What skiing, forest bathing and a chairlift conversation have to do with Women’s Outdoor Connection. A few years ago, one of my ski friends told us about forest bathing. None of us had any idea what she was talking about. And no, apparently, you don't take a bath in the forest. I didn't run home and start researching it. But the idea stuck with me. Eventually, when I was looking for someone to bring forest bathing to Women’s Outdoor Connection, I started learning more about why spending time outside can make us feel so good. And that got me thinking about skiing. I grew up skiing at Alpental with my cousins, siblings and friends. My aunt and uncle had a cabin, and my brother and I spent most weekends there. Lessons, lunch at the cabin, then back out for more. It was pretty easy living as a kid. Fast forward a bit. I met my husband Tyler on a ski day when I was 19 and he was 20. He was a lift operator. We dated, went our separate ways for a while, and then reconnected after my stepdad died. This time we made it stick. We had our first son, Zack, in 1992 and then Jacob in 2000. We had a good life. Not every day was easy. We were self-employed, raising kids and dogs and doing all the things families do. Somewhere along the way, skiing got left behind. It was expensive with a family, and we just didn't do it. Then Tyler died from a stroke in 2010. For a long time, I had a hard time making plans. I never knew how I was going to feel from one hour to the next. About a year later, I decided to go skiing on Tyler’s birthday. I borrowed boots and bought some used skis. As it happens, I bought those skis at Sturtevant's. Remember that part. We'll come back to it. One person leads to another... On that ski day, I met two women, Patty and Ellen. They were ski instructors, and they put an idea in my head. Maybe I should teach skiing. So, the following year, 2012, my friend Alice went with me to instructor orientation. I'm not sure I would have gone alone. We signed up. I stuck with it. Andrea + Diane our Sunday Tykes leader + Alice Teaching got me out of my shell. I had to meet new people. Say hello. Ask their names. Put myself out there. And teaching kids is pretty simple in one important way. They just want to have fun. I needed some of that too. One person leads to another... And skiing wasn't done introducing me to people. A ski friend reintroduced me to a high school friend, Amund in 2015. We married in 2019. Andrea + Amund at Crystal A friend suggested I get a job in the ski industry. I found an opening at Sturtevant's—which, in my opinion, is THE BEST ski shop around here. It's where we all shopped growing up. For weeks, I kept telling my friends about this job. Finally, they started asking, “When do you start?” There was one small problem. I hadn't actually applied. Eventually I got that done. I even walked up to my future boss at an event and introduced myself. Way outside my comfort zone. I got the job that spring, right around the same time I was selling and moving out of our family home. That was an extremely hard transition. Suddenly I had a new job, new people and a whole new part of my life beginning. And skiing was right in the middle of it again. And another person... Pam + Andrea at the first event in 2023 I met Pam Miller in my role at Sturtevant's. Pam, founder of Sisters in Action Sports, invited me to an event at Patagonia in Seattle that SheJumps was hosting. There were 10 or so women's outdoor groups there. You could wander around, meet people, learn about the different groups, sip and shop. It was a really cool idea. We should do something like this at Sturtevant's. I talked to my manager. She said "Sure." Then I started thinking about everything involved. It sounded complicated. So, the idea went onto the shelf. Fast forward... Years later, I bought Powder Poobah from Larry Schick. Of course, I met Larry through my job at Sturtevant's. One person leads to another. Andrea + Larry showing off their XEVO Larry, the Powder Poobah is a longtime Seattle meteorologist. He started his snow forecast newsletter decades ago. He was ready to step back from running it but still wanted to do some forecasting. Suddenly I had this community of people who loved getting outside. And that old idea started rattling around again. One person leads to another... One day I was skiing with friends and my cousin, and I started talking about it on the chair. What if I actually did this? What if I brought a bunch of women's outdoor groups together? I'm sure there were women on the Powder Poobah list who would want to come. Some of the crew from that chair chat. My friends didn't think it would be too complicated. They got excited. They brainstormed with me and helped me start figuring it out. The idea finally came off the shelf and in October 2023, we held the first Women’s Outdoor Connection. We've now done it four times. And something pretty wonderful keeps happening. Women discover groups they never knew existed. They meet each other and go do things together. Our outdoor partners meet each other—and they start collaborating. I've met people I never would have met. I've tried things I might never have tried. And I've stepped out of my comfort zone many, many times. Now back to that forest bathing... Forest Bathing walk with our guide Mileva Huljev, founder Human Nature Immersion. It's a real thing! Over the years, I've started to understand something about why I love skiing so much. Yes, I really, really love to ski. But it's more than that. When I'm on the mountain, my stress starts to fade. My to-do list disappears. I'm moving. I'm outside. I'm laughing. I'm with people I enjoy. For a few hours, all the other stuff gets quieter. There are real reasons we feel better outside. Nature, movement and connection can affect our stress, mood and overall sense of well-being. This is something I've come to understand over the years. Being outside. Moving. Laughing. Being with people. Feeling connected. Having something to look forward to. Along the way, I realized those things are really the foundation of Women’s Outdoor Connection. It's not just about hiking, skiing, fishing, or paddling. Those are just the things that get us out there. It's what happens when we do—and who we meet along the way. My mom taught me something years ago when I worked in retail: You never know what kind of day someone is having. You don't know what might have happened to them that morning. So be kind. Be patient. I've never forgotten it. Because sometimes something that seems pretty small—an invitation, an introduction, a friend saying I'll go with you, a conversation on a chairlift—can matter more than we realize. I've certainly been on the receiving end of that. And now I get a lot of joy from creating ways for those connections to happen for someone else. And that brings me to this year's Women’s Outdoor Connection... Event #1, Oct 2023 at The Collective. This year, I wanted to bring together a panel to talk about something I've been thinking about for years: why being outside—and being with other people—can make us feel so good. Friday night has me SUPER excited! I'm bringing together three women who come at that question from very different directions. And bring the guys Friday night is open to everyone. Holly Brandenberger explores how nature and our senses can support our well-being. Charlotte Massey is working to build human connection and belonging in our communities. Saveria Tilden has spent years creating outdoor experiences and gatherings that bring women together. Why We Feel Better Outside Nature. Movement. Connection. Belonging. Friday night with Holly, Charlotte and Saveria. The body chemistry stuff? I can never remember all of it. That’s why I’m so excited about this combo! Learn more about Friday night here. Then on Saturday, we'll do what Women’s Outdoor Connection does best: bring a whole bunch of people together and see what happens. See the Partner list Because if I've learned anything from my story, it's this: One person really does lead to another. One invitation. One introduction. One person saying, “I'll go with you.” It makes a difference. Andrea + Tracy (Sturtevant's) former boss + Brittany (event volunteer and former Sturtevant's staffer) Maybe you'll meet a new hiking friend. Discover something you've never tried. Find someone who wants to ski, paddle, bike or get outside with you. Or maybe you'll be that person for someone else. Thank you for reading. See you outside, Andrea Hamilton Women's Outdoor Connection

Community Worth Knowing is our curated list of outdoor groups and accounts for outdoorsy women and women+ in the Seattle area and PNW. Find welcoming, inclusive communities to hike, ski, climb, paddle, and adventure together—across all seasons. ADAPTIVE SPORTS • Outdoors for All Foundation - (co-ed, youth, adult) • Adaptive Pathways Recreational Therapy: Inclusive recreational therapy for children and adults with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals and discover joy through movement, connection, and creativity.(co-ed) ALL SEASONS • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • Outdoor Asian WA (co-ed, all seasons) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoorasianwa/ • Outdoors for All Foundation (co-ed, Adaptive sports, all seasons) – https://outdoorsforall.org/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Shred-It Sisters - (mtn bike & snow) https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters • Vertical World (co-ed, indoor climbing) – https://verticalworld.com/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ BIKE • Crank Sisters - Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – https://www.evergreenmtb.org/about/crank-sisters • Shred-It Sisters - https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters CAMPS, CLINICS & RETREATS • AdventurUs Women (all seasons) – The AdventurUs • Deep Rooted Retreats – https://www.deeprootedretreats.com/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Rippin Chix (snow) – https://www.rippinchix.com/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Seattle Dive Tours - (co-ed) Seattle Dive Tours • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ CLIMB • Vertical World (co-ed, indoor climbing) – https://verticalworld.com/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ EXPERIENCES • Good Day Sauna – West Seattle & events (co-ed) https://www.gooddaysauna.com/ • Center for Wooden Boats (co-ed & Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Mama and Me Adventure Club: Outdoor adventures, hikes, walks, camping trips, for moms and their children in the Maple Valley and Issaquah areas. • SheBirds: Guided birding walks and nature experiences welcoming birders of all ages, abilities, and experience FISHING • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Puget Sound Women on the Fly (fishing) – https://www.pugetsoundwomenonthefly.org/ HIKE • Hiker Babes – https://www.hikerbabescommunity.com/ • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • HumanNature Forest Bathing – (co-ed) https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/guide-profile/humannature/ • Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs SNOW & WINTER • BIPOC Mountain Collective (co-ed, snow) – https://www.bmcseattle.org/ • Edge Outdoors (snow) – https://edgeoutdoors.org/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • Lap and Yap Club (snow, touring) – https://www.strava.com/clubs/1913814 • Mt. Rainier Nordic Patrol (co-ed, snow) – https://www.mtrainiernordicpatrol.com/ • Outdoor Asian WA (co-ed, all seasons) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoorasianwa/ • Outdoors for All Foundation (co-ed, all seasons) – https://outdoorsforall.org/ • Rippin Chix (snow) – https://www.rippinchix.com/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Shred-It Sisters - https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs • The Change Collective (co-ed, snow) – https://linktr.ee/the.change.collective • the Service Board - https://theserviceboard.org/ • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ • Women Who Love X-Country Skiing (snow) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/492056405530712/ WATER • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Center for Wooden Boats (co-ed & Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Lake Union Crew - (co-ed) https://lakeunioncrew.com/adult/ • Montlake Rowing Club - http://www.montlakerowing.org/ • Seattle Dive Tours - (co-ed) Seattle Dive Tours • Seastr PNW - https://www.seastrpnw.com/ • Surf Vamps – https://www.instagram.com/surfvamps/ YOUTH PROGRAMS & EVENTS • Center for Wooden Boats (Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Crank Sisters - Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – https://www.evergreenmtb.org/about/crank-sisters • Outdoors for All Foundation -https://outdoorsforall.org/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • the Service Board - (co-ed) https://theserviceboard.org/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Center for Wooden Boats (Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ Mt. Rainier Nordic Patrol: A volunteer ski and snowshoe patrol on Mount Rainier’s winter trails.(co-ed) Outdoors for All Foundation - (co-ed, youth, adult) https://outdoorsforall.org/ Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs ACCOUNTS we really like Andrea Kelly - Size inclusion consultant for the apparel industry - https://makeplusequal.com/ Books: Outdoorsy Women Book Club - https://www.instagram.com/ruggedoutdoorswoman/ Deb Armstrong (Ski tips Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/armstrong.deb/ Deb Armstrong – Ski Strong (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Grounding Wellness - wellness support to parents–to–be, new parents and perinatal care Stephanie LaDuke Heather Yancey Fitness - https://www.heatheryanceyfitness.com/ Mama Me Adventure Club – https://www.instagram.com/mamameadventure.club/ Outdoor Fun with Kids (WA) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.fun.for.kids.wa/ SaunterMama – https://www.instagram.com/sauntermama/ Weeden Wanders – (trips + Hyak touring get togethers: Lap N Yap) https://www.instagram.com/weeden_wanders/ PRODUCTS we like: women-owned business Alpine Fit - Technical outdoor apparel - https://alpinefit.com/ Emma Ouimette - Custom sunnies & parties https://www.emmaouimette.com/shop Kula Cloth- Reusable antimicrobial pee cloth - https://kulacloth.com/ Tara Shakti - Retro inspired ski/snowboard apparel - https://tarashakti.com/ Let us know: Are you looking for something we don't have listed? Are you part of a group that we should include? Contact us: hello@WomensOutdoorConnection.com

I didn’t think he’d die. On Monday, February 1, 2010, at 9:17 a.m., my husband Tyler died from a stroke. He went to the hospital on Sunday, January 17. A week later he had surgery and never woke up. Tyler was 49. Our sons were 9 and 17. We met when he was 20 and I was 19, at the top of Alpental on a spring ski day. Tyler and I dated on and off for years. I was young, and commitment took time. In 1990, when my stepdad died, we came back together. He and Tyler had a special bond, and losing him pulled us back together in a way nothing else had. We married in 1992. This week, it's been 16 years. It feels like yesterday. It also feels like a lifetime ago. Those early years after he died were heavy in a way I didn’t know existed. There was a cloud over everything. I stopped making plans because I didn’t know what kind of day it would be — for me or for my kids. I was always waiting for the next thing to go wrong. Another rug pulled out from under our feet. People around me still had problems. But my perspective shifted completely. A friend worried about her son vaping. I worried about how my sons would make it through. Not every day was sad. Most days were just… good enough. And a good enough day was a blessing. One day, during a normal conversation with my insurance agent, I admitted that when my sons called me, I usually answered the phone the same way. "Are you okay?" He paused and said something like, "That’s terrible." He meant well. But he didn’t understand. It wasn’t pessimism. It was worry. It was how I had learned to listen. When you’ve already lost the person you thought you couldn’t live without, your body stays on alert. You don’t wait for good news. You check for survival first. There were days I had nothing left. No energy. No focus. Just getting through the day felt like work. People meant well. They offered advice. But no one really knows what helps. There are no clean answers. Everything felt hard. Parenting was hard. I made mistakes. I recently listened to Eckhart Tolle talk about unhappiness. One thing stuck with me: the situation was painful enough. The constant fear and what-ifs made it harder. The situation was brutal. My husband was gone. I was raising two boys alone. That part was real and unchangeable. But the constant mental noise — the fear, the what-ifs, the waiting for the next disaster — that was exhausting in a different way. Most of the time I couldn’t think about the future at all. It was too much. And without realizing it, I learned to live closer to the present moment. Not because I was enlightened, but because I had no other choice. Some days I was just watching. Like a bird always looking around. Alert. Aware. Grounded. Drifting off into my thoughts felt dangerous. Eckhart talks about how life isn’t here to make us happy. I agree with that, even though I wish it weren’t true. Believing life should be fair or safe only made things harder. Letting go of that expectation didn’t fix the pain, but it changed my fight with reality. I don’t believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I hate that phrase. It’s bullshit. Some things don’t make you stronger. They just change you. They narrow your world for a while. They strip things away. They lower the bar from happy, to okay, to good enough. And sometimes, good enough is exactly enough. My sons and I did come out of it. Each in our own way. There are still hard days — thinking about Tyler, or about how they remember, or try to remember, their dad. Hard days never go away. I don’t think they’re supposed to. But there is also life. Real life. Quieter. More careful. Less careless with what matters. Over time, my family, friends, and the ski community helped rebuild something I didn’t know could be rebuilt. Not all at once. Not perfectly. Just enough. That’s part of why connection matters so much to me now — why helping other women find their people, their place, their way back to themselves feels important. Sometimes, showing up is enough.

Thursday, December 18 5:30–8:30pm Moss Bay Hall, Kirkland RSVP:   Eventbrite link Let’s gather before winter fully arrives. Free to attend — just RSVP so we can plan materials and seating. Food and drinks are buy-your-own, and a couple of the craft projects will have a small materials fee. Join us for a relaxed, come-as-you-are evening designed for outdoorsy women to connect, get creative, and some winter magic together. Whether you hike, ski, walk, paddle, climb, or simply love being outside in your own way, you’re welcome here. Crafting is optional. What’s Happening Simple Winter Crafts (all optional) See pics below We’re keeping things creative but easy — no mess, no pressure. • Woodburning Ornaments. Led by a Crystal Bailar, a talented pyrography artist. Make your own winter ornament. Tools and guidance provided. Nominal fee (tbd) • Watercolor Mini-Project with Anne Woodford. Anne is joining us with a simple, winter-themed watercolor activity. Perfect for beginners or anyone craving a little calm creativity. Nominal fee (tbd) • DIY Tote + Hat Press Station. We’ll have a small make-and-take station with the hat press and flat press — fun designs, easy process, something you can bring home. Partner Groups Come meet a few of our outdoor community partners — including Kula Cloth  — and discover new groups, clubs, and experiences for the coming season. Give Back: Coat + Gift Drive We’re collecting donations for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission . If you’d like to contribute, please bring: warm coats Hand warmers Gloves, hats, (new) socks Toiletries, small gifts for women and families Totally optional — every bit helps. Event Vibes + What to Expect This night is all about connection, creativity, and winter energy. • Women-focused event; all ages welcome • Buy-your-own food + drinks (Moss Bay Hall’s menu is great) • Come solo or bring a friend — it’s easy to mingle • Craft stations are drop-in style; do one or do all • Cozy seating and plenty of space to chat About the Space Moss Bay Hall  is warm, inviting, and perfect for gatherings. There’s plenty of room for crafts, partner tables, and conversation. WiFi is solid, bathrooms are accessible, and parking is nearby. Free on the street and a paid lot behind the restaurant (Kirkland Marina) RSVP so we can prep supplies We want to make sure we have enough craft materials ready. RSVP:   Eventbrite link Can’t wait to kick off winter with you. — Andrea Women’s Outdoor Connection www.Mosstangle.com Wood Burning samples from Crystal. She will provide the tools, blank wood ornament. Designs TBD. Space for up to 12 to do this project. She also offers classes and will do a Woodburning Party. Our host- Moss Bay Hall We will use this area in the back. Very roomy. Entry on Central Way. Parking on Central Way and behind the building in Marina (paid) lot

October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:   Mileva Huljev, Human Nature: a guided sensory experience Our connection with nature isn’t just emotional — it’s biological. Forest bathing  and mindful time outdoors engage every sense, lowering stress and boosting focus. Science keeps confirming what our hearts already know: we feel better when we spend time outside. Below you’ll find a list of recommended reading, research, and resources for continuing your connection with nature and understanding why  it feels so good. 🌿 Websites for the Curious ParksRx Prescription of Vitamin N(ature) 📚 Excellent Books The Nature Fix  — Florence Williams The New Science of Everyday Wonder  — Dacher Keltner A Natural History of the Senses  — Diane Ackerman The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs  — Tristan Gooley Braiding Sweetgrass  — Robin Wall Kimmerer The Secret Life of Trees  — Peter Wohlleben What a Plant Knows  — Daniel Chamovitz Intelligence in Nature  — Jeremy Narby The Nature Principle  — Richard Louv Your Brain on Nature  — E. Selhub The Overstory  — Richard Powers The Biophilia Effect  — Clemens G. Arvay Speaking with Nature  — Sandra Ingerman & Llynn Roberts The Songs of Trees  — David George Haskell The Secret Wisdom of Nature  — Peter Wohlleben Finding Sanctuary in Nature  — Jim Pathfinder Ewing The Research: attached is the 48 page PDF lit review of why Nature Therapy is legit: ) And here is some more to keep you reading during the longer nights ahead! 🧠 Research Highlights Here’s a small sample from the growing body of evidence showing how nature impacts our physiology, mood, and sense of belonging. Zhou, Meihui, et al. (2025). Nature Exposure and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Roles of Connectedness to Nature and Awe.   Sustainability 17(12):5406 Li, Q. et al. (2008). Visiting a Forest, but Not a City, Increases Human Natural Killer Activity and Expression of Anti-Cancer Proteins. LiH, Ding Y, Zhao B, Xu Y, Wei W. (2023). Effects of Immersion in a Simulated Natural Environment on Stress Reduction and Emotional Arousal.   Frontiers in Psychology Meredith GR, Rakow DA, et al. (2020). Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact Mental Health.   Frontiers in Psychology White MP, Alcock I, et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.   Scientific Reports 🌎 Different Environments, Different Benefits Arid Landscapes Nature and Wellbeing in the Arid Landscape  — Beery & Ode Sang (2019) A Qualitative Exploration of the Wilderness Experience as a Source of Spiritual Inspiration  — Fredrickson & Anderson (1999) Grasslands / Meadows Psychological Benefits of Greenspace Increase with Biodiversity  — Fuller et al. (2007) Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective  — Frumkin et al. (2020) Blue Spaces (Water Environments) Blue Mind  — Wallace J. Nichols (2014) Blue Space: The Importance of Water for Preference, Affect, and Restorative Experience  — White et al. (2010) Urban & Park Spaces Green Space, Urbanity, and Health  — Maas et al. (2006) Nature Walks as a Part of Urban Wellbeing  — Pasanen et al. (2020) Happy biophilia connections, Mileva Huljev Human Nature: a guided sensory experience https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/guide-profile/humannature/ humannatureimmersion@gmail.com 🌱 Biophilia  means our innate human tendency to seek connection with nature and other living things. The term, popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson  in 1984, helps explain why spending time outdoors restores calm, focus, and joy — reminding us we’re part of nature, not separate from it.

Your Strongest Season Yet: 5 Ways to Stay Strong, Capable & Wild After 50. October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:  Heather Yancey (Scroll down for Heather's PDF) Strength is freedom. When we train for it, we stay wild and capable for decades to come! 1. Midlife is your STRENGTH SEASON Menopause shifts your physiology but that makes strength training more essential, not less. Strong muscles protect joints, bones and balance for hiking, paddling, skiing, climbing and everyday adventure. Strength is the new endurance. Cardio alone doesn’t keep us adventure ready- strength does. Stronger muscles = stronger bones, better balance and more confidence on uneven terrain. What to do? Focus on “adventure muscles” Glutes for hills and power Core for stability and posture Grip strength for trekking poles, kayaking or simply confidence You can’t have endurance without strength- your muscles are your engine! 2. TRAIN for terrain Strength + stability = few injuries and more confidence Focus on hips, glutes and core What to do? Depends on sport but some examples: Plyometrics for rocky trails Squats and lunges for climbing Eccentric and isometric exercises for descents 3. ALIGN for PERFORMANCE The missing link between strength and performance When joints are stacked properly (ankle-hip-shoulder-ear), energy flows efficiently, you move better and prevent injuries Postural imbalances steal strength and endurance What can you do? Stand with more weight on the heels, shoulders up-back-and down, pull chin in (think true north!) Or grab the free AlignSmart routine in the QR code. If your house is built on a crooked foundation, even the best furniture won’t sit right! 4. RECOVER like an ATHLETE Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mobility are recovery keys Rebuild muscle and regulate cortisol with your sleep, hydration and protein intake What can you do? Build a “recovery toolkit”: walking, stretching, contrast showers, breathwork, and down-regulation techniques. Practice resting not just because you’re tired- you’re resting because you’re training for longevity. This is a MINDSET RESET. 5. MINDSET is a MUSCLE, TOO Your thoughts shape your performance more than your muscles do and confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can do hard things. Try this: Reframe aging: “I’m not breaking down. I’m breaking through” Practice I AM statements Strength starts in the body, but it’s powered by belief. When you align your mindset … That's when you become UNSTOPPABLE! GRAB YOUR FREE LINKS HERE! 4 week Strength Training program 1 week AlignSmart routine Listen to The Badass Reset Club Podcast More from Heather HeatherYanceyFitness.com

October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:   Meredith Eades, Co-owner of Rippin’ Chix Mindfulness isn’t something we do only when sitting still — it moves with us. Whether hiking, working, or navigating life’s transitions, the mindset we carry can shape every experience. This session explored simple but powerful ways to stay aware, grounded, and growing — even in motion. 1. Awareness Comes First Change starts with noticing. Becoming aware of your thoughts is the first step to shifting them. Meet those thoughts with kindness , not judgment. 2. Fear vs. Growth Fear is normal — it’s part of being human. The key question is: will fear stop  you or inform  you? Growth happens when we let fear teach us instead of limit us. 3. The Power of Reframing How we interpret challenges defines how we experience them. Instead of “This is hard and scary,” try “This is where I grow.” Ask better questions that empower you: Not “Is this the rest of my life?”  but “Is this the right path for me right now?” 4. Micro Practices that Ground You Mindset shifts don’t always come from big moments — they come from small, daily habits: Affirmations Meditation EFT tapping  (Brad Yates offers great free videos) Journaling Breathwork 5. Identity Is Everything The fastest way to shift is to ask yourself: “What would the version of me who already has this, or can do this, do right now?” Then act from that version of yourself. Identity shapes action, and action shapes outcomes. Keep in touch with Women's Outdoor Connection and with Meredith! RippinChix.com

We're hosting this again in January, 2026. Seattle and the Eastside. Watch here for details on dates and locations. Click to watch the collection of trailers ↓ WOMEN in WINTER SPORTS, MOUNTAINEERING, and STORYTELLING. About: No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF).  As the premier all-women + genderqueer adventure film festival, (NMLFF) has celebrated the full scope of athletes and adventurers by un-defining femininity in adventure, sport, conservation, and film since 2015.  All ages and genders are welcome. Tickets $15 and youth $10 Watch trailers from last year's Film Fest. 2025- TRAILER: Going Greenland Going Greenland  follows athletes Rachael Burks and Jessica Baker on a groundbreaking journey combining renewable energy and Arctic skiing, exploring the balance between chasing dreams and living sustainably in Greenland's remote wilderness. 2025- TRAILER: The Destiny of a Sherpa Woman This film follows Yangji's transformative journey from her impoverished Everest-region village to becoming a mountain guide, offering a profound exploration of the human connection to mountains. 2025- TRAILER: Earthside

From fitness and mindfulness to skiing, hiking, and climbing — discover ten sessions designed to help women reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. Lifestyle & Wellness Finding the Right Fit for the Outdoors Real talk on comfort, and performance — how to find outdoor clothing that fits your body and supports how you move. Andrea Kelly Over 50 in the Outdoors A motivating session on strength, confidence, and connection — staying active and finding friends who love adventure at every age. Heather Yancey Healing Stress Outdoors Learn how time in nature calms the nervous system and supports mental well-being through practical, everyday outdoor habits. Stephanie LaDuke . Mindfulness in Motion Simple, nature-based practices to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself through mindful movement. The Science of Being Outdoors Explore what research shows about how nature boosts focus, health, and creativity — and why we need it now more than ever. Mileva Huljev . Outdoor Activities Hiking Trail-ready advice on safety, preparation, and confidence for hikers of all levels. Thea Bruce, REI staff. Ski & Snowboarding Build confidence and flow on the snow with expert tips, mindset tools, and a dose of fun for every skill level. Susan Medville, Rippin Chix. Paddleboarding & Kayaking Find balance and ease on the water while exploring calm, confidence, and community in motion. Denice Rochelle, founder of The Bronze Chapter Yoga Gentle movement and breathwork to restore your energy and reconnect body and mind. Audrey Abshire, Deep Rooted Retreats Rock Climbing An inclusive introduction to climbing focused on strength, courage, and community — on and off the wall. Each session is a reminder that the outdoors isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you meet and how you grow along the way. Come curious, leave energized, and ready for your next adventure. Breakout session 2024 - Skiing and Snowboarding

BIPOC Mountain Collective Activity: Skiing and Snowboarding BIPOC Mountain Collective is a Nonprofit Organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive outdoor community by providing resources, opportunities, and connections for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to get out to ski, snowboard & enjoy the outdoors! Their mission is to ensure that everyone feels welcome in outdoor spaces regardless of background. From hosting events to offering support , BIPOC Mountain Collective is paving the way for a more diverse and equitable outdoor experience. Learn more about their incredible work and how you can get involved.   Contact info: bmcsea@vibetribeadventures.org

Category: Partner A Higher Calling PNW was established after locating missing hiker Rachel Lakoduk on Hidden Lake Peak in 2021. Our organization is dedicated to supporting survivors of crime and addressing systemic oppression within the Washington Cascades region. We believe in honoring native land by removing the systems operating on it which perpetrate violence on marginalized communities.  We advocate for justice, healing, and reform, working closely with communities impacted by violence and discrimination. Through a combination of outreach, resources, policy work, and collaboration with local and national agencies, we aim to provide survivors with the tools they need to rebuild and empower themselves. At the same time, we are committed to challenging the structural inequalities that allow cycles of harm to persist, striving for a future where all individuals can thrive in safety and dignity both in the highlands and lowlands.  As a nonprofit, our leadership is made up of queer, disabled, and multiracial women. In 2021, we launched resources for the families of women who are missing and presumed dead in the Cascades. In 2023, we partnered with King County Sexual Assault Resource Center to offer Bystander Intervention Training to the community.  In 2024, we are asking Seattle-based outdoor organizations to adopt Anti-Harassment and Prohibited Behavior policies to ensure women are protected from sexual and domestic violence in the alpine.

Sturtevant's Activity: Ski, Snowboard, Tennis, and Wake Sports Sturtevant's is the premier destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, offering top-of-the-line gear and unmatched service. With a strong focus on winter sports, they provide a vast selection of skis, snowboards, and accessories to suit every skill level. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit and gear for your snow adventures. Catering to tennis all year round and watersports in the summer, they can fill all your needs for outdoor adventures. Visit or shop online for all your winter gear needs. Sturtevant's in Bellevue: The latest equipment, apparel, year-round boot fitting for skiers and snowboarders, and tune center. Tennis department. Ski Mart in Bellevue: Rentals and discounted gear, apparel, accessories. Tune shop. Ski Mart in Tacoma: Rentals, current season and discounted gear, apparel, accessories. Tune shop. Boot fitting. Tennis stringing. Contact Info help@christysports.com