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Steamboat Magazine

Meet the Stars of the Slopes: Avital Shimko

03/08/2022 01:24PM ● By Dan Greeson

Photo courtesy of Robbie Lyon

Avital Shimko, 25
Freestyle Moguls
Trained with Steamboat Mountain School

Who are your biggest role models?
Hannah Kearney and Eliza Outtrim. Both olympians, both mogul skiers. Eliza was my coach; she also went to Steamboat Mountain School, and that’s why I decided I had to go to that school. Hannah is the GOAT of women’s mogul skiing–super consistent, super strong skier.

What things do you always make sure of before a competition?
I usually like to keep things similar to my training: same warmup in the morning and same routine throughout the day because that’s what works for me. I like all the gear on my body feeling tight, even, nothing out of place. Pole straps tight, everything compact.

What role has your family played in your success?
A massive role. They’ve been my supporters since day one. It’s been a different path than the typical high-school-and-then-college, but they’ve been supportive of my unique path. I have four older siblings who were all mogul skiers and I followed in their footsteps.

Do you like listening to music when you train?
I’m super into my music on the hill-I always have it on at full volume. Sometimes people think I’m rude because I’m blasting music and I can’t hear them. One of my favorite songs is “Right About Now” by Millencolin.

What’s your favorite memory from your career so far?
Competing at Deer Valley under the lights and getting to the bottom of the run not knowing one of my coaches from childhood was there. Her name was Diana “Dee” Williams and she just recently passed away due to cancer.

What’s your favorite part about your sport?
The adrenaline rush of going big, and the risk factor. After achieving that, you think back to it and it’s like, ‘How did I even do that?