GROUP SKI ETIQUETTE
All centered around our Four E’s
Encourage, Enlighten, Edify, Educate
Women Who Ski aims to raise the bar with ski and snowboard meet-ups as well as ski travel vacations for women. We desire that no skier is left behind, and no skier feels “less capable” because she prefers a slower pace or can’t ski the steeper black diamond runs.
Our mission here is for all female skiers to feel included no matter their level or experience, and where the more advanced skiers—when appropriate—look out for the less experienced ladies, and when appropriate, encourage and guide them so they become better skiers, possibly skiing those black diamonds some day.
With that said, here are some guidelines we ask that Women Who Ski groups abide by to make every participant feel supported, encouraged, and safe. Some of these are obvious, but by stating them we create expectations when meeting as a Women Who Ski group. This eliminates barriers to entry for women, particularly newer skiers unsure of what to expect when joining a group of ladies for the first time.
1. Know your group size.
When skiing with a group, make a note of how many women are in your group. Keep track of everyone as you make your way down the hill.
2. Communicate effectively.
Be sure each skier understands where the group has decided to ski like name of the trail, and/or what lift you will all end up.
3. Leaving? Let someone know.
If you wish to leave the group for any reason, let someone know and be sure she hears you.
4. Craving trees or another run?
When skiing with a group, avoid veering off to another run or into the trees as much as you really want to as this causes confusion with the group wondering where you went. Only do so if you have effectively communicated this with another member of the group. And even then, we advocate never skiing trees alone, even if you have a whistle. Always have a buddy with you.
5. Lead with patience and kindness.
No one likes to feel like she’s the slowest skier in the group. So, when establishing who should ski with whom based on skill level, joyfully wait for the more relaxes skiers as we like to call them, sharing words of encouragement when appropriate. That said, be aware of your skill level and adjust accordingly. This is a delicate nuance. Conveying thoughts in a loving tone can make all the difference with each woman feeling empowered regardless of level.
6. No skier left behind.
Do not leave a skier by herself on the hill unless she’s stated she wants to go off on her own. Then, be sure she’s accounted for at the end of the day.
Seeking Ambassadors to Lead
If you are a natural born leader, an instructor or coach in the ski industry who enjoys helping others, or simply someone who loves to ski and has a heart to serve others, then acting as a Women Who Ski Ambassador might be something
you’ll enjoy doing.
As the Women Who Ski community grows across the U.S. and parts globally, the need for meet-ups and multi-day trips is expanding. We are seeking Women Who Ski Ambassadors to facilitate and lead these meet-ups to ensure the mission and vision of Women Who Ski are in sight, along with ensuring the etiquette guidelines outlined above are followed.
Visit our Ambassador page to learn more. You’ll be intrinsically rewarded by helping others and seeing their smiles, along with finding new ski buddies of your own. You may also receive WWS merch as our budget allows.
At right is our original Ambassador, Women Who Ski founder Genevieve Schmitt, far left, hosting her first meet-up at Big Sky Resort, her home mountain, back
in 2022 in an effort to find ski buddies by gathering local women to ski with her.