Women of Winter Backcountry Clinic 2012: Recap
evo & the “Women of Winter” got together for the 2nd annual backcountry clinic last weekend. We kicked things off with a meet and greet at evo Seattle where Christina Von Mertens from Crystal Mountain Resort Ski Patrol led a basic avalanche awareness overview. Rome, Burton, Black Diamond, Dynafit and BCA graciously provided touring gear, making it possible for 30 of the PNW’s most awesome ladies to hit the backcountry.
Bright and early Saturday morning, we gathered at the Crystal base lodge for breakfast and met our amazing guides from the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol. After a little meet and greet we grabbed our splitboards and skis, and headed out of bounds.
Along the way, we discussed safe travel practices: the importance of carrying proper gear, studying weather patterns, and assessing snowpack and weather conditions. Of course, we took a few breaks to practice using our beacons and to catch our breath!
After a serious hip flexor workout and a lot of laughs we reached the zone to be skied. We assessed the quality of the snowpack and continued up the mountain, mastering the art of kick turns along the way. There were high fives and smiles all the way around when we reached the top. The snow might not have been the best that day, but it didn’t really matter, we earned our turns!!
It only took a few runs before our legs gave out, so we headed back to the lodge to discuss our adventure over wine and cheese, of course.
Overall, this was an incredible experience being a part of such adventurous and enthusiastic group of women. Everyone was so positive and encouraging, plus, it was great to see that there were so many women who were excited about heading into the backcountry and doing it safely. I think it’s fair to say we all walked away with a little more confidence in ourselves and a little more knowledge about staying safe in the backcountry.
A big thank you goes out to Crystal Mountain Resort for helping put on this event and to our awesome guides from Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol for leading the way.
Huge thanks as well to our event sponsors: Black Diamond, Dynafit, Burton, Rome, nau, She Jumps and Flylow.
We hope to see you all again next year!
-Sydney McDonnell
-Thanks everyone for the good times, Sydney for this event recap, and all the participants you made the event…Michelle – Those stickers are in the mail.
Cheers from evo!
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