Sponsors/Support if any: none

What makes you passionate about skiing?
It is the one thing in this world that truly makes me feel alive.

What are your aspirations in skiing?
I want to continue to push the limits, my own as well as those for women’s skiing in general. Whether that means winning comps on the World Tour, logging new descents in far-off mountains or making some good flicks, I improve every season and I don’t want to loose momentum! There gets to be a point when you see other skiers doing some amazing things and then you sit back and think, “whoa, that could be me out there”... now it’s time to get ‘er done.

Who are your current role models or who inspires you?
Laura Ogden, I met her last year on the World Tour in Europe. She blew me away with how smooth and strong she skis. She’s at the top and so humble about it. The best part is that you can tell she’s skiing because it’s really her passion in life and it’s not about the “bling” it’s about the smile it brings to your face when you’ve ripped the turns of your lifetime. I think that shows in her skiing and I admire her for that.

What is your greatest personal achievement in the mountains? (Competition/Line/Trip)
The Verbier Ride last year was epic. I was going on week three of ditching graduate school classes in Italy to ski the Alps. I had just returned to my home in Bologna from the sickest week of powder in Saint Anton Arleberg and found out I had made the qualifiers so I turned around jumped on a train and headed to Switzerland by myself. I ended up 13th overall after cleaning one of the gnarliest double cliff drops of my life. I proved a lot to myself on that trip and besides being a three-day adrenaline rush, I knew that from then on I was hooked on big mountain competitions.

How have you dedicated your life to the mountains and adventure?
It’s hard to find me in one place for more than a year. In the past five years I have moved all over the world pursuing skiing and exploring new mountain ranges from the Alps in Europe to the Saint Elias in Alaska. I’ve worked as a backcountry guide, ski patroller, and ski instructor and made it my goal in life to never stop exploring and learning. As a result, my off-seasons have been occupied with school as I’m currently pursing a Masters degree in International Affairs and Environmental Studies. My ultimate goal is starting a non-profit organization that is focused on environmental education for rural mountain communities around the developing world.

Why have you dedicated your life to mountain pursuits?
Skiing and being in the mountains have made me who I am. In fact, I can’t imagine living apart from the mountains because of the excitement and perspective they bring into people’s lives. In my years as a ski and mountain bike guide it was always amazing to see how a person changed after spending a few days in the mountains. They have a profound affect and I believe that in this day and age the world could use a little more of those kind of people.

What are some things the mountains have taught you that have proven valuable in the real world?
The mountains have taught me respect, there’s nothing like trying to defy nature and getting worked by an avalanche. They have also taught me patience and to be happy with the simple things in life that sometimes are worth waiting for, like the perfect bluebird powder day after a long storm or falling gold aspen leaves at the turn of the season. Lastly, they have taught me to be tough and persevere two things that have been very valuable in life and love.

How will the scholarship enable you to further pursue your skiing aspirations?
A scholarship from Biglines.com will enable me to reach the next level that I have dreaming of reaching my whole life. The competition for sponsorship in women’s skiing gets steeper every year and the challenge of making it “big” is greater every season. I face these obstacles with enthusiasm and determination. Being able to ski for Biglines.com and receiving financial support would be an incredible opportunity that could open more doors in my athletic career.

How can you be a Biglines.com ambassador? I will revolutionize the ski porn industry and make a difference in the world while I’m at it.

Check out the other girls in the running for this year's Freeride Scholarship.

What is the Biglines Free Ride Scholarship? Check it out