Arielle Gold
Nicknames? "Relly Belly," "Ron Burgundy"
Birthplace? Steamboat Springs, CO
Home Mountain? Mt. Werner
What was your first job? I used to spend all of my days doing barn chores at the ranch where I kept my horse. That was from when I was around 7 years old, until I was 13 or 14. I helped with work around the barn and made videos for the horses that they were trying to sell.
Best way to spend your down days? Riding my horse, Sparky. I've been riding since I was 2 years old, and have had my own horse since I was 7. It has always been such a huge part of my life, and is a great compliment to snowboarding.
Photos © Warren Miller Entertainment
Current favorite piece of gear?
Probably my Rockstar helmet. It's saved me more than a few times, and I wouldn't ride without it. It's also branded by one of my biggest support systems- Rockstar Energy- and I love representing those guys in any way that I can.
What is your number one goal in skiing/riding right now?
Right now my first priority is to have fun snowboarding. Obviously, I want to continue progressing my riding, but at this point in my career, especially during an Olympic year, my priorities have changed a little bit. Having been through this whole process before, I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in the results and to forget the whole reason I started snowboarding in the first place - because I love it. I know that when I'm having fun riding, I'm really able to embrace the whole process, and the progression comes so much easier.
Best advice you were ever given?
Have fun. My dad says it to me nearly every day. It's so simple, but there are a lot of days when it's exactly what I need to hear.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I've always been fortunate to be surrounded by a group of people with the determination and the work ethic to succeed. Watching the athletes and people around me has always inspired me to become a better person and a better athlete. My brother, Taylor, has always had a huge influence on me. It's because of him that I started snowboarding in the first place, and he is the reason that I ended up pursuing it as a career. He is so passionate about what he does, and so dedicated to the process. Seeing that in him inspires me to do the same.
What is your greatest fear?
The fear of disappointing myself. It's happened more than a few times, and when it does, it's always a challenge for me to overcome. When you dedicate so much of your life to something, your successes give you a high that is better than anything you could ever imagine, but the lows can be your downfall. It's always a challenge to step back up after something like that, but when you can get back to one of those highs, that's what makes it all worth it.
Best moment filming with WME this year?
Filming with WME was such a great experience for me. I hadn't ridden my home mountain in almost 2 years, so it was so much fun getting to go home for a few days and film with such a rad group of guys. The whole park crew at Steamboat did an amazing job getting 'Mavericks' (the superpipe) into great shape, and the lighting for the night shoot was the best I've ever ridden with. Thank you guys so much for the incredible opportunity!