In the outdoor world, spectacular stories of summitting a huge peak or overcoming fears to achieve success on the hill or in the water seem to be a dime a dozen. And although these stories serve to inspire and encourage others, it is the stories of others and their successes that have impacted my life in the outdoors the most.

For years I spent trying to secure sponsorships, to get invited on that expedition that was sure to wow the masses and impress my sponsors, get that magazine cover or be the first woman to descend a peak on the other side of the world. After numerous achievements and numerous failures, my focus changed and this changed my approach to skiing, my life and my mission. It was not all about me and what I had done, there needed to be a greater purpose for me to continue with this lifestyle. This shift, admittedly brought on by maturity and thoughts of a more secure future, got me thinking long and hard how to give back to the industry that gave me so much. I was not ready to give up this lifestyle; one that afforded me exotic travel, fitness and health, and skiing more than 100 days a year. Growing up as a ski racer in Vermont, teaching was never on my radar, but what could I do? What did I have to share that people would benefit from?

It was not until I took part in organizing and running a women’s telemark clinic in the Wasatch that it all became clear to me. I could teach, I had a lot to offer and although the women benefited from my on-hill technical knowledge, and my sharing this love of the sport, it was I who benefited the most. The rush and adrenaline of watching someone achieve success through my teaching was something I never experienced. It was more gratifying than I could have ever imagined. It was both challenging and fulfilling, I was a participant in the process of growing the sport I loved. I had found my niche in the industry and went forth to create a business based on this love of the sport and the mutually gratifying experience I shared with these women. Ultimate Groove was born.

Of course adding the business aspect to my passion would be tricky and at times conflicting, but when it boiled down to sharing the love of the sport and the outdoors, it made it all worth it. I have since struggled with pricing, been logistically dumbfounded and had to compromise for the weather on several occasions. These challenges have served to keep me focused on the mission and those hours on the hill that make it all worth it. Helping women achieve personal success, whether it be nailing that technical telemark turn, taking their abilities to the next level or simply providing them an environment to challenge themselves, has become my mission with Ultimate Groove. Each camp has provided me with feelings of inspiration, challenge, support and gratification, and each day at an Ultimate Groove is a new and exciting outdoor experience for me.