Ashley was born to ski. She grew up in Chicago, and she’s the second of four children who all enjoy the same passion. An avid skier since the early age of 18 months, she was first put on skis and continued to evolve with and for the sport of Freeskiing. It wasn’t preferable skiing almost all of her youth life in the Midwest where flat landings and ice are nothing but all there is to work with. But from her small, 200ft vertical home hill in Wisconsin, she eventually had the fortitude and mental strength to turn her passion into a profession. She was regularly active throughout her and competed in other activities outside of skiing. Growing up, she was involved in gymnastics, track, cheerleading. Ash was also commonly seen sliding handrails and gapping stair sets in downtown Chicago on skates. She agrees that her active youth and ability to adapt quickly to new activities has shaped her distinctive style of skiing. 

- http://www.ashleybattersby.net