Kathryn Smith ’06 gets paid to ski in some of the best resorts in the world. She handles marketing for two international ski manufacturers and spends 35(ish) days a year on the slopes. She says it’s all because she followed her passion.
Kathryn Smith ’06
Q: What is your position title and what do you do at Salomon & Atomic?
A: I am the alpine brand manager at Atomic and Salomon, manufacturers of alpine skis and ski equipment. So in short terms, I fully oversee how the two brands are marketed in the United States — that includes everything from trade shows, the consumers’ in-store experience, sports and community marketing, advertising and PR, as well as how we look in the digital space.
Q: How did you get into the ski industry?
A: After college I moved to Colorado, essentially to avoid the “real world” and become a ski bum. I did that for about two years until I landed my first “corporate job” in the ski industry working for SnowSports Industries America (SIA), a very large ski industry trade association. I had to move to Washington, D.C. for that position and stayed for two and a half years before deciding to move back West – without a job. It was insanely risky, but through my valuable SIA relationships I got a job at Atomic after just a few months. I was the U.S. brand manager, and after two and a half years, was promoted into my current role, doing a similar job but now for two alpine brands.
Q: How did you go from an art history major to a career in the ski industry?
A: I knew that art history wasn’t necessarily a career path as much as it was a strong interest of mine. But, that being said, when I interviewed for my job at SIA, my boss (a few months after I got hired) told me he knew how much work being an art history major was, and that is part of the reason he hired me. So although I’m very far away from my major, I know that my education has absolutely helped get me to where I am in my career, as well as made me a more well-rounded employee.
Smith on one of her many skiing adventures.
Q: What is the coolest thing about working at Salomon & Atomic?
A: I can’t explain how much I love what I have been doing over the past three years. I get to ski and travel for work as well as be involved in an industry that is very focused on relationships and having fun. I have met wonderful people, been to amazing places, and had an incredible time doing it. I hope it never stops!
[RELATED: Atomic skiers win 11 Olmypic medals at Sochi 2014.]
Q: You’ve been able to really maximize both your passions: art history and skiing.
A: Yes, I’m really lucky. I skied growing up, but I really unearthed my passion for skiing when I moved to Colorado and became a “real skier.” Currently I am probably skiing 35(ish) days a year split between my work and personal ski days. But the best part is that I get to ski all over the US, rather than one resort, so the numbers may be smaller than others that ski for a living but I am rewarded by being able to ski in some of the most incredible resorts in the world.
Q: What advice would you offer current students?
A: Don’t necessarily focus on your major – focus on your education as a whole. Going to the College of Charleston was one of the best times of my life. I met amazing people, lived in an awesome place and received a really strong education. Those things combined have helped elevate me both personally and professionally. And finally, real life comes after college, so take advantage of how lucky you are to be able to learn new things, in an awesome environment with minimal pressure.
