The Snow Report
The latest snow, ski, and winter sports stories from Outside.
The film and Web episodes will focus not only on our athletic achievements as skiers, snowboarders, or mountain bikers, but as participants in the outdoor sports community as well. The film will also focus on camaraderie, adventure, art, tools for facing fears, and other aspects of mountain living that make a healthy, balanced lifestyle worth living.
Where did the idea come from? When will it come out?
I had dedicated my winters to filming for years, putting my body on the line and oftentimes wouldn't see worthy footage ever show up in the films. That, or we'd only see quick blips from girls spread out in films, easily lost. I knew if it was happening to me it must be happening to others. I figured if I pooled all of our collective highlights together we might have more of an impact as a whole. That way we could spotlight some of women’s achievements, offer them a voice, and share with the outside world what this lifestyle looks like from a different perspective most hadn't seen in the action sports realm.
However, my greatest motivation is to offer healthy role models to girls other than what mainstream media pumps out. We want to prove to little girls everywhere that the mountain lifestyle is an option for them, and that everyone from a waitress to a mom to a doctor can find her place on a mountain. I want inspire people through the films. Here’s the teaser.
Who is in the film?
My goal is to work collectively with as many individuals, filmers, production companies, and sponsors to show just how many of us there are. I want to tell the collective community’s story of women who love mountains and what it takes to keep mountains a priority. I’m looking for anyone who loves skiing, both young and old, nurses and guides, teachers and moms who share the common joy of being in the mountains, what they have taught us, and the challenges we fight to be in them.
You, Rachel Burks, and a few women are making ladies-only ski films. What do you attribute this trend to?
I think there are a few of us who have been knocking on the door for a long time and are finally willing to take matters into our own hands. We want to see more females getting after it and girls want their story to be told. I think it’s time.
What are the challenges women face in getting involved in outdoor sports like climbing, skiing, and mountain biking?
I didn't have many female role models in mainstream media when I was growing up. Jane Goodall is all I can think of. To me, society told me to really make it, one had to either be a sexy singer or a sexy actress. I couldn't relate to either of those, so I looked to men as role models for a long time. Then I realized I had abandoned some really powerful parts of myself as a female—that boys are also programmed to set aside—like being willing to feel fear or tapping into intuition to make good decisions in the mountains.
What challenges have you personally experienced being a professional female skier?
Sometimes I get opportunities for the wrong reasons. There have been a few "let's talk about sponsorship or film segment over dinner" offers. It's hard to find a potential partner who sees real value in me other than for simply modeling gear or as a date. Luckily, the sponsors I have now see value in all that I have to offer—as an athlete, an artist, and someone passionate about creating more opportunities for kids and women to feel welcome in the mountains.
What motivates you?
The biggest challenge and greatest form of motivation I’ve found is when people don’t think I am capable of something. It makes me appreciate duality and controversy. The whole, “Hold my beer and watch this” mentality is a pretty fun way to make myself step up.
