For Kerr, rare descents and hard objectives are more than personal goals. She's pushing to make the guiding world more inclusive to women. Her tactics include leaning on the guides association to change practices (like requiring guide companies to reveal salaries to help close the gender pay gap) and fight ingrained biases and deep-seated stereotypes. She also focuses on being a role model and mentor to other women in the guiding world.

"The message is there are skis and then there are women's skis. We often focus on the effect this type of marketing has on women, but it's a lot easier for women to go out and buy men's skis and feel good about it, whereas most men would have a hard time going and buying a women's ski, even if a lighter, shorter ski is a better fit for them."

"I'm really hoping that this platform is giving us a chance to inspire some young girls to step out into the mountains and really go see the beauty of it and enjoy it and do what they love," said Van Gyn.

For nearly a decade, Lindsey Vonn has wanted to race against men, and her requests have been bluntly denied by international ski racing officials. But next week, Vonn may get her best, and likely last, chance to enter a men’s World Cup Alpine race.

"What's also important to me is to tell a story that's empowering for other women to challenge themselves, and to inspire the female adventurer."