Kirkwood, Calif. – In response to the growing number of women participating in snowsports, Kirkwood is taking a leading edge on the emerging women’s market by investing in women specific programs and gear that will dramatically increase the fun factor for this important group of customers. New for 06/07, Kirkwood has expanded its partnership with Burton Snowboards, the world’s leading snowboard manufacturer, to offer a Women’s Learn to Ride Center geared to providing new riders with a comfortable first-time experience. This program joins the already successful children and adult Learn to Ride programs introduced last season and is the only program of its type in Lake Tahoe.
The program includes specially designed gear and training programs to accelerate the beginner learning curve, therefore enhancing the learning experience. This year, Kirkwood will have the area’s largest women-specific Burton snowboarding gear – from lower-volume boots to more flexible boards – designed exclusively for a woman’s body.
New Expedition: Kirkwood programs offer women a variety of clinics tailored to their needs of camaraderie and confidence. The Women’s One Day Ski Clinic is for strong intermediate through expert skiers. Female coaches share their secrets to all-mountain skiing and success, and focus on skill development for handling all terrain and snow conditions, finding the best line and off-piste ski techniques. Clinics include lunch and video analysis (weather permitting). This season’s Women’s One Day Ski Clinics will be held on Dec. 28, 2006, and Jan. 27 and April 7, 2007.
Kirkwood’s Two Day Ski Clinic, March 17-18, 2007, is a perfect girls’ weekend getaway. This program was designed by women for women, and allows participants with similar goals and reservations to work together to overcome challenges. Certified female instructors provide tips on technique, finding the best line, reading a slope and terrain selection. Lunch and video analysis (weather permitting) are included. The first day ends with a wine and cheese reception and trunk show spotlighting all of the latest gear and fashions. Women-specific gear will be available for demo, along with special pricing on equipment.
The clinic’s second day begins with an exclusive women’s-only backcountry awareness clinic taught by Kirkwood’s top patrollers, where women will learn and practice backcountry safety skills. The rest of the day is spent honing their newly learned skills on the mountain.
Kirkwood is also hosting a Women’s One Day Board Clinic on Feb. 10, 2007, for intermediate through expert riders. The resort’s top guides and Burton Snowboards have put together a learning environment where women can make breakthroughs on their riding skills. During the day, guides will review basic skills and teach participants new ways to reach their riding potential in a non-competitive, supportive environment. This camp is five to six hours and includes lunch and video analysis.
