On Saturday, January 18th the Women’s Snowboard Federation kicks off the Ontario leg of their Park Days tour. With stops at Blue Mountain, Mount Saint Louis Moonstone and Glen Eden, this is a great opportunity to get out and ride with a group of great girls.
Whether you’re a total park newbie or an experienced competitor, something pretty magic happens when you throw up to 50 girls on snowboards into the park together. It’s all about building a strong community for Ontario’s female riders.
“The biggest thing is building that community,” explains Ontario organizer Jessica Woolsey. “It’s not just about riding with the guys, it’s about your personal progression and growth and really being comfortable. I grew up riding with the boys and, yes, you progressed but you always compared yourself to them. That’s good because you want to be better—but I found I was a little uncomfortable sometimes. Park Days are about getting girls together and showing them that the park isn’t scary—that it can be a really good time.”
Woolsey joins a host of talented coaches at the Blue Mountain stop. Riders are split into groups by ability, with a max of five to six riders per coach. The camp is suited to all ability levels, with more advanced riders encouraging those new to the park. “It’s open to everybody that can get themselves down the hill confidently,” explains Woolsey. “Everyone from a girl who has never been in the park before but can confidently link turns, to the girls who are now competing.”
Registration runs from 8:30 to 9:30 on January 18th or you can pre-register online at http://www.ridedays.ca/ontario/registration/. Groups will be formed after registration and will hit the hill til noon. Rider’s work with their coaches until lunch, (which is provided) and an additional hour and a half of coaching continues after lunch. The last part of the day is spent in a mini-competition format, in ability groups, with the girls gaining the confidence to push themselves. With an impressive list of sponsors, there’s tons of prizing and a vendor’s village for participants to check out. It’s $100 to participate for the day plus a discounted $35 lift ticket that includes your one-day park pass.
Woolsey says the vibe is unbeatable. “You get a bunch of women together in the park and everyone is pushing each other. It’s just super-friendly. The vibe is so good that you can’t help but have a good time.”
Women’s Snowboard Federation Park Days: All Girls Snowboard Camp Tour
Ontario Schedule
K2 and Powder Room Jib Camp: Blue Mountain, January 18
Powder Room Jump Camp: Glen Eden, February 22
K2 Slopestyle Camp: Mount Saint Louis Moonstone, March 15
For more information on the Ontario dates, click here
