Women’s Ski Weekend
Picture this, early access skiing on pristine corduroy, and a posse of beautiful skiing women… pretty nice, right?! The dudes in queue waiting for first chair were flabbergasted as we ladies were escorted to our high-speed quad couches, while they watched and waited for 8am opening with “the general public”.
Yes, ladies can have their powder privileges, including first tracks at Sunday River’s Adventure Weekend – perfectly timed the first weekend in Janueary following the Christmas New Year’s rush.
Sunday River’s first ever female-centric ski weekend January 2019 brought four dozen ski divas and enthusiastic downhill gal pals who graced the mountain from first chair to après ski.
With Jordan Grand Hotel as base camp, a powder-packed weekend itinerary unfolded from Friday’s welcome yoga session – taught by a Lululemon pro, to daily happy hours, bountiful breakfast buffets, hot tub social soaks, ski clinics for women – taught by women for women, even a Sunday morning sunrise adventure on the slopes before the rest, with the promise of a mountaintop Bloody Mary or Mimosa as reward.
What’s great about this gal event is three-fold.
First, we need more women to ski, and this event encourages women to get out there – because it’s all about fellow female camaraderie and friendship. Women tend to support each other in this alpine atmosphere, expressing their fears and foibles openly with each other, which they would not do with husbands, SO’s or god-forbid- their kids! A wonderful fun conversation ensues from chairlift chatter to cheering each other on the slopes, to apres ski until our warm Sunday goodbye hugs in the snowy parking lot.
Second, the all-inclusive weekend package includes intro events, like yoga instruction, a learn to ski the terrain park clinic (which I would never have tried otherwise). The welcome party meet and greet kicks things off with local lady vendors showing of their jewelry, crafts, skin care and clothing, in a relaxed format to browse, mingle over wine and cheese, and meet fellow attendees. I should mention mascot Betty the Yeti dropped by, and we ladies were happy snuggle in for selfie with the furry beast, she sports lipstick and big blue bow. To say the ladies were silly but supportive is an understatement.
Third, women do love to ski, once they conquer their concerns for the cold, get passed the fear of falling or getting injured, stop worrying about the kids, the cost, the list goes on (women are naturally worriers – right?!). I am an avid skier, and I was so impressed with the commitment and hard-core of this lady crew. They were up, in make up and ski boots at breakfast, ready first thing for first chair. Most skied all day (impressive starting at 7:30am), ripping beautiful turns, long non-stop runs, with a surprisingly quick lunch stop for these go-getter gals.
The women’s weekend posse happily posed for a gals-only photo on the summit Saturday morning, before breaking into smaller ski groups. Riding Sunday River’s swift lifts, ladies shared mints to lipsticks, chatted about favorite ski gear, tips on how to stay warm, and had a few laughs about how husbands and kids can really complicate a ski weekend away.
Après ski at the Foggy Goggle brought everyone together Saturday evening where a lively band played, drinks flowed, and night skiers flowed under the lights outside. As we gals danced, men at the bar wanted 
in on our fun girls’ table, asking if it was a skiing bachelorette party – close but no. We were just here to ski. That’s it. Because we love to ski. And now we have met some cool chics that do too, newfound winter-loving women friends that share the passion for skiing snow.
Sunday River’s Women’s’ Adventure Ski and Stay rate is $469 pp, do, including lift tickets, weekend lodging at Jordan Grand Hotel, breakfast, activities, and on-site discounts. Pass holder discount available. Stay tuned for details on the next Sunday River Women’s Weekend.
More on Sunday River skiing
How to Pack & Look Stylish First Chair to Apres Ski
Heli Skiing for Women
Top Women’s Skis
