Recognized Winter Sports Leaders 2025

Sarah Schupp is a senior communications and marketing leader specializing in the outdoor retail, snow sports, and mountain lifestyle industries. She currently leads public relations, content, and brand storytelling for Christy Sports, the largest specialty ski and snowboard retailer in the Rocky Mountains, with more than 50 locations across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. With deep experience across PR, earned media, brand strategy, and executive communications, Sarah helps connect national and regional media with timely, expert insight on skiing and snowboarding trends, gear innovation, outdoor retail, consumer behavior, and mountain-town culture. She works closely with Christy Sports’ long-tenured staff and in-store experts to translate technical knowledge into accessible, real-world advice for skiers, riders, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Sarah has led PR and communications efforts that have earned coverage in outlets including Outside, Ski Magazine, Men’s Journal, The Denver Post, Travel + Leisure, and regional TV and radio across the Mountain West. Her work spans seasonal gear guides, winter travel trends, community partnerships, youth access initiatives, and the evolving role of specialty retail in supporting outdoor participation and local economies. Before Christy Sports, Sarah served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta), where she led global brand strategy, media relations, and executive positioning in the deep-tech and quantum computing sectors. She brings a rare combination of consumer brand storytelling and highly technical communications expertise, making her a trusted source on how innovation, retail, and culture intersect. Sarah is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is especially interested in speaking with reporters covering outdoor recreation, skiing and snowboarding, retail trends, mountain communities, family participation in winter sports, and the human side of getting people outside. She believes strongly that outdoor access and expert guidance matter, because Outside is Better.

With 10+ years of experience in the cycling travel industry, Romuald Barboteau is the Co-Founder of Veymont Travel, a boutique agency specializing in fully-supported, private cycling tours across France and Europe. Based between the Alps and Provence, he helps North American travelers discover the 'hidden soul' of France through slow luxury and off-the-beaten-path routes. From the iconic climbs of the Tour de France to secret vineyards, his focus is on merging premium logistics with authentic cultural immersion. His expertise spans from France’s most legendary destinations to its most secluded, hidden gems.

Rob McIntosh is an avid skier and has worked in winter sports tourism for over 20 years.

I'm the founder of Pickleball Wiki and a lifelong racquet sports competitor with nearly 30 years of tennis experience. Born and raised in Germany, sport has always been central to my life — I spent a decade coaching players of all ages and skill levels, from competitive juniors to seniors returning to the game after years away. Alongside coaching, I worked as a certified strength trainer, helping clients build the physical foundation needed to stay active and competitive long-term. That combination of technical sport knowledge and fitness expertise gave me a perspective on athletic performance that I continue to bring to my pickleball practice and content today. The transition to pickleball was driven by necessity as much as curiosity. After decades on hard tennis courts, the physical toll became difficult to ignore. Pickleball offered everything I valued about tennis — strategy, touch, competition — with significantly less strain on the body. I was hooked quickly. What started as a personal interest soon became a mission. As pickleball's popularity surged, I noticed that quality, reliable information was surprisingly hard to find. I launched Pickleball Wiki to change that — building a comprehensive, independent resource covering everything from beginner fundamentals and equipment reviews to advanced strategy, pro tour coverage, and community tools like court finders and coach directories. Every review, guide, and recommendation on the site is grounded in genuine playing experience and rigorous testing. I personally evaluate the paddles, shoes, and gear I cover, and draw on my coaching background to make the technique and strategy content practical rather than theoretical. My goal is straightforward: help players at every level find better information, make smarter decisions, and stay on the court longer.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I'm a mom of 2, and travel often with my husband and kids. I've travelled to nearly 40 countries and lived in 7. My website, Tiny Footsteps Travel, reaches tens of thousands of readers each month. With almost 10 years of experience as a school teacher, I create thoughtful, eco-conscious travel guides on my site that are family-friendly and inclusive for kids of all ages. I create itineraries, videos, and resources that make meaningful travel accessible for parents and their children. I primarily cover the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, Scandinavia (especially Sweden, Denmark and Iceland) and the British Isles. I ensure that my readers have a true picture of what their trip entails through honest feedback based on real personal experiences.

As a Product Manager at Featured, I work with a team of developers and leadership to create and improve a Q&A platform that connects subject matter experts with top publishers. Our goal is to provide exposure for experts and content for publishers, creating a win-win situation for both parties. I have a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management, where I was involved in various extracurricular and internship activities, such as AdCats Consulting Club, Markitors SEO Agency, and Each Brain Matters Non-Profit Foundation. I have developed skills in customer relationship management, partnership marketing, and product management, which I apply to my current role and projects. I am passionate about creating engaging and informative content that benefits both experts and publishers, and I am always eager to learn from others and explore new opportunities.

Jennifer Spatz is the Founder of Global Family Travels and a leader in regenerative, community-based tourism. A cultural anthropologist at heart, she designs immersive travel experiences grounded in her company’s mission to Learn, Serve, and Immerse—connecting travelers meaningfully with local communities, cultures, and natural environments. Through partnerships with global and local nonprofits, Jennifer integrates regenerative tourism principles and aligns programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her journeys combine cultural exchange, educational experiences, homestays, and community-driven projects that strengthen social and environmental systems in the destinations visited. Her insights on regenerative travel have been featured in TravelAge West (“Regenerative Meets Family Fun”) and on the podcast Regenerative Tourism: When Sustainability Isn’t Enough. (see all news links here: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/news)

As the founder of Himalayan Rides and a former national mountain bike champion, I specialize in leading high-altitude motorcycle and MTB expeditions across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of experience mapping remote trails like the Great Himalayan Trail, I focus on delivering technically precise, "local-first" adventures that have been featured by Red Bull and National Geographic. My mission is to combine elite logistics with a deep commitment to sustainable, community-focused exploration.

Sarah Storm is an experienced environmental educator and the School Programs Manager at Yampatika, specializing in developing and delivering Colorado state standards–aligned outdoor and environmental education programs across Northwest Colorado. With a background in teaching, environmental science, water education, Indigenous land stewardship, and hands-on field science, she collaborates closely with schools, community partners, and land management agencies to create meaningful learning experiences for students from preschool through high school. Sarah is known for her operational strength, program leadership, and her ability to build lasting partnerships with organizations such as Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, NRCS, the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, and other local conservation nonprofits. She is also a CSU Extension Master Gardener and contributes regularly to community education through articles, outreach events, and place-based gardening and ecology instruction. Dedicated, creative, and deeply committed to expanding environmental literacy, she works to foster student curiosity and connect youth to the natural landscapes of the Yampa Valley and the surrounding Northwest Colorado region.

Outdoor, travel, and lifestyle writer with over two decades of lived stories and hundreds of articles published. I have penned three books on craft beer, traveled to multiple foreign countries and every U.S. state. I currently write hunting and fishing-based articles for onX Hunt and serve on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). I'm happy to consider traveling to your neck of the woods to create unique content.

Tana Hoffman Cook is an outdoor lifestyle expert, venture-backed entrepreneur, coach, and formerly sponsored athlete who's spent her career proving that the outdoors are the best MBA program you never knew you needed. She believes the skills you learn when decisions have real consequences - like in uncontrolled outdoor spaces - translate directly to building the life and business you actually want. Named to the Forbes Next 1000 List in 2021, she has spoken at SXSW and is the founder of ILLA Adventures, where she's helped 3,000+ women embrace uncertainty through outdoor pursuits. Her perspectives on entrepreneurship and adventure have been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Thrive Global, and Teton Gravity Research. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Tana continues to practice what she preaches by committing to the outdoor lifestyle year-round and helping high-performers discover why the outdoors might be the missing piece to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and a more fulfilling life.

Melissa Fortenberry is the founder and CEO of HeatSense, a performance technology startup translating athlete vitals into real-time insights on heat response. A 25-year consumer tech executive turned entrepreneur, Fortenberry built HeatSense after watching her own kids train in Texas heat and realizing that “weather data isn’t athlete data.” She’s become a leading voice in youth and outdoor sports safety, helping teams adapt to longer, hotter seasons through readiness-focused innovation—not reaction. Her background includes leadership roles at Expedia, VRBO, and Philips Electronics, and her mission is to make heat response visible, scalable, and personal for every athlete. In growing HeatSense, she learns new AI tools every day to work faster, think smarter, and scale impact with purpose.

Susan Johnston is the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, an internationally recognized event that honors stories worth telling across all media while celebrating innovation in storytelling and emerging technologies. Long before “new media” entered the public vocabulary, Johnston foresaw its impact and created a festival introducing formats such as VR, AR, AI, and blockchain. A visionary in New Media and Technology, she blends entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability to spotlight innovation across global creative industries. Knighted in Rome for her contributions to arts and humanity and serving as an Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010, Johnston is a trusted authority for journalists seeking insights at the intersection of media, technology, and cultural innovation. Her career spans producing, festival direction, and advocacy, with films curated from over 40 countries. Johnston has been honored globally for advancing culture and creativity, underscoring her standing as a respected leader in the entertainment industry. Specializations & Expertise • Early adoption and foresight in new media technologies • Championing independent filmmakers and global storytellers • Curating and producing content across film, television, VR, AR, and digital platforms • Building bridges between creatives, investors, and technologists Notable Accomplishments • Founded the New Media Film Festival in 2009, now recognized internationally as a premier event for innovation in storytelling • Knighted in Rome (2017) for contributions to arts and humanity • Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010 • Honored with awards for industry leadership and festival excellence, including recognition from major media outlets • Spotlighted AI, blockchain, and immersive media years before they became industry buzzwords • Advocated for sustainable practices in filmmaking and created opportunities for underrepresented voices Education Johnston studied at Rhode Island College and the NYU Extension Program, complemented by private tutoring from leading entertainment professionals. This mix of academics and mentorship gave her both a strong foundation and insider expertise, enabling her to anticipate and champion new media innovations ahead of the mainstream.

Sheila Hayes is a family travel expert and content creator behind SheMamaMaps, a platform dedicated to helping families travel smarter and stress-free. She specializes in real-world travel with teens, budget-friendly strategies, and maximizing points and miles. Sheila has created content across destinations including the Caribbean, Central America, Japan and the U.S., with videos reaching over 3.8 million views. Her insights focus on practical planning, family-friendly accommodations, and making travel accessible for everyday families.

I’m a UK-based Digital PR Specialist and editorial strategist, producing expert-led commentary, interviews, bylines and publication-ready features built for earned media coverage and long-term search visibility. I work across digital PR, SEO content and editorial positioning, helping experts and brands turn specialist insight into credible stories that editors can publish and audiences will trust. My work has appeared in outlets including MSN, Benzinga, The Scotsman, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, CIO, CSO Online, Edinburgh Evening News and Express & Star. I’m also a Top-Rated Plus freelancer on Upwork, known for shaping raw expertise into authoritative, publishable copy and for building content that carries both editorial weight and long-tail value.

A leading expert on motorhome holidays in New Zealand. Offering practical tips, hidden-gem itineraries, and commentary on travel trends for your story, with a focus on sustainable travel. With 20 years of experience helping thousands of people explore New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Our focus is on high-quality, sustainable travel. Available to provide expert commentary, tips, or full quotes on: New Zealand travel trends, the best self-drive itineraries (both North & South Island), tips for first-time motorhome travellers, sustainable tourism and travel in NZ, the New Zealand tourism industry

Founder and CEO of True Summit Adventures. Expedition mountaineer, Atlantic rower, and former professional polo player, private banker and Family Office Chief of Staff — turned professional adventurer and luxury travel operator. I’ve climbed extensively across the Himalaya, East Africa and the Americas, rowed the Atlantic in one of the fastest crossings in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, and was on Everest during the ill fated covid season of 2021. I’ve visited close to 100 countries and currently live in Albania, where True Summit offers heli-skiing in the Accursed Mountains. In my earlier career, I took clients from the UK to Argentina to play polo at the country’s leading estancias and alongside its best players — an experience that shaped how I think about access, curation and what high-net-worth clients actually expect from a travel operator. True Summit offers luxury adventures across five verticals — mountains, skiing, safaris, ocean and yacht adventures, and bespoke multi-activity journeys — operating in some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary environments. We run DMCs in Nepal, Tanzania and Ecuador and aim to design experiences that are unavailable through conventional operators. Where mountains are concerned, our guide roster is unlike anything else in the industry. Ed Viesturs was the first American to summit all 14 eight-thousanders — and the first person in history to do so without supplemental oxygen. Kami Rita Sherpa holds the world record for the most Everest summits of any climber alive. Karl Egloff holds fastest known times on multiple Seven Summits including Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro. David Goettler, a North Face athlete, has completed eight ascents of eight-thousanders alpine style without supplemental oxygen — among the most technically demanding achievements in modern mountaineering. I comment on luxury travel, luxury adventure travel, UHNW lifestyle, adventure / endurance sports and mountaineering. I am anti-extractive tourism and believe in giving back to the places we adventure in.

Award-winning marketer with 18 years of experience in tourism marketing, tribal economic development and SMB Local SEO. An author of two award winning books, and a half dozen others on topics related to sales, marketing and motivation. Notable experiences including building and selling a merchant services company, as well as buying, restoring, rebranding and selling a Lake Superior hotel. Everything stems from the ability to market and reposition.

Nikita Patil Brennan is a senior program leader recognized in Marquis Who's Who 2026 for professional achievement and leadership. She brings experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives within both Fortune 500 and Global 500 organizations, with a background spanning program management, operations, enterprise systems, and large-scale transformation. Her expertise includes leadership, stakeholder alignment, organizational effectiveness, change management, process improvement, and driving execution across teams with competing priorities. Nikita offers practical insights shaped by real-world experience operating in large, fast-paced corporate environments where clarity, influence, and results matter. She is available to comment on program management, leadership, career growth, workplace trends, women in leadership, productivity, cross-functional collaboration, and business operations.