Legacy Customer Profile: Lisa Drake

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ski With Kim (SWK), meaning Kim has skied with A LOT of people, in A LOT of places. Kim's passion is to share her love of skiing with others. As a tribute to the people who have made this dream possible year after year, we are highlighting some of Ski With Kim's most loyal customers.

For the seventh installment, Ski With Kim profiled Lisa Drake of Boulder and Vail, Colorado:

Where have you skied with Kim?

LISA: I’ve skied with Kim in Alta, Snowbird, Aspen and with Steamboat Powder-cats.

Lisa dropping into Baldy Chutes at Alta like a pro.

What is your first memory of SWK?

LISA: My first time skiing with Kim was at her coed Steep Skiing Camp in Alta. One of many highlights was hiking and skiing Baldy Chute. The hike is hearty and the views at the top are inspiring. I can still feel the rush from that first drop into the chute, grazing my uphill hand on the steep face above me, perfect chalky snow and being hyper focused with multiple turns ahead. All while Kim’s team has us in their sights and Kim is clicking amazing photos.

Most Notable Trips?

LISA: Last March I invited four of my girl friends to join Kim at Steamboat Powder Cats to help me celebrate my 60th birthday. We had a perfect spring storm followed by a bluebird powder day. I will always remember skiing that Aspen forest, floating, divine, long, heavenly runs.

The Aspen Steep Camp last season was a fabulous mix of challenging skiing, improvement on the steeps, great food and meeting wonderful people that you just want to play with all the time. The highlights were Kristi’s run on Ajax and the Highlands Bowl hike and ski followed by the insane scene at Cloud Nine for lunch.

Lisa and friends celebrating her 60th B-day in Steamboat.

How has your skiing progressed?

LISA: I always know when I’ve been skiing with Kim, because the steeps and cornices that found me hesitating, become a welcome invitation. Kim instills confidence and improves my skills and technique so that I ski faster, better and with an even bigger smile on my face.

Why do you like skiing with Kim?

Kim knows how to arrange a group. She is the conductor and the catalyst. She will always take that last extra run, always has a huge smile on her face and encourages in others the same fierce independence that she lives by.

Kim does a great job in spreading her attention and skill in a group and while she looks like she is having a blast, she is also paying deep attention to each and every person’s needs.

Lisa, Kim and Marine at the CU Ski Ball in Boulder, CO.

How have relationships evolved over the years through Ski with Kim?

LISA - I would not have met my dear friend Marine Slingue were it not for Kim’s Steep camp in Alta. Now Marine and I take a trip with Kim each year. Skiing is truly our passion! Marine has since moved to Colorado and we spend time together on and of the hill, including hiking in southern France this summer. Life would not be the same without her!

Lisa floating through the trees like a skiing queen!

What have you gained from Skiing With Kim besides progressing your skiing?

LISA: Skiing with Kim reminds me to get outside and do what you love with people you appreciate. Then life becomes this delicious experience! I have enjoyed so many people on Kim’s trips and look forward to seeing them again this year. When you lay it all out there, there is simply no holding back on the mountain or in friendships. When you do something challenging, you lay yourself bare.

Lisa finding the freshies with Steamboat Powder Cats.