The mountains have always been a place of exhilaration and challenge, but for too long, the paths through the snow have not been equally accessible to everyone. In December 2018, in the locker rooms of Big Sky, Montana, a movement began to change that.
Founded by ski instructor Chris Walch, Women of Winter (WoW) was born from a simple but powerful observation: Women and girls in the community were hungry for stories of courage, leadership, and adventure. What started as a grassroots effort to share those stories has grown into a transformative force in the snowsports industry.
Pictured left to right: Karen Mendoza, Desiree Taylor, Carolyn Stempler, Chris Walch, Tess Melody Taylor
A Commitment to Change
Women of Winter’s mission is to inspire women and girls to boldly pursue their dreams by carving their own paths, both in the mountains and in life. WoW is deeply committed to prioritizing women, LGBTQ+, and Black, Brown, and Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC)—the most excluded demographic in snowsports—by breaking down barriers to entry, providing visible mentorship, and creating safer spaces for them to lead.
The mission of this organization is best seen through the lives it empowers. Today, we are proud to introduce you to four remarkable coaches who have moved through the Women of Winter scholarship program to become certified instructors and leaders at Big Sky Resort.
The Trailblazers: Meet the Women of Winter Coaches
Coach Spotlight: Carolyn J. Stempler
- Hometowns: Worcester, MA & Big Sky, MT
- Current Role: Children’s Instructor, Big Sky Resort
- WOW Role: Executive Director
From Boardrooms to Big Sky Slopes
Carolyn’s draw to skiing began in the 1980s through the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, where the sight of a community that looked like her turned a new hobby into a lifelong pursuit. Her first trip to Breckenridge was a pivotal moment; she realized she was a natural on the slopes, gaining a massive confidence boost that has fueled her passion for over forty years. This deep-seated love for the mountain eventually led her to discover Women of Winter on the final day of scholarship applications in 2021. With a background in technology and nonprofit executive roles, she saw a natural way to merge her professional experience with her passion for skiing. By 2023, her leadership came full circle when she stepped into the role of Executive Director of Women of Winter, working alongside founder Chris Walch to expand the organization’s reach and deepen its community impact.
The Breakthrough
Carolyn was part of WoW’s first Alpine Level 1 Scholarship Cohort, a pioneering group of six women guided by PSIA-AASI National Team Member Katie White. Her journey didn’t stop there. In 2023, she earned a second WoW scholarship—this time to pursue certification in children’s instruction.
That investment has come to life on the slopes of Big Sky Resort, where Carolyn now teaches young skiers the joy of the mountain. As the only Black woman children’s instructor at Big Sky Resort, Carolyn recognizes the importance of representation and the quiet power of simply showing up. “I want kids to see me as just Coach Carolyn,” she says, “and to create experiences that are fun, inclusive, and unforgettable.”
Her most meaningful moment came when her own granddaughter, Jo, spotted her on the slopes and exclaimed: “My Mimi is an instructor!”
Carolyn's Advice from the Mountain
"Take care of yourself first – Our physical and mental health are extremely important as we migrate through some challenging times."
"Create a mindset of confidence-building, whether that involves positive self-talk, vision boards, or mental visualization. Take setbacks as learning opportunities, not failures, and give yourself grace."
"Find a Mentor! Rarely does anyone reach their goals on their own. You would be surprised who would be willing to help you on your journey if you just simply ask."
Coach Spotlight: Desiree Taylor
- Current Role: Ski Instructor (Starting this season)
- WOW Program: 2025 Scholarship Recipient
- Off-Mountain Focus: Teaching at MSU, PhD Candidate
The Academic Athlete
Desiree Taylor's connection to snow sports began years ago with a field trip to the Austrian Alps at the age of 11. Though she wouldn't return to the mountain until her early twenties, that initial spark grew into a deep love for skiing, a sport that offers the opportunity to "challenge yourself and to improve every single time." This passion for personal growth and the simple joy of cruising a run on a bluebird day eventually inspired her to seek a greater impact. She joined the Women of Winter (WoW) program because she recognized her true passion lies in "creating community and providing resources for equitable access to outdoor recreation," knowing that certification through WoW would allow her to directly expand opportunities for those who generally do not participate in snow sports.
The Breakthrough
Desiree describes the scholarship program as "one of the most transformative experiences" she has ever had. The most vital lesson gained was the "importance of building community and being each other’s cheerleaders" throughout the rigorous certification process. This sense of shared support solidified the value of the WoW community.
With her new ski instruction certification, she can now directly "make a difference in the snow sports industry." Desiree is thrilled to start teaching this season alongside her sister, Tess, at Big Sky Resort. Her goal for her students goes beyond technique, and she hopes those who take a lesson with her will walk away feeling "a great sense of accomplishment for learning a new skill and the confidence to continue to push themselves to get better."
Her favorite memory from her training with WoW was a late-night study session before assessments. The group spent the evening prepping for the lessons they would teach the following day, all the while trading advice, words of encouragement, and plenty of laughter. "Our group really grew closer that night!" she says of the experience.
When not on the slopes, you will find Desiree Teaching at Montana State University, writing her dissertation, hanging out with friends in Bozeman, and traveling to her favorite ski spots.
Desiree's Advice from the Mountain
Do it! There are so many great communities out there that support women and girls getting on the mountain and not being alone as they try out (or get better at) snow sports.
Coach Spotlight: Karen Mendoza
- Hometown: Mount Pleasant, TX
- Current Role: Children’s Ski Instructor, Big Sky Resort
- Nonprofit Focus: Co-founder of Recreamos Juntos
Texas Roots to Mountain Peaks
Growing up in Texas, snow was non-existent for Karen Mendoza, but her curiosity was sparked early on by 90s surf and skate culture through shows like Rocket Power and movies like Johnny Tsunami. It wasn't until she moved to Big Sky that she finally had the chance to turn that curiosity into a reality. A friend’s encouragement led her to the Women of Winter program, where she found the community she had been searching for. One filled with people who looked like her and shared her deepening passion for the sport. Today, with four seasons under her belt and an Alpine Level I certification, Karen has transitioned from a curious observer to a leader who is helping launch Recreamos Juntos, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting the Latino community with the outdoors.
The Breakthrough
Karen’s most significant transformation was mental. She discovered that exploring what lies beyond fear and doubt reveals an entirely new version of oneself. "That new version of me believed in herself," she explains. This newfound confidence didn't just help her skiing; it gave her the grit to ask for help when needed and the drive to help others find that same self-belief.
Finding inspiration from the leaders around her, including Carolyn Stempler and Chris Walch, Karen went beyond her new career in snowsports and brought to life her vision of a nonprofit that would create outdoor recreation opportunities for the Latino community.
In her own lessons, Karen hopes to teach her students that their potential is far greater than they realize. She wants her students to know that limitations are usually self-imposed. She explains, "Be afraid. Be nervous. But remember that the feeling is temporary. We can get through anything together."
Karen loves the lasting connections she makes. She loves that skiing has allowed her to meet people from all over. Her favorite feeling is when local kids run up to her outside the resort and ask to go "skiwing" with her again.
Karen's Advice from the Mountain
"You don’t have to be the best. You’re already doing your best by getting back up and trying again. It’s okay to be uncomfortable. It means you’re growing. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s and enjoy the ride. It’s unlike any other."
Coach Spotlight: Tess Melody Taylor
- Hometown: Dallas, TX
- Current Role: Ski Instructor, Big Sky Resort
- Off-Mountain Focus: Advertising Executive in NYC
Sisterhood on the Slopes
Tess’s journey into snow sports is inextricably linked to her sister, Desiree. While Desiree had been skiing for years, Tess officially joined her on the mountain shortly before the pandemic. What started as a way to bond with family transformed into a professional calling after a chance meeting with Carolyn Stempler. Inspired by Carolyn’s "tenacity for diversity," Tess sought to experience the mountain not just as a hobbyist but as a leader. By joining the Women of Winter program alongside her sister, Tess found a larger "sisterhood in a group setting," proving that even a career in New York City advertising can leave room for winters in the mountains.
The Breakthrough:
Beyond the personal bond with her sister, Tess was drawn to WoW by a desire to challenge the intimidation many multicultural people feel in social and physical environments in the mountains. She recognized that her own representation as a Black woman in the sport could serve as an invitation to others. The program offered her a structured, organized path to certification that "far exceeded expectations," providing a sense of camaraderie that she now aims to support through her own professional skills.
Despite her experience and professional background, Tess’s biggest takeaway was one of humility and growth: there is always more to learn. Regardless of one’s level or years on the snow, she realized that a growth mindset is the most valuable tool an instructor can have. This realization helped her transition from an intimidated newcomer to a "formidable" athlete ready to lead.
Tess views skiing as more than just a sport; she sees it as a meditative and transformative tool for self-discovery. Her mission is to help her students move past their hesitations and find their own power.
Tess's Advice from the Mountain:
"Choose to invest in yourself and make your dreams your priority. It’s never too late to begin, and your representation for the sport means more than you think!"
Carving the Future
These four women—Carolyn, Desiree, Karen, and Tess—represent the "full circle" impact of Women of Winter. They began as dreamers looking for a place on the mountain and have returned as the very trailblazers they once sought. Their presence on the snow is a powerful reminder that representation isn't just a goal; it's a necessity. The instructor community must reflect the global community it serves. With clients visiting from around the world and an increasing number of people of color taking to the slopes, the snowsports industry has a responsibility to ensure every guest feels represented and seen. By fostering shared everyday experiences between instructors and students, we create an environment where everyone feels they truly belong.
And, Women of Winter is doing just that. By providing over 250 scholarships to date, Women of Winter isn't just teaching people how to ski; they are changing the face of the mountains and ensuring that the next generation of girls sees a path already carved for them.
Want to support the mission? Visit Women of Winter to learn more about their scholarship programs, donate to the cause, or find out how you can volunteer to help make the slopes more inclusive for everyone.