Karen grew up in Anchorage as a competitive swimmer but realized that spending time outside on skis was more fun then logging hours inside in the pool. She Nordic skied for Montana State University, then made her way back to Girdwood. She now works as a nurse and spends the rest of her time looking for adventures with her family- two kids Harlan and Ruby and husband Mike. Skiing is a big part of her life and she would like to have more trails available to get more people outside exploring.