FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (about Ski to Live)

How did Kristen come up with the idea for Ski To Live?

It’s a common question, as Kristen does have a hard-core, cliff-jumping, Red-Bull-sponsored, X Games-genre background. She sold the sexy, wild side of snow sports for over 15 years, so deciding to run a Zen-Sport event seems a severing of the past; a 180 degree turnaround.

In 2002, Kristen was disgusted with being a professional skier, and even began to loathe the sport in general. After devoting her entire adult life to skiing and other sports, and ‘Living to Ski,’ she wondered what had she learned- Everything? Or nothing- except maybe hedonism and ego gratification?

One day she threw an idea for an event against the wall- combining mind-body-spirit with the sports of skiing and snowboarding. The idea came because it was the clinic she personally wanted to attend. Kristen did want the event to break all norms and boundaries-, which was how her career and personality ran, ”But funny thing is, I don’t remember making the decision to start Ski To Live, it’s almost as if it picked me. Like a virus choosing a host.”

Initially, that first spring in 2003, Ski To Live was a mental-psychological program. It was interesting, but didn’t hit her vision. Then she met Genpo Roshi Christmas of 2003 and turned a huge corner. “That second clinic, January of 2004, blew my mind. I learned more about how skiing affected my life in the first hour with Genpo Roshi than I did 15 years as a pro.” This was no small event. “I looked around that first night and saw everyone with eyes closed, beaming, some moved to tears and getting ‘it’ in ways I had only dreamed about, and though wow, this is what skiing and life was supposed to inspire. And we still had three days to go.”

Ski To Live, which is a play on the words Live To Ski, wasn’t a turn-around from her athletic career so much as it was a radical evolution of her own perspective and consciousness. It also sent her on a path to becoming the Wisdom coach she is today.

“I hadn’t realized that Ski To Live would draw some of the most brilliant, sentient people I’ve ever met. We all, one way or another, are devoted to accessing and therefore raising the level of consciousness on the planet. These clinics- attending them as well as facilitating them- have changed my life in so many indescribable ways. It seems obvious now, they’re the reason why I became a professional skier in the first place.”

How is this event different from other ski or snowboard clinics?

Every year zillions of ski lessons occur around the world, and you can’t swing a pole without hitting a “learn to ski better” clinic run by a former pro. Most of these gatherings are focused entirely on technical skills. Ditto in other sports.

Ski To Live is not in the same category as these programs. Couldn’t be more different in fact. Apples and Planets.

Ski To Live is not just about where to plant your pole, how to finish your turn, etc. This type of instruction has its place- and the instructors will provide technical tips to anyone who wants them and that is what they’re trained for (not for Big Mind), but past a certain point too much form / technique training keeps us stuck and can hold us back from our potential.

Most athletes admit sports are 90% mental (and the other 10% is mental too). Given that, at Ski to Live, Kristen’s draws from her experience as a professional skier (who never had a coach) and what it really took to become good at the sport, and translates that into an experience you can personally draw from. There are no lectures, your lessons will be experiences as we quickly move into accessing the mental game, and then take a huge step beyond to access and express other forms of consciousness that you may not even know exist- such as body wisdom (senses and intuition), the Zone, Non Thinking -Non Grasping Mind and so much more. It’s a truly transformative experience that also spills over in fascinating ways to your life.

Most of the testimonials I’ve read about Ski to Live focus on the experience and don’t say much about the skiing. Should I expect an improvement in my skiing as a result of the camp?”

Everyone who attends STL attends for different reasons. About a third of guests come specifically to improve their skiing/snowboarding through mindset training. A third come because they want to enhance their personal enjoyment of the sports and their lives through greater awareness and consciousness. The final third come to deepen the escape or freedom found in snow sports.  So yes, if your wish is to improve your skiing, if you’re truly available that will happen- in powerful ways you never imagined. Beyond that, the surprise and jewel of the experience comes in the overall wisdom you uncover while skiing, which is probably why the testimonials transcend improvements in skiing.

What will I learn?

Whatever is right for you, based on where you are in life and what you’re looking for. Each Ski to Live experience is also very different. Kristen plans no itinerary and has no agenda. What we explore and uncover is entirely up to the group and your specific requests and needs. The only thing certain, is that it will be powerful and deeply relevant to you.

There are inner skiing course and the like, so how could this be the only clinic of it’s kind in the world?

There are other sports programs that use mental and spiritual components to their approach, yes. The difference is, these other programs tend to use life to teach sports, where we do the exact opposite and use sports to teach life. The other difference is their approach to wisdom tends to be somewhat subtle and delicate- like sticking a toe into the water, where we dive head first into the whole ocean.

What is the average class size per instructor?

Rarely more than 7 per instructor. The average is 4-5 per instructor.

Am I a good enough skier/snowboarder to attend?

Never-evers are welcome to all but the Alta clinic. As for the rest- if you can survive groomed runs you’ll have a place. There will be faster groups as well, and we have an aggressive all-mountain group to round us out.

Am I TOO good an athlete to attend?

If you notice, these clinics are open to professional athletes. These clinics were, actually, built for elite athletes such as yourself. We’ve had professional skiers attend such as Scot Schmidt  “It changed my life” and Kent Kreitler “How can I get involved?” I can’t encourage you enough to join is. Heck, you’re the reason why these programs even exist.

I’m a snowboarder.

Snowbird is the only venue that allows snowboarding. Please joins us for that clinic and let’s have a great one, or if you prefer, hire Kristen privately.

I’m a shy person, will I feel awkward at this event?

No, Ski To Live is not therapy. You will not be expected to share anything about your personal life.

I’m religious, but not Buddhist- will I feel awkward at this event?

This is not a Buddhism event. We do not steer you in any direction, what you learn and experience is entirely up to you based on your own path in life.

I’m worried this is a new age program.

This is not a new age program. Ski To Live is based on almost 2600 years of Zen wisdom- nothing new about it. We don’t sing Kumbaya, we prefer dirty jokes.

How much actual skiing and snowboarding will we do?

Your option is always to ski the whole day should you desire, with coaching from both Kristen and the instructors. Sometimes individuals find a full 6 hour day too long though, and you’re welcome to opt out for the last bit to go relax before the evening sessions.

What about lodging?

We can make recommendations, absolutely. And feel free to commute from Salt Lake City or Park City- lots of people do.

What about lift tickets?

Lift tickets are not included. If you need tickets, let Kristen know and she’ll arrange discounted tickets for you.

What is the Itinerary and when should I fly in?

We start at 5 pm the first evening and end after skiing on Sunday. Make sure you arrive at the airport giving yourself enough time to make that first gathering. You will have your nights free. The actual details will be sent to you about 2 weeks prior to your event but here’s a sample of a typical itinerary:

Friday: 5-7:30pm meet for the first time to set the tone for the event- very important first gathering.

Saturday: 9am-4 ski in like groups with instructors and Kristen where she will utilize the Big Mind process. (break for lunch part of day). Sometimes we offer yoga and stretching either in the am before skiing or in the afternoon but not with all camps.

Sunday: 9am-4pm ski with like groups with instructors and Kristen/Big Mind. Farewells afterward.

NOTE: With the Alta clinic, it’s one day longer -starting on Thursday- and we also engage in evening sessions. Because of the evening sessions there will be less facilitation during the ski day but more overall Big Mind because of the extra day.

I’m confused about the length of the program -help?

For the last 7 years STL has always been a 4 night, 3 day clinic. This season (2010) it will be a 2 night, 2 day clinic instead, with the option to return for alumni events where we go deeper into the experience should you desire. The only event that is still 4 days long is Alta, April 1-4, 2010 (3 night 3 day ending after skiing on Sunday). Note: It’s the same price as the other clinics- which is a treat for those willing to wait for spring to attend.

I’m injured, what are my options?

This is a common situation. If you’re slightly injured- you may modify your inclusion in the sport –ski with a slower group for example– or stop early. If your injury is more serious, you can sit out the sport and attended the evening sessions only.

Can someone traveling with me who isn’t skiing or boarding just attend the evening sessions?

Yes, absolutely. This is encouraged as the evening sessions are really cool. Email Kristen for details.

I can’t afford a clinic, what do you recommend?

We try to make these clinics available to everyone who would like to attend. Write if you would like a partial scholarship and hopefully we can accommodate.

Do you run women’s-only programs?

No. Unless it’s a requested private-hire, Kristen offers unisex clinics only.

Can I bring my child?

Kids age 12 and up are welcome to attend.