What’s your favorite part about backcountry freeskiing, and how do you prepare for a challenging descent?

I've thought about this a lot. My favorite part about backcountry skiing the feeling of connection with the mountains as I walk with them. Walking alongside, through and on top of these giant peaks is extremely motivating and I get energy from it that I don't often find in any other aspects of my life.

For a challenging descent, I make sure all my gear is charged (radio, beacon, heated socks, gopro, etc.) and pack my bags the night before. Food is important, but sometimes overlooked! I try to visualize the descent and be conscious of the risks involved. To mitigate risks, it's important that we get early starts and stick to a schedule (when we plan to drop, when we should be out of the mountains, etc.). I try to assess the snowpack as I hike and make safe decisions through observations as we move through the mountains.  

How does your climate advocacy influence your outdoor activities and the way you protect the environments you love?

As a skier, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on our winters. Our snowpack in Tahoe serves as a reservoir for California's water supply. When it dwindles, our forests become more vulnerable to wildfires, threatening the very existence of our natural habitats. That's why I'm committed to advocating for green energy policies in my community. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future and preserve the beauty of our outdoors for generations to come. Locally driven initiatives can inspire broader change, and I believe that our collective voices can make a tangible difference.

Have you noticed any shifts in the outdoor community’s approach to climate change, and where do you see the movement heading?

Yes! In Tahoe, I've seen a significant shift. Our community has committed to becoming 100% renewable energy by 2030—a bold goal that demonstrates our dedication to sustainability. The Caldor fire was a wake-up call for our community, and it sparked a newfound motivation to protect our home. As we move forward, I envision a movement that's more inclusive, more diverse and more committed to collective action. By working together and sharing our perspectives, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet. 

What does it mean to represent women in freeride skiing, and how do you see the landscape changing for female athletes?

To me, rather than viewing myself as representing women in freeride, I'd like to picture myself more as representing a spirit of courage, adventure and perseverance. I hope to represent women by demonstrating excellence outside of the box of gender. I can be a model for younger girls by showing that gender has no implication on my ability.  

As the landscape continues to evolve, I see female athletes being recognized for their talents, rather than being relegated to a separate category. We're more than just "female" athletes – we're athletes, period. And I'm excited to be part of a movement that's redefining the narrative around women in sports!