Maddie Bowman has quite the record. Winning record, that is. The Olympic and X Games gold medalist is one of the most decorated athletes in skiing. But, instead of taking that success and using it to separate herself from her competitors, she has instead been using it to raise up her sport.
This year marks the second time that Bowman has hosted “Recess”— an all-women’s gathering at her home resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe. Aimed at providing a fun, stress-free environment for ladies to ski, hang out and progress, it is truly a unique event. This year it was attended by Devin Logan, Brita Sigourney, Taylor Lundquist, Nikki Blackall, Dania Assaly, Abigale Hansen, Zoe Kalapos, Carly Margulies, Darian Stevens, Jenna Dramise and Kimmy Sharp.
“I was so stoked to see everyone getting creative and out of their comfort zones,” said Bowman. “It reminded me how expressive and liberating skiing can be, especially when sharing it with your friends. The event brought together a rad group of girls who may have never gotten a chance to ski together otherwise.”
What’s more, the 23-year-old took it upon herself to bring together sponsors, organize the event and make it an absolute blast for all involved. Sierra-at-Tahoe donated the cat time to make and maintain the park and, through a lot of hard work, the event came together.
“This was an event by a lady for the ladies,” says photographer Zach Doleac, who shot the event. “Maddie didn’t have to spend her special projects budget putting on a semi-stressful event for the other ladies she competes with. She could have used the money to go ski the Fjords of Norway, or to go heliskiing in AK or to go on a hut trip in British Columbia. That’s what I would have done. But she didn’t.”
In such a competitive sport, it’s inspiring to see women gathering to ski and support each other. Check out the photos, below, to get a glimpse of the action from #Recess17.
