The backcountry isn’t a place reserved solely for testosterone. While the current demographics of the sport’s participants are slanted in favor of the boys, a day in the hills without Y chromosomes offers a completely different, yet totally enriching, experience. And thanks to products like the Freedom SLand the Gea RS, girls have never had better gear for getting out there. Here are some of the best aspects of skiing with the gals according to our athletes Annelise Loevlie, Rebecca Selig, and Shaun Raskin. You better believe that farts are involved.
Credit: Re Wikstrom Photography
Chicks break it down
When was the last time you were with a bunch of dudes who broke into a rendition of Lady Gaga’s Fame and busted out a few dance moves just before dropping in? Probably never. Guys don’t typically admit their love of fun girl music, and they don’t typically express themselves by shaking their hips and belting out ridiculous lyrics. For us girls, dancing breaks up the tension. It reminds us that it’s about having fun right before dropping a sweet line.
Chicks set better skin tracks
Skin tracks and boot packs are generally better fit to our stride when they’re set by a fellow female. Plus we get to talk about food and farts on the way up.
Chicks laugh more
There is something about getting a bunch of badass ladies into the backcountry that stirs collective hysteria. Expect jokes, pranks, funny faces, and a conscious effort to keep spirits high. Why? Well, why not? We are free in the mountains. We’re free to share all of our wild unabashed selves with our girlfriends. If skiing is about setting our souls free, then laughter is the wings upon which it rides.
Chicks understand the importance of pee breaks
We tend to be on the same pee schedules, so when nature calls one of us, we generally all take a moment to appreciate the view. There isn’t the same worry of slowing the group down when you have to go to the bathroom.
Chicks let you hear it
If you want a good show, watch a bunch of women standing at the top of a pillow line pushing each other to go bigger. Girls know how to support each other, and they aren’t afraid to vocalize that support: “woohoo,” “take it deeper,” “you’re killing it.” There’s a level of mutual respect and admiration amongst ladies. When one girl pushes hard, others inevitably follow.
