A message from Brooke:

When I was in middle school, I had a terrible skiing accident at a local resort that left me with a half-ripped-off face and plenty of bruising on my little pubescent ego. And to further the emotional scarring, a picture of my post-accident self was even published in the schools’ yearbook with the caption “sometimes skiing can hurt!” So yeah, skiing and I had a rough relationship in the beginning.

It wasn’t for many years that I even dared think about putting two sticks on my feet again; the thought truly paralyzed me with fear. At least, until I learned about backcountry skiing.

I was working at a local mom n’ pop gear shop in Portland, OR who had an impressive rental line-up of AT gear, including options from Voile. Motivated by my badass co-workers, I decided to rent a pair and try to confront my fears. And honestly, looking back now, that first day still makes me smile. I was crying from laughing (which I coincidentally do when terrified) and was shouting “too fast, too fast!” basically the entire bunny-slope-graded ride.

Yet that moment is a catalyst: that physical and mental challenge, that stomach-in-knots fearful feeling, that euphoric reward of tranquil solitude through untouched snow – was the start to me falling-in-love with backcountry skiing.

If I hadn’t had the opportunity to join the V-Team all those years ago, I’m not sure I could own my own quiver. Especially since, despite what some may think, creative and outdoor industry work doesn’t tend to produce a lot of disposable income.

So while I’m beyond grateful for the support Voile has given me through my backcountry journey, I want to pay it forward. I truly hope this scholarship helps you feel inspired, empowered and motivated to get out and get after it even if it scares you like it did to me when I first started.