Women – Ski and Shred Boldly with Clinics and More

Ski Like a Girl – Enhance Your Skiing and Snowboarding Experiences: Clinics, Events, and Gear for Women

The landscape of skiing and snowboarding is evolving with a surge in women-centered clinics, events, and specialized gear aimed at empowering women to excel in these sports while fostering camaraderie both on and off the slopes. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your skills this season or planning an adventurous girls’ trip for the future, Colorado Ski Country USA offers an array of opportunities for Women to ski or snowboard with confidence.

Throughout Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts, an array of women-only clinics has been introduced, providing a supportive environment led by female instructors. These clinics not only focus on skill enhancement but also encourage open dialogue about fears and challenges, fostering increased confidence among participants. According to Deb Willits, honored as the 2023-24 CSCUSA Ski Instructor of the Year and an instructor at Telluride Ski Resort, the inclusivity of these clinics allows for deeper exploration of individual concerns, leading to significant progress in skill development.

“I’ve seen that in a women-only clinic, the women feel more comfortable talking about their fears,” says 2023-24 CSCUSA Ski Instructor of the Year and Telluride Ski Instructor Deb Willits. “When that happens, we can really dive into what it will take to increase confidence. Often, it’s because students may not know exactly what to do in a given situation.”

These Women-only clinics are available each season at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Telluride, and Winter Park. Willits emphasizes the value of lessons for every skier or snowboarder, regardless of skill level, as there’s always room for improvement and refinement in technique.

Photo Courtesy of HollyGoSpritely Photography

Willits says, “There are always things to learn, and every individual has some kind of inefficient body movement or posture particular to them that, if addressed, will help to make them an even more accomplished and confident skier,” she says.

In addition to clinics, CSCUSA resorts offer special programming dedicated to Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, such as Aspen Snowmass’s Uphill Champagne Lunch. Informal groups, like Monarch Mountain’s Women’s Social Club, provide opportunities for women to connect and explore the outdoors together.

Furthermore, initiatives like the women-only veterans’ clinic at Sunlight Mountain Resort, in partnership with The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, facilitate transformative experiences for female military veterans through skiing and snowboarding.

Specialized gear designed for women also plays a crucial role in enhancing performance and reducing injuries. Partnering with CSCUSA, brands like HEAD offer ski bindings with Full Heel Release (FHR) technology, aiming to minimize knee injuries. Additionally, Christy Sports offers heated women’s gloves with long-lasting warmth, ensuring comfort during long days on the slopes or outdoor activities.

Whether it’s improving skills, enjoying better gear, or connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado Ski Country USA provides a diverse range of opportunities for women to thrive in the world of skiing and snowboarding.

~MWM

Feature Image Courtesy of Casey Day Photography & CSCUSA