Pro Skier Visits Youth Team at Wintergreen Resort

Wintergreen, VA - Wintergreen, VA- An Olympic-level skier spent the weekend with the winter youth teams at Wintergreen Resort.

Megan McJames is a world cup racer and independent skier.

This weekend was the Utah native's first time in Virginia. She says she's glad to come to Wintergreen and inspire kids to do what she does.

"Megan was once young and learning how to do this and she feels like it's important to come back and show what you can be if you continue and to get better," said Chris Shepard the winter teams director.

There's one hundred and seven eight kids enrolled in Wintergreen's winter youth teams.

"I love the exhilarating feeling at the end of a run where you're just like, oh my gosh, I can't wait to do it again," said 14 year old skier, Hannah Jones.

And to see a professional racer on the slopes is a big deal.

'It was so cool seeing her, and I saw her do a run down the course, and it was so amazing," said Jones.

"I've watched her on the course and it's really good to see a professional," said 15 year old skier, Merrick Scholl.

"One of my coaches had her watch one of my runs and it was really awesome to have her give me feedback," said 16 year old skier, Charlee Schulte.

"When the kids see her race, and get to talk to her, and get her autograph, it's just creates a lot of excitement," said Shephard.

Professional Alpine Ski Racer, Megan McJames says it's not only her first time in Virginia, it's her first time skiing in the south. She chose to come to Wintergreen since there's so many youth interested in racing there.

"It's a new experience for me, new faces, new places," said McJames.

McJames says she loves seeing the enthusiasm of the kids, and being reminded of how exciting and important ski racing is.

"It teaches all the kids values and perseverance and being outside on the mountain is a fun thing I fell in love with, so to be able to give that back to the kids is something I feel strongly about," said McJames.

McJames was also fundraising for her own independent racing. She's been World Cup racing all season, and she has a World Championship in Beaver Creek next month.