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Women's Events & Clinics
WOMEN EVENT & ACTIVITY
LISTINGS
We are actively seeking summer women's events and activities to add to this page.
* Girlfriends Getaways or Mother/Daughter Spa Getaway at Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA has 2 nights accommodations, 50 minutes spa service, Spa Cafe lunch, Sloan Tavern dinnerk unlimited fitness classes, use of indoor pool, sauna, etc, Nov 1 - Apr 30 on Sun-Thurs midweek $405 per person, double occupany and on Fri-Sat, Holidays, weekend $455 per person double occupancy.
The Home Ranch in Clark, CO has the Women's Yoga Retreat with yoga, horses, gourmet cuisine, massage, relaxation. Join cowgirl Tammy Pate and equestrian yoga expert Janice Baxter for scheduled weeks: May 25-31, June 1-7, Sept 27- Oct 3, Oct 3-9.
* Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis, MN has regular
women's program for women and by women:
June 12 at 6:30 - 8:30 PM Bouldering Diva
June 16 at 6:30-8:30 PM Climbing Divas 101
June 18 at 6:30-8:30 PM Kayaking Divas 101
Check for monthly programs at www.midwestmtn.com
Ski Like A Woman resource network on the Web. www.skilikeawoman.com
Alaska Ski for Women event is a race and clinics. More info at www.alaskaskiforwomen.org
XC Ski Clinics for Women
Overcoming fear of speed - finding the balance by Julia West
One of the main concerns for many skiing women is control.
Women love the sport - as long as they don't have to go too fast. There
is a difference between many women and men in this regard. We seem to
have a different definition of survival instinct! Many women have agreed
with me that having children has increased that instinct, which is understandable.
So how do we deal with it when we are involved in a sport
that encourages some risk? The first step is to recognize it, accept
it, and know that our approach to overcoming it might be different from
men's. Because of this, many women have found their most enjoyable skiing
to be with other women - no pressure, no macho, no expectations, and
lots of support. Go to an xc ski area and ask if there are "women
only" programs available. Check out XCSkiResorts.com for info on
women's events and programs.
At the same time, challenge yourself to improve your skiing
skills. This is guaranteed to subtly build your confidence. Possibly
without realizing it, your fears will subside as your skills improve.
There are some comfortable ways to improve skills. Number
one, work on balance, both on and off the snow. Practice standing yoga
postures when you get a chance. When you are on skis, there are many
one ski balance exercises you can do. First, on flat tracks with only
one ski on and no poles, practice pushing off with the other foot and
seeing how far you can glide without putting your foot down. Can you
glide to a stop?
Next, choose a gentle downhill with tracks. Get a glide
going with two skis, then lift one ski and try to keep it in the air
while you glide on the other down the hill. You can always put the other
down if you start losing your balance. As you get better at this, you
can increase the pitch of the hill and the speed you're going. Notice
that the faster you go, the more forward the orientation of the body
will be to keep up with your skis. Your hips will remain over your feet,
but you'll feel yourself flexing the ankles more, and won't have a straight
upright stance. This may seem scary, but build it up gradually and it
can be quite exhilirating as you become more secure.
The third challenge is step turns. Remember, any time you lift a ski
off the snow, you are improving your balance! On a gentle slope and
wide trail, step to one side for a few steps without turning. Step to
the other side. Now try a step turn. Take LOTS of LITTLE steps at first.
Remember, you're not striding here; you need to pick up a flat ski and
turn it. Don't lift your heel to push off! You'll get your momentum
from the hill. Keep your legs bent and your body in a low and stable
position. As you get more comfortable, increase the speed at which you
do step turns. Try stepping in and out of the tracks at different speeds.
All of these exercises can (and should) be done by any
level skier. I do them all the time. There are other techniques to improve
skills and increase confidence, but let's start with balance. Enjoy
those boards that are strapped to your feet; they are meant to glide!
Julia West is a member of the PSIA Nordic Development Team and is a ski school director, who lives in North River, NY.
Ski Walking - Get Ready for the Snow With This New Activity
Dr. Christaine Northrup, author of "Mother-Daughter Wisdom" and "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom," said "My Ski Walking poles have been a terrific addition to my regular exercise program. I love the way they incorporate my upper body during a walk, thus giving me more strength-training and calorie burning for the time spent. I highly recommend them to everyone!" See the full article about Ski Walking on the Action Page at Get Ready - Ski Walking.
Other Women's Pages on XCSkiResorts.com:
Women's
XC Products | Snowshoeing for Women
Spas in XC Ski Country | Skin
Care in the Cold
