Let's Hit the Slopes

As the snow flies through the air in an exciting race down the track, the competitive skiers at JA leave their mark when they soar down the mountain. 

Living in Colorado provides for many great opportunities when it comes to snow sports. With the mountains being so close by, many talented students begin their journeys in skiing at a very young age.

“I started skiing when I was one and a half years old,” senior Maddie Lowe stated. “My parents put me in skis and pushed me down a little snow mound in our backyard, and I haven’t looked back since.”

The road to success started early for Lowe, and continues to shine brightly ahead of her.

“It was my decision to start racing when I was ten,” Lowe continued. “I was told by a coach to go try it and expand my horizons by trying something new.”

Having people to look up to can help put things in perspective and turn big goals into reality. Family additionally plays an important role in showing support and inspiring athletes.

“My parents have always helped me accomplish my dreams,” Lowe mentioned. “Other than my family, who has always been there for me and has always supported me, [my other biggest inspiration has been] the best world cup ski racer of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin.” 

Being passionate about what she does is another way Lowe continues to reach for the stars when it comes to skiing. 

“I just love skiing so much, and I could not imagine my life without it,” declared Lowe. “I have a drive for ski racing.”

With that being said, challenges arose for Lowe when she came to the realization it’s not always possible to keep up with how other competitors are training. Living in a more urban area and commuting to Winter Park does come with its own obstacles.

“It definitely makes a difference for me to live in Denver instead of in the mountains,” Lowe pointed out. “A lot of my competitors live in the mountains and ski five times a week, whereas I only ski about three times a week.” 

However, Lowe manages to overcome these difficulties and thrive.

“I train and I head up there a lot,” stated Lowe. “I love the sport, so it’s all worth it.”

Having a longer commute than others doesn’t set Lowe back, as she finds the extra step a challenge she can grow from.

“Knowing that the harder I train the better I will get [keeps me going],” Lowe mentioned, “I keep training so I can get better and the experience of skiing has always kept me motivated.”

Having small wins along the way can additionally help with staying determined to reach the next goal.

“The little successes are my favorite,” Lowe said, “If I do really well on a specific course, or I have a good time, or skiing powder for fun and not having to compete are the little successes I like.”

Sometimes it’s the small things that can keep us going. For Lowe, skiing is a prominent part of her life that will continue to grow along with her.

“Ski racing is part of who I am,” Lowe declared. “It encompasses me, and there is not one specific feeling I have [when I am skiing]; sometimes I’m cold, sometimes I’m tired, but in the end I will always go back to ski racing, no matter how difficult it gets.”