Stomping Grounds: Amie Engerbretson

TRUCKEE-TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

WELCOME TO STOMPING GROUNDS, A BLOG SERIES WHERE WE FOLLOW OUR AMBASSADORS BACK TO THEIR HOME TURF TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE, AND HOW IT INFLUENCES THE WAY THEY PLAY IN THE OUTDOORS.

In this episode we sit down with professional big mountain skier, Amie Engerbretson, to explore how growing up in a mountain town fostered her deep connection to the outdoors and grew her career into what it is today.

If you had to describe your “stomping grounds” in a few words, what would they be?
Beautiful, community, playground

Can you tell us about your earliest memories on skis and what it was like to learn from your dad?
My earliest memories on skis are out at Palisades Tahoe with my dad. I just remember always wanting to ski like him and with him. Even though my dad was a professional skier, he never pushed me. He always encouraged me, made sure I felt confident and kept it fun. There were always two main rules though. Number one: no whining. Number two: I had to carry my own skis, always. 

Growing up in Tahoe, what was it about this place that made becoming a pro skier feel possible for you?
Growing up in Tahoe, I was surrounded by professional skiers. It wasn’t this far off thing, it was all our friends and so many of the people we were around and skiing with. It is cool because I got to see how lots of people did it. I also got to see what the challenges were so I could figure out how to overcome those in my own career. 

How would you describe the Tahoe ski community, and what makes it so unique compared to other ski towns?
The Tahoe ski community is really all about fun. There can certainly be some heckling on a pow day, but unlike some places with a lot of agro vibes, skiers here are really just poking fun and trying to have a good time. The idea that skiing should be fun and really isn’t that serious is what drives peopler here. It is definitely a mentality that was ingrained in the community by Shane McConkey. While there are a lot of seriously talented skiers in Tahoe, the main goal is always fun.

What does versatility mean to you as an athlete, and how has it helped you find balance between winter and summer seasons?
Versatility is everything to me. I am only a professional athlete in one category, skiing, so the summer is my time to just have fun with all the other things I like to do. I also find that all my summer activities help keep me fit and healthy for ski season. Whether it is running, hiking, biking or paddling, there is something that always translates to my winter fitness. 

In your words, how does your gear help you adapt as you move from skiing to paddle boarding, rafting, running, and more?
Having the right gear allows me to focus on the experience of getting outside. If I'm dropping my sunnies, don’t have the right bag or my stuff is getting wet, that is a distraction from actually enjoying what I'm doing. Having the the right gear allows me to stay in the present and enjoy the mountains. 

Why is summer in Tahoe so important to you—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally?
I wouldn’t love winter as much without summer! Summer in Tahoe is just so fun. There is so much to do, the weather is amazing and it is just cool to play in the mountains in so many different ways. It is the variance of our world that makes it magic and the balance of seasons is a huge part of that for me. 

HEAD TO AMIE'S AMBASSADOR PAGE