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. They’ll build XC ski skills and friendships while sharing laughs and gaining confidence on XC skis in an inclusive environment.
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 Vermont, the Woodstock Nordic Center has the NENSA Women’s XC Ski Day on Jan 26, 2025 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 half price cup of soup.
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham, NH has the Women's Winter Escape is on Jan 18-19, 2025 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 Jan 25, 2025 classic skiing and Feb 8, 2025 for skate skiing) 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 program 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 the Junior Muffin 5K Race for Girls Relay Teams on Feb 23, 2025. Don’t miss their 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 (specific dates so make reservations). On Jan 12, 2025, 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.
Eldora Nordic Center in CO has a women’s multi-week program for women with instruction and outings on Tuesdays (Jan-Feb) for a full day program with meals or Wednesdays (AM or PM sessions in Jan-Feb or Feb-Mar) .
In Utah the Park City Nordic Betties is an 8-week program for skate and classic XC skiing on Park City trails and at Soldier Hollow in Heber City.
Solitude Nordic & Snowshoe Center in Brighton, UT has a 4-week introduction to skate skiing on Fridays at 2:00 PM.
Mt. Bachelor, OR has the “She’s on Skis” 6-week 2 hour instruction clinic and Mt. Hood Meadow Nordic, OR has the “She Glides” group lesson package with rentals and a trail pass on specific dates.
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 your local XC ski area to see if there is a program available and go to the XCSkiResorts.com Product News Page for info about Nordic ski equipment for women.
For more details on any of the programs or ski areas in this article, check with the respective ski area websites. And for moms for finding everything fresh, pretty, and purposeful check Momtrends