Recent Adventure Scholar awardee Ashley Maxfield applied and received an Adventure Scholarship to further her coaching and skiing skills in the freeride community where she serves as  Level 2 certified freeride judge.

In her words:

“Nine summers ago, I made the plunge into the world of big mountain skiing. I still remember getting out of the taxi at the Blue Tambo in Farellones, Chile. I remember how nervous and excited I was, I remember hoping that my taxi driver found the right place, and I remember not knowing what to expect. When I got out of the car there was a smiling face that came to greet me.

That smile was so inviting, I instantly felt like I was with a friend. That smile belonged to my first and best friend on the Freeskiing World Tour, Ryan Hawks. Ryan’s simple act of kindness made all the difference for me. As ski racer at a big mountain competition I felt like a fish out of water. I had no clue what I was doing or what was going on, but Ryan took me underneath his wing and showed me the ropes.”

Click here to learn more about Ashley and read the rest of her essay.