Name: Michelle Leroux

Profession: Public Relations & Communications Manager, Whistler Blackcomb

Past achievements, awards, or accolades? Named PR Goddess by Snowboard Magazine, AMEX Employee of the Year 2006, started a ski school program for 3-5 yr olds called the PowderPuffs when I was 14.

Home town: Crowsnest Pass, Alberta now Whistler, BC

Home mountain: Castle Mountain, AB/Whistler Blackcomb, BC

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? I have been a mountain girl and an avid slider of snow all my life. I started skiing at a young age and worked as a ski instructor from the age of 14 at my community ski hill and Fernie Alpine Resort on weekends. When I was 16 I got my first snowboard, a 165 Sims Terry Kidwell, and thus began my “other” love affair on snow.
My work has always centred around the snow, teaching skiing and snowboarding while I went to high school and college at the Pass Powderkeg, Fernie Alpine Resort, Castle Mountain, and Canada Olympic Park and then eventually working in public relations for Panorama Mountain Village and Whistler Blackcomb.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel? Last winter I was very close to the inaugural If Ullr Was A Girl competition and helped to develop the contest. Before working as the manager I worked with all of the ski and snowboard magazines, travel sections for major dailies, and mainstream magazines. I was also the snow industry contact for Whistler Blackcomb and managed the athlete, filmmaker and photographer’s relationships.

Girls: When was the first time you knew you were a chick who ripped?When a guy I really respected, and taught snowboarding with at Canada Olympic Park, told me I was the best girl snowboarder he knew.

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like? She would be generous…with her talents, her time, and of course with SNOW! If Ullr Was A Girl she would be stoked to ride no matter the weather, as long as she was on the snow, with her friends. She would respect the mountains and preserve her environment, inspiring others to do the same through her actions.

Name: Laura Hollingbery

Profession: Coordinator, Brand & Creative Services for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Past achievements, awards, or accolades? My greatest achievements are goals that I have set for myself and accomplished. Most recently; traveling for 6 months in SE Asia and returning to Canada to land my dream job working for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Home town: King City, Ontario (now Vancouver, BC)

Home mountain: Blue Mountain, Collingwood, ON / Whistler, BC

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? I used to ski with my family as a kid, and at around age 16 I started snowboarding with a few of my girlfriends. I loved the exhilaration and challenges that snowboarding gave me. After 13 years I am still learning new things and I love that the sport is constantly evolving and growing.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel?I’m pretty well versed in the snowboard and sport industry (I have worked for SBC Media and currently work for VANOC, and have also volunteered for The Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival and the Triple Challenge in Ontario). I’ve been involved in snow sports for more than half my life and am passionate about women in sports. I’m also excited to see what talent the contest has to offer and help shape the future role models for young female skiers and snowboarders.

Girls: When was the first time you knew you were a chick who ripped? When I could keep up with the guys! Getting over my fear of speed and making it to the bottom of the run ahead of the boys.

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like?She would be confident and strong (both mentally and physically), but modest about her talents. She would be passionate about snowsports, and inspire women across the world to go for their dreams. Someone who a beginner or an expert could relate to.

Name: Danielle “Danny” Buntain (Everyone calls me, and I mostly go by: Danny)

Profession: I work for the Canadian Snowboard Federation (CSF) as their Sport Development Coordinator. I head two programs currently with the CSF:
1) National Coordinator for the Canadian Adaptive Snowboard Program (CASP) – a national snowboard program for athletes with a physical disability;
2) Coordinator for the Women in Snowboarding Program (WSP).
I began working with the CSF as a co-operative education student in the area of Business Development. After my first placement I was offered the position of Adaptive Snowboarding Coordinator, under the Sport Development Program Area. I have now been working for the CSF for the last two years.

Past achievements, awards, or accolades? -I competed at the 2000 and 2002 World Championships with the Canadian National Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team (and captained the 2002 team).
-I coached the Junior Provincial Ultimate Frisbee team to compete at the Canadian Nationals in 2004.
-I am trained and currently coach adaptive snowboarding athletes in Canada.
-I was recently elected on the Board of Directors for the World Snowboard Federation to represent Adaptive Snowboarding and Women in Snowboarding on an international level.

Home town: I was born, raised, live and work in Vancouver, BC. I attended the University of Victoria for my Bachelor of Arts degree (Major: Recreation and Health Co-operative Education)

Home mountain: Would have to be Whistler Blackcomb

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? I first began skiing when I was three years old. By the age of 12 I began learning how to snowboard. For the next two years I continued switching between skiing and snowboarding until the age of 14 when I decided to put away my skies for good and continue on snowboarding until today.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel? I am a good fit for the selection and judging team because as both a female athlete and rider I believe that women in sport are far from recognized for their hard work, passion, dedication and successes in sport – and I believe this competition does exactly that! I am both honored and excited to be part of this competition and to get the opportunity to meet and interact with all the girls and women that are involved.

Girls: When was the first time you knew you were a chick who ripped? Hmmm... I never really considered myself a girl that could rip. I have always just thought of myself as a girl who liked to ride and ride fast and when the majority of the time you are riding with guys you don't have too much of a choice if you want to keep up.

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like? She would a girl who inspires other girls to get out and be active, be leader in her sport, and have fun doing it!

Name: Sandra Gnandt

Profession: Photo editor at Skiing magazine, part-time BET aspiring dancer, and full-time perv.

Past achievements, awards, or accolades? After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2002, Sandra built her photo portfolio. Composed of lifestyle photos and photos of women in sports such as motorcross, snowboarding, backpacking, camping, and yoga, Sandra’s photos have been published in The New Yorker, Women's Health, Nest Magazine, and Kelty product catalogues.

Home town: After years spent in the outdoor mecca that is New York City, she decamped for the high rent, skyscrapers and pollution of Boulder, Colorado.

Home mountain: growing up it was Camelback, PA (whooo hooo!), now it’s Summit County.

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? Sandra began skiing at age 8 but started snowboarding five years later. (She recently picked up an AT set up to get into the backcountry…and to leave them on the ski rack while grocery shopping at Whole Foods.)
Come summer, when she’s not working with the best ski photographers in the world, Sandra can be found cutting the hell out of her hands rock climbing up splitter cracks or pretty much anything involving suffering and a little bit of crying.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel? Judging is my job. I plow through thousands of images each month to find the best photos for our magazine. I love being part of the process to find the best athletes. And I love watching the girls outshine the boys. Did you get Judge Judy in on this too?

Girls: When was the first time you new you were a chick who ripped? When I was in jr. high school, I lifted my friends little brother over my head by his underwear and totally ripped them.

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like? She’d be the dominatrix of the mountain. She’d ride a Harley, wear white leather pants, and rock out to Pat Benatar. Look out or she’ll whip you...but then again you might like it.

Name: Jasmine Robinson

Profession: Graphic Designer, TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Past achievements, awards, or accolades? Only event management member to be pursued by a rockstar. Best Mono-tasker Award – Whistler Secondary Grad Class Second Place finish for the Two Man Tube Race, 2006.

Home town: Whistler, BC

Home mountain: Whistler Blackcomb

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? Whistler native. Fell out of a stroller in the winter and was raised by Whistling Marmots, ‘nuff said.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel? I am great at passing judgment on people, so it just seems fitting.

Girls: When was the first time you knew you were a chick who ripped? Ripped what?

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like? ...a lot like Wonder Woman, but with snow pants on.

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Jennifer Ashton

Profession: Professional Skier, Ski and Mountain Bike Coach

Past achievements, awards, or accolades?I am a two time World Freeskiing IFSA Champion. I've been competing in Big Mountain Freeskiing competitions for a really long time and have won about half of the ones I've entered. I was voted Whistler's Favorite athlete in 2005. That was a huge honor for me. Anyway, I just love to ski!

Home town: I'm an army brat. We moved constantly, so I made Whistler my home town.

Home mountain: Whistler Blackcomb

When did you first become involved in mountain life/snowsports and how? My parents, god bless them, started taking me skiing when I was three years old. We lived in Europe at that time. I've been addicted to skiing and the mountains ever since.

What makes you a good fit for the If Ullr Was a Girl selection/ judging panel? I have no idea! I do like telling people what I think though.

Girls: When was the first time you knew you were a chick who ripped? I don't think it really dawned on me that I could rip until I won a few competitions. Then I was like, wow I guess I'm a pretty good skier. I just ski because it's fun.

If Ullr was a Girl what would she be like? She'd be like me only better.