Imperfect Advocacy: Amie Engerbretson on Skiing, Storytelling & Climate Action
We’re back on the dock at Donner Lake with Tahoe local and professional big-mountain skier Amie Engerbretson. From skiing at 10 months old to producing her own films, Amie has built a career that blends grit, creativity, and honesty. In this conversation, she opens up about the realities of sponsorships, the athlete–influencer balancing act, and why she’s leaned into making her own opportunities instead of waiting for the call.
We also dig into her climate documentary The Hypocrite with Protect Our Winters, what it means to embrace “imperfect advocacy,” and why common ground across the outdoor state matters more than finger-pointing.
Skiing, Social Media & the Athlete–Influencer Tightrope
Amie didn’t set out with grand expectations of being a pro skier, she just wanted to try. What she found was a career path filled with both opportunity and challenge.
“I’ve seen so many people either try to become professional skiers and fail or have it not lead anywhere. I think I went into my ski career basically assuming it wouldn’t work, but it would be fun to try.”
She shares the shift from competition to producing her own films and projects, choosing to create her own opportunities rather than wait for them.
Owning the Narrative Through Storytelling
For Amie, making her own projects wasn’t just about visibility, in a way, it was about control.
“Pre-social media, your story was always being told by some editor or marketing person, typically a man. At least now, I have a say in what people see and know of me.”
From early magazine covers to directing The Hypocrite, her work reflects a refusal to sit on the sidelines.
Imperfect Advocacy & Climate Action
A big theme of this episode is the tension between outdoor lifestyles and climate responsibility. Amie doesn’t shy away from the complexity.
“What it was is I didn’t feel like I was perfect enough. And I was never going to be perfect. This idea of perfection in any walk of our lives hinders progress.”
Her film The Hypocrite tackles that head-on, looking at the gap between individual choices and the systemic changes we actually need.
Why It’s About Common Ground, Not Perfection
Instead of skiers vs. sledders vs. whoever else, Amie is passionate about unity in the outdoors.
“Who cares who gets to use the forest if the forest is going to burn down?”
She talks about the power of showing up locally, whether that’s joining your HOA, writing a letter to your senator, or just starting the conversation with friends.
Why You’ll Want to Hit Play
✅ You want an honest look at women’s careers in action sports
✅ You’ve felt the pressure of social media and sponsorship ROI
✅ You’re curious about climate advocacy without the perfection trap
✅ You want to hear how outdoor athletes are creating their own opportunities
Stay Connected
✨ Follow Amie on Instagram: @amieski
🌐 https://amieski.com/
🎧 Follow Tarin It Up on Instagram: @tarin.it.up.podcast
💌 Subscribe to my newsletter: tarinitup.myflodesk.com/tarinitup
☕ Support the show: Buy Me a Beverage
Mentioned in This Episode
🎥 The Hypocrite – Amie’s film on imperfect advocacy
❄️ Protect Our Winters – protectourwinters.org
⛷️ Women of Winter (WOW) camps at Palisades Tahoe
