Name?
Allie

What is your nickname? If you have one?
Al

Where do you primarily ride?
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

What made you start snowboarding?
All my life I had played competitive soccer. I had terrible coaches that constantly made me want to quit and I eventually fell out of love with the sport I grew up playing. I wanted to try something new and something that I could do completely on my own. In high school I decided I wanted to try snowboarding. It was something I could do without a coach constantly yelling at me. Little did I know that I would fall in love and have such a tremendously supportive community behind me.

What’s your favorite board to ride?
Gilson Nirvana

Favorite riding story if you have one?
The day I met Alex a.k.a Ring. Alex and I started learning how to snowboard at the same time. My sister had introduced us that day and we drove up to Sipapu together for some ride time. I remember progressing a lot that day. I also remember being so sore the next day from laughing so hard with Alex. We are still best friends to this day.

Why do you love to snowboard?
love to snowboard because its my escape from reality and because of the amazing people I have met. Never have I experienced such a supportive and loving community. There’s nothing better than finally landing that trick you’ve been practicing and hearing people cheer you on! I also love snowboarding because it’s challenging.

When you aren’t snowboarding what are you most likely finding yourself getting into?
You can usually find me doing anything outdoors. I love to travel, hike, camp, throw a football or kick a soccer ball, and I recently started to learn skateboarding. If I am not outdoors, then you can find me with friends, family, or studying at the University.

What is your favorite area on the mountain? Jumps, rails, natural terrain?
I love riding the entire mountain. Taos Ski Valley has amazing natural terrain, especially at Kachina Peak. Though you may find me in the park on occasion, I have a love-hate relationship with it. I’m usually really nervous before dropping in to the park but I love progressing on the rails. I also especially love riding in the trees and finding natural jibs, like logs.

Where do you see yourself in five years snowboarding wise?  Traveling to another country?
In five years I hope to continue progressing with my tricks. My sister moved to New Zealand and I am planning on visiting her in June and July for some awesome snowboarding. I also plan on continuing to volunteer for the outreach programs through Mountain Vibez!

Do you have a pre-boarding ritual or something you need to have on you at all times on the mountain?
My pre-boarding ritual usually begins with an awesome breakfast burrito (extra chile) and tequila. I usually always have headphones with me on the mountain. I like to pump myself up with some classic AC/DC!