Megan Herrod has lived many lives, from being born in a trailer home in Montana to spending nearly a decade as the Alpine press officer for the US Ski Team, traveling the World Cup circuit and managing media for some of the world's best athletes. Now a brand strategist, publicist, and podcast producer working closely with Mikaela Shiffrin, Megan shares her remarkable journey from racing on Midwest man-made hills to the finish lines of Olympic venues. She opens up about the financial barriers in ski racing, the importance of accessibility programs like Share Winter, and how her experience managing intense athlete dynamics has made her a better mom to her two children, Pierce and Stetson, who are just 13 months apart. Megan discusses producing Mikaela's podcast "What's the Point," the powerful Mik 100 campaign that raised nearly $500,000 for ski access, and how she's learned to balance remote work with traveling to World Cup races with babies in tow. Her authentic approach to storytelling and her commitment to making the sport more accessible shine through as she reflects on memorable moments like Beijing 2022 and the importance of mental health in athletics.

Notable Quotes:

"I wouldn't have it any other way. It was such a cool family experience... it was such a strong community and I still have friends from that team growing up."

"In many ways, that was the best thing that could have happened because people really saw who she is at the core. And as hard as it was for everyone, I think that was a really beautiful gift that she shared with the world."

Resources:

• Podcast: What's the Point
• Instagram: @MeganHarrod
• Share Winter Foundation: Supporting ski access for underserved communities

YouTube Series: "

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

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We’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations — with Olympic gold medalist, ski mom, and mental performance coach Barbara Cochran.

Why now? On February 11, 1972, Barbara won Olympic gold in slalom in Sapporo by just .02 seconds. And 54 years to the day later, her son, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, won Olympic silver in Super-G in Cortina.

An Olympic legacy — built on a Vermont rope tow.

Barbara grew up skiing at her family’s backyard hill, now known as Cochran’s Ski Area — a nonprofit, community-driven mountain where lift tickets are still affordable, race training happens under the lights, and hot chocolate costs $1.50.

We talk about:

• Growing up in a ski racing family
• Training on the legendary rope tow
• The “Cochran Way” philosophy of excellence without pressure
• Raising an Olympian as a single mom
• And the mindset that wins medals

Barbara’s father believed skiing should be joyful — but that striving for excellence builds character. Before sports psychology was mainstream, Barbara was practicing it. Heading into her Olympic race, she repeated:

That mindset carried her to gold — and now informs her work helping athletes who “train better than they race” learn to compete with confidence.

We also talk about the financial realities of ski racing, how Ryan nearly declined his U.S. Ski Team nomination due to cost, and

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

In this episode Nicole talks with Jill Brabec, President of Nordic Combined USA, about one of the Olympics' oldest sports that still excludes women. Nordic Combined blends ski jumping and cross country skiing, requiring athletes to launch themselves down steep terrain at maximum speed, fly the length of a football field, then immediately race 5K on skinny skis. Despite being in the Olympics since 1924, women were denied entry to the 2026 Games. Jill, a Steamboat Springs ski mom turned advocate, formed a nonprofit with other parents to save the US team when funding collapsed. Her daughter Alexa trains in Norway but can't compete in the Olympics due to gender restrictions.

The IOC will decide about 2030 inclusion this spring after reviewing 2026 data. Jill draws parallels to women's ski jumping, which faced identical arguments 15 years ago and is now successful. She encourages fans to watch men's Nordic Combined February 11, 17, and 19 to show viewership demand, sign the petition at nordiccombineusa.org, and follow athletes on social media. The sport features 17 World Cups for women who jump the same hills as men and train at Lake Placid, Park City, and Steamboat Springs. Families with adventurous kids can find programs starting at age 5-6 through the website.

Website: nordiccombineusa.org

Instagram: @NordicCombinedUSA

"It's really hard to see one sibling able to go to the Olympics and the other sibling not able t

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

In this episode Annie Fast, Oregon-based freelance writer and former professional snowboarder, joins the Ski Moms to discuss two critical barriers facing ski families: accessible childcare at resorts and mothers competing at elite levels. Annie's investigative work for Ski Area Management revealed a troubling trend of resort daycare closures post-COVID, including Vail's Small World, Jackson Hole, and Bridger Bowl facilities, while highlighting success stories at Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood Meadows, Brundage, and Tamarack with year-round programs. She explains why finding childcare information on resort websites is nearly impossible and how this impacts both visiting families and employee retention. Annie also previews her coverage of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, spotlighting Olympic moms competing with young children and the challenges of decentralized venues. The conversation covers practical advocacy tips for ski families, the reality of split-day skiing for toddlers, and why true "family-f

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

In this episode, the Ski Moms head out west to explore Mount Bachelor with Lauren Burke, Director of Marketing and Communications at one of the Pacific Northwest's largest ski resorts. Lauren shares her unconventional path into the ski industry, from growing up in San Diego with childhood trips to Mammoth, to falling in love with mountain life at University of Colorado Boulder. After over a decade at Mammoth Mountain, Lauren made the move to Mount Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, where she discovered a unique ski destination unlike any other.

Lauren paints a perfect picture of what makes Mount Bachelor special: affordable lodging in nearby Bend and Sun River, free parking, 410 inches of annual snowfall and 360-degree skiing on a dormant volcano with over 4,000 skiable acres. She emphasizes that spring is the absolute best time to visit, with the whole mountain open through Memorial Day and sunny weather that allows families to combine skiing with mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor concerts.

For families, Mount Bachelor offers year-round daycare, Kids Ski Free passes, extensive beginner terrain on both base areas, and affordable lesson packages. Lauren also highlights the resort's four-season offerings including downhill mountain biking, zip tours, whitewater rafting and fine dining experiences at the mid-mountain lodge.

Quotes:

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

The Ski Moms welcome legendary skier Wendy Fisher, whose name is synonymous with both Olympic racing and big mountain freeskiing. Wendy started skiing at age 2 in Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), chasing her older brothers down the hill. After losing one of her brothers in a tragic accident, she poured her grief into skiing—eventually making the U.S. Ski Team and competing in the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Wendy opens up about the emotional toll of elite racing, how fear of failure held her back, and what finally pushed her to walk away at age 23. A soul-searching road trip led her to Crested Butte, where she entered her first big mountain contest and redefined the sport by skiing bold lines no woman had attempted before. She went on to become a two-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and star in iconic films by Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions.

Now based in Crested Butte, Wendy shares how she’s reinvented herself many times—becoming a mom of two, ski instructor, DJ, and event coordinator. She talks about teaching through Vail Resorts' “Ski with an Olympian” program and her ongoing love for skiing and community.

Resources:

• Website: WendyFisher.me
• Ski with Wendy: Available at Crested Butte and Epic Pass resorts
• DJ Services: DJ Red for events and weddings
• Après Ski:

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Tallie Lancey, a Big Sky real estate expert with 18 years of experience representing buyers and sellers in Montana's premier ski destination. Tallie shares her journey from Ohio to Big Sky in 2005. She provides comprehensive insights into Big Sky's unique geography, explaining the three distinct areas: the Mountain (base area with ski-in/ski-out access), the Meadow (six miles away with walkable amenities and better value), and the Canyon (the scenic Gallatin River corridor). Tallie details lodging options from hotels to Airbnbs, private clubs and the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club. S

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com

In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Kameron Tucker, Mountain Sports Director at Massanutten Resort in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Kameron shares her inspiring journey from receiving ski passes in her Christmas stocking as a child to leading mountain operations at the resort where she first learned to ski. Now in her third season as Mountain Sports Director after 12 years with the resort, Kameron brings a wealth of experience from roles spanning the family adventure park, ski patrol , and ski school operations.

Kameron provides an insider's guide to Massanutten, a true four-season destination resort spanning over 6,000 acres with something for every family member. She explains how the resort welcomes skiers from their local Harrisonburg community, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and even Florida, with passholders who maximize their week-long visits by skiing every day. The typical season runs from mid-December through early March, with aggressive snowmaking to ensure quality conditions.

Massanutten is a beginner-friendly mountain that teaches people to love skiing and snowboarding, with terrain perfect for learning.

Beyond skiing, Kameron highlights the resort's extensive amenities including diverse lodging options, an indoor/outdoor water park with a new hotel under construction, two rec centers, escape rooms, 36-40 miles of hiking trails, zip lines, snow tubing, and a

Ski Haus makes it easy with custom boot fitting that actually changes how you ski and how you feel at the end of the day. Located in Woburn & Framingham, MA and Tax-Free Salem, NH. Head to skihaus.com for store hours and directions.

SPECIAL IN-STORE OFFERS

*Purchase a boot with a custom boot fit > get a free Smartwool sock *Come in for a boot fit on your boots > get Smartwool sock for ½ price

It's time to upgrade how you travel to the mountains with Ski Butlers. Ski moms can save 20% off their reservations here https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/momtrends

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own!
👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
Sarah@skimomsfun.com
Nicole@skimomsfun.com