Women's ski clinics

[ski diva]

Anyone attend a women's ski clinic this past season?

I understand they're a great way to build skills, boost confidence, and experience the comaraderie of skiing with other women.

To me, all this sounds great.

Even though I've never participated in one, it's something I've always wanted to do.

So anyone who's been in a women's clinic, please post here and tell us what it was like. Where'd you take it? What'd you do? And was it worthwhile?

 

[Molly]

I haven't taken any women's clinics, but I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say about them.

 

[teachski]

I've never done a women's clinic because they always happen midweek and I can't ski days, only nights, mid week.

 

[Lilgeorg]

For the past 6 years my daughter, 23 year old granddaughter, and I have attended the Women's Alpine Adventure at Okemo. This clinic is offered sevral times in Jan. and Feb and in 3 day weekend or full week sessions. The program at Okemo is special because it is taught by women for women. The instructors are former Olympians from Austraila and level 3 PSIA from the US. These women know their stuff. The program offers all ability levels a maximum 4 person class. The instructors are very supportive and generally have you progressing faster than you thought possible.You are video taped at least once during the clinic and given a chance to see for yourself you skills and areas to improve.

In addition to the skiing, there are wonderful breakfasts and lunches included. There are opportunities to socialize in the evenings, too. The price is very reasonable ...$430 . That includes meals, lift tickets, and instruction.
There is usually a parting gift. Last year we all received caps with the Women's Alpine Adventure logo.

The program is run by Maria Tomeselli. You can check it out on Okemo's web site unter lessons, clinics. My daughter and I are signing up again. My grandaughter is now a ski instructor at Okemo and will not be joining us. Hope to see you at WAA!

 

[Molly]

I understand that Sunapee in New Hampshire runs a Women's Clinic on Tuesday mornings. Never been, though.

 

[Lilgeorg]

My understanding about the Sunape program is that the instructors are not of the same experience level as the WAA adn that they sometimes use men to teach. This I have only heard from women who were at the WAA.

 

[Lola]

I agree with Lil (my fabulous Mom) that the Okemo Women's Alpine Adventure (WAA) is an awesome sking and learning experience. I can not say enough good things about the program, run by Maria Tomiselli, and the instructors: Terry, Crystal, Sharon, Jen, Diane, Trouble, and all. This program has changed not only my skiing, but my life.

You should definitely give it a try!! :p

 

[tcarey]

I am gonna miss trouble!! WAAAAAAA!!

 

[tcarey]

Lola you brought your humour and wit to the whole adventure. It's people like you and your Mom that we love to inspire!! T

 

[ski diva]

All this talk about Okemo's WAA says great things about our own Tcarey. Take a bow, Terry! You obviously do a great job.

 

[tcarey]

Well thanks!! (blushing here)

Terry

 

[tcarey]

Waa

Crystel and WAA!!

 

[tcarey]

So if you were to enroll in a women's ski clinic what would be your expectations? What amenities would you like? Instruction?Food?

Don't be bashful I want to know!! Lay it on!

Terry

 

[Lilgeorg]

Terry,

The Women's Alpine Adventure does lots of things right. So much so that it is hard to answer your question. The instruction in small groups with a highly qualified woman instructor who is supportive is the prime requirement. Food is food. Nice ,but food. It is hard to get to know people in other instrucors groups,however. It might be nice to let people who attend the clinics know about this forum so they can get to know one another outside of the clinics.

 

[ski diva]

I'll second that! In fact, tell any women skiers you know about this! The more people who participate, the better!

(I expect more people will join in, anyway, the closer we get to ski season.)

 

[tcarey]

Good thought Lil.I am not sure how I would get the word out.I will definatley plug it when I we start our weeks of WAA.

Last year Crystel and I would mix our two groups together and do some synchronized skiing. I think everyone enjoyed it. Everyone had to pair off with some one other than those in their group.I would have liked to have all the groups join in but the logistics are too difficult.

We also did some team realy racing. What a laugh. Most women will say that they are not competetive but put them in a relay race and watch out!!

Any more ideas on how to get the forum word out?

Terry

 

[Lola]

OK Terry - You asked for it!

How about a pre-season and late-season get together for all of the WAA participants?

What I'm thinking about is something like December 17th or maybe December 27th is WAA Pre-season day at Okemo. Come with your friends/family to get the season started right. Discount of $25 off lift ticket (or free) for WAA participants with a luncheon at the Round House (or Sitting Bull). Lunch would be on the cheap ($5 per person - buffet?). Bring your family and freinds. Testimonials from WAA participants. Testimonials from family and friends about how much WAA has helped/meant to their women skiers. Okemo could plug all the WAA events for the coming season, recruit new women, honor thier family (husbands/kids) who support them. Okemo could plug some of their other ski/snowboard school events (kids clinics, bump clinics, glade clinics, race clinics, etc.) Everyone has a great day of skiing. Maybe it would get people to the mountain early in the season?

Or how about something similar at the end of the season, say late March or early April? Invite WAA participants and thier families. Again, offer discounted lift tickets and some sort of function around a mid-day meal. Maybe give out Instructor awards for "most improved skier", "technically accurate skier", "skier most likely to succeed", "class clown", "best dressed", "Most Adventurous", "Most Okemo spirit", etc. Like those awards from high-school. Awards can be something simple like, free lunch vouchers, or discounted lift ticket vouchers, etc. Even offer skiers the opportunity to enroll in next year's program while this year's program is fresh on thier minds (and in thier hearts)!

Capitalize on the momentum or should I say Okemo-mentum!!! Ha! Ha!.

But anyway, I just think that if Okemo can provide some functions outside of WAA where the participants can include thier families, that their families will become even more supportive of the program. AND for all of those daughters in the audience, they will come to expect that thier Mom will participate in WAA every year and that they will too!!! Building that next generation of fantastic women skiers!!! (and perhaps? delaying the migration of girls from skier to "lodge Mom"??).

So how does that grab you?

Lola

 

[Lilgeorg]

Wow, Lola! What a great idea! I know some of the people we brought to WAA last year would endorse your suggestion

 

[SnowHot]

If you want to mix it up, you could have family on slope competitions.
Possibilities:
Garden hose race, family members have to hold a garden hose while going through a set of gates.
At Crystal Mt we did this (4 man hose competition) it was a blast.
Canoe races, on the bunny hill or something of a similar grade

 

[tcarey]

Wow Lola those are some great ideas! I know alot of the women bring there spouses but the guys kinda just hang in the background. Maybe a mixer with families would be feasable.If I can get together with Maria I will share your ideas maybe we could put something together later in the year!

On the other hand are there some women who just want the time to be with just the women. A getaway from the kids,home,work you know what I mean!

Snowhot-this sounds like alot of fun! Maybe instead of canoes we could use cafeteria trays!!

Keep em coming girls!!

T