When I (Jenna) met with Claire after first arriving in SLC, she told me about some of the things they wanted to see go up on SheJumps’ various social networking sites during my time here. She mentioned doing a few interviews, including one with Kim Kircher. That was the first time I heard Kim’s name, and after that, I spent some time exploring Kim’s website/blog (http://kimkircher.com) and understanding who she is and what she stands for.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Kim has an unprecedented drive, direction, and passion that allows her to pursue – and accomplish - her goals and dreams. As an aspiring college student with close to no idea of what the future holds, Kim is an inspiration, as well as a role model.

And… Kim is a SheJumps supporter! Check out her shoutout to us in her “Weekly High Five” on her blog!  

Can you talk a little about your background? What are some characteristics you would use to describe yourself? 

I started volunteering as a ski patroller at age 18 in order to get a free season's pass. After college and a few years in a "real" job as a High School teacher, I decided I needed a change and thought I'd try pro patrolling for a season. That was 16 years ago. I never left. 

Obviously, I'm adventurous and I like to take risks. But I'm also vulnerable and have my weak moments. I can be shy, although I work hard to hide it. In the past few years, I've tried to develop new sides of myself beyond just the tough, outdoorsy woman that I've always been. I wrote a book and have spent more time in the public eye. I'm also a step-mom to a wonderful 10 year-old girl. I think I'm getting softer. 

How has your job as a ski patroller influenced your life?

Ski patrolling is a great job. It is hard and physical, it can be scary and dangerous, and it is always humbling. Being in the mountains has taught me to slow down and appreciate the little moments. When the sun rises over the far peaks and shines it's orange light on the snow, I'm reminded to be grateful. 

Patrolling has helped me learn to deal with crisis. I rarely get ruffled--always looking first to my training, then to my experiences to help me get through adversity. Having a physically hard job has kept me in shape and reminds me how important it is to stay active. 

Why be a ski patroller? 

Ski patrolling is the ultimate ski bum job. First of all, you get to ski. Even when you aren't taking runs, you still need to get to places on your skis, so technically you ski most of the day, even if you're carrying a load of bamboo or a shovel in your hand. 

Second, you get to help people. Even though some people think of us a "cops" (which really rubs me the wrong way) we are there to try to prevent accidents. That's why we do 90% of our job. The other 10% is treating patients once they do get injured. 

Third, you can do avalanche control. If you work at a Class A area, chances are pretty good that you'll get to carry explosives in your backpack and throw them onto the slope and start avalanches. When I first started pro patrolling, the thought of explosives scared me. But I quickly learned that it is much safer than I'd imagined and the thrill of starting an avalanche and watching it rip through terrain is awesome.

Tell us a little about your book. 

When my husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer and told he needed a liver transplant, I used the skills I'd learned on the slopes to get through the ordeal. Since patrolling taught me to slow down and take things in smaller chunks, I transferred that skill to my husband's bedside learning to break it down just 15 minutes at a time. 

Writing THE NEXT 15 MINUTES: Strength from the Top of the Mountain has been an interesting chapter in my life. I'm thrilled that I can reach out and touch others through the words I've written on the page. The feedback from my book has been almost overwhelming. 

 What is your favorite part of your average day?

The mornings and the last run of the day are the best parts of my day. During both these times the slopes are empty, the light is often orange and warm, and the mountains open up. It is impossible to go through a single day as a ski patroller and not, at some point, stop and look around and feel gratitude and awe. 

What's the scariest thing you’ve ever done? 

I kayaked the Grand Canyon about 10 years ago. The entire trip I obsessed about Lava Falls, worried that I'd flip and swim and maybe get held under the strong current. Sure enough, I missed my line (probably because I was so nervous) and got pinned against a rock. I tried to roll four times before I swam out of my boat. Luckily, my good friend Christine paddled over to me and dragged me out of the rapid and I was fine. 

Who inspires you most?

I've been following The Push to the South Pole, an expedition going on right now with Grant Korgan, an adaptive athlete who is literally pushing himself to the South Pole in his sit-ski. He's paralyzed from the waist down, and I admire his strength, resolve and sheer force of will. You can check him and the rest of his team out on southpolepush.com. 

My good friend, Beth Wojick, is the CEO of Special Olympics in Washington. I'm inspired by the work she does, and her ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

 What is your hope for women in the ski industry?

I too often hear women say, "I can't keep up with the guys." I hope that women realize they can ski just as hard and have just as much fun as their male counterparts. Women skiers have changed. When I was a kid women were there to entertain the guys, put on wet t-shirt contests and teach the kids how to ski. Now that's all changed as women expand their perception of themselves. However, I still think that skiing lags behind the rest of our culture in seeing women as competent skiers. Someone recently told me that I "ski like a guy." I'm not sure that's a compliment anymore. How about just saying "you're a strong skier"? 

Women make better ski patrollers, at least according to my boss. He claims that women are safer, better at decisions under pressure and use good technique rather than sheer muscle to bring down toboggans. 

As I watch my 10 year-old step-daughter grow as a skier, I hear her talk about her role models. She admires Ingrid Backstrom (who also grew up at Crystal) and she wants to someday ski just like her. I hope that all girls see themselves that way too. 

Thanks Kim!