Search Results

Join Cameon in her chat with Meredith and Susan, the inspiring co-owners of Rippin Chix. They lead ski camps designed to help women conquer fears, build confidence, and level up their skiing skills. In this interview, they share their journey from elite skiers to empowering women to tackle challenging terrain. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Rippin Chix offers expert coaching designed to transform your mountain experience. "Hi everybody, it's Cam from Women's Outdoor Connection, and I'm here with the Rippin' Chix! I'm kind of super fangirling because I'm with Meredith and Susan, and I can't wait to ski with them this season. They have some clinics here in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m sure they’ll talk about it. But I’ll just let them introduce themselves and tell us what they do and what inspires them." CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW Learn more about Rippin Chix! Sign up for Camp! Boost Your Confidence on the Slopes : Rippin Chix clinics are all about helping women break through mental and physical barriers so they can tackle new challenges and enjoy skiing even more! Find Your Tribe : Meredith and Susan have created a super supportive community where women come together, learn new skills, and make lasting connections. Learn from the Best : With years of competitive skiing and coaching experience, Meredith and Susan bring top-notch expertise to their clinics, helping women level up quickly and safely. Conquer Your Fears : The Rippin Chix team understands that skiing isn’t just about technique—it's about overcoming those mental blocks. Their camps help women feel confident and ready to take on the mountain. Connect at the Event : At the Women’s Outdoor Connection, you’ll get to meet Meredith and Susan, hear their inspiring stories, and join a community of women passionate about the outdoors and skiing. ✨https:// www.rippinchix.com/ ✨https:// www.instagram.com/rippinchix/ ✨https:// www.instagram.com/mereditheades/ ✨https:// www.instagram.com/susanmedville/ Meredith:Hi, I’m Meredith. I became part of Rippin’ Chix in 2017 when Susan brought me on as a coach. We had the opportunity to take over as co-owners in 2019. I used to compete competitively on the free-skiing tour and in free rides like halfpipe and big air. Understanding the mindset behind skiing and the mental stuff that holds you back is something I personally faced and had to work through. Now, it’s really cool to take those skills and help others expand their mountain playground so they can go to all these cool places that are on their bucket list. Susan:I’ve been with Rippin' Chix since the start. My friend and ex-ski coach, Alison Gannett, started the company around 2000 or 2003. She wanted to bring together a wide berth of experience in skiing for women. We’ve had breaks here and there to have kids and run other businesses, but we took over the company in 2019, and we’ve been pushing it forward, trying to grow it and hopefully influence women positively around skiing. Cam:So, other than skiing, what outdoor passions do you have? How do you keep in shape during the off-season? Meredith:I love mountain biking, from e-biking to riding the bike park, and I also love weightlifting. And, of course, long walks with the dog and hiking! Susan:Meredith and I are one in the same. I’m big into mountain biking too, and I coach mountain biking. I also kiteboard and kite surf, and like Meredith, I think strength training is a super important piece of the puzzle. Injuries are part of the game, and that strength from outside of skiing and biking is key. Cam:As women in the outdoor industry, do you face any frustrations or hurdles? Susan:I think my biggest frustration isn’t necessarily as a woman, but bringing our camps to ski areas comes with a lot of hurdles. There’s resistance from the ski area or instructors, even though we bring something to the table that’s different from what they’re offering. Ski areas like Whitewater, Alpenshall, and Alta have been supportive, but in general, it’s tough. Cam:On a positive note, what are some of the greatest aspects of being in the outdoor industry? Meredith:The community! We have such great support from sponsors like Mons Royale, Head, and Strafe Outerwear. They believe in empowering women to get outside and learn more. We’ve created a community for our participants and with the resorts that support us, which is really motivating. Susan:I agree, and I’d add that the wins come from seeing our clients grow. By the second day, we’re seeing changes in their skiing. That’s why we do it—to see that transformation. Cam:What can people expect when they come to your camp? Meredith:People are usually nervous when they arrive, but we help break down those mental barriers. We start with skills in the morning, then take those skills onto the actual terrain. We do video review at lunch and build on the skills in the afternoon. On day two, we broaden the skill set. By the end, they’ll have a better understanding of why skiing works the way it does and gain confidence in applying those skills to new terrain. Cam:I love that you focus on building confidence. Do you find that women have mental hurdles when it comes to skiing? Meredith:Absolutely. A big part of our camp is breaking down those mental barriers into digestible bites. We talk about why things work the way they do, not just how to do it. Cam:That’s awesome! So, we’re wrapping up, but I have to ask—what’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Meredith:I’m really into peanut butter chocolate ice cream lately. Susan:I’m all about caramel, chocolate, and marshmallow… maybe all three at once! Cam:I love it! Well, thank you both for being here, and we’re so excited to have you at the Women’s Outdoor Connection on October 26th. For everyone else, we’ll have more information about Rippin' Chix on our website. Thanks again, and we can’t wait to see you out there! Watch the Full Interview... Curious to hear more from Meredith and Susan of Rippin Chix? Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel where they dive deeper into their journey, their passion for skiing, and how Rippin Chix helps women tackle fears on the mountain. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—watch it here ! Sign Up for Rippin Chix Clinics Ready to transform your skiing skills? Join Meredith and Susan for an unforgettable experience at a Rippin Chix clinic, where you’ll conquer new terrain and build lasting confidence on the slopes. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait—sign up here  to secure your place in an upcoming clinic! Meet Rippin Chix at the Women’s Outdoor Connection... Want to meet the coaches in person? Meredith and Susan will be at the Women’s Outdoor Connection event on October 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with them, hear more about their incredible journey, and learn how you can join the Rippin Chix community! Learn more about   Rippin Chix!  Sign up for Camp!

EDGE Outdoors PNW Activity: Snow Sports Edge Outdoors is at the forefront of the movement to increase diversity and inclusivity in snow sports (skiing and snowboarding). Their mission to empower women of color through mentorship, education, and community is making a lasting impact. By providing access and opportunities, Edge Outdoors ensures that women of color have a place in snow sports and can thrive. Discover how they’re leading the way Contact info  info@edgeoutdoors.org

How Skiing Reconnected Me with My Childhood Joy and Ignited a Lifelong Passion The mountains are more than a place for me, they are part of my family. As young children we would pack up the station wagon, full of gear, my brothers in the 2nd row, and me likely in the back where the seats popped up so I could see the cars drive by as we headed up to Chinook Pass or to Idaho. John Denver was often playing on the 8-track tape player as my parents in the front seat sang “Rocky Mountain High.”  I close my eyes I can see it, feel the bumps of the road with the landscape streaming by our car packed full of adventure.   As the seasons begin to change in the PNW this scene often replays in my mind, you will catch me humming as the weather starts to change, trees beginning to glow in the first hints of Fall. Oh yes, Winter is Coming! For so many years I ignored the call of the hills, things just got in the way. A career and a complicated life filled with more tragedy than triumph distracted me from its message. As a woman in the restaurant industry, I was in a constant battle to prove my worth. I have always used my body to excel, that is another story. The sad thing was that I had forgotten how much putting on two planks of wood and pointing them down a mountain could fuel my fire. I smile thinking about it now, how different my life has become.   My mind is currently full of thoughts of planning yet another day in the mountains in search of a small patch of snow to earn my turns. I sense the excitement of the opportunity to be one with the mountain air. A few days ago, I was speaking to a good friend about what the outdoors means to me. I became a bit emotional as I recognized that when I am skiing, when the tips of my skis are dangling on the edge of a run, I suddenly feel fully alive. My heart is racing, I am a bit terrified as my breathing becomes deeper, my mind hyper focuses on the first turn, dropping into the rhythmic bliss of the wind on my skin. Suddenly I am transformed into the little girl in the back of the wood paneled station wagon listening to my parents sing at the top of their lungs. “Rocky Mountain High, Colorado” and my heart is on fire.

Featured Sponsor: The Powder Poobah The best PNW snow forecast that you actually want to read. The Powder Alert newsletter is a reliable snow forecast sent twice a week by PNW meteorologists. Skiers and snowboarders in the PNW have relied on snow forecast from the Powder Poobah since the mid-90's. Giveaways, contests, Zoom calls plus sponsor deals and announcements. The forecast includes areas in Washington plus news for Whistler, Idaho, sometimes Oregon and other areas where people like to chase after the snow. Who is the Powder Poobah? Larry Schick, avid skier and retired King 5 meteorologist started this in 1996. Since then, he was anointed the Grand Poobah of Powder, GPOP. Learn more and subscribe! PowderPoobah.com PowderPoobah.com Favorite Forecasts Powder this Saturday, then MUCH MORE coming! It's coming! Snow Tuesday 20" and Wednesday 15" Late Winter Snow Continues! Powder and More Powder! Monday refills with continued cold temps Snow Coming This Weekend Up to 8 inches Stretch out the season! Sunny early in the week, snow returns later. SNOW for Mid Slopes on Tuesday Then Sun on Wednesday Weather with Larry. Polar Vortex, Convergence Zones and Weather Models. That's a wrap - don't miss Zoom with Larry and guest Powder Chaser Steve

Here are non-profits, meetups, instructional groups, and outdoorsy opportunities in the Seattle area. The following groups attended the May 19, 2024, event; Women's Outdoor Connection. A Higher Calling- Mel Fernandes PNW-based nonprofit network of mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts working to advocate for the community. Our goal is to increase accessibility to the outdoors, provide support to victims of abuse in the outdoor community, support the families of missing/murdered hikers, and healing with art. https://ahighercallingpnw.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ahighercallingpnw Amber Parucha (sounds like Paruka) Outdoor Photography. I tell stories of the universal flow through the raw filters of natural light and composition. https://www.instagram.com/amberinwndrlnd/ https://paruchaphotography.mypixieset.com/ Conscious Classroom- Jennifer Dorothy and Jenn Mindfulness and Yoga. We provide students with tools to move away from anxiety and stress towards emotional regulation, self-control, increased concentration, and agency over their education. https://linktr.ee/Consciousclassroomyoga Crank Sisters- Tami Johnston and Heather Mountain Biking. Crank Sisters is an all-female club within the Cascades to Sound chapter.  https://www.evergreenmtb.org/about/crank-sisters https://www.instagram.com/evergreen_crank_sisters/ https://www.facebook.com/evergreencranksisters Crystal Mountain- Hannah Rouwhorst and Jessi Try out Crystal Mountain in the summer. Adventure Course, Climbing Wall, Guided Hikes, Scenic Gondola Rides. Winter sports https://www.crystalmountainresort.com/things-to-do/activities Edge Outdoors- Annette Diggs EDGE Outdoors is a powerful initiative created to address the invisibility of Black, Indigenous, Women of Color in snow sports.  https://edgeoutdoors.org/ https://www.instagram.com/edge_pnw/ https://www.facebook.com/EDGEOutdoors.Org Girl Get After It- Anna Hill Year-round events, hike, bike, snow, etc. We empower women by showing them that anything is possible with the support of a community behind them. https://www.girlgetafterit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/girlgetafterit/ https://www.facebook.com/girlgetafterit/ Human Nature- Mileva Huljev Forest Bathing Guide. Forest bathing walks guide us through a sequence of invitations to slow down physically and mentally, and use our senses to interact with the natural world. This is not a hike or meditation, but best described as a slow meander.  https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/product/private-walks/ https://www.instagram.com/sojourn.in.nature/ Lake Union Crew- Natalia Dotto LUC. Rowing and Racing, classes, all ages and abilities. LUC is a vibrant community of athletes and coaches, located on the west side of Lake Union in the heart of Seattle. Since LUC was founded in 1998 by Rome Ventura, the club has grown into a home for all who value fitness, fun, and friendship.Take a look at their Learn to Row and list of programs. https://lakeunioncrew.com/adult/   Seattle Times article April 2024  https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/inspiring-seattle-rowers-boys-in-the-boat-and-now-women-age-70-and-up/ Montlake Rowing Club- Robyn Atkinson Team of masters women's rowers. MLC trains and races in both sweep rowing and sculling. We are committed to sportsmanship and the growth of the sport of women's rowing. New to rowing? MLC does not provide lessons. Please try Lake Union Crew or Pocock Rowing Club. http://www.montlakerowing.org/ https://www.pocockrowingclub.org/ Outdoor Asian- Kelsey and Jennifer Our vision is to create a diverse and inclusive community of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the outdoors. We are hikers, but we also forage for mushroom, rockhound, climb, surf, fish, hunt and build sand castles. Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Los Angeles. https://www.outdoorasian.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoorasianwa/ Outdoors for All Foundation- McKenzie Click Outdoors for All provides adaptive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities through programs such as kayaking, rock climbing, gravel biking, day camps, paddleboarding, skiing, snowboarding and more! With the support of over 900 volunteers each year, Outdoors for All provides year-round recreation for over 2500 individuals and groups in the greater Seattle area. https://outdoorsforall.org/ https://www.instagram.com/outdoorsforall/ Seastr PNW- Erica Lichty Sailing, Paddleboarding, Maritime programs. We offer solutions, pathways, and accessibility to recreational and commercial maritime programs.  https://www.seastrpnw.com/ https://www.instagram.com/seastrpnw/ Shred It Sisters- Chelsea Wilde All season, mountain biking and snow sports and in town meetups. Monthly free Member-led Mountain Meetups at Stevens Pass, Crystal, and the Summit all winter long as well as MMM's in the spring through autumn for mountain biking! Meetups off-piste pretty frequently that we call "Bites and Brews" to get to know new friends to adventure with at local breweries and restaurants! FYI- our group is managed by just a couple of gals who love to promote rad women expanding their shred-circles in our free time.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/484124458895597 https://www.instagram.com/shreditsisters/   Sisters in Action Sports- Pam Miller, Lauren Jensen, Kendra Aragon-Lynch We fulfill our mission by creating amazing affordable opportunities in snow, wake & kiteboarding, surf, mountain biking, rock climbing, hikes and skate events throughout the year.  https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ https://www.instagram.com/sistersinactionsports/ https://www.facebook.com/sistersinactionsports.org/ Stevens Pass- Samara Davis Stevens Pass has summer and winter activities.  Stevens Pass is a ski and snowboard destination in the Cascades, with lessons, rentals, events and more. Mountain Biking, Hiking, Scenic Chairlift Rides, Disc Golf, and RV Camping. https://www.stevenspass.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevenspass/ Surf Vamps- Kim Merrikan Surf Vamps exists to create an inclusive surfing community through online and in-person opportunities to engage and connect. We believe that a supportive community is critical for breaking down access barriers and being empowered to explore and grow. https://www.instagram.com/surfvamps/ The Change Collective- Khai Bhagwandin Snowsports. We are a community of BIPOC snowboarders and skiers who work to help each other navigate the industry. We are athletes, activists and advocates who wish to strengthen our community through storytelling and showcasing our talent. Our goal is to break down barriers by supporting each other, sharing knowledge and skills, overcoming mental and emotional barriers and showcasing our talent.  https://linktr.ee/the.change.collective the Service Board- Layla Anane and Elaine Nguyen Snowboarding. As a youth-led organization, the Service Board (tSB) builds community through the power of youth. The Core Program rotates between intensive service learning projects and snowboarding, hence our name: the Service Board. https://theserviceboard.org/ https://www.instagram.com/theserviceboard/ WOW Women On the Water: Center for Wooden Boats- Natalie Mo, Paula Williams Sailing. WOW is providing a way for women to connect and learn on the water by going sailing together! Women on the Water is a monthly sailing event.  The goal is to strengthen and grow the local women's sailing community. https://www.cwb.org/women-on-the-water   Mad Hippie Thank you, Nicole for being with us all day. Thank you especially to Chris Franklin, Community and Culture leader for Mad Hippie . The Collective Seattle The team here is great to work with. I've hosted two Women's Outdoor Connection events. In my job with Sturtevant's, hosted a Jeremy Jones, snowboard film and a small ski/snowboard tune clinic. In 2019 my husband and I had our wedding at the Collective.

Hey, Mad Hippie! Thank you for supporting and encouraging women in the outdoors. We are so fortunate! We were the lucky recipients of Mad Hippie totes with some of their most popular skin care products. The story of Mad Hippie starts with sun damage. Founders Sam and Dana Stewart found themselves in need of a good skin-soothing, natural product, but despite their thorough search, they came up empty-handed. So, as many ingenious people do, they set out to create their own. In 2009, Mad Hippie quietly entered the beauty scene when natural skincare was just starting to become a thing. Over the years, the brand’s simple, completely natural approach never wavered, but as the need for non-toxic, clean beauty grew, so did the brand’s reputation. It was a great opportunity for all of us. There were Mad Hippie fans on Sunday, and now there are more. Thank you, Nicole for being with us all day. Thank you especially to Chris Franklin, Community and Culture leader for Mad Hippie . Somehow you found this in October 2023. It was such a pleasure to meet you and your family. The Seattle weather was behaving perfectly with a really nice Spring day! Thank you, Andrea Hamilton

Lake Union Crew on the west side of Lake Union in Seattle is home to all ages and all levels of rowers. The women's H-Boat was featured April 5, 2024 by writer Sandi Doughton. Lake Union Crew will be attending the May 19th Women's Outdoor Connection in Seattle. This is your chance to meet some of the coaches and learn about what LUC does. They are recognized as one of the premier adult rowing clubs in the US. They have programs for beginners, former rowers and masters. Here's a link to the Seattle Times Article. Inspiring Seattle rowers: ‘boys in the boat,’ and now, women age 70 and up If you want a deep dive into the categories, here's the list from Wikipedia. Weight L, LWT or Lt: Lightweight rowing If not present the crew is open weight Age J: Junior(Under 19 years of age) B: Senior B (Under 23 years of age) Masters: over 27, includes a letter designation for the average age of the crew: A – 27 years of age and older B – 36 years of age and older C – 43 years of age and older D – 50 years of age and older E – 55 years of age and older F – 60 years of age and older G – 65 years of age and older H – 70 years of age and older I – 75 years of age and older J – 80 years of age and older If none of these abbreviations are present the crew is Senior A. These age categories are effectively common to both FISA (Bye-Law to Rule 27) and USRowing (Rule 4–104) rules. USRowing also designates a AA category for ages 21–26, and defines Masters as over 21 rather than 27.[1][2] There are no age restrictions for coxswains and their age is not factored into the average age of the crew.[1][2] Gender M: Men's W: Women's Mixed: Equal numbers of either gender (excluding coxswain) Crew Size 1, 2, 4, 8: The number of rowers in the crew. It is common to use Roman numerals, especially when referring to a VIII. WIKIPEDIA

October 2023 was a success and you've asked for a replay. Don't miss this chance to meet women like yourself and the awesome women's groups that create fun outdoor events, activities and coaching. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Here's a short recap from Erica Lichty of SEASTR PNW . Thank you Erica!

Check it out: Rack N Road Cargo Box. Value $500. Pick up from the Seattle or Bellevue location. Private ski lessons. Value $ 350 CONFIDENCE and skills. Two private lessons at Summit Snoqualmie (any of the areas, your choice) from our friend Leeds Chamberlain, Level III instructor, and coach. Meet at your home for a gear check (boots and skis) drive to the mountain with chair chat. Crystal Mountain is an option, but then we gotta talk about a ticket for Leeds. Best time ever! Guaranteed. Crystal Mountain Women's Ski Clinic with Tracy Gibbons. Value: $ priceless A RARE opportunity. Ski for the day with Tracy in a team of 10 for a private women's only clinic. Ski Blues into Blacks, Intermediate to Advanced. Former Sturtevant's president, racer CMAC, World Cup, legendary, PNW local. Currently Director of Ski for Elevate Outdoor Collective (Marker, Dalbello, Volkl + all K2 brands). XEVO Optics Sport Shades Value $250