Not one but two little rippers comprise the White family from western Montana. Olivia Lokkee and Penelope Picabo are skiers and racers who call Lookout Pass their home mountain. They’re passionate about skiing, like speed, and encourage others to spend their winters the best way – on the mountain!
Penelope Picabo & Olivia Lokkee White (Twin sisters), Age 9
Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.
The girls started out at age three and skied with their papa at Lost Trail for two years before attending Lookout’s Free Ski School at age 5. They then followed that up with a year of private lessons at Lookout and joined the Lookout Pass Ski Team at age 7. This year, they are starting their 3rd season with the Lookout Pass Ski Race Team. “Ski racing is the best way to spend your winters,” says Olivia.
Favorite runs: Dilly Dally Alley, Idaho Face, Bonanza.
Love skiing because: As racers, they get to travel to other mountains, make new friends, learn new skills on training days, and ski fast. “It’s like we live outside during the winter!” says Penelope.
Most memorable day on the mountain: Olivia’s first run on Idaho Face, and Penelope says the first time she “went down the hill really fast without any help.”
Greatest accomplishments so far: Olivia’s 2nd-place finish against more experienced ski racers. Penelope says it was winning Lookout’s cardboard box derby race.
Future Ambition: Ski in every state.
Ski Advice: “It’s okay to start with pizza legs but try to end the day with French fry skis! Never give up, do your best, and never be afraid. All those days at Lookout Pass will be worth your time. And most of all, speed is your friend!”
Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.
Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.
