[EN] E14: From US Nationals to Backcountry Skiing with Type 1 Diabetes | Maia Bickert

What does it take to compete at the US Nationals in alpine ski racing and then transition to the unpredictable, high-altitude world of backcountry skiing, all while managing Type 1 Diabetes? In this episode of Out of Range, we sit down with Maia Bickert, an elite skier from South Lake Tahoe who has spent her life on the slopes. Diagnosed at age 18 during the peak of her racing career, Maia refused to let a chronic condition freeze her ambitions.We dive into the unique challenges of snow sports, from the "sprint" intensity of a 60-second slalom run to the endurance required for uphill skinning in the backcountry. Maia shares how her background in immunology helped her deconstruct the science of her own body, shifting her mindset from frustration to mastery. From "pro-hacks" for keeping insulin from freezing in sub-zero temperatures to the mental resilience needed to race at 80 mph with a CGM, this conversation is an essential guide for any T1D adventurer hitting the powder.VIDEO CHAPTERS 📖00:00 Introduction: Meet Maia Bickert02:15 Growing up in Tahoe: On skis before she could walk05:40 The road to the US Nationals and Junior Olympics10:10 The diagnosis: Rapid weight loss and a "lucky" catch at age 1815:30 Getting back on skis: Competing just days after leaving the hospital21:05 The science of T1D: Why Maia studied immunology at UC Berkeley26:45 Managing adrenaline: The 60-second "all-out" race window32:20 Cold weather pro-tips: Preventing frozen insulin and sensor failures38:15 From gate racing to backcountry: The physical shift to "skinning" uphill44:30 Technology evolution: Transitioning from "ancient" pumps to tubeless systems50:10 Preparation is key: What’s in Maia’s ski pack?56:45 Mentoring the next generation: Coaching T1D junior racers01:02:10 Final message: Don't let the fear of "what if" stop the adventureKEY TAKEAWAYS:The Athlete's Diagnosis: How high physical fitness can mask T1D symptoms and why the "honeymoon phase" is different for athletes.The Science Mindset: How understanding the immune system and physiology can remove the emotional burden of "bad" numbers.Cold Weather Management: Practical strategies for protecting technology and insulin in extreme winter environments.The Importance of Redundancy: Why Maia always carries "plan B" pens and manual testing kits when heading into the wilderness.Empowerment through Sport: Using skiing as a tool to prove that T1D is a variable to manage, not a barrier to excellence.CONNECT AND FOLLOW:YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_-lrgZFWtgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbackdown.be/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/610nrqquR33EMVLPL2S9Vu?si=gwJ_6s1sQ5qqQv1VNgGQiQApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/47JTFBtFollow Maia Bickert: https://www.instagram.com/maia_bickert_t1d