Emily Heikkinen

About Emily

I live in Vail, CO.  I became involved in alpine sports while growing up in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan.  I grew up cross country skiing and learned to alpine ski when I was fifteen years old.  That moment was life changing for me.  Skiing made me so happy and I immediately was addicted to the sport.

Career Background

I chose the path of a Professional Ski Instructor.  I started teaching skiing when I was seventeen.  Right after I graduated from college, I moved to Crested Butte, CO to continue my ski career.  I have had a few highlights during my career.  My college ski team, I was a competitor in the US Extreme Skiing Championships while living in Crested Butte, CO.  I have been a member on a few Synchronized Skiing Demonstration teams.  Most recently, a member on the Epic Chix all women’s team out of Beaver Creek Ski School.  We competed in Switzerland at the Swiss Synchronized Skiing Championships in April 2012.  I just received my twenty year pin from PSIA, Professional Ski Instructors of America.  I plan on continuing to share the love of skiing for a long time to come.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

I suffered a spiral fracture to my fibula bone, along with cartilage damage in April 2013.  Surgery required a plate and seven screws.  I was on crutches with no weight-bearing for six weeks.  The Steadman Clinic had me on a physical therapy program shortly after surgery.  At the end of three months, I was able to return to work with limitations.  I work as a bike guide during the summer months.  I am 100% healed and back teaching skiing at Beaver Creek Resort.

Testimonial

"I am so grateful for the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation. With your assistance, I was able to put 100% into my recovery. The PT's at Howard Head Physical Therapy are world-class. Their care and support for my recovery was top notch. Thank you to the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation for all the support in getting me back on my feet. As each day goes by that I am on my ski's, I will always remember what you did for me and what you do for others."

- Emily Heikkinen