Women invited to slopes to get active in the snow

If you are female, then head to the mountain this Saturday.

That is the international call from SheJumps, a campaign which aimed to increase female participation in outdoor activities.

In February Shejumps.org had announced what it called Get the Girls Out, "a campaign to bring the community of female skiers and snowboarders together on mountains across the country [US], if not the world, for one day".

With the success of the North American Shejumps day, which was supported by 25 ski areas, NZski sales co-ordinator Wendy van Dijk sought to stage a similar day in New Zealand.

This Saturday, eight ski areas in New Zealand will host Get the Girls Out, including Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Treble Cone, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Hutt, Broken River and Mt Olympus.

Shejumps executive director Claire Smallwood appropriately described the reaction to the initial day as a "snowball effect", since within 72 hours of posting the idea, 25 resorts were participating across the United States and in Canada.

Ms Smallwood is also a professional skier who, together with fellow skiers Lynsey Dyer and Vanessa Pierce initiated the non-profit organisation.

"As we turn to another [northern] winter season, we are only looking forward to more women finding the joy of riding together in the mountains with more Get the Girls Out days, especially starting with New Zealand," Ms Smallwood said.

Skiers or snowboarders of any ability are encouraged to participate and costumes are also encouraged though not required. A lift pass will be required.

 

 

 

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