Her Story
About Sarah
I've been working in the outdoors for over a decade now, about 12 or 13 years. I started as a snowmaker at Beaver Creek, which was one of the most fun jobs and got me into the best shape of my life while inspiring me to pursue snowboarding and eventually skiing. That led to ski patrolling and backcountry ski guiding, then I got professional AMGA training starting in 2014. I also worked as an EMT on the ambulance and taught wilderness first responder courses, which all guides need. Now I'm an IFMGA Mountain Guide, the 24th female one in the U.S. and the first certified splitboard guide.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
Having grit and the mindset to suck it up and keep going, even on long 12-hour days in the alpine when your feet hurt. As a guide, you can't just sit down and take a break, you have to keep pushing forward for the clients.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Failing forward. Even if you make a mistake, you can fix it and keep moving forward. This helped me through the AMGA track despite biases as a woman in a male-dominated field.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go into it with the mindset that you are just the same as everyone else. Don't think of yourself as the solo-only woman because that will change your mindset. I was often the only woman in my fields and never felt discrimination until it became a topic of discussion.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the financial cost to become a mountain guide, with exams costing thousands plus travel and gear, taking 5-10 years and up to 80-100 grand total. Opportunities include guiding internationally as an IFMGA guide, which opens doors anywhere, especially as a female.
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