Ski (or Shred) Like a Girl in Colorado Ski Country USA

An explosion of women-centered clinics, events, and gear are helping women level-up their skiing and snowboarding skills, protect their knees, and connect with each other on and off the slopes. Whether you're thinking about taking your skills to the next level this season or planning an active girls’ trip next season, there are a bootbag’s worth of ways to ski or shred like a girl in Colorado Ski Country USA.

CSCUSA resorts across Colorado have added lots of options for women-only clinics. The camaraderie and vibe of these clinics led by women instructors creates a supportive environment for conquering fears and developing confidence in one’s skills.

“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.”

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 says every skier or snowboarder can benefit from taking a lesson. “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.

Along with clinics, many CSCUSA resorts are offering women’s programming especially for Women’s History Month and around International Women’s Day. Aspen Snowmass will be celebrating with its second annual Uphill Champagne Lunch, complete with a DJ, raffle, and gifts from local businesses, on Friday, March 8.

Many resorts also offer informal groups to encourage women to get out and adventure with other women. Monarch Mountain near Salida started a Women’s Social Club that meets every Wednesday around 10:00 am, and it’s free and open to anyone who wants to join.

A women-only veterans’ clinic is also helping set the stage for transformation and healing each season at Sunlight Mountain Resort near Glenwood Springs. Sunlight and The Kirstie Ennis Foundation partner to provide 10 female military veterans with everything they need to push through boundaries on the slopes: snowboarding gear, outdoor clothing, ski and snowboard lessons, and lift tickets.

Gear designed especially for women can also help boost confidence and even decrease injuries. CSCUSA partner HEAD offers a women’s PROTECTOR SLR ski binding, featuring Full Heel Release (FHR) technology. HEAD reports that the binding, which has 180° heel release, reduces the load on the knee and leads to the reduction and mitigation of knee injuries.

Another piece of gear that can change your whole day on the slopes is an investment in your gloves. CSCUSA partner Christy Sports carries a line of heated women’s gloves called Sidas Ultra Heat Boost. They come with an ultra-light lithium-ion battery offering up to 10 hours of heat that spreads 360° around the fingers and the top of the hand. Imagine a whole winter of warm hands whether you’re skiing, shoveling the driveway, or walking the dog!

Whether it’s leveling up your skillset and conquering a new run, finding gear that makes for a more enjoyable day on the slopes, or connecting with a group of like-minded outdoorswomen, Colorado Ski Country USA has a mountain for everyone.