Meet Kirsty
Date of Birth: Dec 2, 1975
Hometown: Rossland, BC
Occupation: Physiotherapist, Entrepreneur
Sponsors: RED Mountain, Head Skis, The North Face
Accomplishments: Accomplishments include being the first female to ski Mount Brennan’s North Chute (1,300 m, 50–55°) in April 2021, with similar steep descents completed on major peaks in the Rockies, Purcells, Valhallas, Selkirks, and the Sierra Nevadas between 2022 and 2025. She is a two-time silver medalist at the World Freeride Championships in Alaska, with additional podium finishes across North America, and has also earned podiums in downhill, cross-country, and enduro mountain bike racing. She holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and is the owner of Blue Velvet Health, a multidisciplinary health clinic.
Bio: I’m a Rossland local who grew up skiing at RED Mountain and have spent more than 20 years in the ski industry. From 1998–2003, I competed on the Freeskiing World Tour, earning two silver medals at the World Freeride Finals in Alaska. After a major injury, I transitioned into judging freeskiing events and launched my own Women’s Freeride Camps at RED, which I coached and hosted for more than a decade. I returned to competition in 2008 and again in 2010, earning podium finishes both times.
I currently coach both dryland and on-snow for the Team Giver Freeride Team. I’m also an avid ski mountaineer who loves long missions, big peaks, and technical mountain lines. Outside of skiing, I’m a physiotherapist and owner of Blue Velvet Health in Rossland — and a proud mom to two shredding daughters who keep the stoke high.
Learn more about Kirsty’s Physiotherapy & Private Ski Coaching »
How old were you when you started riding?
5 years old
Who are your mentors/influencers?
Christina Lusti, Hillaree Nelson, Cody Townsend 50s project
Any Nicknames?
X…..
What’s your favourite thing about RED?
Best steep tree skiing in bounds and no crowds! Pow for days!
What movie/video gets you most amped for the winter?
Independent films – Rossland Film Fest!
What’s your favorite run at RED?
Cambodia/Orgasma
Do you listen to music when you shred? (what’s your go-to?)
80s glam rock and metal
When not skiing/riding, what else do you like to do?
Be a Mom, work as a physio, bike, hike, travel!
What’s the best trick name?
Iron cross
Do you have any preseason rituals leading up to the winter?
Pre-season training is key – as a physio, I practice what I preach.
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
An eagle.
What’s your favorite saying?
Use it or lose it; Use it and Improve it.
Describe your perfect apres.
Insane, amazing pow day – all your fav people at Rafters – great beer and nachos!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hoping to be keeping up with my awesome daughters and continuing to climb up big peaks and skiing big lines!….oh, and work a little less and play a little more in general!
Gallery of shred!
Photos: Ashley Voykin
