This past Sunday at Waterville Valley a hardy group of women braved the snow for some excellent skiing and camaraderie with friends new and old. It was the 18th annual New England Women’s XC Ski Day, and for years to come we will remember it as “the one with the blizzard!”
After a casual apres-ski social on Saturday evening, snow started falling in a series of light flurries. But by the time Sunday morning rolled around, six inches had accumulated and the forecast called for twelve or more on top of that through the evening. It was going to be an interesting day for travel to say the least, but a great day to be out on the snow!
The weather did not deter the skiers, and many had made the trip up to Waterville Valley for the weekend. The morning sessions kicked off with women choosing from a wide variety of clinics catering to all experience levels and abilities. Some women tried their hand at the Intro to Racing clinic, while others picked up pointers for classic and skate techniques, or headed out on a tour of the beautiful trails at Waterville Valley. When lunchtime rolled around it was time to trek over to the Waterville Valley Conference Center for food, a fun raffle, and speeches from Women’s Day Founder Trina Hosmer, NENSA Executive Director Amie Smith, and former NENSA Youth Program Director Amber Freeman.
The skiers then headed out for a second ski after lunch, and the falling snow lent a special quality to the day – we were in a true winter wonderland! Everywhere you looked there were snow covered boughs, rosy cheeks, frosty goggles, and happy skiers.
NENSA would like to thank our wonderful instructors and volunteers for helping to make the day a success, as well as our sponsors and raffle donors whose help we could not have done without. A big special thanks also to Waterville Valley Resort for hosting us and for their flexibility in the face of a major weather event! We’re so looking forward to next year’s event and will make an announcement of the host site sometime in the early summer.
