Kids and an exciting mountain career? It's complicated.

[ski diva]

Interesting article in Outside about women who choose to become moms without giving up careers as pro skiers or mountain guides. A good piece, but I think it's telling that no one ever talks about men having to choose between extreme sports and kids, don't you?

 

[DeeSki]

Excellent article. I think all women who become mothers and continue their careers face these issues. Ambitious women are often viewed with suspicion and even more so when they have children. No one ever talks about men having to choose between anything and kids, while women have to justify all of their choices. Of course the physical risk of a career as a pro-skier or mountain guide is probably higher than that of an office job (although when you read about the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, I’m not so sure.) However, I’m not convinced it’s the risk that really causes the criticism. I think it’s more that women who pursue their careers are always criticised and if your career is in extreme sports, the risk gives critics something to focus on.

These women are amazing. I’ll never be able to ski like them but I love watching them and reading about them. Kit DesLauriers‘ story about skiing Grand Teton between breastfeeds is epic!

 

[marzNC]

Good read.

For those who haven't heard about Ingrid Backstrom's family adventures with her baby, husband, and grandparents:

https://www.powder.com/lineage/

Ingrid's mother continued to be on ski patrol after having kids and is still skiing strong as a grandmother.

 

[SallyCat]

A good piece, but I think it's telling that no one ever talks about men having to choose between extreme sports and kids, don't you?

Telling, indeed.

 

[geargrrl]

Every now and then I see it addressed in male oriented pieces where they talk about leaving the family behind.