Charlotte Figlak on the chairlift.
8th grade student Charlotte Figlak races the slopes of Pine Knob almost every day in the cold months of the year, training to be a better, faster, and stronger skier.
“Skiing has always been a big part of my life, the slopes being my second home,” Figlak said.
Clarkston is known for skiing and snowboarding, with the girls’ high school team placing 3rd in the 2024 MHSAA Division 1 State Ski Finals. Figlak is determined to make the 3 turn into a 1.
To be determined, you have to have a good mindset, “Yes, because if you don’t, you’ll never persevere and progress,” Figlak said.
Parents around the world want their kids to be active. Kat Figlak (Charlotte’s mom) is no different. She grew up skiing as well, living in Clarkston, right near pine knob, which influences young kids and teens to start up a new hobby.
“I did skiing as well, and I thought it was something we could do together,” Kat Figlak said.
What Charlotte does influences others to follow. Lucy Figlak (Charlotte’s sister, 6th) is also a skier, taking after her sister.
“She has definitely seen different views of how skiing works. She has made national teams, won competitions, been on the news, and so much more! She genuinely has a passion for skiing,” Lucy Figlak said.
Skiing is a great hobby, but it also teaches you life lessons: “To never give up, even when things get hard,” Figlak said.