The 2024-25 season was nothing short of spectacular for Kylie Kariotis. Despite previously starting in only six World Cups, Kariotis took the circuit by storm this year and earned personal bests week after week, traveling across the world when she previously thought she was going to be competing in NorAms. Her steady rise in results led her to a fourth-place finish at the Beidahu World Cup, which was enough to earn a spot on her first World Championships team. This was not an opportunity she took lightly, and she ended up finishing fourth in dual moguls at World Championships. Off the circuit, Kariotis is also a student at Boston College studying finance and brings the same passion she has for moguls skiing to everything she does.
Kariotis is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
Q: What initially drew you to moguls skiing?
KK: I was first drawn to moguls skiing because of my older siblings; they competed, and I thought they were so cool. I did my first moguls competition when I was five years old, and I instantly loved the excitement of competing. Being there with my family made it even more special, and that combination of fun and challenge made me immediately hooked on the sport.
Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
KK: When I was younger, I dreamed of qualifying for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and representing my country on the international stage. The skiers on the national team were the absolute best, and I wanted nothing more than to be part of that. I also dreamed of traveling the world to compete at the different stops on the World Cup circuit; it always felt like such a unique and inspiring experience.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
KK: My biggest accomplishment so far is qualifying for World Championships this past season and finishing fourth in dual moguls. At the start of the year, I thought I would be competing on the NorAm tour, but I was unexpectedly pulled up to the World Cup and then had the opportunity to qualify for such a prestigious event. That whole experience felt surreal, and I’m really grateful for how it unfolded.
Q: What is your ultimate goal?
KK: My ultimate goal is to win a World Cup and one day compete in the Olympics. The Olympics are the pinnacle of our sport, and being able to represent my country on that stage would be the ultimate honor. I know how difficult it is to qualify, but I find joy in the process of becoming the skier who is capable of competing there.
Q: Who are your heroes? Both in and out of the sport?
KK: Growing up, two of my biggest heroes were Jonny Moseley and Ann Battelle. Both are icons in the freestyle skiing community with incredible accomplishments. Jonny was especially inspiring since he grew up in the same town as me, went to the same high school, and skied at the same program. Ann has always struck me as one of the coolest people I’ve met, and the fact that she continues to give back to the freestyle community as a coach is really special. Outside of skiing, my heroes are my parents. They taught me how to ski, believed in me every step of the way, and provided me with all the tools I needed to grow into the athlete I am today. I’m forever grateful for their support.
Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
KK: I would probably buy a new mountain bike, since I love the terrain around Salt Lake and biking is excellent cross-training for moguls skiing. I’d also consider putting part of it toward my education at Boston College, which is another big priority in my life.
Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
KK: I don’t currently keep a strict budget, as I’m fortunate to receive support from both my parents and the team. That said, I try to stay mindful of how I spend and make sure I focus on the essentials that support my skiing and education.
Q: What is one money habit you follow?
KK: I always review my credit card statements monthly to ensure there’s no fraudulent activity. It’s a simple habit, but it gives me peace of mind and helps me stay on top of my spending.
