What if there is no snow?
No snow? What? No, seriously, we party on despite Mother Nature, and we know what a mother she can be! In the event of no snow, too much snow (yes it does happen), warm, slushy weather, or cold, or rain, we will still party. Chocolate fears no weather! Actually, we have already spent the money, arranged the volunteers, and gotten the donations, so having made this investment of time and money, we put on the event despite the weather. So Mother Nature can bring it on...There's more chocolate inside to weather any forecast!
What if I don't know how to ski?
Hey, we're not looking for super stars at this event! Even if you've never been on skis, don't be intimidated. We have a Web link detailing where you can find retail outlets that rent equipment, and we also provide free lessons the day of the event onsite. This is a noncompetitive, fun party! We're going to be celebrating the adventurous spirit and camaraderie of women. This event might even get you interested in becoming an outdoorsy winter woman! There is no pressure to do anything but have fun and support your community...!
Is this a race?
We are here to party, not to time our participants. If you're looking for a good time with no added pressure to perform, we're your event! The Women's Winter Tour is not a race and we do not hand out trophies. We find that good food, sweet chocolate, and old friends are rewarding enough!
Can I use my old equipment?
Any skis will work. Even the old wooden skis. We just ask that you are confident that they are safe on the downhills and are controllable. Like shoes and wine, they just get better with age!
Can I walk on the ski trails?
Unfortunately the ski trails are for skiing only, and aren't always a good replacement for a sidewalk (or catwalk)! If the trails are in skiing shape (groomed and usable by skis) we recommend not walking on the trail. Please use the ski demos or snowshoe demos provided.
Ski trails take a long time to groom. By walking on the trail, the footprints compress the snow, leaving ice marks (if not immediately, within a few days). The most immediate problem with walking on the trails are the divots the prints leave for the skiers currently skiing. This an aesthetic as well as safety concern.
If you must walk on the course, please do so off to the side at least one foot off of the trail. You will burn more calories and be able to eat more chocolate!
What do I do if I get cold easily?
The first thing to remember about enjoying the great outdoors is that there is no such thing as bad weather... just wrong clothing! If you tend to get cold easily remember the following:
1. To stay warm, wear a hat. Yes ladies, it may mean hat head, but you will be warm. Thirty percent of your body heat is lost through your head. If you don't want to mess your hair, consider a wonderful "Audrey Hepburn"-like scarf glamorously draped around your head. Who knows...you might meet a Gregory Peck-like marshall!
2. Please keep earrings to a minimal. Gold and metal are great conductors of cold!
3. Make sure to wear mittens, NOT gloves. By keeping fingers together, they share body heat and help keep your fingers warm by allowing for insulation of warm air to move about your hands.
4. Speaking of a layer of air, this same theory holds true for boots. Please don't try to squeeze into tight boots. They look great with a short mini, but on the trail... brrrr. It is important that feet have an air space between the boot and the foot.
5. If you still get cold, drink more hot cocoa!
Can I do more than one course?
Yes!
Can I snowshoe AND Ski?
YES! Who says you can't eat milk chocolate and bittersweet chocolate?
Can my daughter ski with me?
Yes, bring all the gals! We love nothing more than Gaggles of Gals!
