the outdoor gear industry and offers expert advice on how to take care of your ski gear to ensure it lasts for years and can be passed down from kid to kid. 

Learn about Nikwax's eco-friendly aftercare products, how to properly clean and waterproof your gear, and tips for testing the effectiveness of your waterproofing. Leah also explains her role at Nikwax and how their small but dedicated team provides exceptional customer service.

We also loved learning about Leah’s home ski resort of Alpental and all about the unique culture of Lot 3.  Lot 3 is her family’s home base for weekend family camping ski trips, which sounds like so much fun! 

Leah is a wealth of knowledge for keeping you and your family happy and dry when skiing.

Resources:

Get your nikwax products at www.nikwax.com  with our special discount codes

SKIMOMS24  for 20% off in the US
SKIMOMS24CA  for 20% off in Canada

Alpental Resort

Keep up with the latest from Nikwax:

Instagram:

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day.  Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock  *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

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

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]