DiscoverThe Ski Moms PodcastThe Fear Project: Understanding and Overcoming Ski Anxiety for Moms
The Fear Project: Understanding and Overcoming Ski Anxiety for Moms

The Fear Project: Understanding and Overcoming Ski Anxiety for Moms

Update: 2025-12-12
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In this episode, we tackle a topic that's been the elephant in the room of the ski world: fear. We sit down with Dr. Carol Porter, a Snowsport England coach with 20 years of experience and a PhD in pedagogical philosophies, and Kimberley Kay, author of the beloved "Ski A to Z" book and advocate for women in snow sports.

Together, they reveal findings from their Fear Project research study that surveyed women globally about anxiety and fear in skiing. The results are eye-opening: 62% of women report that fear or anxiety affects their enjoyment when skiing, with mothers experiencing the highest levels of fear. The conversation explores why women's participation in skiing is dropping below 40% in the US, the unique fears mothers face on the slopes, and practical, research-backed strategies for rebuilding confidence after injury or setbacks.

From breathing techniques to choosing quieter resorts to working with mindset coaches, Carol and Kimberley offer actionable advice for any ski mom who's lost her nerve or joy on the mountain. They also share exciting news about their presentation at the inaugural World Women's Snow Sports Summit and their ongoing work to make the ski industry more responsive to women's needs through visual safety education and industry advocacy.

Resources

"Suddenly having responsibility for more people who don't have the same awareness of what could go wrong, and then knowing that if anything happens to me, well, who's gonna get them to school?" — Dr. Carol Porter

"No one can learn when they're scared. It's just not possible." — Dr. Carol Porte

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The Fear Project: Understanding and Overcoming Ski Anxiety for Moms

The Fear Project: Understanding and Overcoming Ski Anxiety for Moms

The Ski Moms