Though, it wasn't the race itself that left a lasting impression. Our meeting occurred afterward, while she was selling a collection of hand-sewn hats. She was still in her Lycra and ski boots, running around, excitedly selling her colorful hats. They fit a niche—Nordic skiers historically wore tight fitting lightweight hats and headbands to train and race in. Skida transformed this type of hat by adding flare—color, patterns, vibrancy, and fun!

That day, I purchased two of those hats, one of which I still cherish—a vibrant display of large polka dots on a pristine white canvas. At the time, I was racing for Middlebury College and two years later, Corinne joined the ski team and came to study, setting the stage for the beginning of our friendship.

During Skida’s nascent stages, when Corinne was still a high school student at Burke Mountain Academy, I didn’t know her personally. From a distance, I watched in awe as colorful Skida hats began making their mark on the collegiate and elite junior skiing circuits. Corinne, with her discerning eye and the assistance of her mother, handpicked fabrics for these hats and together they sewed them at her family’s home in Burke. She sold them directly, leveraging her successful Nordic racing career to reach customers far and wide.

Corinne's journey continued as she nurtured the brand while impressively balancing her studies and collegiate Nordic skiing at Middlebury. I've always admired her remarkable ability to excel in multiple facets of life. More than just brand success, Corinne cherishes relationships, friendships, and the opportunity to push herself athletically, both on her bike and her skis.

Despite the physical distance between us—she in Vermont and I in Colorado—our friendship grew year after year. We embarked on adventures like biking through Nepal to meet cashmere-producing Changra goats and visiting the factories in Kathmandu that produce her designs. We sailed through the majestic West Fjords of Iceland and ventured out on skiing expeditions while capturing moments for Skida. Domestic trips centered around Skida became an annual tradition, allowing us to grow closer with each adventure.

Through these journeys and our regular phone calls, I've witnessed Corinne's deep care for the people in her life—her friends, family, and the dedicated Skida team. I hear her passion for her brand and her team. Remarkably, it’s never centered around money for her; it’s all been born from her creative and driven spirit. It is her ability to continue dreaming and finding ways to see through these new ideas that keeps me in awe. It is her ability to invest in these relationships while pursuing her passions—whether it's racing in the Enduro World Series, excelling in skiing, or bringing her Skida dreams to life—that stands out to me as her greatest accomplishment.

This success story is fueled by Corinne's unwavering passion. She leads a company that is born from her love for life, sports, design, color, and teamwork. Some of us have the privilege of experiencing this passion firsthand alongside Corinne, while others get to embrace their own passions adorned in Skida's vibrant prints. Regardless of our role, Corinne's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of following one's passion, nurturing meaningful connections, and making a mark in the world through creativity and dedication.