Ski technique requires coordination and balance, agility and flexibility, endurance and strength. When female skiers are ready to refine their skills or tackle the next level, all-female classes may be the best option. With a focus on caressing not attacking the hill, flowing instead of bashing through bumps, and concentration on technique more than power, these lessons are a more positive and effective learning experience for many women. Former Telluride Ski School Director Annie Vareille Savath says all-women classes work because women are not always confident about their athletic abilities. “In coed classes, women tend to ski defensively and lose quality,” she says. “But competition on the same level pushes them to be better and builds confidence.” Women-only programs owe much of their success to the quality of instruction. Ski schools select the crème de la crème of their fully-certified women instructors well-versed in the latest teaching methods and equipment technology, and capable of setting an example. They present a visual, achievable model. Besides mastery of skills and building confidence, a spirit of camaraderie and fun sets these clinics apart. Multi-day camps and après ski wine tastings allow women to build a network of like-minded skiers. Some clinics coincide with children’s ski school times—Women’s Wednesdays at Monarch, for instance, run at the same time as the Caterpillars program for children—making it convenient for moms to get away for their own Me Time on the slopes.
Colorado’s resorts offer a variety of women-only options:
Arapahoe Basin
arapahoebasin.com/snowsports 888-272-7246 Legendary Ladies Enjoy skiing or boarding and exploring the mountain in small lessons led by specialized women’s coaches. Who: Alpine skiers/snowboarders 18+, all abilities ??When: Session II Feb. 1,8,15; Session III March 4, 11, 18; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $205 one session, $345 two sessions; $75 drop-in/day-of
Aspen-Snowmass
aspensnowmass.com 800-525-6200 Women’s Edge Intermediate to advanced skiers and riders build confidence and take on new challenges in this class that has been running for 30 years. Who: Alpine skiers/snowboarders 18+, intermediate and above When: ?Four-day program Mondays-Thursdays, Jan. 9 through March 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Cost: Advance, $685; at resort $705 (does not include lunch)
Beaver Creek
beavercreek.com 866-231-0667 Women’s Ultimate 4 Learn to ski or brush up on skills with a small group of fellow women skiers and a female coach. Who: Alpine skiers 15+, level 1-4 only ?When: Feb. 13-21; March 3-April 4, 12:45-3:15 p.m.? Cost: $209 or $259 with lift ticket
Breckenridge
breckenridge.com 888-576-2754 Women’s Ultimate 4 Learn to ski or brush up on skills with a small group of fellow women skiers and a female coach. Who: Alpine skiers 15+, level 1-5 only When: ?Feb. 12-26; March 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-April 1, 12:45-3:15 p.m.? Cost: $175 or $190 with lift ticket Women & Wine A relaxing half-day lesson focused on improving fundamentals or tackling a new skill, followed by a complimentary glass of wine. Who: Alpine skiers 15+ (21+ for wine), all abilities When: Wednesdays Jan. 4-March 1; 1:15 p.m. ending with wine at One Ski Hill Place? Cost: $72 lesson only Breck Bombshells A multi-week ski program for any level designed for moms whose kids are in the Bombers or BAM kids ski lessons. Who: Alpine skiers, all abilities (perfect for moms with kids in ski school)? When: Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 25, 9 a.m. to noon Cost: $207
Copper Mountain
coppercolorado.com 866-385-0144 Women’s Wednesdays Like ladies night for skiers and snowboarders, women of all ages and skill levels get together on Wednesdays and ride with a similar ability group. Who: Alpine skiers/snowboarders 18+, all levels When: Jan. 11-March 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Cost: $479; $729 includes season pass
Crested Butte
skicb.com 970-349-2211 Women’s Tips on Tuesdays Get tips and instruction in a fun mountain atmosphere, followed by tipping a glass of après wine with like-minded women. Who: Alpine skiers/snowboarders 18+, levels 3-7 only When: Tuesdays in Jan.; Feb. 7, 14, 28; March 7, 28; April 4; 1:30-3:30 p.m.? Cost: $67
Eldora
eldora.com 303-440-8700 Women’s Days Multi-week lesson programs for women interested in either Alpine or Nordic snow sports. Who: Alpine, Nordic, telemark skiers/snowboarders 18+, all levels When: Session I – Tuesdays Jan. 3-Feb. 7, Wednesdays Jan. 4-Feb. 8; Session II – Tuesdays Feb. 14-March 7; Wednesdays Feb. 15-March 8? Cost: Varies, includes breakfast, lunch, lift or trail pass
Keystone
keystoneresort.com 800-255-3715 Women’s Ultimate 4 Learn to ski or brush up on skills with a small group of fellow women skiers and a female coach. Who: Alpine skiers, snowboarders 15+, level 1-4 only When: Feb. 17-26, March 11-April 2; 12:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.? Cost: $149 or $166 with lift ticket Betty Fest A two-day improvement workshop taught by top female PSIA certified instructors, which includes coaching, video analysis, and lunch on the first day. Who: Alpine skiers 15+, all levels When: Feb. 25-26, 8 a.m to 3:30 p.m.? Cost: $315 ($295 for Betty Fest Alumni); includes lunch
Loveland
skiloveland.com 303-571-5580 ext. 170 Women’s Only Clinics Women who Alpine ski or Telemark at the intermediate to expert level can explore the mountain with women of similar ability and get tips from expert female instructors. Who: Alpine, telemark skiers 18+, intermediate and above When: Thursdays, Session I – Jan. 12 – Feb. 2; Session II – Feb. 9-March 2? Cost: Single session, $300 (includes lift ticket); two sessions, $560 (includes season pass)
Monarch
skimonarch.com 719-530-5196 Women’s Wednesdays Taught by women for women, skiers and boarders learn tips and techniques in a non-competitive, collaborative environment. Who: Alpine skiers/riders 18+, all levels When: Wednesdays through Feb. 8; 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.? Cost: $350 for all or $60/session Women’s Edventure Day-and-a-half clinic designed to help women who ski and ride green and blue runs develop the skills needed to tackle more challenging terrain. Who: Alpine skiers/riders 18+, beginner and intermediate When: Jan. 21-22; Feb. 11-12, Sat. 9:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sun. 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.? Cost: $180
Steamboat
steamboat.com 877-783-2628 Women’s Ski Camp This three-day camp that emphasizes camaraderie and skill improvement also includes a motivational session and après ski events. Who: Alpine skiers 16+, all levels When: Jan. 10-12, Feb. 7-9, March 7-9; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.? Cost: $639, includes breakfast first day, daily lunch, gear discussion, après ski, first tracks on days two and three
Telluride
tellurideskiresort.com 866-754-8355 Women’s Ski & Wellness Week Join women skiers of all levels for ski instruction, wellness speakers, relaxation, and pampering. Who: Alpine skiers 18+, all levels When: Three-day – Jan. 20-22, March 3-5; Five-day – Feb. 12-16? Cost: Three-day, $695; five-day, $1,095 (includes lift tickets, access to Peaks Resort & Spa, daily yoga/fitness classes, nutrition counseling, après ski with speakers)
Vail
vail.com 970-754-8245 Women’s Ultimate 4 Small group lessons—maximum of four women per class—for more individualized attention and customized lessons. Who: Alpine skiers 15+, levels 1-4 only When: Feb. 13-21; March 3-April 4, 12:45-3:15 p.m.? Cost: $209 or $259 with lift ticket Her Turn Instructors use video, individual coaching, and a summary card to accelerate improvements in a supportive atmosphere. Who: Alpine skiers 18+, intermediate and above When: Feb. 3-5, Feb. 24-26? Cost: $890 lift/lesson; $695 lesson only
Wolf Creek
wolfcreekski.com 800-754-9653 Ladies” Days Women learn to ski or refine skills, as they connect with a network of other women who like skiing and snowboarding. Who: Alpine and telemark skiers 18+, all abilities When: Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4; March 11 (alpine); Jan. 28, Feb. 11, March 25 (telemark); two hours in morning? Cost: $83 lift ticket/lesson Claudia Carbone is the author of WomenSki, a book that demystifies alpine skiing for women.
