Gals weekend at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH
Among some women, the "Girls' Getaway" weekend or program has become an annual tradition where small or extended groups of women, ladies, girls, mothers, daughters, or friends organize a get together unaccompanied by (one might even say unburdened by) or exclusive of men, boys, brothers, and fathers. The motivation and/or common denominator is about connecting.
A girls' weekend might include recreating or relaxing together, enjoying good food and libations, and a host of other activities that provide the backdrop for engagement and lasting memories. XCSkiResorts.com produced this sampling of women's programs for the upcoming winter ranging from special day events to week-long all-inclusive packages but it is important to contact a given ski area to find out program schedule and pricing.
EAST
Classic skiing in Woodstock, Vermont
In Maine, Bethel’s Inland Woods & Trails has the NENSA Women’s XC Ski Day on Jan 28, 2024 with XC ski instruction, equipment demo, lunch, prizes and wrap up party.
Rangeley Lakes Outdoor Center in ME has Ladies Day on Mondays with a half price trail pass and a FREE cup of soup.
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham, NH has the Women's Winter Escape is on Jan 13-14, 2024 from 8:30 - 4:30 for an all-women’s weekend with classic and skate ski clinics, naturalist-led snowshoe tours, yoga, equipment demo, snow tubing, and more. Click Women’s Escape.
Lapland Ladies Love to Ski is an instructional cross country ski program that runs twice a winter and has been ongoing for about 10 years. It is designed for women and taught by women at Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, NY. Female participants, who are beginner or intermediate level skiers, register for the program for a one-time activity or for both outings. They are grouped to learn and practice ski techniques and they all have lunch together followed by a presentation about cross country ski equipment, clothing, and other topics. After lunch the group is self-divided into smaller groups for a social ski tour out in different directions on the trails and then back in the lodge for a hot beverage and a chocolate goodie at the end of the day. The $60 price includes the trail pass, lunch, and discount coupons to use in the ski shop.
At JacksonXC in NH’s White Mountains there is the Friday Gliders group for recreational midweek ski and camaraderie which includes women and men.
CENTRAL
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, MN had a fire in October 2022 which destroyed the Maplelag lodge. but there is 75 km of trails open for skiing. Maplelag will have a retail shop and a few accommodations with kitchen facilities.
Timber Ridge Nordic Center in Traverse City, MI has She-Ski a Wednesday Ladies Night with cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Shop for women’s gear and apparel at Cross Country Ski Headquarters
The Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI has an extensive retail store stocked with carefully curated XC ski and "apres-ski" clothing, outerwear and accessories. Ladies are sure to find pieces that are functional, stylish, and reasonably priced at one of the best collections of women’s cross country ski gear and apparel available via its catalog. A free beginner ski clinic on Saturdays at 10:30 would make a great experience for first time XC skiers. Great trails, great food, great folks.
WEST & MOUNTAINS
Full Moon Tour at Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Devils Thumb Ranch Resort in Tabernash, CO hosts the Full Moon Ski Tour for a guided outing under the stars for up to 8 experienced XC skiers on Jan 27, Feb 24 and Mar 23 (make reservations). On Feb 4, the Ski, Sip and Yoga Day includes XC ski classic or skate lessons, lunch, yoga, and wine and cheese. Massage or facial available at special rates.
The Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat, CO has the Share & Save (starts at $335 per night with a 3 night minimum) program offer during certain times in the season. There are three meals a day, cross country ski instruction, guided backcountry ski tours, equipment to use, cooking classes, wine tasting, sleigh rides, horseback riding, photography workshops, and evening entertainment. Such a package includes transportation from the airport to the resort and there are many extras offered to extend the memories such as dogsledding, alpine skiing, massage, and premium wines at an additional price.
Skating at Frisco Nordic Center
Women's Skate Clinics at Frisco Nordic Center, Frisco, CO has two levels in a set of 4 two-hour classes. Check the Frisco site for specifics on schedule and prices.
One multi-year women's weekend participant jokingly cited "verbal profuseness" as the prime characteristic of her getaway experience with female friends. Such getaways may have a distinct purpose such as high performance fitness exercise or healthy wellness activities or they could incorporate different themes, but it is the composition of the group, which determines the vibe for the weekend. Check the XCSkiResorts.com Product News Page for info about Nordic ski equipment for women.