10 MINS: With Ashley Battersby
When you talk to any of the Battersbys you genuinely feel their shared passion for skiing and how it brings them closer as a family. I recently chilled with Ashley and her dad in the back yard of their Park City home. While we chatted about growing up as skiers and the importance of family, Ashley’s mom, much to the delight of Ashley who had just had her wisdom teeth removed, brought us the best chocolate milkshakes ever…
Tell me about growing up in a big ski family.
Well, first of all, even though I grew up in Chicago, my parents gave me the opportunity to ski every weekend. My dad was the head ski instructor and my mom taught lessons part time. It definitely wasn't the best mountain or the best conditions in the world but my brothers and I loved it and spent every single second of our free time bombing the same icy runs over and over again.
How did you go from being a city girl weekend warrior to a fulltime pro skier?
When I was a little older my parents were cool enough to relocate the whole family out to Park City so that my brothers and I could do what we loved and pursue ski careers. I can't thank my parents enough for that!
What are your bros like?
My brothers are my motivation and my heroes. If they didn’t teach me how to ski I probably wouldn't be a skier. When I was about 10 my brother told me that I wasn’t good enough at ski racing to go anywhere with it and that I should learn a 360 right away. It wasn’t the nicest thing in the world but I’m pretty glad he did because I went out the next day and learned a 360. It is also a huge help to ski with all guys because they really push me to get up and try something again if I crash.
