This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the moms who make the magic happen on the mountain — the ones who wake up early, pack the gear, and cheer the loudest from the base of the hill. In this special conversation, ski mom Anusha Gregory takes us behind the scenes of her life supporting her 10-year-old daughter, Ali, on the slopes of their home mountain, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia. This season, Ali is focused on perfecting her carving skills across all types of terrain, and her mother’s journey from non-skier to dedicated ski mom shows us that sometimes our children don’t just find their passion – they bring us along for the most incredible ride of our lives.
Q: How did Ali start ski racing? Were you a racer yourself?
A: I was never a skier myself — in fact, I didn’t even learn to snowboard until my twenties. That’s why we decided to get Ali started early. We put her on a pair of plastic skis when she was just 22 months old. The following winter, we booked her a private lesson, and she instantly clicked with her instructor. From then on, he gave her lessons every time we went to Snowshoe Mountain.
When Ali was five, her instructor suggested she try a local Skier Cross competition. She loved it — and we were hooked! Not long after, she joined Snowshoe’s Forever Wild Freestyle Team, and that’s really where her ski racing journey began.
Q: How do you prepare yourself and your family for the ski season?
A: In the months leading up to ski season, I turn into a bit of a bargain hunter. I’m constantly checking websites, Facebook groups, and apps for deals on the next size up in gear. A couple of months before the season starts, I have Ali try everything on to see what still fits and what needs replacing. Anything we’re not keeping gets sold at ski consignment sales or passed along to other families on the team.
About three months before ski season kicks off, we stop traveling and spend more time at home. The competition season can be mentally and physically draining, so we try to slow down beforehand. That way, by the time the snow starts falling, we’re rested, organized, and ready to go all in.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you during the ski season?
A: During ski season, our days start bright and early around 7 a.m. We kick things off with a healthy breakfast — usually eggs (Ali loves hers with a sprinkle of Old Bay), apple slices with peanut butter, a slice of toast, and some strawberries, plus a glass of water with Liquid I.V. to stay hydrated.
After breakfast, we start getting ready — just halfway at first — then take a few minutes to stretch before finishing up and heading out. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the slopes, where Ali joins her team for training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While she’s with her coaches, my husband and I take the opportunity to ski or snowboard ourselves.
When practice wraps up, we dry out all the gear, put the boots on dryers, and wax her skis. I’ve been fortunate to connect with many seasoned ski parents and have learned so much from them — everything from waxing techniques and temperature adjustments to boot sizing and gear recommendations.
Usually, playdates are arranged during practice, so one or two kids come over to hang out for a bit. If there’s any schoolwork Ali still needs to finish, we tackle it in the evening. After that, it’s time to rest, refuel, and get ready to do it all again the next day.
Q: How do you support Ali emotionally during training and competitions?
A: We try to stay connected by talking openly about how she’s feeling — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We remind her that she’s not racing against her friends; the only person she’s truly competing against is herself, and the goal is simply to beat her own personal best. We also make a point to take fun laps together between training runs to keep things light and remind her that skiing should always be fun.
Beyond the competition, we make sure there’s time for fun and friendship. If there’s a hot tub nearby, we’ll gather the girls so they can hop in, relax, and just be kids — laughing, goofing off, and enjoying each other’s company. Those moments help keep the sport joyful and grounded, and the friendships being built along the way are ones we hope will last for years to come.
Q: What is the most challenging part of being a ski parent? Do you have any conflicts with your athlete?
A: It can definitely be draining. We don’t live close to our home mountain — it’s about a four-hour drive each way — and making that trip every weekend takes a toll.
Our biggest conflict usually comes when Ali hits a mental block. Sometimes she doubts herself or doesn’t think she’s good enough to try something new. In those moments, it’s hard to know how to help — you want to push her, but you also want her to find her confidence in her own time. Watching her work through those moments, though, makes her progress that much more meaningful.
Q: What emotions do you go through watching your child compete?
A: In the summer of 2024, Ali broke her arm in three places while training at a Snowflex facility. Then, on her very first day back on snow that winter, she went for a new jump in the terrain park and ended up with her first concussion — and an ambulance ride. Helping her work through the fears that developed afterward was incredibly challenging. Even now, there are moments when the negative thoughts and self-doubt creep back in, and we have to work through them together.
What helps is reminding her that “the greater the setback, the greater the comeback.” Watching her rebuild her confidence has reminded us, too, why we do this — why the long drives, early mornings, and tough moments are all worth it. My husband and I often say we’re living our best lives right now, sharing this ski journey with our daughter. We know there will come a day when she won’t want to spend quite as much time with us, so we’re cherishing every moment while we can. Win or lose, at the end of the day, we still have each other — and that’s what really matters.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of supporting your athlete throughout her different skiing endeavors?
A: The most rewarding part is watching Ali push through self-doubt and surprise herself. There’s nothing like seeing her face light up when something finally clicks. For the longest time, she didn’t think she could slide a tube — but she kept trying, again and again. When she finally did it, the joy and pride on her face made every failed attempt completely worth it. Moments like that remind me why the journey is so special.
Q: How has being a “ski mom” shaped your own life or identity?
A: The winter months are completely centered around skiing now — and honestly, we’re loving every second of it. Last season, I couldn’t join in on a day trip to Deer Valley while we were in Park City for a competition because I only knew how to snowboard at the time. I decided right then and there that I wasn’t missing out again, so I picked up skiing myself.
Now I truly understand what draws Ali in — the thrill, the focus, the freedom. Being a “ski mom” has completely changed how I see winter, family time, and even myself. It’s not just her sport anymore — it’s something we share.
I’ve also become more involved with her team as the Head Ski Mom, managing team expenditures and organizing fundraising efforts. It’s been such a rewarding way to support not only Ali, but the entire group of young athletes and families who make up this amazing community.
Q: Do you have time for your own hobbies or work during ski season?
A: I was a professional pilot up until COVID. When the family I flew for sold their jet, I found myself with more free time — and I got back into something I’ve always loved: horseback riding. Around that same time, Ali’s skiing really started to take off, so I decided to step away from flying altogether.
Now, my weekdays are spent doing what I love — riding — and my long weekends are all about supporting Ali at practices and competitions. It’s a balance that feels right for this stage of life, and I’m grateful for the chance to be fully present for both my passions and hers.
Q: What is something you have learned about yourself and your skier throughout this journey?
A: This journey has taught me more about patience, perspective, and perseverance than I ever imagined. I’ve learned to trust the process, to focus on progress rather than perfection, and to find joy in the effort — not just the outcome.
Watching Ali grow as both an athlete and a person has been incredible. Her determination, courage, and resilience after setbacks are inspiring. Through her, I’ve realized that this journey isn’t just about skiing — it’s about shared growth, learning to support each other, and savoring every moment along the way.
Q: What is the best advice you could give to other ski parents or new ski parents?
A: Skiing is such a great family activity to enjoy during the winter months, so my best advice is to get involved in it. Don’t just sit on the sidelines watching your child — join in, be part of the experience, and share those moments together. You are their number one advocate, so be present and engaged.
Remember, there will be highs and lows, and through it all, their character is being built. Skiing, like life, is full of ups and downs, and the lessons learned along the way are some of the most valuable they’ll ever carry with them.
Shop Ali’s Racesuit: Arctica FIS-Approved Pinnacle (Hot Pink) Race Suit
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