I didn’t learn to ski until my freshman year of college. Moving to Bozeman, Montana, I had no idea what winter was really like (seriously – the only jacket I brought was a rain jacket). A new friend convinced me to invest in ski gear, telling me it was the best way to survive winter in the mountains.

So, I picked up a pair of used boots that were 3 sizes too big and a decent set of skis and bindings. My first few seasons on the slopes were filled with fumbling and learning from patient friends, enrolling in a skiing class at MSU, and trying to figure out how to get the right gear on a budget as a poor college student.

It wasn’t until a few years into skiing that I truly fell in love with the sport. I know that first season pass purchase and upgrading my ski gear were key moments. But the moment I truly fell in love with skiing was when I found my girl squad to ski with. I wasn’t worried about speaking up or crying on the hill anymore (IYKYK). I was laughing all day, and the hooting and hollering never stopped. That’s the empowerment I want every skier to feel—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey.

In 2017, while working at Heyday and helping with their private label apparel line, I designed a “Ski Like a Girl” t-shirt. It was then I realized that this couldn’t just be a simple design—it had to be a movement.

Ski Like a Girl™ is a community encouraging women and girls to get out on the slopes, discover their passion for skiing, and connect with others who share the love for the sport. Our mission is to continue empowering women and girls, whether they’re just getting started or already deeply involved in the ski community.

Thank you for being here, and welcome to the movement. Let’s ski like girls!