Our student took a deep breath, then grasped the toboggan handles.
“OK,” she said. “I’m going to send it.”
This retired Air Force veteran and new ski patroller had come to the Eastern New York Women’s Clinic at Gore Mountain on March 22 to gain confidence pulling sleds. A chorus of encouragement rang out from other participants.
Yes, it’s very steep!
“You’ve got this.”
“That’s it!”
“You’re doing it!”
A couple of hours later, I heard the same chorus as two other participants guided a toboggan over the headwall of Lies, one of Gore’s steepest runs. As they approached the bottom, the chorus morphed into shouts of celebration.
For the three women who participated on March 22, that camaraderie, encouragement, and shared vulnerability made it possible for them to push their limits while having a blast.
That vibe was present at women’s clinics throughout the Eastern Division last season.
In Northern Vermont, Women’s Program Advisor Geneviève Talbert held three sessions throughout the region. At Smugglers’ Notch on January 26, eight women of varying abilities honed their skills, from a candidate still undergoing OET training to an advanced group that practiced belaying techniques in a glade and over rocky, icy, steep terrain.
At Burke Mountain on February 10, eight participants skinned uphill, then met for hot chocolate at the summit. They gathered and divided into groups for a GPS search on the skiing run down. After lunch came a discussion on how to pack for a search and rescue and a session on a rescue SKED. And at Mad River Glen on March 10, 13 participants skied, pulled sleds, and practiced OEC.
Magic Mountain patroller Jennie Sakimura experienced the camaraderie of a women’s program firsthand at the two-day Women’s Skiing Skills and Toboggan Handling Enhancement Seminar as part of Killington Patroller School.
Here’s her description: As a Basic Patroller who learned to ski after age 40, I’ve often found confidence on the slopes to be elusive. This clinic provided more than just technical instruction—it offered a supportive environment where fundamental skills finally “clicked” for me.
We’re ready to show off our skills.
Toboggan handling on challenging terrain pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but with the encouragement of our instructors and fellow female participants, I discovered new ways to think about the way I ski and learned new strategies. It was such a gift to have the space to practice new skills, and the camaraderie among our group created a special, encouraging dynamic that was so energizing. Our instructors were equipped with impressive skills and achievements, and were able to relate to the group, which made complex techniques accessible and achievable.
After two exhausting but exhilarating days at Killington, I returned home with more than just improved technique. I carried with me a newfound confidence and felt an enduring breakthrough in my skills. I cannot recommend this program enough. It’s not just about becoming a better skier and toboggan handler; it’s about discovering a community, learning, and finding joy in pushing your boundaries.
