Share the Nordic Love–Ella Hall

We had a chance to catch up with Ella Hall over the holidays. Ella is the daughter of Alex and Leslie Hall (Leslie is the long-time coach, executive director, and leader of MVN, who is now gliding into retirement.)

Ella was a member of the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Team for her entire childhood. She qualified for Junior Nationals five times, and went on to ski at Dartmouth College for several years. After graduating, she lived in France and moonlighted as a reporter covering the European race scene for FasterSkier.com. Ella is now studying for a Masters Degree in Environmental Journalism at the University of Montana in Missoula.

I felt like I was talking to a celebrity when I chatted with Ella at the Mazama store–so many people wanted to say hi to her! She comes across as confident, purposeful, thoughtful, and altogether self-possessed. It was a pleasure to chat with her about what skiing has meant to her:

Who first shared the love of skiing with you?

It’s almost to be expected that Ella’s parents had her on skis as soon as she could walk.

How do you feel now when you are nordic skiing?

“Calm. I just love the sensation of being in the trees, gliding in the quiet.”

“Skiing is always a mood booster. It’s something that I’m good at.”

Skiing helped Ella in her application to Dartmouth College. She skied with the team her Freshman and Junior year, while spending her Sophomore year overseas, and helping coach a local team during her senior year. ”I was a small fish there.”

“I always wanted to be skiing, even when I didn’t want to be racing (any more).”

Who do you love to ski with?

Ella likes to ski with her friends from the Methow Valley Nordic Team, her family and her aunt Suzanne King, her Dartmouth friends, or alone.

Please describe your favorite or best ski day.

During her sophomore year of college, while she was in Europe over Winter break, Ella skied from Cortina to Toblach, on a sunny day, including a 1k lit tunnel with snow inside. The route passed incredible scenery in the Dolomites.

She also loves a sunny day with good grooming in the Rendezvous

How has Methow Valley Nordic helped you grow and develop as a skier and person?

“Skiing was huge for me in high school, I gained confidence, skills, time management, and organization. I also got the opportunity to travel through skiing.”

“Our trip to JN (junior nationals) in Fairbanks was memorable and a neat experience to race so far north and see the northern lights!”

Ella was shy when she started high school, and the ski team helped her with confidence. She enjoyed being on a close-knit team, and stays in touch with her MVNT teammates.

How has being involved with Methow Valley Nordic and being a nordic skier helped you overcome challenges, either in skiing or life?

“Skiing instilled a drive for success that has carried over to life.”

What would you say to encourage other people to enjoy the benefits of Methow Valley Nordic’s Programs?

“It’s a lifelong investment, especially if you learn to ski at a young age, you will appreciate it more as you get older.” MVNT was “super fun” and Ella has the “fondest memories”

How do you share your love of nordic skiing with other people?

During her senior year at Dartmouth, Ella coached a local nordic team one day a week.

Ella spent two years writing articles for Faster Skiier while living in Europe. (click here to read her work)

Ella is now coaching in the junior program in Missoula.

What is it like to have an Olympian as a mom and ski coach?

“She’s just my mom. She’s a great role model.”