All-Women Ski Camps

Women's ski camps may sound like an unnecessary division of the sexes to some, but many swear by their gender-specific approach. Given that women's centers of gravity and learning styles can be radically different from fellow male skiers, these camps eschew the distractions of co-ed instruction. Some offer off-piste exploration and video analysis, others luxe add-ons like wine-tasting and spa treatments. All focus on creating a supportive environment to foster self-confidence and improvement.

By Caitlin Thompson

Comment On This Article

Vail Valhalla

CLICK HERE to read about the fresh-pow dreams and snowboarding enlightenment that one rider attains at Vail's women-only snowboard camp.

1. JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Jackson Hole Resort will host two ski camps specifically for women in 2006, both four-day packages designed for intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. Camp instructors provide tips on finding the best line, how to read a slope, steep skiing etiquette, and terrain selection. The camp also boasts evening activities, equipment presentations, and an awards dinner.
cost: $820 including lift tickets, $665 without
** listed costs do not include lodging and equipment rentals unless otherwise noted
contact info: 1.800.450.0477; camps@jacksonhole.com
dates: January 19-22 and March 2-5, 2006

2. SUN VALLEY, IDAHO
Sun Valley Resort hosts a two-day women's clinic in early February 2006 for intermediate and expert women skiers. The clinic includes five hours of on-snow instruction per day, video analysis and critique sessions, and an après-ski party to put the icing on things.
cost: from $500, including lift tickets
contact info: 208.622.2289; skischool@sunvalley.com
dates: February 10-12, 2006

3: BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
Breckenridge's weeklong Adventure Summit for Women includes a women's ski camp with guest speakers, four days of on-snow instruction, spa treatments, and video analysis. Students also get out for a day of telemark skiing and tackle a daylong workshop on backcountry skills.
cost: $526 including lift tickets, $370 without
cost: 1.888.LRN.2SKI; brskischoolprograms@vailresorts.com
dates: January 30-February 5, 2006

4: KILLINGTON, VERMONT
For the 16th year, Killington will run its Women's Turn Ski and Snowboard Program, designed to help women "master the physical and mental aspects" of both sports in a three- or five-day camp. On-slope instruction, video analysis, and new equipment demos fine-tune students into total ski ninjas.
cost: The five-day camp is $590 including lift ticket and $472 without. The three-day camp is $430 including lift tickets, $344 without.
contact info: 1.800.923.9444; info@killington.com
dates: The five-day program runs January 23-27, 2006, and the three-day camps are January 20-22 and March 10-12, 2006

5: HEAVENLY LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Heavenly's three-day Women's Adventure Programs boast lessons as well as video analysis, an après-ski wine and cheese party, and an evening "tech talk." The workshops are organized and led by one of the country's top-rated instructors, Lauren Thomaselli.
cost: $495, not including lift tickets
contact info: 775.586.4400 or 1.800.HEAVENLY
dates: February 6-8 and March 6-8, 2006