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.
Header photo courtesy of Tyler Struss / Alta Ski Area.
Cheryl has been a member of The Ski Diva since 2007, and has been a regular on both our eastern and western trips for much of that time. She goes by @ride_ski on the forum, and is an avid motorcyclist in addition to being an avid skier. She splits her time between New Hampshire and Vermont.
How long have you been skiing?
I started skiing at around age 10, but only went a few days per year. I skied a few times in high school / college and in my 20s, but didn’t really start going frequently until my now-husband and I started dating. He was a frequent skier, so that is when I really started to get serious.
What drew you to skiing, and what’s kept you hooked?
Being on the mountain is freeing. It gets me away from all the weekday / work stress. Being outside, in the fresh air, on the snow is calming. It keeps me centered.
How did you find The Ski Diva?
Way back in 2007, I was looking for a new pair of skis. We knew the folks at the ski shop, so the owner suggested that I try a pair of K2 Burnin Luvs. I took them out for a day and liked them, and so I ended up buying them. I had not done any research (except the demo) prior to the purchase and this was not how I usually operate. So as soon as I got home, buyer’s remorse kicked in… “what if these aren’t good skis”, “did I make a mistake”, “what did I just buy”. My next move: I typed 3 words into Google that ended up changing my ski life forever: “Burnin Luv reviews”. Guess what site popped up?
Can you share a favorite memory or story involving the forum or forum members?
My first time meeting the Divas was a Diva Day at Okemo. This must have been in 2008 or 2009. I was nervous about meeting a group for the first time, so I baked brownies and brought them with me. The running joke is that I bribed everyone with brownies to like me. That became my thing and even now on Diva West trips, I bake brownies for my housemates.
I am really looking forward to going to Big Sky for the Diva West trip in 2026. In 2016, during the last Diva trip there, I slipped while carrying my skis walking off the gondola and fractured my ankle. Of course, it was the first run and a powder day. We happened to be staying in a large house with a group of Divas. I’m thankful for that since everyone pitched in to help take care of me, keep me company, and allowed my husband to still get some skiing in that week.
Have you ever gone on a trip or adventure that wouldn’t have happened without The Ski Diva?
My husband and I started attending the Diva East trips in 2012. We did our first trip to Utah in 2013 (not a Diva trip, but our dear friend and forum member @SkiSailor met us out there and we skied with her for a few days). We decided to go back to Utah in 2014 with the Divas. Since then, I have attended all but 2 Diva West trips. I would say that without the Divas, we would be skiing out west, but it probably wouldn’t be a yearly event.
Is there anyone you’ve met through the forum who’s had a big impact on you?
Too many to list!
How has The Ski Diva community influenced your skiing?
Getting to experience so many different ski areas is a direct result of this forum. I would not have planned trips to all of those places on my own. I went heliskiing last year for the first time, and I NEVER would have been able to do that if it weren’t for all the Diva West trips that have pushed me outside my comfort zone and improved my skiing. And let’s not get started listing all of the gear I have purchased – Divas are enabling!
How has The Ski Diva community influenced your life outside of skiing?
I am so grateful for the friendships I have made as a result of this forum. The Ski Diva was the first women’s only group I participated in. Because of this experience I have searched out women’s groups for my other hobbies as well.
What advice would you give to a new skier just starting out – especially women entering the sport?
Do it! Take lessons and use this community to ask questions. You will find lots of support here!
What do you hope The Ski Diva looks like 20 years from now?
I hope it is still a supportive community that provides an opportunity for women to share this sport that we love.
If you had to describe skiing in three words, what would they be?
Fun, invigorating, challenging.
