Helly Hansen’s Women’s Snow Camps in Whistler

5th January 2024 | Katie Dartford, Whistler.

Last modified on January 9th, 2024

They aim create a safe, motivating environment for women to develop their skiing skills while feeling at home in the mountains. PlanetSKI’s Katy Dartford reports from the camp in Whistler.

The Helly Hansen Women’s Snow Camps are designed to improve skiers’ confidence and ability.

They aim to create a safe, motivating environment for women to develop their skiing skills while feeling at home in the mountains.

Fostering a unique and empowering atmosphere, all the instructors are female too “which is rad,” says one of the campers.

On the first day of the camp, at the base of Blackcomb, we gathered in small groups based on our skill levels.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camp – back to basics in Women Only Lessons © Helly Hansen/Michael Overbeck

Our coach Crystal Lee kicked things off with a light-hearted discussion on our favourite desserts.

As snow gently fell, we focused on refining our on-piste techniques, addressing issues like finishing turns—skills crucial for powder skiing.

Skiing with other women has its perks, including the freedom to take breaks without feeling rushed, whether for a restroom stop, a snack, feeling cold – or things like one of our group requiring gluten-free food from the canteen.

Not to suggest guys complain about any of the above, but breaks don’t tend to happen.

Crossing your legs and packing snacks is the norm for me when skiing with my male friends.

Plus I might push a little harder than I’m comfortable with – not wanting to hold people up or be considered the ‘weaker sex’.

Enjoying the view across the Whistler Ski area – Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camp image © Katie Dartford

The weekend-long camps run twice a month from December to March and have gained popularity among returning attendees.

It’s a great way to kickstart the season and make progress at all levels.

One participant, having attended the camp twice, says it’s good for those in the lower levels because they can ski without feeling intimidated and then at level 6 “it’s great for girls who want to shred”.

Crystal Lee is a favourite among the campers, known for her ski expertise and friendly demeanour.

During chairlift rides, discussions span a range of topics, from ski-related hip pain to Whistler gossip, cooking videos, and the latest gear from Helly Hansen and Lululemon.

Day two brought us to Whistler Mountain, where we practised skiing over bumps and even ventured into the freshly fallen powder.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camp – image © Katie Dartford

Two full days were plenty for my early-season legs, leaving me with valuable takeaways, including straightening out my “A-frame” turns.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camp – Katie straightening out her A Frame turns © Katie Dartford

I also ditched my backpack, which I always ski with, for the aforementioned need of snacks and layers as well as Avi kit and the extra weight so I can keep up.

Crystal suggested I try skiing without it and on day two it was obvious how much it made me swing my turns.

The December camp in Whistler Blackcomb serves as a prelude to Helly Hansen’s new winter campaign, “Open Mountain,” scheduled for January.

Pre-Christmas 2023 in Whiatler on a Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camp – image © Helly Hansen / Michael Overbeck

The campaign aims to inspire people of all abilities and backgrounds to embrace the outdoors, providing a platform for inspiration, education, and community.

Building on the success of the inaugural Open Mountain Month in June 2023, the January event promises a series of in-person and online experiences, globally, to elevate the winter mountain experience.

In combination with the Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Camps, it’s helping to foster empowerment and camaraderie among female skiers around the world.

Our Editor James Cove visited Verbier in January 2023 to attend a mixed training camp run in conjuction with Helly Hansen Ski Camp and the Warren Smith Academy – Read more HERE AND Skiing Powder Days with Warren Smith HERE.

FACT BOX:

Helly Hansen WOMEN’S SKI CAMPS

Develop confidence while learning in a safe, supportive and motivating environment. With the guidance of our top female coaches, you will develop your skiing and riding skills while exploring awesome terrain on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.