Former Olympic-Level Skiers, Now Resident Physicians, Weigh in on Area Skiing

Yes, it’s March, but, as any upstate New Yorker knows, we have likely not seen the last of the snow. For those looking for tips on where to hit the slopes, who better to consult than two of Albany Medical Center’s most knowledgeable experts?

Kelsey Albert, DO, a physical medicine and rehabilitation resident, and Jillian Kazley, MD, an orthopedic surgery resident, both had impressive careers in competitive skiing before turning their attention to medicine.

Albert, a freestyle skier who competed in moguls, was a member of the United States Ski Team. A native of North Andover, Mass., she competed at the World Cup level during the 2012-2013 season and was ranked in the top 30 mogul skiers in the world at that time.

Kazley, born in Rochester, N.Y., also skied freestyle focusing on aerials and halfpipe events. She competed internationally and finished her career in 2008 as Junior Olympics champion in aerials and fourth place at the U.S. Nationals in halfpipe.

Both women attended the same ski academy for high school, Killington Mountain School in Vermont.

“I still ski every chance I get,” Albert said. “Before Covid, I typically went to Vermont most weekends that I wasn’t working. This winter, I have been fully embracing and discovering the New York ski scene. I often go to West Mountain or Willard Mountain for night skiing, which I love because I can even go midweek when I get out of work.”

Kazley still feels a pull to Vermont. “I do like to venture up to Killington or Okemo when I can,” she said, “but Windham and Gore are good for getting some turns in, too.”

“The great thing about Albany is that you can drive less than two hours in every direction and find many places to go both downhill and backcountry skiing,” said Albert.

And for those who are less altitudinally inclined, there are options closer to home. “I have cross country skis, too,” Albert said, “and I’ve spent many happy days on the Capital Hills Golf Course and Pine Bush Preserve, both right here in Albany.”