2026 is the 20th anniversary of The Ski Diva. To celebrate the amazing women who make this community what it is, we’re going to be featuring interviews with Ski Diva members on the blog all season long. Check them all out here.
Ali, who goes by @AJM on the forum, has been a member of The Ski Diva since December 2020. As one of members from the southern hemisphere, she provides plenty of stoke during the months when most of the forum members are only dreaming of snow.
How did you find The Ski Diva? What motivated you to join and stick around?
I stumbled across The Ski Diva when I was using good old Google to find the answer to a question I had about something, and up popped the forum. After lurking for a while and realizing what a fantastically welcoming, supportive and all round amazing space it is, I jumped in, boots and all!
Can you share a favorite memory or story involving the forum or forum members?
I guess my favorite memory is of just how supportive and encouraging the Divas were when I had a skiing accident 3yrs ago. I ended up stuck on the couch for 6 weeks followed by a long rehab before I could get back on skis again.
Is there anyone you’ve met through the forum who’s had a big impact on you?
Whilst I’ve had no actual sightings (I’m a bit geographically challenged down here), I do have to give special mention to the following:
Instructors @liquidfeet, @Jilly, and @snoWYmonkey for all their incredible online coaching.
@santacruz skier, @MissySki, @VickiK and so many more for their support and for just being all around great Divas.
@SnowHot for all her gear knowledge that she so readily shares.
And so many more! Gosh, it’s starting to read like an Oscars speech!
How has The Ski Diva community influenced your skiing?
One word: greatly!
Whilst I’ve been skiing for a very long time my technique has always been neglected somewhat. I’ve made it a goal to be more technically proficient and – more to the point – to be able to ski as efficiently as I can, so I can continue to ski as long as I can. The Divas mentioned above as well as the whole Diva community have been incredibly supportive and helpful.
How long have you been skiing?
Yikes, 50 years (gulp). The first 25 years were pretty much on and off as life got in the way, but I’ve been skiing consistently for the last 25. I average around 30 days a season (our seasons are shorter, usually around 90 days on a good year). It helps living 20 minutes away from the access road to our local ski hill.
What drew you to skiing, and what’s kept you hooked?
I was the classic “taught by Dad” skier on one of our local club ski fields. I’ve been skiing since I was a child, but giving up my career in the fashion industry to work on one of our local ski areas in the late 90’s, and then meeting my now-husband, drew me back. Now I can’t imagine a life without skiing
As for what kept me hooked? Well, this saying that I came across a few weeks ago pretty much sums it up: Skiing isn’t just about skiing, it’s about the friendships we make, the camaraderie, the lifestyle, simply being out there in the elements. It’s about challenging yourself. It’s so much more than just sliding on snow.
What advice would you give to a new skier just starting out – especially women entering the sport?
Get a lesson from the get go so your journey starts off right. Get well-fitting boots – they are the key that unlocks everything. Don’t get too much into your head – it’s supposed to be FUN! Sadly we women still seem to be in the minority out there on the slopes, so I’m all for giving as much encouragement as I can!
What do you hope The Ski Diva looks like 20 years from now?
I really hope it continues to be the wonderfully supportive and inclusive environment that it currently is.
If you had to describe skiing in three words, what would they be?
Exhilarating. Challenging. Rewarding.