When teaching and coaching for the Okemo Ski and Ride School in 2011, I was fortunate enough to be invited into the inner sanctum of WAA: Women’s Alpine Adventures. As a snow sport camp that has been in operation for as long as I have been alive, it has had an amazing following from women of all ages. You really have to experience it to get it’s essence, but let me give you a taste of what it’s all about.
Quick Lowdown
- 2 day, 3 day or 5 day programs
- Lead by some of the top female coaches in New England
- Breakfast and lunch served daily
- Dinner parties
- Full day lift tickets
- Guest Speakers
- Goody bags
- Prizes
If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas for skiers, the WAA programs offer serious good value and fun… ladies only!
The Benefits
For women interested in taking their skiing or snowboarding to the next level, the experience is second to none. WAA offers small group ratios and quality instruction designed for women, by women. All learning styles and preferences are catered to with indoor and outdoor workshops, video analysis and equipment advice.
The Real Benefits
Building confidence is the core of WAA. For most women, the barriers to learning exist only in our minds- am I right ladies? This is where the indoor sessions come into play. Lead by Maria Tomaselli, the guru herself, these seminar-like talks help the participants to open up to their fears and banish them. Then the real learning begins.
Fun, fun, fun!
Ski improvement and confidence building are key, but what is really comes down to is a rip-roaring good time. The ladies that get together come from all over New England, ready to get away from their hectic lives, careers, families… and boy, do they know how to let loose! From lively pre-slope conversations over copious amounts of food to the informal get-togethers at the infamous Miss Kitty’s, laughter overflows. Joining WAA can be likened to entering into a sisterhood. There is no pressure or competition, just friendly banter and support.
When I think back to my experience as a coach, I feel as though I may have gotten more out of the experience than the women I was leading. Yes, they were coached, but I had the pleasure of skiing with some of the veterans of the program. In exchange for a few ski tips, I received stories of programs past, camaraderie and a true sense of belonging. There may have been protest when I confiscated the group’s ski poles, or very real pain when we braved a day of minus 40C, but we got through it all together. Most days, we played in the snow, cat-called other participants from the chair-lifts and ate way too much. That is joy in its purest form if you ask me.
One of many memorable moments was the anniversary celebration of return WAA participants. I watched as women strolled up to the stage to receive mugs, t-shirts and various trinkets to commemorate their time as part of the sisterhood. For many it was 5 or 8 years, but there were also the whopping 10 and 15 year trail of fame inductees. A true testament to the enduring quality of the program.
For more information on how you can join in on the fun, visit the Okemo website.
Winter is coming,
K
This is continued from my Ludlow (VT) series:
Maybe the Best Ski Town in Vermont: Ludlow
The Crown Jewel of Ludlow: Okemo Mountain Resort