If you think you're too young to learn how to ski, think again — Sheerin Florio, the 20-year-old captain of the Cornell University Women's Ski Team, has been skiing her entire life. "I first started skiing when I was only a few months old. I say that because my dad had me on little plastic skis and would drag me across the snow in our yard before I could even walk!" Sheerin began skiing on her own at age two, and racing at age seven.

Practice Makes Perfect

Sheerin's training starts well before the ski season. "I train about five days a week. I run sprints and up-hill courses, and weight train. I work on power and explosiveness, but also endurance." Sheerin also reports, "During the competitive season, I train three or four days a week for three hours a day on the snow. The weekends are for racing."

Why does Sheerin practice so much when an alpine skiing race lasts only a minute? "I believe preparation is what makes champions." She must be doing something right! Last season, Sheerin placed fourth in the Championships at Snowshoe, WV. She was named to the All-Regional team, and the All-Conference (NY) team. Sheerin was also a member of the All-New England Prep Team and the New Hampshire State Skiing Team when she was younger.

Combined with her awesome talents on the slopes, Sheerin is the Female Alpine Skiing Representative for the United States Collegiate Skiing Association, an organization that values good grades and being a good sport just as much as being a good racer.

Cool Places

Sheerin has traveled to many cool (and cold) places throughout her skiing career. She skied in Utah during her senior year of high school, and later hit the slopes in Austria, British Columbia, and the French Alps. "Skiing has given me the opportunity to experience other countries, other languages, and other cultures," she says "I have been able to explore the world!"

Trial Run

If you're first starting out, Sheerin suggests visiting the U.S. Ski Team regional Web site to find information about skiing opportunities in your region. She says, "Even if you live somewhere where snow isn't exactly abounding year round, you might be surprised to find that there is still a ski club nearby!" So, gear up, hit the slopes, and have some fun!

Check out more info on snow skiing!