While most American kids spend their summers on the beach or at home, Chilean student athlete Carolina Jimenez, 16,  spends her summer in Aspen to race for Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club.  Jimenez grew up in Santiago, Chile,  and skis for Andes ski club during her winter ski season. She said it has been an adventure and a good opportunity to train in Aspen for upcoming races when she returns home to Chile.

“I’m adjusting really well, I love Aspen, such a pretty town and I like that everything is ski oriented,” said Jimenez. “Everyone here takes ski racing really serious, especially my coaches at AVSC, so I hope I can improve a lot. I love my new teammates, I’m so excited for the next couple months,” said Jimenez.

Teammate and AHS student Meagan Olsen, a sophomore, said Jimenez has adapted really well  to the team and fits in already at the start of  her two-month stay. Olsen, who is also new to the club, has been skiing for Whitetail Ski Resort in Harrisburg, Penn., and just recently moved to Aspen for the winter, like Jimenez.

“I met her racing in Chile, I think she is adjusting really well because her English is really good and the AVSC club has welcomed her with open arms,” said Olsen.

Senior and teammate Jake Bassi also said that Jimenez’s addition to the team has been beneficial.

“It’s really cool that Carolina has chosen Aspen to train with during her summer. I feel that training with us will push her even more,” said Bassi.