THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WINTER PARK 2012
Sister Act
THE TRUDEAU SISTERS OF VAIL ARE
TAKING THE NASTAR CIRCUIT BY
STORM By Susan Theis
Brianna and Samantha Trudeau enjoy free swag at NASTAR Nationals.
Racers often identify themselves with specific clubs; Steam-
boat Springs Winter Sports Club, Ski Club Vail, Buck Hill Ski Club,
Holy Hill Ski Club, etc. But one 11-year-old in Vail also considers
herself to be a member of the “NASTAR family.” Brianna Trudeau
has competed at the NASTAR national championships for the past
five years. She doesn’t do it because it’s her only opportunity to
win — she is a decorated racer who also belongs to Ski Club Vail
— but because she feels the need to be loyal to her roots.
When Brianna was 5 years old and her sister, Samantha, was 3,
the family lived in Crested Butte. They spent every Sunday skiing
as a family. After many laps down the frontside of the mountain, the
5-year-old Brianna grew restless and needed something more to
keep her interested. Her father, Wayne Trudeau (who has a racing
background as well), suggested the family try NASTAR. From that
moment on the girls were hooked.
The Trudeaus continued to take laps through the Smith Hill course
every weekend. Brianna would stay up to date on all the other girls
