Wake up, roll into a room full of gals in their thermals on colorful yoga mats. The air outside is crisp and ski patrol are headed up the mountain. Coffee is sipped, smiles exchanged and first yoga position is initiated by Kaari Rowberry of the SLC FIT Collective. As the chairlifts start to spin, everyone arises calmly from their mats and begin to buckle boots, strap helmets and head out the door to go… time to shred. Once on the hill, personal stories are being swapped and friends are being made faster then the cute lifty boys can turn their heads, gazing as a flock of skier babes go by. Finally, we are apart of an event that introduces bad-ass female shredders to other bad-ass female shredders. At Solitude, you will find many of these events.

The W.O.W. Series (Women of Wasatch), is an on-going event series this season that not only aims to bring together female athletes and have a ridiculously good time, but it also strives to increase technical skill on the mountain. This past W.O.W event we were accompanied by Pro Skiers Grete Eliassen and Maude Raymond, whom gave us tips on how to ski steep lines and get air. Both Grete and Maude were awesome guides and instructors, giving positive feedback and encouraging advice. After ripping all over Solitude, we then met up with Laura, from Solitude Ski Patrol, for a basic run down on backcountry awareness. Laura pointed out several areas which included steep chutes and untouched snow that had everyone frothing from the mouth, but quickly reminded us the importance of knowing your terrain and having the proper equipment to access these zones. Laura had everyone practice with their beacons at Solitude’s Beacon Park located next to the Eagle chairlift.

Mid-day we stopped for lunch, which was included in the W.O.W. Registration, and mowed down on some delicious pasta and salad. We met with some other local pro-athletes and exchanged skis and boards that we had demoed earlier from Palace Boards and Kitten Factory Skis. Don’t miss the next W.O.W series event – “Explore the Mountains with Solitude’s Mogul Mama, Shannon Burk” , February 21st.  Pre-register to hold a spot!

Photos courtesy of Corey Kopischke.

In search of new a challenge, the ladies venture west to the Oregon Coast. The Pacific Ocean, vast and powerful, provides a large arena for our girls to show their skills. Through the fog and waves, Laura, Sensi, Colleen and Lindsay find some luck and score wind and waves in less than ideal conditions. Follow along and come enjoy the final chapter of Where The Wind Blows.

Where The Wind Blows is the story of four diverse professional kiteboarders, who despite their exotic winter adventures, find their way back to the Gorge each summer. Their friendship, passion for kiteboarding and sustaining health connects them in a way that will inspire all viewers. The Oregon summer experience is a multidimensional story that is rich in wholesome food, beautiful scenery, and great adventures. Join us as we follow Colleen Carroll, Lindsay McClure, Laura Mayer and Sensi Graves through the rich fabric of the Columbia River Basin, Oregon Coast and beyond

Here is Episode 1 of Where the Wind Blows -  a web series that celebrates the pursuit of outdoor adventures, highlighting the beautiful landscape of Oregon, the fulfillment of an active lifestyle, and nature’s bounty on earth.

Follow these four professional female kiteboarders as they chase wind and show off the natural goodness of their local playground.

Where The Wind Blows is the story of four diverse professional kiteboarders, who despite their exotic winter adventures, find their way back to the Gorge each summer. Their friendship, passion for kiteboarding and sustaining health connects them in a way that will inspire all viewers. The Oregon summer experience is a multidimensional story that is rich in wholesome food, beautiful scenery, and great adventures. Join us as we follow Colleen Carroll, Lindsay McClure, Laura Mayer and Sensi Graves through the rich fabric of the Columbia River Basin, Oregon Coast and beyond

WATCH THE NEXT EPISODE: Where the Wind Blows Episode 2 – Chasing Wind

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Nitsch, an avid big mountain snowboarder and founder of Palace Snowboards, an all-female split board company.  The two of us met for coffee, bounced ideas off one another about female presence in the action-sport industry and then cheerfully exchanged numbers to grow one another’s female wolf packs.

Photo: Closing day at Park City Mountain Resort

Like a lot of ladies I meet, the two of us shared a similar story… we bike, ski, ride, and even drink whisky with A LOT of dudes.  In a small ski town, with a guy to girl ratio of 7:1… it’s pretty easy to do. However, it’s no excuse to not take advantage of all the ripping ladies out there! The presence of women in action-sports is changing, there is more support, encouragement, and leadership.  When I ride with a group of all girls, I’m feel more empowered then ever!

Photo Credit: Eric Erlenbusch

It’s not about being the ‘only girl’, it’s about being a part of a community of strong, female riders who all push one another to go bigger and to even be more knowledgeable.  Yes, knowing how to ski and ride a bike is great. Knowing how to fix and tune your skis and bike is mega-terrific great!  I recently came across a Women’s Bike Mechanic Scholarship.  It’s purpose is to “to grow the number of talented women working in the bike industry and to grow female ridership’.  Check it out, and if you think it’s for you, your girlfriend or best friend… pass it along!

If you have a chance, check out Stephanie Nitsch’s awesome blog & like the Palace Snowboards Facebook Page to stay current on this awesome all female snowboard company!

Oh, and one more thing: I’m super excited to see Pretty Faces…now I just can’t wait to see some girl bike segments! Dear Anthill….???

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