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- BACKCOUNTRY: TEN ESSENTIAL TIPS BEFORE YOU HIT THE TRAILHEAD
Make sure to brush up on trailhead etiquette before heading off on the skin track. Before heading out into the backcountry, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key etiquette guidelines. These general rules will not only keep you safe but also help ensure that everyone can enjoy the wilderness without causing harm to the environment or disrupting others. Here are ten essential tips before you hit the trailhead: 1. Obey All Posted Signs and Rules Always respect local regulations, trail signs, and posted warnings. Stay on designated trails and areas, and make sure you are aware of any seasonal restrictions, wildlife, and avalanche risk levels. Additionally, never trespass on private property—respecting boundaries is crucial to maintaining good relationships with landowners and preserving access for future adventurers. Leave no trace, and practice respecting your playground. 2. Respect the Environment and Practice Leave No Trace Leave no trace is more than just a phrase; it's a fundamental responsibility for anyone spending time outdoors. Be mindful of the environment by avoiding damage to plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. Stay on established paths, pack out all of your trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Stick to the principle of "Take only pictures, leave only skin tracks." 3. Carpool to the Trailhead Backcountry parking lots often fill up quickly, especially during busy seasons. Carpooling not only helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, but it also cuts down on your carbon footprint and can foster a sense of camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If carpooling isn’t an option, try to arrive early to secure parking and avoid congestion. 4. Park Responsibly When parking at the trailhead, always park perpendicular to the road, taking up as little space as possible. This ensures there’s enough room for others and reduces the risk of blocking other vehicles, especially during busy times. Be sure to follow any parking signs or regulations, as violations may result in fines, towing or future closures. Allow for faster groups to pass, don't let your ego get in your way of good turns, and get too gassed before your descent. 5. Let Faster Groups Pass If you’re ascending at a slower pace and notice faster groups approaching from behind, it’s courteous to allow them to pass. Step to the side of the track and make way for others to move ahead. This helps maintain a smooth flow on the skin track and ensures that faster groups can continue without disruption. While snowshoeing is fun, it should be avoided on the skin and bootpack. 6. Don’t Snowshoe or Bootpack in the Skin Track Skin tracks are specifically designed for skis or splitboards to travel uphill, Snowshoes and bootpacking can significantly damage the track, making it harder for others to ascend. If you're snowshoeing or bootpacking, try to stay off established skin tracks and create your own route. Keep yourself and others safe by allowing each skier/rider enough space while traveling through avalanche terrain. 7. Travel One at a Time Through Avalanche Terrain When you’re traveling through avalanche-prone areas, it’s crucial to minimize the risk to yourself and others. Travel one person at a time through avalanche terrain when avalanche hazards are present. This reduces the risk of triggering an avalanche and ensures that if an avalanche does occur, no more than one person is caught.. Moving observations are critical to ensure proper decision-making on a tour. 8. Step Off the Skin Track to Make Observations If you need to assess snow conditions, look for signs of avalanche danger, or simply check your map, step off the skin track to do so. It’s important not to disrupt others by slowing down or blocking the track while you make observations. Take the time to carefully assess your surroundings while staying out of the way of those still climbing. Navigating is a crucial skill when traveling in the backcountry. Keep yourself and others safe by staying aware of your route 9. Know Where You Are and Where You’re Going It’s easy to get caught up in following someone else’s track, but always make sure you know your location, your route, and the terrain ahead. Don’t blindly follow someone else’s skin track; understand the conditions and plan your own path. This will help prevent unnecessary risk and ensure that you don’t end up lost or in a dangerous area. While part of the allure of the backcountry is untracked freshies, be sure to respect others on the way down 10. Respect Others on the Descent While it’s tempting to rip down the mountain after reaching the summit, always be mindful of those still climbing. Don’t descend on top of a group of skiers or hikers who are still working their way up the skin track. Make sure there is ample space and time for ascending groups to clear the area before you start your descent. Backcountry etiquette is about more than just respecting others; it’s about maintaining the delicate balance between recreation and preservation. By following these basic principles, we can all contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for ourselves and future adventurers. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the outdoors, remember that we share these spaces with others and with nature itself. Stay safe, be courteous, and enjoy the backcountry responsibly.
- PERFORMANCE: Deceleration~ Why Every Skier / Rider Needs to Train For Deceleration
Deceleration is a huge component in advanced riding; don't huck and pray, huck and slay. Skiing is a sport that demands a unique blend of strength, balance, agility, and endurance. The explosive nature and sometimes unpredictable terrain involved with skiing and snowboarding —including the possibility of vigorous turns, sudden stops, and high-speed descents from cliff drops—makes it essential for athletes to prepare their bodies not just for change of direction and force absorption but also controlled deceleration. We will highlight the importance of in-season strength training for skiing, emphasizing the role of deceleration-focused exercises to optimize performance, mitigate injury risk, and keep you shredding all season long. In-Season Strength Training Skiing’s dynamic nature means your body constantly encounters varying terrain, sudden changes in direction, and significant forces. In-season strength training helps skiers maintain peak performance and can help reduce injury risks by: Maintaining Strength and Power : Skiing naturally taxes your muscles. Regular strength training prevents strength loss during the season. Enhancing Neuromuscular Control : Targeted exercises ensure optimal coordination and reaction times, critical for navigating the varying terrain that skiing encompasses. Preventing Overuse Injuries : Proper conditioning can help maintain muscle strength and power through the season as your time on the mountain can fluctuate up and down. Improving Recovery : Regular strength work supports faster muscle repair and reduces soreness after skiing. In-season strength and conditioning should differ from off-season training. Off-season training normally has increased frequency and intensity, focusing on building baseline strength and power. In-season training is often less frequent with more focus on sport-specific strength and power. We recommend 2x/week dedicated sessions for strength maintenance and injury risk mitigation. There is no better feeling than stomping a landing. Make sure you are at your peak by knowing the importance of deceleration. The Importance of Deceleration Skiing forces, particularly during turns, stops, and drops, can cause significantly increased forces across your joints and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles). One important aspect to include in a balanced strength training program is choosing exercises that train deceleration. Deceleration not only aids in speed control, but training the muscles that aid in slowing/decelerating movements can help better distribute forces away from just your ligaments - possibly helping protect your ACL and other important structures! Key benefits of deceleration-focused training include: Reduced ACL Injury Risk : Impaired deceleration mechanics may put you at increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Training deceleration improves muscle balance around the knee and trains tendon and ligament reaction to the deceleration force. Enhanced Control and Stability : Strong deceleration capabilities allow skiers to execute sharper turns and controlled stops. Improved Agility : Effective deceleration enables quicker transitions between movements, essential for navigating difficult terrain. Stay ready to send regardless of what the season's conditions are doing. Components of Deceleration Training for Skiing To train for deceleration, exercises should target eccentric muscle contractions—the controlled lengthening of muscles—and include movements that mimic skiing mechanics. Here are some important concepts to include in training: Eccentric Strength Training Focuses on controlled muscle lengthening, which is critical for absorbing forces during deceleration. Examples: Slow eccentric squats, Romanian deadlifts, and Nordic hamstring curls. Plyometric Exercises Improves the ability to absorb impact and transition quickly to new movements or changes in direction. Examples: Depth jumps, lateral bounds, and deceleration-focused hops. Core Stability Work A strong core enhances balance and control during turns and stops. Examples: Pallof presses, anti-rotation planks, and woodchoppers. Movement-Specific Drills Replicates skiing motions to improve neuromuscular control and proprioception. Examples: Ski-simulation drills, lateral slides, and downhill lunges. Stay at your best with active recovery and avoiding burn out. Key Tips for In-Season Training Success Prioritize Recovery : Incorporate rest days and avoid overtraining. Skiing itself is physically demanding, so adjust your training load accordingly. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity : Perform exercises with proper form and control to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury. Monitor Fatigue : Avoid training to failure during the ski season. Maintain a balance that supports performance on the slopes. Stay Consistent : Regulated and less frequent sessions are more effective than sporadic, intense workouts. Listen to Your Body : Address soreness or fatigue early to prevent injuries and ensure long-term progress. See a physical therapist if you have any concerns! THE POINT! In-season strength training is a vital component of any skier’s regimen, and deceleration should be a cornerstone of that training. By focusing on eccentric strength, plyometric control, core stability, and movement-specific drills, you can enhance your performance on the slopes while helping to reduce the risk of injury or overuse. Remember, skiing is as much about control and precision as it is about speed and power! Train smart, stay consistent, make sure to let your body recover, and enjoy a season filled with peak performance and memorable descents. Questions? Contact Ascent Tahoe Physical Therapy! Kerry: kerry@ascenttahoe.com Shawnee: shawnee@ascenttahoe.com . For more on what ways Ascent Tahoe can get you to your peak performance, check them out at https://ascenttahoe.com/
- LEGENDARY LADIES: VERONICA PAULSEN, Meet the Modern-Day Pioneer of Female Skiing
Veronica Paulsen sending a massive backie (backflip). Photo Credit: Morgan Shields What makes a legend? Someone who's the first to do something? Or is it someone who forges their way into the unknown, pushed by their need for progression? As we all know, you don't become a legend overnight. The behind-the-scenes work is where the foundation is laid down. Long training days, challenges to overcome both physically and mentally, injuries, coaching, work, the list can go on. For Veronica Paulsen, becoming a legend has had its own journey. From setbacks (canceled events, injuries, etc.), to continuing to push progress in the sport what makes someone charge their way to legendary status? For those of you who are unaware, Veronica Paulsen is the first female skier in history to throw a backflip off of Corbet's Couloir. Earning her the title of Queen of Corbet's in 2020. You know Corbet's, the infamous feature located in Jackson Hole. The Kings and Queens of Corbet's is a competition where Olympians, X-Game athletes, and Pros alike gather to compete and show off their style while hucking it off of one of skiing's most infamous lines. With a 50-degree pitch and a 20-foot vertical drop, Corbet's would make the most advanced skier puckered just standing at the top. Veronica is now back at it. Only this time, her goal: to be the first female in history to do a DOUBLE BACK FLIP off of Corbet's. With the Kings and Queens of Corbet's coming up in a few weeks (currently scheduled for Feb 8-15, 2025), She-Shredz wanted to reach out to the queen of flipping herself to get an idea of just how someone goes from mogul freestyle skier to backflip wonder. To get to Queen's status, you have to start where it all began. Veronica was born and raised in California, with Olympic Valley (formerly known as Squaw Valley) as her training grounds. How can one be inspired to push bounds this big? Veronica told us, "I’ve always been inspired by women’s sports. Growing up I looked up to skiers like Michelle Parker and Ingrid Backstrom who were pushing the sport, but I also looked up to women in so many other sports: Serena William, Mia Hamm, and Allyson Felix, and I religiously watched the Stanford women’s basketball team, just to name a few. Seeing women give their all to be at the top of their sport and push the boundaries of the game gave me so much confidence as a young woman, and I wanted to be able to pass that on to the next generation as well." There's something to be said about any athlete who wants to pass on their passion to the next generation. In a world where likes and being viral is the name of the game, Veronica is proving herself to be ionic. How does it feel to know that she is now an inspiration to both young girls and "experienced" (matured) skiers? Veronica's humility shines through: "It still feels surreal when I hear young girls in skiing look up to me. To be in that position now is such an honor. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with that, but also so much support, and I’m grateful for that every day. I hope everyone out there who supports me knows how much it means to me and that I work hard every day to continue to make you all proud!" Veronica Paulsen going full throttle down a line. Photo Credit: Jordan Skattum As skiers, we all can relate to those hard times. You know the ones: low tide, injuries, being "off your game," long days with little reward. Sometimes, it's rough just to get out there. We would be lying to ourselves if we glamourized the reality of pushing the boundaries of a sport. How does Veronica deal with the ups and downs? After the Kings and Queens contest was canceled in 2024 due to lack of snow and conditions, how do you come back from such a blow that is outside of your control? "Sometimes it can be demoralizing to revolve your life around a sport that is so dependent on the weather: something you have no control over. Not to mention the injury risk that is always present in skiing and how many times you could be sidelined with a season-ender. The best way for me to persevere when I get discouraged is to focus on what you can control: your attitude in the face of these setbacks. After experiencing historically low snow seasons, and lingering injuries that kept me on the sideline, I am so appreciative of every day that the snow is good and that my body feels healthy enough to ski all day. It might sound cheesy but if you don’t take any day out there for granted when the low tide does come around, you’ll be happy to know you skied as much as you could while it was good." How do you fuel genuine inspiration? What propels you to get out there, make those turns, and unleash all for the possibility of one moment in time that freezes, only making us continue to chase it endlessly? For Veronica, it's simple- "For me, skiing is all about the friendships and connections I make in the mountains. There’s nothing better than skiing a bluebird powder day with your best friends!" The most important question we asked Veronica? What's your favorite ski line of course: "Favorite line of all… anytime I get up Cody Peak on a bluebird pow day with my friends! That’s what it’s all about!" While Veronica is getting ready for the upcoming Kings and Queens of Corbets, we at She-Shredz can not wait to watch her stomp that double backie! To watch Veronica compete and show off her badass unique style tune in on February 8-15th stream live on Redbull TV.
- BACKCOUNTRY: Six Ways to Take Care and Maintain Your Skins
Properly folding skins at the top before your descent is a key. Did you know that your skis require special care and maintenance? Skins have a variety of purposes, from making your ascents easier,to help you reach new heights in the backcountry to gliding with ease. This crucial piece of gear requires special care and maintenance to maintain its super-gliding properties. With proper care and attention, ski skins can last up to 150,000 meters of vert... unless you're Noah Dines your skins should last you a good season or five. In addition to caring for the skin on your body, maintaining the skins on your skis or split board is equally important when venturing into the backcountry. Your skins are the essential tools that help you ascend the mountain. Ready to learn how to keep your skins in top shape? Here are six ways to care for and maintain your ski skins: Proper skin maintenance is crucial to keep them performing at their best. Put your skins together at the top of the mountain – either using your skin saver or by sticking them to each other. This helps protect the glue. Always remove your skins after each use and hang them up to dry. (Avoid drying them too close to a heater or fireplace, as this can damage the glue.) Remove any dirt or debris from the fabric side of the skins. Avoid getting your skins wet whenever possible. Snow is wet (esp. heavy spring corn but keep them dry to prolong the life of your skins). Store your skins at room temperature , not on your skis or board. Don't wait until you get home, make it a point to properly store before you begin your après. Wax your skins regularly to help extend their lifespan. Proper care of your skins not only extends their useful life but also makes them more efficient for your uphill climbs.
- SKI SOUL: Five Ways To Beat The High Pressure Blues
High-pressure blues? Refocus your perspective and find ways to keep sane and your progression going while you keep those snow dances going. The high-pressure blues, weeks of bluebird with no snow in sight. While we are creatures of winter and thrive immersing ourselves in a snow globe with big cold chunks of snow coming down. As we all know we don't always get what we want as far as weather. When a high-pressure ridge builds over us during winter it can cause some blues, esp. when its peak winter and we are dreaming of chest-deep pow. We are mountain people, resilient, creative, and always planning ahead. Don't a dry spell ruin your season or mood. Use these bluebird days to your advantage so when it does snow again (hopefully soon) you're ready to go big. Keep your snow dances going strong, but until then here are five ways to beat the high-pressure blues. Fresh corduroy is a great way to get some turns and keep those ski legs going. Take Advantage of Groomers While big objectives and projects have been living in our minds rent-free since last season, do not underestimate the power of a good groomer. After all, turns are turns getting into that aggressive petal to the medal turn, and going full speed shouldn't be forgotten. Put the music on and have yourself a party. Go for a new high speed and work on those GS-style turns. Keep skiing and riding that way those legs are ready to go full send once the snow comes back. Pro-tip: if it's icy follow the sun for the softest groomers on the mountain. Practice Drills Power slides, skiing/riding on less than stellar snow conditions, quick turns, to jump turns there are endless ways to practice different ski drills. Take advantage of the downtime and practice those skills that you avoid (we all have a few). Use this time to expand your skill set versus waiting for new snow. Becoming a stronger and better skier and rider will only be to your benefit once fresh snow comes. Get sendy in the park. Mahkeila is using the park to progress those skills on bigger terrain. Head To The Park While not all of us may run to the park, the change in scenery can offer a new set of challenges, skills, and, most importantly, predictable snow. For those of you who are looking to throw a new trick and not interested in impact from hard snow (your joints will thank you later) check out the park. With jumps, rails, boxes, and more freshly groomed snow to land on, the park can be a refuge when high pressure is all that is in the forecast. Plus when the snow is less than stellar why not add a new trick to your bag of skills? Fix Your Gear Like everything that gets used, wear and tear is bound to happen. Give your skis and boards a fresh coat of wax. Ensure all of your bindings and dins are set. Get any tuning that needs to be completed. Don't get caught off guard when the storm window opens up again. Your future self will thank you. More importantly, you can manage to focus on the stoke and not the work that you put to the side waiting for some freshies. If you have been neglecting any maintenance now is the time to get it done. Practice Backcountry Skills Blue skies, low risk (depending on your area, always check your local avalanche forecast), get some sunshine and fresh air, and go practice your bc skills. Search and rescue, probing, using your beacon, shoveling, the list goes on. Whether you want to practice your transitions to show off on the skin track or want to keep your skills sharp, theres no better time to practice.
- SNOWBOARDING: How To Choose Your Binding Placement
Makheila's preference for big mountain/ freeride binding position. If you're a snowboarder odds are you have experimented with different binding placements. Does your binding placement really matter? If so, do you need different placements for different styles of riding i.e.: backcountry, park, freeride, etc? There will be an evolution to your binding stance. As you progress chances are your binding stance will change. If you look online you’ll find dozens of ways to mount your bindings. Generally, a stance should be a little wider than shoulder width apart. Starting with your bindings on the reference point is a good place to start. Notice the front bindings placement compared to the other placements? Be sure to try different positions to find what works best for you. Personally, I prefer to have a stance where it feels like when I bend my knees, they’re pointing slightly outwards and away from each other. For riding park, a more even angle stance (duck stance) is nice if you plan to learn how to ride switch at all. Backcountry binding placement, notice how the bindings are set slightly further back. While some prefer a more set back stance in their backcountry/freeride set up, meaning more nose in the board than tail. This may allow for more float/ more directional riding power. Experiment for a day or two before deciding to change the stance right away! I’ve found that for my riding +9 in the front and -6 in the back. But it’s a good idea to try different angles to see what feels best for you. Happy experimenting and winter! Hope to see y’all out on the slopes!
- BACKCOUNTRY: How To Pick Your Backcountry Partners
Adventures in the backcountry can be memorable make sure that you are picking the right crew. Venturing into the backcountry with someone is a serious commitment. If something goes wrong, your survival could depend on your partners. Therefore, it's crucial to choose your backcountry partners carefully. How do you pick your backcountry partner? Here are a few key factors to consider: Fitness Level Time Constraints Risk Tolerance Goals Ski/Ride Ability Medical Skills Rescue Skills Communication Equipment Remember, your group's ability is only as strong as its weakest member. This doesn't mean you have to go into the backcountry only with people who are highly skilled in every area, but you should plan your route and objectives based on these factors. When choosing to tackle more complex terrain, embark on longer missions, or head out on higher-risk days, I hold myself to a higher standard in selecting partners than when I'm simply looking for exercise, hanging out with friends, or enjoying the outdoors. Do you and your crew have similar objections and risk tolerance in the bc? The most important factor to consider is your ability to communicate effectively with the group. Can you be honest with them? Are you able to express concerns or share how you’re feeling? Human factors and a series of poor decisions are the leading causes of backcountry rescues and emergencies. Your group should always agree to stay together and ensure that everyone has a voice.
- Ski Boot Flex: What's A Flex and Why Does It Matter
Ski boots are one of the most important pieces of equipment. Yet they have so many odd components to them, from mondopoints to flex, booster straps, and width. Some boots are made for beginners others for experts/professionals. How can you tell which is which? More importantly which ski boot works work for you? What is the ski boot flex? Ski boot flex is the measurement in which the boot specifies the stiffness of the boot. The softest boots are around 60 for females and range up to 150 for Olympians. When you are just beginning, a softer flex boot allows you to remain focused on the ski basics like learning to pizza and french fry versus pressing the front of the boot for edge control. As you progress as a skier, so does the flex. You begin to ask your boot to accommodate a more aggressive stance, which requires a stiffer flex to ensure you do not overpower the boot. Your flex preference is a personal one that is unique to your body and ski level. Not all advanced skiers prefer a very stiff boot; some may prefer a softer boot for comfort and other reasons. The only way to get to know your flex rating is by being professionally bootfitted. This can only be done in a true boot shop. We're not talking about your average big box store (we all know which ones we are referring to). The best shops are true boot fitters. These shops specialize in boot fitting only. A true boot fitter will have proper training and mentorship. From gate analysis to understanding your instep a boot fitter is a crucial person to have on your team. A good boot fitter is hard to come by, for shop recs check out She-Shredz boot fitter recommendations for the Tahoe area here. Let's take a look at the difference in ski flex by comparing two boots as a comparison. The boot on the left is an Atomic Redster Flex 130. This is also known as a plug-in boot or race boot. It is made of thicker plastics than the typical alpine ski boot. This is an rather stiff flex rating. Notice when you flex the boot, the boot is reactive but provides immediate feedback for the skier. The boot also keeps you in a frontward stance. Let's look at the right boot now. This is a Technia Zero G Touring 115 flex. This boot is made for backcountry touring. Hence why on the heel there is a walk mode. Typically speaking the touring boots flex usually feel a bit less stiff than their “ flex rating” due to walk mode to keep the mobility for uphill travel. When the Zero G is being flexed you can see how much easier it is to flex this boot. The effort is significantly less taxing. It also bends much less fatiguing than the Atomic Redster. This is due to the flex rating being lower than the Redster. Also for the fact that it is a touring boot, and made with different plastics. When you go to get those sweet new ski boots remember, to have an honest discussion about your skiing type and preference. As well as your current skiing level. This will determine which boot is best for you. Remembering the upfront investment in a good pair of boots from a reputable boot fitter is going to save you not only time and money in the long term but also pain and misery.
- BASICS: Picking A Boot Fitter- How To Find A GOOD Boot Fitter That Works For You
Ahhh ski boots, we both love and hate the. They allow us to experience complete control with our skis yet the wrong pair is nothing but pain (who are we kidding even the best pair can hurt). Besides being most likely your most expensive pair of shoes you’ll own they are a vital sense of equipment. Finding the right boot is like that magical moment of finding your wand in Harry Potter. Your skiing improves, you’re more comfortable and most importantly you’re able to experience the proper technique without hassle. Where do you start in finding a good boot? Is it the sale online, that big box store that you love, or do you search out a boot fitter? When you think of a ski boot fitter the first question is naturally does this cost more? Drumroll please… no it can actually save you money in the long run. Boot fitters do one thing and one thing only ski boots. They know boots better than anyone. Boot fitters are the only ones that are qualified to make modifications to your boot. From punch-outs to custom sole inserts think of your boots like bindings, you want to make sure they are all dialed in. There are several female boot fitters in the United States, think of them as magically unicorns. If you are ever fortunate enough to have a female boot fitter consider yourself lucky. One of the biggest perks to a boot fitter vs online / big store is that they stand by their product proudly. A good boot fitter will offer free adjustments for the life of the boot. They will also do a switch out for a new pair if the boot you’re in doesn’t work out. Need a pair of ski boots? Let’s go into the steps to make sure you have what you need when you walk into that sausage fest of a boot shop. Boot Fitting 101 1. Research Go ahead and research online local boot shops. You may need to make a trek to find a good one, we promise this is worth it! Read the reviews, make sure that they are written from skiers. You want people who are on their boots frequently and really are using them vs once a year weekenders. 2.Call Ahead / Book Your Apt Online Most ski shops are busy during winter ( sounds like a no brainer ) Unless you visit a shop in October they are going to be swamped. Give them a call and check their websites to see what each shop has as far as request for making apts. 3.The Right Ski Socks Remember to bring a pair of thin ski socks. If a boot fitter recommends a thick sock, RUN! Need a sock recommendation? Check out our choices in the equipment section here: 4.Be Honest With Thy Self Be honest about the type of skiing/ your skiing ability. Walking into a shop and overselling or underselling your abilities are only going to put you in a piece of equipment that’s not going to service you. Plus waste a ton of money. If you plan on improving your level tell them. If you prefer leisure groomers speak up. If you like to go only in resort you probably do not need a pair of boots with walk mode, etc. They are not there to judge your skiing. Boot fitters can only help you if you help them by being clear in what your goals/skiing habits look like. 5.Ask About Flex, Mondo Point, Waist Knowing your measurements it’s kind of like knowing your bra size. It’s unique to you and unless there are any major chances it’s going to be consistent. Learn your sizes. If you are sizing up or down you may need to have your bindings remounted. Let them know about any spots that have discomfort in the boot. There are rarely times where someone puts on a pair of boots and they are ready to rock. Heel lift? Let them know. Odd spot that hurts when you flex? Tell them. If it’s bad in the shop it will be 100% worse on the mountain when it’s cold and the boots are more stiff. 6.Ask Them Questions A good fitter is going to answer all of your questions big and small. Remember we all learn, so asking your questions is the best way to get those answers and develop relationships. Whether you’re unsure about the proper way to buckle. Or maybe you’re unsure about storing your skills boots. They will direct you for your boot / manufactures suggestions. We know walking into a shop with a bunch of dudes may be a bit intimidating ( we have all been there! ) remember they like to ski just like you do. They usually have a few good stories so ask them about their experiences. Don’t forget the gnarlier the shop the more likely it’s pretty legit!
- Women's Ski Clinics: CALIFORNIA (Tahoe / Eastern Sierras)
Progress your riding skills this season. Join a women's clinic at any of these iconic California resorts. Skier: Constance Traynor, Location: Top of Palisades, National Chute California is known for its infamous views, one-of-a-kind gnarly terrain, and West Coast vibes. As skiers and riders from California know the intense verticality of our mountains and legendary snowpack is why we have some of the most rad shredders in the world. Something we can all agree on, California women are at the forefront of women's progression and empowerment both on and off the hill. Here's the thing: as we collectively partake in Wild Women Winter (let's get it, ladies), we all are constantly working on our goals, techniques, skills and more. Because we know the secret, the more comfortable we become on snow, the more fun it becomes. Why not do so with other like-minded women who are badass and love to shred? There is no place better to up your skiing and riding this winter than with a women's clinic. Multiple resorts in California have started to offer Women’s Clinics. Ranging from a half day to multiple days on the mountain. Designed to help you progress and unleash your full send potential surrounded by top female instructors. Don't wait another season, make this your season to reach your personal objectives. Whether you are looking to explore new terrain or get more comfortable on groomers women's clinics are an excellent way to get you there. Ready to unleash your full send? Check out She-Shredz list below: Top of Granite Cheif at Olympic Valley. PALISADES TAHOE (Olympic Valley/ Alpine Meadows) Ready to progress those turns where legends are born? Palisades Tahoe isn't just known for its infamous terrain (hello KT-22 we're looking at you). But for its fierce female athletes who emerge from this mountain; Amie Engerbretson, Michelle Parker, and Tamara McKinney just to name a few. There's no better place to up your skiing than with Palisades Tahoe's Women of Winter Clinics and Camps. Offering half-day clinics and multi-day clinics powered by progression, Palisades Tahoe offers it. If progression is your goal, look no further. Having some of the top female instructors and athletes by your side to help you crush your goals. Every Sunday at Alpine Meadows and Wednesday at Olympic Valley Women of Winter Clinics are available. Palisades Tahoe also offers its infamous 3-day clinic designed to help you immerse yourself with other women who are serious about upping their game. New this season- Amie Engerbretson's Signature Camp. Are you a spicy rider looking to expand your skills? Join Amie Engerbretson (Yes, that one!) and get ready to progress with other like-minded women who love to shred. Capped at 18 ladies only, this unique clinic experience is overseen by Amie and Palisades Tahoe Mountain Sports School. Created to help you achieve those big goals and challenge yourself. Level: Intermediate- Expert Cost: $140 Wedsenday (Olympic Valley) $160 Sunday (Alpine Meadows) $1999 Amie Engerbretson's Signature Camp (April 4-6, 2025) Learn More: https://www.palisadestahoe.com/plan-your-visit/lessons/women-of-winter-clinic Mammoth Mountain covered in their famous snowpack. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN Get ready to up your game with Mammoth Mountains Women's Camp. A three-day camp to you riding where you want on the mountain. Taught by Mammoth's top-notch female instructors who are excited to show you all of Mammoth Mountain. Offered in January 14-16, 2025 and in March 10-12, 2025 make this season the year you crush those goals. What can you expect? 5 hours a day of riding, video analysis, gear (equipment) clinic, and apres party. For both skiers and snowboarders, you'll be surrounded by badass women who are like-minded. At California's highest resort, enjoy learning new skills with some of the best snow. What will your full send be? Level: Spicy Intermediate to Experts Cost : $750 Learn More : https://www.mammothmountain.com/discover-mammoth/camps-teams/multi-day-clinics/womens-clinics#startDate=01-14-2025 Diamond Peaks incredible view of Lake Tahoe DIAMOND PEAK- SKISTERS WOMEN'S SKI CLINICS Want to up your game but want a view? Skiesters Women's Ski Clinics at Diamond Peak is here to help you unlock your goals while being supported by women in a clinic-like setting. Starting January 21, 2025, get ready to meet and ride on select Tuesday mornings throughout the season. Designed as a multi-week clinic get ready to progress whether you are a beginner looking to conquer the blues or to explore new terrain. Level: Beginner- Advanced Intermediate Cost: $415 with IVGID Pass $554 for all others Learn More : https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/skeesters-womens-ski-clinics/ West Bowls at Sierra At Tahoe covered in fresh snow. SIERRA AT TAHOE New this season- Sierra At Tahoe women's ski clinics every Thursday. Every week from 10-12 pm get ready to shred with other ladies who are searching to find their crew. Looking for a few pointers? Each group is led by one female pro. Both skiers and snowboarders can enjoy some turns while getting tips in this chill sesh on the hill. Level: Early Intermediate- Advanced Cost: $50 Learn More: https://www.sierraattahoe.com/womens-clinic/ MT. ROSE Ladies in Reno, ready to have a girl's morning shred sesh? Start your day off right with coffee at Mountainview Dining Area then head to the lifts to get ready to get those turns in. Designed for women who are newer to riding and looking to progress in a safe, and playful environment. You'll be led by PSIA- women instructors to help you gain confidence on the hill. Level: Beginner Cost: Free for pass holders, yea you read that right. $25 for all others Learn More: https://skirose.com/clinics/
- BASICS: Lift Line Etiquette, How To Not Be "That" Person
Long lift lines are a part of skiing, make it a party and spread the shred and stoke not bad vibes. Ahh the lift line, the one place where everyone intertwines before venturing off. Whether you are a ski bum or a rookie the lift line is a universal experience. A source of stoke, excitement, frustration, and where patience can be tested. Unless you are earning your turns lift lines are a part of ski life. Something about lift lines can make an intelligent adult revert to a clueless fish out of water. It may be the complex chairlift math: (four-seater plus six people equals confusion and a hold-up?) or how the mind-bending merging of two lines right next to each other leads into a singular line or perhaps it's as simple as just loading and getting on the chair. Whatever it is, anyone who has ever skied knows the agony of being behind " that " person in the lift line. How does one avoid being the Jerry (or Jane in this case) in the lift line? Let's go over a few Do's and Don'ts so you can avoid being the Jerry of the Day. No one likes "that" person in the lift line. Be sure to keep your decorum while waiting in line. DO's: Do, be mindful of others around you. Standing like a lost doe and at a standstill five feet before a chair is a sure way not to make new friends. Do gather your crew and have everyone staged on preferences for unloading (i.e.: some boarders prefer the left/right, etc.) before entering the line. Unbuckle your boots, undo your ski poles, and prepare to load before approaching the chair. Do verify and count how many seats are on the specific chair and stage properly for the correct number of riders. If you have five in your crew and it's a three-seater do the math and staging prior to merging in the line. Do listen to resort employees who are navigating crowds and lift line control. Better line mitigation equals more riding. Do make sure the lift you are loading is appropriate for your riding level. Lifts often have the level of terrain listed as: Black Diamond (advanced/expert), Blue/Red Squares (intermediate), and Green Circles (beginner). Do have your pass/ lift ticket on your lift side away from other passes. Do spread the stoke and the shred! Lift lines can be a great place to make new friends and exchange intel! Lift lines often will have the terrain rating shown to help skiers and riders navigate terrain. DON'TS Don't stand or go over others' skis and boards while in line. This is a huge no-no. Not only is it incredibly rude it's also a good way to scratch up someone's gear. Don't try to shove your way into a grouping. If a chair seats three and you think you can move your way into a three-person grouping making it a foursome... you won't. Don't mindlessly wander into a chairlift line. Ensure you have a general awareness of the terrain. Don't fall/ski into the lift line. We've all seen Jerry of the Day (or Jane of the Day) ski out of control into a lift line, knocking signs and ropes and falling into people. While we can't say this will help you make new friends in the lift line it can possibly end with a few comments and stares... Don't cut the lift line. Just don't be that person. If you are waiting for the first chair on a powder day and pull up two minutes before the chairs start to load, be prepared to have a less-than-stellar welcome. You want first chair? Be prepared to wake up at zero dark thirty. Did we miss any lift line etiquette? Tell us in the comments below.