Last month, one of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s most celebrated female athletes announced her retirement. Arielle Gold, two-time Olympian and Olympic Gold Medal winner in halfpipe, who began her training with the SSWSC at the age of 8, has stepped away from the competitive circuit, just short of the 2021 Olympics. With nearly 20 years of experience under her belt and numerous decorations as a champion designating her as one of the best in the world, Arielle has decided to focus on new ventures, prioritizing her health and emotional well-being after a concussion that resulted in prolonged symptoms.

The SSWSC applauds Gold on knowing, recognizing, and supporting her personal needs as an athlete and individual, and taking care of herself after an impressive and inspirational career.

In addition to her Olympic Gold medal and two Olympic appearances, Gold is also known as a Halfpipe World Champion and 3-time medalist at the X Games. At the age of 16, Gold quickly began making a name for herself with a Gold medal in the FIS Snowboarding World Championships, a bronze at the Winter X Games, and a bronze at the X Games Europe. Shortly following, she became the youngest member of the 2014 Sochi Olympic team.

Behind her years of success, she leaves a legacy of empowering female athletes, especially those in the SSWSC.

“She is so rad,” said SSWSC Snowboard Director and retired professional snowboarder Maddy Schaffrick, who is a fellow SSWSC athlete who trained and competed with Gold. “When she interacts with SSWSC athletes in Copper when we run into her, she always checks in with our younger female athletes and asked them what they are working on.” For those younger athletes, the words of encouragement help to build their foundations for success.

Having grown up in the SSWSC, Gold knows the importance of looking up to older athletes, with Schaffrick as a female role model and friend, and her older brother Taylor just two years her senior to offer her support and guidance.

Throughout her career, Gold has worked hard to overcome injuries and setbacks, and her decision to embrace her retirement has opened doors for new life goals, such as acting as the Athlete Liason for US Ski and Snowboard Halfpipe Team and pursuing her dreams of becoming a vet.

When asked what parting words she would have for SSWSC athletes who forever remember her as an empowering leader and athlete, she said, ““Never lose the fun. The pure passion for your sport is what it’s all about, and is what will make your career not only sustainable, but genuinely rewarding. Growing up in Steamboat formed the basis of my entire professional career and my passion for being outside, and no kid should ever take that for granted. Enjoy every moment and never forget where you came from.”