HERoic initiative, films showcase role of women in snow sports

By Karen D. Lorentz

“Women worked in the shadows of the historically male dominated ski industry, but that is changing and the future is bright,” noted Sophie Goldschmidt as she introduced the first HERoic panel presentation at the 2022 Killington World Cup.

Goldschmidt, who is president and CEO of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association, the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the U.S., said, “The HERoic initiative was created because U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to providing more leadership, opportunities, and mentorship for women to achieve further greatness in our sports. It is also about investing in their future success. There is so much upside and things that can be done.”

With the Women’s Slalom and Giant Slalom World Cup races at Killington attracting thousands of women and young girls each year, the HERoic panel discussions have increased the awareness of the opportunities and possibilities for positions and advancement in the ski industry.

The inaugural panel of ski industry women leaders in 2022 discussed the challenges women face, changes that have occurred, and opportunities for women wanting to work in the ski and snowboard industry after they retire from racing or graduate from college. 

The 2023 HERoic panel focused on “Doing It All: Women Leaders.”

This year’s HERoic panel presentation focuses on women who work for themselves and the women around them by blazing a trail. 

Goldschmidt will host the discussion. Panel participants include: Constance Beverly, CEO of the Share Winter Foundation; Amy Laramie, VP of brand marketing and events at Killington Resort; Megan Harrod, publicist and brand manager for Mikaela Shiffrin; Corrine Privot, founder and owner of Skida; and Anouk Patty, chief of sport for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team.

This year’s HERoic panel event is Saturday, Nov. 30 and is open to the public ($10 admission ticket to the World Cup is required) and takes place in the Snowshed Ballroom (second floor of the Snowshed Lodge) from 6-7 p.m. 

Movies

The panel discussion will be followed by two movie screenings — “Moving Right Along” and “Kindred” starting at 7 p.m.

“Kindred” is a short film about skiers Devin Logan and Caroline Claire. Both are U.S. Olympic team members and skiing soulmates. The film follows them as they take the next step in their careers: big lines, raw honesty, and camaraderie that stretches from the half pipe to the backcountry. “Kindred” was directed by Iz La Motte and  Sara Beam Robbins. 

For more information, visit: Stio.com/pages/kindred.

The evening concludes with Season 3, Episode 1 of “Moving Right Along,” a documentary series about six-time Killington Cup winner Mikaela Shiffrin. This episode details how she has impacted the sport since the beginning of her World Cup career nearly 13 years ago and features: her involvement with ushering in the next generation; the leadership and work she does with her teammates; the impact she has on young boys and girls alike; and the philanthropic work she does to support underserved youth with resources to help them both on and off the field of play.

All events at the Killington Cup are included with the $10 admission.

For more information, visit: Killington.com/worldcup.