I was born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in Juneau, Alaska. It was my father’s love of skiing that first brought me to the snowy slopes of Juneau, Alaska’s local ski area, Eaglecrest. It was on these steep and rugged slopes that I found my first and longest love - skiing. As a youth, I tested my skiing ability on the groomers, steeps, parks, and backcountry. It was perhaps my third or so time interacting with the patrol director and the general manager, regarding yet another skiing infraction that I was offered the chance to change my renegade ways and work with the patrol for a few days during the month to earn back my coveted seasons pass. Quickly into my patrol restitution service, I realized I was skiing past the long lines on powder days as I schlepped heavy bundles of bamboo to various parts of the mountain under the watchful guidance of my new patrol mentor, Quinn. I quickly fell in love with the roles and responsibilities of being a ski patroller and soon after I was starting my formal training as a ski patroller and I have never looked back since. 

After graduating high school, I attended Southern Oregon University (SOU) to study geology. After several years at SOU, I transferred to the University of Oregon (UO) where I finished by baccalaureate in geology. While in college, I was fortunate to have superb mentors who helped me to become a published student scientist. After graduation, I felt a calling to continue my education but in a different direction - education. I attended graduate school for education and earned a teaching credential in integrated science.  

As a member of the board of directors, I bring a goal orientated and driven mindset to the organization. Additionally, my experience as an educator will help us to update and create new testing and training materials to benefit our membership.

Here is to a safe and deep season!

Email: kcarlson@propatrollers.org