Vermont Travel Notes

Photo (c) Sugarbush Resort

Sometimes you just need to get away for a little while. Men need to get away from women, women need to get away from men, and both need a break from the kids.

For women who would like to learn or improve ski or snow board skills, there are several places in Vermont ready to help without the distraction of children and away from male competitiveness (or whatever else they do that gets on your nerves).

Yes, I know you love them. You will love them even more when you come back refreshed from some time away.

Here are some places you can do that (note: reservations are often required):

Sugarbush Women Ski and Ride Discovery Camp is a three day program that includes daily lessons both outdoor and indoor, practice time, video analysis, breakfast and lunch each day, wine and cheese social the first night, snowshoe hike, plenty of time for relaxing at the end of each day. Offered January 14-16, 2009 and March 9-11, 2009. The price is $389 but lift tickets are extra.

Umiak Outfitters in Stowe is holding a Women's Telemark Clinic taught by certified North American Telemark Organization Instructor Wendy Bridgewater. The beginners clinic runs from 10:00 to noon, and intermediates from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Prices start at $49.

Stratton Resort has two and three day women's camps feature five hours a day on snow, specialized instruction and video sessions for beginners or experts. In addition to the lessons, there are breakfasts, body awakening stretching sessions, lunches, class room talks, and motivational instruction round out the day.

Stratton's two day workshops are $298 and are scheduled for January 29-30, 2009 and March 9-10, 2009. Three day workshops are $399 and will be held February 9-11, 2009 and March 9-11, 2009.

Okemo not only offers women's lessons but also they have Ladies' Day on select Tuesday's for just $39 plus group lessons for only $25. The dates are January 13, 20, 27; March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Okemo's Women's Lessons are scheduled January 22-23, Jan 26-30, January 9-11, February 6-8, and February 25-27, 2009.

Okemo also offers participants discount lodging at their Jackson Gore Inn with free access a new fitness center with swimming pool, sauna and spa facilities, ice skating at their new rink, and chef prepared meals.

Mad River Glen offers Women's Telemark Ski Clinics coached by women. It includes lunch, coaching, video and group discussions, and will be held January 9.

Mad River Glen Women's Alpine Ski Clinics will be held February 6 and March 6. $110 per person or $145 with a lift ticket.

Stowe Resort's Women In Motion programs will be held January 9-11, February 9-11, and March 2-4. The three-day programs are for intermediate and advanced alpine skiers.

Killington Women's Weekends are for intermediate or higher level women and feature four hours of daily on mountain clinics (10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.), with personal feedback.

Killington also offers two day women's clinic that are $299 including lift ticket or $199 without lift ticket. The dates are January 17-18, February 21-22, and March 21-22.

Jay Peak's Jay Peak's Women's Clinics for intermediate or better skiers or riders start February 14th. The cost is $229 and includes the clinic, lift ticket, video analysis, lunch, & après ski cocktails & snacks.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn