We’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations — with Olympic gold medalist, ski mom, and mental performance coach Barbara Cochran.

Why now? On February 11, 1972, Barbara won Olympic gold in slalom in Sapporo by just .02 seconds. And 54 years to the day later, her son, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, won Olympic silver in Super-G in Cortina.

An Olympic legacy — built on a Vermont rope tow.

Barbara grew up skiing at her family’s backyard hill, now known as Cochran’s Ski Area — a nonprofit, community-driven mountain where lift tickets are still affordable, race training happens under the lights, and hot chocolate costs $1.50.

We talk about:

Growing up in a ski racing family
Training on the legendary rope tow
The “Cochran Way” philosophy of excellence without pressure
Raising an Olympian as a single mom
And the mindset that wins medals

Barbara’s father believed skiing should be joyful — but that striving for excellence builds character. Before sports psychology was mainstream, Barbara was practicing it. Heading into her Olympic race, she repeated:

“I don’t know if I’m going to win, but I know I’m capable of winning.”

That mindset carried her to gold — and now informs her work helping athletes who “train better than t

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

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Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

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Spring family fun in Ulster County:

Earth Fest at the Ashokan Center/April 19
Kingston Point Beach for the Hudson Valley Kite Festival /May 17,
Hudson Valley Faerie Festival/May 30

For more ways to get outside together this spring, head to VisitUlsterCountyNY.com and start planning your spring getaway.

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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