Ski Mom Barbara Cochran, Gold Medalist & Sports Psychology Consultant

In this episode Nicole and Sarah host Barbara Cochran, ski mom, Olympic gold medalist and sports psychology consultant. 

Barbara tells us about the incredible history behind her father Mickey’s vision to build a ski hill behind their house in Richmond, Vermont in 1961.  Mickey built a tow rope and put up lights so all his kids and anyone else who wanted to (it was open to the public), could ski train after school and into the night.

Barbara is one of four children, they all grew up to be world-class ski racers and represented the U.S. in the Winter Olympics. Barbara started racing in World Cup races when she was still in high school. She shares her Olympic story of winning the gold medal in slalom at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. 

We loved hearing about what was going through Barbara’s mind as she prepared herself to race, and how her father’s words could calm her down and get her thinking positively (even at the Olympics!).  Barbara discovered the powers of positive self talk and having a growth mindset - long before it was a well-known practice. 

Barbara shares the Cochran’s Way, a powerful and positive message for ski racers and parents pursuing this crazy sport. She tells us about the letter she wrote to her son Ryan Cochran-Siegle, before he headed to the Olympics.

Barbara’s words have inspired us to stay positive and keep the big picture in mind - the invaluable life lessons our kids learn from skiing. 

Resources:

Barbara’s Sports Psychology Business

Cochran’s Ski Area 

Keep up with the Latest from Barbara & Cochrans:

Barbara on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bacochrancoach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsSuccessCoaching

Cochran’s Ski Area Instagram 

Cochran’s Facebook 

Please Help Support our Podcast:
Visit Mabels Labels to personalize your own labels!
Use code SKIMOMS at checkout for 15% off your purchase

Don't miss the Annual Tent Sale, happening August 7th through 9th at the Woburn store only. The sale kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. and continues all weekend, just in time for Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend.

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more.