Athlete Bio: Lindsay Sampson

Meet Lindsay Sampson, UVM senior with a deep love for the mountains and enthusiastic personality. Lindsay stays busy up in Vermont helping to run the UVM ski and snowboard club as well as competing on the club race team. Being rooted as a ski racer meant that Lindsay fits right in with Parlor, where we have our beginnings in ski racing. Lindsay grew up on the North shore of Massachusetts, which is what influenced the design of her Cardinal 100s which have a Nautical chart of Gloucester and Essex. 

How old were you when you learned to Ski?

I have been skiing since I was 3 years old. 

Tell us your life story as seen through skiing (skip all that boring stuff that doesn't involve playing in the snow)  

My parents got me on skis as early as possible. I credit them for my love of the sport. My dad has always been my role model when skiing. I used to analyze the way he carved his skis, the way he planted his poles and how he kept his upper body so still. I would follow him down the mountain mimicking his every move. 

I started skiing at the “Bradford Bump”, as we lovingly called it. Bradford was a  small mountain in Mass that was basically in my backyard. Growing up, we didn’t necessarily have a home mountain, we would check the conditions and figure out where the best snow would be. My passion for racing began in high school. I would have practiced all night if I didn’t have to go home to do my homework. Ski racing has taught me my “eastern carve” and becoming a captain allowed me to grow as a leader. 

I chose the University of Vermont because of skiing. The first time I saw the Ski and Snowboard Clubhaus, I knew right away that was where I wanted to spend my time. The following spring I became the graphic design officer. I have been in that position for 3 1/2 years now. I have created so many wonderful relationships through this club. This ski community has been one of the best parts of my time at UVM. 

Sophomore year I joined the Alpine Ski Racing Club at UVM that has allowed me to continue my passion for racing. I am so thankful to have grown up in a family that has surrounded me with skiing and has given me the opportunity to spend so much time on the snow. I want to continue to advocate for female skiers and give back to the ski community as best I can. 

What's your favorite mountain in New England?

Being at school in VT, I am surrounded by beautiful mountains. They all provide different types of terrain, but Sugarbush and Stowe are often where I find myself when not traveling for ski races. 

Tell us about the most epic ski day of your life.

Most ski days are epic if I’m surrounded by my friends and enjoying myself on the hill. But if I had to choose one, it would be when I was in Whistler spring break of my sophomore year. It had snowed all night and was going to continue snowing all day. My friend had to take the morning off so I decided to head out with a bunch of guys that were also on the trip. It was definitely really intimidating and they were skeptical of me coming along. Well, I can tell you I proved them wrong and had one of the best powder days ever. This was some of the most challenging terrain I had been on but it was totally worth it, and now I am a much better skier because of it. I have learned that if I step out of my comfort zone, it will go a long way. 

What do you like about working with Parlor?

It has been such an honor to work with Parlor. They care a lot about their skiers and riders. They spend so much time paying attention to every little detail when constructing skis and snowboards for their customers. By making the skis customizable, they are creating relationships with their customers and strengthening their community. The employees live for the sport and share that passion through their skis and snowboards. 

Favorite Apres beverage? 

If I’m being honest, I tend to be more interested in an Apres snack. Lawsons Brewery is dangerously close to Sugarbush and has one of the best soft pretzels I have ever had. 

You can find Lindsay skiing and Stowe and Sugarbush this winter in between her busy race schedule.