Hi, I’m Stef
I have been working at Alpenglow for five years, and my role here is continuously evolving. Currently, you’ll experience my hand through our community events and our website! I am invigorated by being outdoors with our community and learning new things. You’ll often see me chasing the Alpenglow crew on adventures, laughing after falling in an attempt at learning something new, and saying, “Can you believe we live here?!” My newest adventure, and biggest joy, is being a mom and teaching my daughter all that has been passed on to me — and, maybe more aptly, learning from her.
My Story
I grew up in Laguna Beach, where both the importance of family and the significance of connecting with the environment were ingrained in me at an early age. I spent my free days at the beach and in the ocean feeling the presence and peace of mind that comes with being immersed in Mother Nature. Combine that with my parents’ passion for adventuring, which led us on many family trips to Tahoe — we were lucky to have the best of both worlds, and opportunities to explore and play in the mountains. I followed my older siblings around attempting to prove I could hang with the big kids, which meant quickly figuring out how to push myself outdoors.
I went on to play college soccer on the East Coast at Tufts University, where I majored in Sociology. During my time in Boston, I worked at the Boston Public Market, and enjoyed exploring the historic city. It was an experience I cherish, but one that also solidified which coast I wanted to live on. I made my way back to LA to work at a start-up and begin my career. Unfortunately, I still wasn’t quite satisfied. Three years of trying to make LA work helped me to understand what I was missing — presence of community and the opportunity to contribute to a collective group, accessible adventure, and being somewhere I could breathe.
Enter Tahoe. I packed up my car and road tripped up the coast, camping along the way, until I made it to the mountains. In just arriving, I felt more myself. I was able to get my foot in the door with part time work at Alpenglow, while supplementing it with much other part time work. I was biding my time until I could make it a full time job. This was a family and I felt so grateful to have landed somewhere that embodied everything I was searching for. When Brendan, Jeff, and Tracy took me climbing for the first time, and Jeff started giving me rap directions mainly before, but also quite a bit after I was over the ledge, I knew that I wouldn’t be leaving this place.
"Can you believe we live here!?"
My Top 3:
Panorama M62
Simple, easy to use, and gets the job done. What I love about having these skis is they get you out right in the magic, whether you take them out into the woods or make fresh tracks in your neighborhood. These skis are about being outside and experiencing it all. Bonus — they come in different widths, and can be paired with a few different binding options so you can get really creative about your adventures with them!
BC Magnum Binding
This piece of equipment depends entirely on what boot you are using and what you are looking to do with your metal edge skis! This binding specifically pairs with any boot that has a BC bar on the sole.
And, it comes in two versions — the auto, and the magnum. The auto requires that you use your pole to push down on the binding to keep it open while you step in. As soon as you remove are not pushing down on the binding, it closes. The magnum on the other hand requires that you manually open the binding, step in, and then manually lock it.
Why do I like the magnum? The manual opening means the binding will remain open giving you time to clear the binding of snow, line up your boot, and step in. You don’t need to multitask, which is nice especially in deeper fluffy snow. If you have any mobility issues though, and bending down is challenging, then the auto is the binding for you!
Ergo Grip Active
The perfect skinning glove for anyone that runs warm, like me! On a tour, I used to take my gloves off and on cyclically, only for my hands to be too cold by the top. These gloves fixed that entirely. They are just warm enough, while also being extremely breathable. It’s a bonus that can keep them on to complete my transition from touring to riding, very functional.
More Picks:
Surge ST Bindings
If you haven’t made the transition to hardboots, yet, or aren’t planning to ever, these bindings offer a superb backcountry experience. Responsive, stiff, and easy to transition between skinning and riding.
Smith Vantage Helmet
The helmet I use in the resort and the backcountry. It is not the lightest helmet on the market for the backcountry, but I like having just one piece of equipment that does it all, is comfortable, and makes me feel safe. Our brains are important, protect them!
Smith I/O Mag S
These lenses are SO easy to change and it is by far the best part of these goggles. I went from never changing my lenses to doing so in the middle of riding. Turns out it makes a massive difference for visibility.
Spark R&D Pocket Tool
If you’ve ever had to stop skinning and hike up to the top, solely because your binding screw came loose, you know why this is essential. Keep this in your pack for all of the “just in case” moments — it never leaves mine.
Skratch Apple Cider Sport Hydration
Electrolytes and rehydration, but make it warm! There’s nothing like making it to the top, and sipping on apple cider that gives back to your body. This is a seasonal flavor so don’t miss out!
Tech Wash 1L
Pro Tip: You can wash your winter outerwear at home! In fact, you should. Many companies will not accept warranties unless you have done so. By removing dirt and debris, through washing your gear you will ensure that technology like Gore-Tex functions as it should, maintain the breathability of your gear, and extend its lifespan! And, you won’t be the smelly one on the mountain.
Past Picks:
Jones Dream Weaver
This board is a perfect intro to split boarding and experiencing new terrain. While it has plenty of spine to support you, this board is incredibly responsive to whatever you give it and leaves you feeling in control.
*The Jones Dream Weaver is no longer available. For the current version, see the Women's Stratos Splitboard.
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