Women's Ski Camps

[sususkier]

Hello. I'm wondering if anyone has participated in a women's ski camp/clinic. Any recommendations on programs to consider?

Thanks!

 

[playoutside]

Check out Okemo's Womens Alpine Adventure. Did this several years ago and really enjoyed it. It's suited to many levels and each group is no more than 5/instructor. Was great to focus for 3 days with one instructor. I plan to go again in the next year or 2.

 

[Lilgeorg]

I am a 8 year alum of the Okemo Women's Alpine Adventure. I can't say enough good things about this program interms of skills learned and support given. Two of our own Divas are instructors in the program. Give it a try.

 

[sususkier]

Thanks for the suggestion about Okemo

Has anyone tried a ski camp out West? I believe Jackson Hole has one.

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Telluride has a women's week (weeks, actually, depending upon what you want). Here's a link to info:

https://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/womens-week.aspx

I've not personally attended any of the events before, but I can find out more if you like.

 

[SkiNurse]

Copper has a Wednesday women's clinic. From what I understand, you are divided up into small groups of women with the same abilities that you have. Women instructors. I have NOT participated, but I have heard nothing but great things from all different types of skiers. You can either pay as a "drop in" or sign up for several weeks.

 

[ride_ski]

I attended a women's clinic at Killington a few years ago. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. But I don't think they are offering one this year. OTOH, my sister in law has attended (I think twice) the clinic at Telluride, and has nothing but great things to say about it. Her talking about it was the reason I signed up for the one at Killington.

 

[Lori_K]

I was in a 2-day Women's clinic at Gore Mountain, NY a few years ago. At the time, I thought it was pretty good. They divided us up into three groups, and I ended up with the "advanced" group. They did some video taping, as well as class discussion type stuff during lunch. It was great skiing with a bunch of women at a similar level to my own.

 

[Ski Spirit]

I went to a one day women's clinic at Heavenly and ended up with a 6 hour private as no one else showed on time (mid-December). Instructor was very good. All of this for $85.
I went to a clinic in Vail in early January, Ski With Kim.
Very expensive but small group (8 total), amazing bonding with other women, VERY GOOD instructors, great breakfasts, 2 dinners and A LOT OF FUN!!! If you a
very high level skier, I would balance cost with other clinics available especially if your focus is technical and not "environmental." For me, the clinic was very helpful and I wanted the "fun/no pressure" focus and I very definitely improved. I would consider doing another one. But if I was only focused on technical improvement, spending the money on privates with the right instructor might be more effective.

 

[perma-grin]

Hi Sususkier,
I both teach them, and have taken them. Unfortunately the programs that I've taken are only open to Instructors. But they were a riot. I have had some very eye opening experiences in them. On the other hand I have been teaching Womens programs (almost exclusively) for the last 17 yrs. One common thread seems to run through all of them. Bonding ( and chocolate!). When women take lessons taught by women, with only women in the lessons, they tend to look for the things that they have in common with each other. I love teaching them because of the high level of support that our ladies develope for each other. Each of our sessions our started with the same greeting ( that we borrow from our yoga stretch): Nameste. Loose translation= The Divine in me greets and honors the Divine in you. We acknowledge that we all come in search of the same thing. To gain confidence and improve our skiing, with other women who share our love of skiing and the outdoors. When you feel encouraged and supported it is easier to try new things to take yourself out of your normal comfort zone. Sun Valley, Aspen, and Vail snowsports schools all offer Womens specific snowsports programs. All of these programs are taught by women Instructors that are very skilled in improving the quality of skiing for their students. It gets down to picking your favorite terrain and your price range. I encourage you to take one you won't regret it. Your welcome to ours in February 5th-8th at Schuss mtn MI. (although I understand if your are looking for a big mountian experience, can't blame you for that!) I'm also assuming that you will most likely have just gotten back from SIA , that show always wore me out!!!! Goodluck!

 

[greekpeakskier]

i ski w/ a woman's clinic on Tuesdays (for six weeks). And you are right, perma-grin, it's the bonding and the determination to improve our skills that is the strength of it. It is taught by a man, and some of the women dropped out after the first week because it used to be taught by a woman and they wanted that. And i can see how it would be incredibly nice to have a female instructor -- just to see a woman modelling high level skiing (all the instructors i've had at this mountain have been men). on the other hand, i think the instructors we have are amazing -- both in technique and their ability to teach. i couldn't be happier with that.

On the other hand, as i arrived at the mountain this morning, i was greeted very, very enthusiastically by two of the women in the group. they were out there to practice what we'd been taught on tuesday. we all lamented how we are all crazy that we want to improve and are spending way too much time at the slopes, so... let's do it TOGETHER!! it was really nice.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Sususkier,
I would agree with perma-grin that the support/bonding offerred in a women's clinic is very different from a co-ed clinic or even a one/one private lesson with a woman. The level of bonding and support is amazing and it is a factor in helping you develop. In our group of 3 at Vail, the bonding was so strong that we decided to set up a reunion for next year with one of the Vail instructors.
Personally, I got a lot of development (and fun) out of the Vail clinic. But when I returned, I had a private lesson (with a male who pushed me fairly hard...I had asked to be pushed) and the combination of all efforts was REALLY noticeable.
I did a lot of research on women's clinics. The WAA in Okemo must the most talked about/recommended clinic among those I read about. Second to that I would say was the Ski with Kim clinic. I would say that those two clinics are oriented toward providing technical guidance, opportunities for social interaction and just have a "fun" orientation. Some clinics (the womens clinic at Squaw, for example, appears to be much more technically focused. In general, I've heard a lot about the clinic at Jackson Hole and have also heard, as perma-grin noted, that the snowsports schools in Vail and Aspen/Snowmass are really outstanding.
I was concerned about the level of individual attention in a womens group clinic. In the SKi with Kim clinic, the 8 people initially divided into 2 groups, each with an instructor from Vail and both of those instructors were VERY GOOD!!! In the following days, the groups divided into different splits depending on abilities/desires. I skied w/Kim one/one the last afternoon. So, that approach was much more flexible than a standard group approach. I think every woman was very happy with the level of attention. One woman had an all day private and everyone thought was great because she was notably stronger and needed the attention.
Overall, I would highly recommend a womens clinic in general and both the Heavenly 1 day and 4 day Ski with Kim. But I would also say, you will of course, get maximum technical input from a one/one private particularly if you find an instructor that you work well with.

 

[Jilly]

I've done some workshop type days that are women only. Like perma-grin they are for instructors only. The one workshop is called Venus on Snow. The other is a full day for women instructors here in Ontario. They are both great.
Tremblant runs an 8 week program on Saturday called Elle ski. The ladies have a lot of fun, do demo's and improve their skiing.

 

[sususkier]

Thank you for your replies. While I probably won't be able to get myself to a women's clinic this year, it's definitely something I hope to tap into in the future. As a women's college alumna, I know first hand the value and power of an all-women's learning environment. Barriers and inhibitions are removed and the atmosphere is built on support, not competition.

Susan

 

[Quiver Queen]

I just got back from one of the most incredible weeks of my life--the Women's Extreme Edge camp @ Aspen, led by Didi Lawrence. (Check out my Trip Report.) It was four days of a small group of dedicated and adventurous women having a blast, challenging themselves, learning to push the envelope, encouraging each other, and becoming more dynamic skiers under the tutelage of Didi, one of the most exciting women in the sport. Next year she plans to offer the camp, for 8+ level skiers, in both January and February, and I just might go again. And an added benefit, Didi also happens to be a Ski Diva!

 

[Grace Elventhing]

Snowbird & JH

I attended the women's ski camps at Snowbird over several years and really enjoyed them. The mountain school picks the most talented women instructors for the program, and the overall skier grouping and program work well, imo. Mermer Blakelee was a guest speaker and wandering coach at a couple of these -- and you can't beat that. The mountain also offers pretty much unlimited challenge at all levels.

I wish I could be as positive about my experiences at Jackson Hole-- and it ain't the mountain's fault. :p I did a couple of AJ Cargill's "Clinic to Rip," which I don't think she does any more. Skiing with AJ was very cool, because she is a "coach" rather than an instructor. This means that she'd stand below a gnarly run with us and talk strategy, exposure, etc, before we attempted it. Unfortunately, the regular instructors we skiied with most of the time were a mixed bag, some good, some not so good. I attended one other regular women's clinic at Jackson which was pretty disappointing in terms of instruction. The one comment that sticks in my mind was made after I (safely) passed my instructor on a run. She said -- and this is the entire sum of her coaching to me: "You use speed to mask your poor technique." Hmmm.

In short, I recommend the Snowbird women's camps but not those at Jackson. PM me if you have specific questions.

-Grace E.

 

[greekpeakskier]

I'd like to hear the specifics of the Okemo ski school. Given this discussion, I've started thinking about attending it. However, as I reflect, i realize that I get far more from the "private" lesson I take when I show up mid-week for the group "adventurer" lesson or from skiing with my level 8 men friends or one day skiing w/ ski girl.


Those experiences feel really productive as far as technique or in pushing my skiing into new realms. My Tuesday's women ski clinic seems fun, and funny, in comparison, but not very demanding. The instructors are excellent, the other women very enjoyable, but it doesn't seem very fast paced. With my season pass, it's only 25. a day, but i don't think I'd pay much more for it than that. If I shelled out 325. (or something) for two days at a different resort, and it felt like what I do at my Tuesday clinics, I'd be very disappointed.

I want Quiver Queen's experience --- though I have to get myself to level 8 first. How would you all say the Okemo experience is? It says that it is from level 4 up. That sort of worries me. I'm not sure these days what level I am but I'm skiing exclusively blacks (some markedly better than others) and a buddy is taking me out to teach me the NASTAR course this week and/but i've yet to learn moguls or powder.

 

[Lilgeorg]

I am a level 8 skier according to the Women's Alpine Adventure at Okemo. I have taken the clinic 8 times and each time I come away a more confident and skilled skier. The weekend course is the best value for me. The class size is 4-5 women at the same level. The instuctors are PSIA3 for the most part. You start with breakfast together and then go out with your group. Return for lunch together and then back out till the end of the day.The instructors work with you one on one and as a group. My experience has been that as a group we have similar issues. We meet after the day and exchange experiences. There is often a coctail hour after the first day.

The second day starts the same but we eat separately on the hill as the group determines. During the second day we are video taped so that we can see for ourselves how we look. The instructors spend time reviewing for each individual. This was very helpful for me. The second day ends with a Fear Clinic that is optional. I have attended it every year because it helps me keep the self critical messages at bay.

The third day is really good skiing putting what we learned to practice. If the group decides they want to try something special or different the instructors are up for that. We gather together as a whole for lunch and farewells. The instructors present some parting gift . In the past the gift has been a blanket, ski cap, fleece, etc. This year they are giving sweatshirts. For the afternoon, you have the option of going home, skiing with your family, or trying snowboarding, snowskates, park skis, etc. Most people elect to ski with their families.

The entire experience is positive,supportive, and challenging. Two Divas are instuctors for the program; Tcarey and Cnewbound. I love them both. Oh did I say you will laugh till your sides hurt!

If I can tell you anymore, just let me know. I will not be taking the clinic this year and I will miss it greatly.

 

[retromaven]

I just got back from one of the most incredible weeks of my life--the Women's Extreme Edge camp @ Aspen, led by Didi Lawrence. (Check out my Trip Report.) It was four days of a small group of dedicated and adventurous women having a blast, challenging themselves, learning to push the envelope, encouraging each other, and becoming more dynamic skiers under the tutelage of Didi, one of the most exciting women in the sport. Next year she plans to offer the camp, for 8+ level skiers, in both January and February, and I just might go again. And an added benefit, Didi also happens to be a Ski Diva!

Sounds unreal! What an incredible experience/blast!

I am doing a ladies ski clinic for 8 weeks (1/2 way through) at a local hill and I am enjoying it immensely. Again, I echo the bonding/support remarks. It's great fun honing your skills with other women of like minds. Even after re-entering the sport after years off skis, I am still one of the most advanced women in the group. Even though there really is only one or two other ladies skiing at at more advanced level, I am finding that the form pointers and drills to brush up on some of the finer points I've lost over the years have been immensely helpful, and working out the kinks after the clinic with the other ladies is helpful and fun!

That being said, it was a GLORIOUS day here in Southern NY and I got out and worked on some of the things I'm trying to improve, and it was a successful and spectacular day her to do it! I highly recommend a ladies clinic format at the right place. I'd love to do one of the "spa, ski and cocktail" ones offered in various areas next year! (Perhaps a Diva Weekend with Package/Discount rates??? LOL)

 

[Ski Spirit]

I just got back from Mermer Blakeslee's fear clinic this week-end. So far, I've been to the Ski with Kim clinic in Vail and a one day clinic at Heavenly. All were good but I have to say that Mermer's clinic far exceeded anything I have experienced or heard about. It covers all levels and the ratio of instructors to students is low (in my group, it was often one to one most days). Mermer gives each student individual attention. The goal of the 3 day clinic is to give you the skills to move to the next level in your skiing. Her clinic has a 70% return rate which I think shows how satisfied her students are. The focus is technical and there is a focus on how to deal with fear in moving to higher levels. Mermer is an outstanding teacher and a lot of fun. I would highly recommend her camp above anything else because she is committed to providing an outstanding approach. One thing that really distinguishes her camp is the level of involvement that she has with her instructors (personally trained) and that she has with each student in the clinic. If there is a clinic I will return to, it will be hers....It is an outstanding value for the money it costs (approx. $650/clinic)!!!!