Main Store Manager and Apparel Buyer
Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Maria is a life-long skier from the high altitude Sangre de Cristo Mountains. She grew up skiing in Taos Ski Valley and Santa Fe Ski Basin, which has a base at over 10,000 ft.
Maria started working in the ski industry at age 14. It all started in the shipping and receiving department of Alpine Sports in Santa Fe, NM, a store she worked at for 23 years and worked her way up to Store Manager and Buyer. Her motivation was, and still is, being in the industry that helped her stay close to the sports she loved.
Maria is married to Fritz Peters, who is the Principal at Wood River Middle School. They have a son, Taylor, a Wood River High School Graduate and now a student at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Maria and her family took a leap of faith and moved to Hailey in 2002 with no employment plans. But, they wanted to be in a beautiful and safe environment to raise their young son, and to reap the benefits of such a health-conscious community.
Maria started working at Sturtevant’s in 2003. Her genuine enthusiasm, knowledge of the industry, and natural leadership has made her a valued member of the team ever since. Although skiing is her biggest passion, she also has a love for hiking and biking. But, her favorite days are skiing on Baldy, particularly when the bowls are open and the skies are blue! She is no fair weather fan though, as you’ll see her up there in any weather or condition testing out new skis and equipment so she can pass that knowledge on to her customers, associates, and friends.
Maria and Fritz biking Elk Mountain Loop
Maria enjoying the mountain on her day off
One Comment on “Who We Are – Maria Simms”
She started skiing in the Santa Fe Basin Ski Program as a 5th grader in Tesuque, New Mexico, just north of Santa Fe. Ever since, she’s been skiing whenever and wherever she could, frequently logging 70 to 80 days each season. As a result, she’s become an excellent skier, often to the surprise of numerous ski reps she skis with. She also enjoys a great reputation at Sturtevants because of her love of the sport, the industry, and the satisfaction she derives from ensuring that the customers she helps are confident that they came to the right place. Give her a pat on the back for me.