Name?
Stacy Pokrywka
What is your nickname? If you have one?
Some of my younger lady snowboarding friends call me ‘Aunt Stacy’
Where do you primarily ride?
Northern Michigan, but I get out west several times each year – Utah, Colorado, California, Montana and BC
What made you start snowboarding?
I grew up skiing and wanted to challenge myself to do something different and start from the ground up. And I was on the ground a lot when learning haha!
What’s your favorite board to ride?
Ahhh – so many good boards to choose from! Burton Rise – Kelly Clark edition is amazing in pow and all-mountain; NeverSummer Infinity is so fun in the resort; and the Marhar Archaic is a SOLID Michigan made board with my own custom graphics that I love.
Favorite riding story if you have one?
So many great times on the mountains. I can’t pick just one, but it’s always so fun to be with like-minded women who live life to be on a snowboard as much as possible; that hype, energy, and connection between the ladies is so perfect and much needed in snowboarding!
Why do you love to snowboard?
I love snowboarding because it makes me be mindful and present – like truly focused on just one thing. I forget all my other obligations and ‘stuff’ going on in the world. The floaty feeling of riding powder is so amazing, it’s like surfing a wave of snow! I absolutely love that feeling
When you aren’t snowboarding what are you most likely finding yourself getting into?
I love hiking and traveling to new places to explore and get into new adventures. In Michigan, there is beautiful hiking along the Lake Michigan shoreline sand dune forests or in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I also love being on the water in the summer – on a boat, wake surfing, and stand-up paddle-boarding. I love pretty much anything outdoors and bonus if my dogs can participate!
What is your favorite area on the mountain? Jumps, rails, natural terrain?
I don’t do any park riding, so I’m all about the natural terrain and finding untouched powder. I love ‘well-spaced’ trees and wide-open bowls where I can make wide turns and find that floaty feeling.
Where do you see yourself in five years snowboarding wise? Traveling to another country?
I see myself doing a heli-trip; I had one planned in British Columbia prior to COVID but had to cancel it. Japan (JAPOW!) and Switzerland are also on my list of places to ride.
Do you have a pre-boarding ritual or something you need to have on you at all times on the mountain?
As I get older, I realize how important stretching is for my body. Hips, hamstrings, back, and neck are must-stretch for me. Also, a hot tub after riding all day feels amazing. I always have music on when I ride with a wide variety of artists and music feels – pump up music for when I’m riding and chill out music for the chairlift.