Heidi Jo Karlsson
Heidi Jo Karlsson is a seasoned mountain sports leader and Director of Mountain Sports and Recreation Manager at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota. With more than 45 years in the ski and outdoor recreation industry, she has built a career defined by program growth, instructor development, and community impact. A PSIA Level 3 Trainer and active member of PSIA-AASI (Central Division), Heidi is widely respected for her leadership in ski school operations, certification training, and mountain sports programming. Her expertise spans ski school development, instructor training, event management, and year-round recreational programming.
Heidi’s journey began with a college physical education ski course while earning her degree in Outdoor Recreation & Education from University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Certified through PSIA in 1980, she advanced to Level 3 Trainer while balancing career growth and raising two children as a single parent. Over the decades, she has served in director-level roles at multiple Midwest ski areas, including Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, Buck Hill, and Wild Mountain Taylors Falls Recreation Area. Known for building sustainable programs, she has consistently expanded instructor teams, strengthened certification pathways, and cultivated strong training cultures that continue to thrive long after her tenure.
At Giants Ridge, Heidi transformed the snow sports program from a small team of eight instructors into a dynamic roster of nearly 50, while also reintroducing PSIA events to make professional development more accessible for staff. Beyond winter operations, she leads eight-week downhill mountain biking programs for youth and adults, reinforcing her commitment to year-round outdoor recreation. Recognized among top women in the industry by PSIA Central Region and featured in the publication 32 Degrees, Heidi is passionate about mentorship, community engagement, and fostering lifelong participation in mountain sports.
• PSIA Level 3 Trainer
• PSIA 40-Year PIN
• Outdoor Recreation degree
• Featured in 32 Degrees Magazine as Top 5 Women in the Industry
• Featured in Article 'Heidi Finds Her True North'
• PSIA 40-Year Certification PIN
• Coached High School Team to State 3 Times
• PSIA/AASI - Central Division
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors who shaped my life and career. My father first introduced me to the sport and instilled in me a lifelong love of the outdoors—an influence that continues to guide me even after his passing.
I was also deeply inspired by Jeannie Thoren, a trailblazer in women’s ski gear and Hall of Fame inductee, whose leadership and innovation motivated me to strive for excellence. In addition, Rennie Lovell, my first ski school director at Lutsen Mountains, taught me how to teach and lead effectively. Together, these mentors laid the foundation for my growth and success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come through the example and guidance of my mentors. My father, who introduced me to skiing at a young age, taught me to pursue what I love with dedication and integrity.
Jeannie Thoren showed me the importance of innovation, confidence, and advocating for women in the sport, while Rennie Lovell, my first ski school director, taught me how to lead and teach with clarity and purpose. Together, their guidance shaped my technical expertise, leadership style, and commitment to advancing women in the ski industry.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t give up. While it has traditionally been male-dominated, you are just as capable and talented as anyone else in the field. Believe that, stand firmly in your abilities, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Most importantly, follow your passion. Passion is the greatest driver of success in any career. When you truly love what you do, it fuels your resilience, strengthens your confidence, and carries you through challenges.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is recruiting and retaining qualified instructors, especially within smaller population bases where growth can be limited. The industry also remains largely male-dominated, which can make advancing women into leadership roles more challenging. Sustaining long-term program growth while maintaining quality instruction is an ongoing focus.
At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities ahead. Building strong, sustainable instructor development programs can elevate the overall standard of teaching and create clearer pathways for advancement. Hosting events through organizations like Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) locally can also increase certification levels, boost lesson participation, and strengthen the broader mountain sports community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are passion, perseverance, mentorship, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Spending time teaching my grandchildren to ski and bike reminds me why I love what I do and how meaningful it is to pass that passion on to the next generation.
In my free time, I enjoy skiing, biking, and kayaking on Lake Superior. Being outdoors keeps me grounded and connected, and seeing my family continue the tradition of skiing together is incredibly rewarding.