Ashley Maxfield

Coaching Experience: I am an IFSA-certified L300 Coach Trainer heading into my 3rd season as a full time coach at SNSC. Prior to this, I have coached with organizations such as Jay Peak Freeski and Race Team, Nashoba Valley Ski Club, and the Bridger Bowl Ski Foundation. My coaching background encompasses both Freeski and Race disciplines. I also have extensive experience in judging, including serving as a head judge. 

Skiing highlight: Ashley's upbringing in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom revolved around a family deeply passionate about skiing. Her father often joked that she learned to ski before she could even walk, and her ski racing journey began when she was just five years old. Her path in the world of skiing led her through Burke Mountain Academy, where she had the incredible opportunity to explore the globe. Following her high school years, this journey took her to Montana State University, where her love for freeskiing in the breathtaking Bridger Range blossomed, prompting her to leave competitive racing behind. 

After college and assisting with her family's roofing business, Ashley once again found her way back to freeskiing, this time through the Jay Peak Extreme competition, which became a key event on the Ski the East Freeride Tour. In the inaugural year of the STEFT, Ashley triumphed, earning her a spot in the prestigious Freeskiing World Tour. She finished third overall in her first two years on tour. Following a merger of the Tour with the Freeride World Tour, Ashley secured a remarkable fourth-place finish on the global stage. Some of her notable top 5 finishes are: 1st Open Faces FWQ Obergurgl 2014, 2nd Big Mountain FWQ HochFugen 2014, 3rd FWT Crusted Butte 2011, 3rd FWT Kirkwood 2013, 4th FWT Championships Kirkwood 2012, 4th X Over Ride FWQ 2014, 4th FWT Las Lenas 2010, 4th FWT El Colorado 2010, 5th FWT Revelstoke 2013, 5th FWT Fieberbrunn 2013, 5th Verbier Extreme FWT 2013, 5th FWT Ski Arpa 2011. 

However, a harrowing accident and a severe injury while competing in Fieberbrunn in 2015 prompted Ashley to rethink her direction. She decided to step away from the competitive side of skiing, returning to her roots as the head judge for the Ski the East Freeride Tour. But her journey didn't stop there; Ashley ventured to Alaska to attend Heli guide school at Alaska Heliskiing and become a guide. 

Unfortunately, another injury and subsequent surgery led her to shift her focus once more, this time toward coaching. With her background as a former skiing and soccer coach, Ashley had both the experience and knowledge to inspire athletes to reach their full potential. She began coaching for the Jay Peak Freeski Team before transitioning to her current role as the full-time head coach and freeride event organizer at the SNSC. 

In Ashley's words, "My skiing goal is to create a lasting impact on athletes and the freeskiing community, aiming to inspire the next generation of young girls, instilling the belief that they can achieve greatness both on and off the slopes."

For the Love of it: I love freeride because it's just you and the mountain. You can choose whichever way you want to express yourself on whichever route speaks to you the most. 

Favorite Smuggs run: Back Bowls