New England Women’s XC Ski Day in Bethel 2017

Over 150 women gathered at the Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Maine for clinics for all abilities, lunch, an inspirational speaker, a wax clinic, raffle, and a chance to connect to the community of fabulous women in New England this past Sunday. This was the 16^th Annual New England Women’s XC Ski day, which is held at a different venue in New England each year. This day is organized by NENSA and made possible by L.L. Bean and Swix.

The day is also made possible by 20 volunteer instructors, many of whom are former high-level racers, and some who are former Olympians. These women volunteer to teach clinics from beginner to racer, and have come back to Women’s XC Ski Day year after year as instructors. There were also 12 additional volunteers from the Bethel area, who came to help with registration, and lead tours around the trails for those interested.

During lunch, Kristina Sabasteanski, 2 time Olympian in Biathlon, and Director of the Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training, spoke about her trials and tribulations on her path to the Olympics. Her personal story of ups and downs was inspirational, as was as hearing about her important work with VAST. Another highlight at lunch was a few videos from the women of the USST, sending a shout out to all those who were at Women’s XC Ski Day!

This year the benefit organization, Sexual Assault Prevention and Responses Services, received a portion of participants entry fee. They also keep the entire proceeds from the raffle of the one-night stay for two donated by The Bethel Inn Resort raffled off as the grande prize.

Many thanks to our wonderful instructors, The Bethel Inn Resort as the host hotel, The Bethel Village Trails and their staff, L.L.Bean for donating the instructor jackets, Swix for the official Women’s Day hats, all our ski vendors, and of course the volunteers! Thank you to Midge Eliassen for the beautiful photos of the day.