Passing the joy of skiing to the next generation
Adrienne Markey enjoying a day on the slopes at Winter Park.
While October temperatures were still hitting the 80s, and fall – let alone a snowy start to ski season – felt like a dream that would never come true, Adrienne Markey, ski buff and former Village resident, was helping children hit the slopes in a frozen winter wonderland with artificial snow. Since October 2021, Adrienne has taught skiing lessons, year around, at Shredder Ski School in Boulder.
“Skiing is all about having fun and getting outside – you can be silly, especially around the kids. It is very freeing. It is cute to see dads come in with their daughters who ski in princess dresses,” stated Adrienne.
Currently a senior at CU Boulder, Adrienne has been skiing since before she can remember. Though she technically grew up in Castle Pines, Adrienne was truly raised on the slopes in Winter Park. She cited her dad, Sean Markey, as the reason skiing was a central part of childhood.
“My dad was always super busy, and skiing was some of our only time spent together,” added Adrienne. “He used to have my sister and me try to race him, but he was so fast! I started to realize I loved the speed, so in eighth grade, I joined the ski team.”
Adrienne raced for the Winter Park Ski Team until her senior year at Rock Canyon High School when life got too busy. The chaos of school, social life, full-time training, structured workouts and highly competitive racing was rigorous, and ultimately the competition wound down with the pandemic and a torn ACL.
Today, Adrienne skis for fun and reflected that in addition to cherished family time, skiing in the Rockies brought her close friendships and travel; the ski team raced all over the state.
Adrienne understands the impact she has on her ski school students and the lessons she imparts through her position; she wants to pass that joy to the next generation of ski bums and racers. She hopes that skiing will bring her students years of delight with their families as well.
“All interactions that kids have mold who they become; it makes my job super meaningful,” stated Adrienne. “It has taught me so much about patience and empathy.”
Though she cited Telluride as her overall best ski day, Adrienne’s favorite spot to fly down the mountain will always be Winter Park, which holds a special place in her heart.
Adrienne Markey and two of her students at Shredder Ski School in Boulder.
By Marly Holsman; photos courtesy of Adrienne Markey
