World travelers, Heather and Greg Burke call St. Augustine home, when they’re here. The two have been passionate skiers since the age of three, a love that continues to fuel their adventures today. This past winter, the couple skied an impressive 45 days across 39 ski areas in Austria’s Tyrol region, bringing their lifetime tally to an astonishing 292 ski resorts worldwide. While it might seem unusual for avid skiers to call St. Augustine home, the Burkes cherish the city’s vibrant community and its convenient access to Jacksonville Airport for their globe-trotting lifestyle. After conquering many of the premier ski areas in the U.S., Canada, and Switzerland, the Burkes are now focusing their efforts on exploring Austria, France, and Italy. Their skiing adventures have also taken them to Chile and Spain. Greg is already planning next winter’s itinerary, aiming to reach 350 unique ski areas. “The plan includes 27 new ski areas in Austria, 24 in France, and 7 in Italy,” Greg shares. “We love skiing in the Rockies, especially Utah and Colorado, for the exceptional snow quality and terrain,” said Greg. Heather added, “The Alps are unmatched—the scenery, the expansive terrain, the cozy alpine chalets, and the lively Après Ski culture in historic villages make it magical.”
The Burkes ski hard, often clocking 25,000 to 30,000 vertical feet—or 30 miles—each day. “You could skip a day,” Heather admits, “but I never want to miss the chance for new terrain and new adventures. You never know until you go.” Beyond skiing, Heather and Greg also enjoy bike tours and boat charters during the off-season. They’ve been documenting their ski adventures since 1998 on their travel blogs. With a goal of skiing 350 resorts by 2025, the Burkes show no signs of slowing down. “There are 6,138 ski areas in the world,” Greg notes. “We’re just getting started.” They credit their longevity to advice from a 94-year-old skier they met years ago: “Don’t stop. Cause when you stop, you die.” The Burkes are living proof that those words are worth skiing by.
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