 Janice Bachmeier a K2 Ski Alliance member as well as also a full time fire fighter and mom. Earlier in her days, Janice competed in moguls and aerials circuit. Today she competes in water skiing comps and is a nationally ranked water skier. outdoor DIVAS wanted to ask this extreme mom a few questions.
outdoorDIVAS: Would your kids call you a "cool" mom or are they at that "everything my parents do (no matter how cool) is lame" stage?
Janice: "Cool" mom for sure! We have two girls ages 13 and 16. We do a lot of stuff together and I love skiing with my girls - they rock! I know they like me around cause I get a lot of "flack" if I don’t show up to support them when they compete, have school events, etc. My kids say I am an "up for anything" kind of mom. I'd say were pretty close. outdoorDIVAS: As a mature athletic in the ski industry you have truly seen the industry change, (as in more women’s specific), what has been the biggest leap you’ve seen in technology and in fashion?
Janice: Wow, everything has changed! When I was 18 there were hardly any good girl skiers. Now, there are tons! Aggressive girl skiers - I love it! Probably the biggest leap in technology would for sure be women’s skis! Back when I started skiing, I don’t even think ski companies offered women’s skis. Plus, I wouldn’t have considered skiing on them. About 9 years ago, K2 recognized that there were women’s skis available on the market and there were a lot of women skiers on the hill, but women were still skiing on men’s skis. There were no high-quality women’s skis on the market. K2 set out to change this and put together a group of strong women and formed the first K2 Alliance Women’s Team. And changes they made! Today’s skis have lighter weight core materials, forward mounting binding positions, forward side cuts, innovative flex patterns, modified dampening systems. Plus, they look pretty hot! Today’s K2 T-Nine women’s line offers a ski for every woman skier out there, from beginner to intermediate, hard skiing ex-racers, and every condition-- flats, ice, moguls, power, and backcountry. I have skied every one and they are all great! Fashion has changed too - for the better. There are more manufacturers making women’s clothing. I think the snowboard influence really changed the ski clothing industry in recent years. Better functionality, fabrics, fit and designs. I love ski clothes, I have so many that I probably could outfit a small army! outdoorDIVAS: Can you tell us how you got started in the ski industry?
Janice: When I was 16, I tried out to be a ski instructor up at local ski area. My life changed completely. I made a whole new group of friends (mainly boys) and whatever they did on the mountain I followed! Jumping off stuff, skiing fast, doing tricks. I was "hooked" having so much fun. I skied every weekend and a few nights midweek. A good friend coached me in moguls, ballet and aerials and I started competing at a local level. I would also help the local ski reps at ski shows. After high school, I taught full time at the local hill, kept competing and earned a spot on the US Freestyle Team. I competed in the World Cup events in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and France in three events (ballet, aerials, and moguls). It was a great experience. I taught skiing for 15 years both as an instructor and a clinic instructor and taught at many ski camps. I also did a lot of Masters Racers after I retired from Freestyle. Today, I have a full-time job as a firefighter and am still as passionate about skiing! I spend a lot of time supporting my kids doing their ski activities. My youngest ski races and my oldest competes in Big Mountain Extreme Comps. Over the years, I have done a lot of volunteering for our local Ski Club and of course a lot of driving to events and making sure my kids equipment is ready and they are mentally ready. outdoorDIVAS: Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Janice: I do! I am a three-event water-skier and here’s what I do! Goofy as it sounds I don’t watch my competition. I focus entirely on me. I will either listen to a really rocking, loud song on my iPod or joke around with friends. I try to relax and have fun. Oh, and I do wear only "good" luck shorts. Some get only one wear, some a lot!!! |
