ARTICLE ON WOMENS SKIING HELP

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I just want to say that I'm a firm believer in camps like windells etc. Personally have been to them more than once. Also, this is not a slam at female coaches that get paid nothing and live in shitty housing - but the women's free ski realm of leaving needs updated.

We had good days on the hills, very lax and teachers encouraged you to "throw whatever" most of the time, and could often times be overly complimentary rather than push the girls harder. I had two of the pro girls see that I was half decent (again, the aforementioned is not a slam) and recommended me to go with a men's group (this was the helpful part). But after skiing days when boys would be in the tramp areas, they had encourage the girls to go bracelet and necklace making.... to be clear, we could choose what we wanted to do, we weren't forced. But this activity - for the amount of money you've spent (or parents) is BS.

Similar actions occur on "girls progression days" with "let's talk about skiing and how important it is to encourage girls" over hot chocolate and food, with an hour or less of skiing or potential coaching.

I think this aspect of women's skiing needs to change. And it should start with us as ladies. This industry will not change it for us. And I don't think it's ok to compliment a student on a mediocre attempt and call it a day. You wouldn't want that for yourself - you hire a personal trainer at a gym to get you in shape and to push you... it's easy for ladies skiing to be "ok" with the bare minimum of learning. I'm saying this as a generalized statement towards our struggling side of the industry. And girls who ski along side guys get pushed and pressured to get better. I'm sorry if it sounds biased but if you take a step back, this is the usual case. I would LOVE to see this change. And I'm not a woman hater, girls are rad at many things - skiing being one of them.

Ski racing women get pushed to the brink bc their sport already has this aspect covered, it's been around long enough to be established and fight the norm of men being the strong suit. Freeskiing needs to reach this point and while it's made strides, I don't feel that it's nearly where it should be. And this is our own fault on a multitude of levels.

Again I'm not trying to slam anyone here, there's so many women who rip the shit out of men on the hill AND in the park.

Feb 12 2017 4:45PM

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I didn't mean to pop off, but those are some of my higher things on the list. But I think we could all go on for days about progression.

Feb 12 2017 4:47PM

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No that's awesome! And I agree with you. I've always wanted to start my own women's days and camps that weren't BS days about coffee and parallel turns haha
I've definitely been able to pussy out pretty easily and I've had friends who just refuse to try things or send something. But my guy friends are generally good at encouraging me not to bitch out.

Feb 12 2017 8:53PM

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TheSmokinLWe had good days on the hills, very lax and teachers encouraged you to "throw whatever" most of the time, and could often times be overly complimentary rather than push the girls harder. I had two of the pro girls see that I was half decent (again, the aforementioned is not a slam) and recommended me to go with a men's group (this was the helpful part). But after skiing days when boys would be in the tramp areas, they had encourage the girls to go bracelet and necklace making.... to be clear, we could choose what we wanted to do, we weren't forced. But this activity - for the amount of money you've spent (or parents) is BS.
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I both agree and disagree. This goes way beyond your comment and isn't completely directed at what you said, it just kind of reminded me of some things haha.

I mean, yeah, I personally think bracelet making is fucking dumb haha. At the same time, the whole idea that girls can't do girly things kinda makes me mad. Like I fucking love pink and I love being a girl and doing girlish things sometimes. I think it's bullshit to put a female skier down for being a girl. I feel like being a girl should be embraced and not pushed aside.

That said, I would definitely have stayed on tramp. Obviously there are better female activities there could have been, but I think the concept is fine. I don't think girls should have to prove themselves in any way tbh.

Feb 13 2017 12:44PM

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MinggI both agree and disagree. This goes way beyond your comment and isn't completely directed at what you said, it just kind of reminded me of some things haha.

I mean, yeah, I personally think bracelet making is fucking dumb haha. At the same time, the whole idea that girls can't do girly things kinda makes me mad. Like I fucking love pink and I love being a girl and doing girlish things sometimes. I think it's bullshit to put a female skier down for being a girl. I feel like being a girl should be embraced and not pushed aside.

That said, I would definitely have stayed on tramp. Obviously there are better female activities there could have been, but I think the concept is fine. I don't think girls should have to prove themselves in any way tbh.

Awesome. I suppose Im definitely not a girly girl at all so I havent thought about this side of things. It's okay to be girly :)

Any other comments on my questions?

Feb 13 2017 12:57PM

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LymecityAwesome. I suppose Im definitely not a girly girl at all so I havent thought about this side of things. It's okay to be girly :)

Any other comments on my questions?

Yeah, I'm definitely not a girly girl either hahah but I don't think it's chill to take the girl out of the girl if that makes sense?

Feb 13 2017 1:02PM

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MinggYeah, I'm definitely not a girly girl either hahah but I don't think it's chill to take the girl out of the girl if that makes sense?

Yeah I'm totally with you on this mingg, I wear pink and love hair and makeup and stuff. But I feel like it's overexaggerated past the point of individuality in women's skiing where these little "activities" take away from the culture of riding and learning

Slut strands til I d.i.e.

Your comment gave a really good perspective

Feb 13 2017 3:43PM

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TheSmokinLBut I feel like it's overexaggerated past the point of individuality in women's skiing where these little "activities" take away from the culture of riding and learning

DUDE YOURE RIGHT!! We need a women's culture

Feb 13 2017 9:20PM

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TheSmokinLYeah I'm totally with you on this mingg, I wear pink and love hair and makeup and stuff. But I feel like it's overexaggerated past the point of individuality in women's skiing where these little "activities" take away from the culture of riding and learning

Slut strands til I d.i.e.

Your comment gave a really good perspective

This is banger thank you! I have a salmon ish coloured patagonia jacket and a pink sticker on my helmet.. Haha "past the point of individuality" I might quote you on that :)

I'm assuming this is kind of in regard to outerwear and skis etc and I guess for about ski media. How do you guys feel about where womens skiing is at the moment? What do you want to see more of? Street? Big mountain? Style?

Feb 13 2017 10:16PM

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LymecityHow do you guys feel about where womens skiing is at the moment? What do you want to see more of? Street? Big mountain? Style?

Honestly, I fucking hate the narrative that "girls are just as good as guys" mehhhh.

I have a lot of respect for all the ladies out there killing it in their respective areas of skiing. Womens skiing is at an all time high in my opinion and it will continue to progress.

I think it's pretty obviously girls don't do the same shit that guys do (not to say they can't, but they just haven't gotten there yet). I think it's a waste of time to try to compare the two because like...you will never ever win that argument (not right now at least).

I want to see less of women trying to prove themselves with words and to stop the idea that they have to ski like men.

I want to see more women standing out in THEIR OWN WAYS. I want to stop hearing women compared to men. I want women skiers to embrace the fact that they're different and USE that to their advantage. That's where I want women's skiing to go.

Feb 14 2017 1:31AM

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Erikaaa

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MinggHonestly, I fucking hate the narrative that "girls are just as good as guys" mehhhh.

I have a lot of respect for all the ladies out there killing it in their respective areas of skiing. Womens skiing is at an all time high in my opinion and it will continue to progress.

I think it's pretty obviously girls don't do the same shit that guys do (not to say they can't, but they just haven't gotten there yet). I think it's a waste of time to try to compare the two because like...you will never ever win that argument (not right now at least).

I want to see less of women trying to prove themselves with words and to stop the idea that they have to ski like men.

I want to see more women standing out in THEIR OWN WAYS. I want to stop hearing women compared to men. I want women skiers to embrace the fact that they're different and USE that to their advantage. That's where I want women's skiing to go.

This. I definitely compare myself to the guys way too much - but its hard in a male dominated sport to not do that.

Feb 14 2017 10:30AM

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MinggI want to see more women standing out in THEIR OWN WAYS. I want to stop hearing women compared to men. I want women skiers to embrace the fact that they're different and USE that to their advantage. That's where I want women's skiing to go.

Fuck yeah

Feb 14 2017 11:47AM

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ErikaaaThis. I definitely compare myself to the guys way too much - but its hard in a male dominated sport to not do that.

So Erika what would you like to see occur in the sport so that we can shine? More womens comps? Movies?

Or do you think collectively we just need support ourselves and have fun and stop worrying about it?

I'm pretty happy with my own skiing, as I've said in the past if it's not fun - it's not worth it. I like to push myself but I don't like to be so serious some days. I think ski media is the biggest issue for me. Our representation is very strereo typed..

I do want a positive spin on this article mostly so if you could start talking about your favourite segments/movies/insta account that would be sick

Feb 14 2017 12:00PM

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snophie

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There is a never ending debate about womens skiing lagging behind mens:

Why do you think that is? -
For me, I think the 'lagging behind' aspect partly about perspective. I hate being compared to male skiers. I am female. My style, my outlook, my physical abilities and even what i want out of skiing are different, so I'm going to ski differently to them. But if you are talking in terms of professional skiers, I think the industry's push for shrink and pink in the 2000's has led to women getting the perception they are more fragile and aren't welcome in freeskiing community, leading to a lack of popularity that side of the sport. So there was a void. Women weren't being pushed and pushing themselves to be better and huck bigger. In recent years I think we're seeing a change, as more and more of us are speaking up and connecting over our love for skiing. You see a lot more out females out there having a go and motivating each other.

Ski media -
It pisses me right off seeing the models with their fur pom poms and fake smiles, posing promiscuously! I'm looking at you Lange, Anakieouterwear, and even Virtika! Those photos have nothing to do with skiing, and those models probably have never seen snow before! Instead, we need brands showing rad women who are repping them mid line!

The lack of movies or segments showing women's skiing hurts. Yes we ski differently to men, doesn't mean i like watching it less. Quite the opposite actually, i am so inspired watching woman's edits hitting urban and park, that i just want to get out and throw down for myself!

Womens ski days-
never been to one.

Skier chicks kind of hate each other-

I used to be think the same, then again i used to be very self-conscious and competitive with my skiing. When I look back I laugh at how stupid that was. Why would we need to compete when we should be encouraging? I am so hyped seeing other females rip now, i'd love to go straight up and introduce myself, but at the same time i'm learning that it's just as important (if not more) to do the same to all females trying new things in the park (at any level). I couldn't be more appreciative of my mates and strangers small comments of encouragement, support or advice! I like to think we are a unique community, so i feel we should start acting like one. No more judgment.

Feb 15 2017 9:48PM

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Cyanicenine

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Sexism still exists and some of the worst perpetrators are parents. Here's the scenario, your 12 year old son wants to go hang out at the skate park that's a few blocks away at 8pm. Okay sure assuming he's been responsible in the past why not? Now take the same scenario and swap in a 12 year old girl. Even I take a little pause to wonder if that's a good idea or not, even though there shouldn't be any difference between the two.

Parents are more likely to be overprotective of their daughters. This sends the message, however inadvertently, that girls are somehow not as capable. It erodes away at self esteem and self confidence. Little girls are not encouraged nearly as much to take risks, or be independent.

The number one reason women's skiing isn't where men's skiing is is because of the parents. This is why Kelly Sildaru is so much further ahead than all the other women skiers out there. It's because her parents decided to invest in her at an early age, and got her going to woodward type facilities consistently. My mountain occasionally hosts park clinics for 18 and under, and I only ever see boys in those camps.

It's just a matter of investment and numbers. I guarantee you the number of girls that get registered (by their parents) for woodward camps is vastly out numbered by the number of boys. I'm not sure what the numbers are, but I'm fairly confident it's similar to how we are represented here on Newschoolers. Looking at users online right now for example; there are 6 pink names out of 128 members online. Those ratios are pretty absurd. How can we expect girls to be as good when our talent pool is a glass of water compared to an ocean of boys?

Ladies day events need to be improved. They need to be less geared towards soccer moms drinking wine and more geared towards pushing ladies to take their skiing up a notch. I really wish we could get something similar to liv ladies night mountain bike program for skiing. That program really pushes ladies to take risks and improve their riding, instead of just being complacent with where they are.

The physical aspects are real, women can't put on as much muscle, they have smaller hearts and lungs. But it's really hard to say how large the disparity between men's and women's skiing would be considering we have so many other issues to overcome first.

Feb 16 2017 2:15PM

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CyanicenineParents are more likely to be overprotective of their daughters. This sends the message, however inadvertently, that girls are somehow not as capable. It erodes away at self esteem and self confidence. Little girls are not encouraged nearly as much to take risks, or be independent.

The number one reason women's skiing isn't where men's skiing is is because of the parents. This is why Kelly Sildaru is so much further ahead than all the other women skiers out there.

My god this is so relevant. I'll say now, being an only child to a really preppy mother and redneck motorcycle father, there was always a battle of what I should or shouldn't be doing. My dad wanted me in the yard with him all the time, I used to know every single tool in the box and how to operate most of our machinery. This halted when he wanted to teach me chainsaws and how to use the backhoe to plant trees. My mom, even tho also encouraging to be outdoors, didn't want me to get hurt - as any mother would. Yeah simple, but this flooded over into sports when I wasn't allowed to play lacrosse bc my "face would get scratched and bruised." But played soccer for 10 years bc it was girly enough (per se).

I think the only reason I've gotten to the point of park skiing I'm at is bc I wore a helmet and lots of clothing and she was ok with this. I'm not gonna shaft my mother for not being encouraging, she's usually my biggest fan.... but my personal perception of a woman was SO wrong for the longest time bc of it. I still get side eye when I put on my tall tee and vest to go skiing, and she asks about the "beautiful ski clothing" she's bought me that I don't wear anymore. Or when I'm going to get drinks at the lodge after making runs all day with my guy friends and she's not sure why I can't find any nice girls to ski with. THEY DONT EXIST. (Thank god I have meg now)

I think this can be a sign of the times for women our age/or generation. Parents did want to empower their daughters but kept them on the safe side bc, remember with us, we were the ones who can't stay out past dark, not them - bc of inherent crime and whatever else the media set off when we were children in the 80s & 90s. In this next generation, like sildaru, little girls might have this chance. (She also lives in a less threatening country to my understanding). The world is a scary place for kids to be on the streets, but the mountain is such a controlled environment I hope that this is a change that's coming. Again. It'll have to be a culture change.

Feb 16 2017 3:34PM

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snophieThere is a never ending debate about womens skiing lagging behind mens:

Ski media -
It pisses me right off seeing the models with their fur pom poms and fake smiles, posing promiscuously! I'm looking at you Lange, Anakieouterwear, and even Virtika! Those photos have nothing to do with skiing, and those models probably have never seen snow before! Instead, we need brands showing rad women who are repping them mid line!

The lack of movies or segments showing women's skiing hurts. Yes we ski differently to men, doesn't mean i like watching it less. Quite the opposite actually, i am so inspired watching woman's edits hitting urban and park, that i just want to get out and throw down for myself!

Soph! Legend response. Promiscuous poms poms got me raging haha Althouuughhhhh I don't mind a sexy calendar for charity ha but I definitely feel like a lot of womens ski media is focused on that. Do you remember when I raged at Perisher Parks for posting women sitting and smiling for International Womens Ski Day last year? They have people like fucking Emma Dahlstrom riding in their park and they post women sitting down and smiling. FFS.

Also, great point on watching womens edits being inspiring. All of a sudden it's like "holy shit I could probably do that if she can". To be honest when I saw the video of you spinning off rails at Falls Creek it was the reason I tried

Feb 20 2017 12:09PM

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CyanicenineThe number one reason women's skiing isn't where men's skiing is is because of the parents. This is why Kelly Sildaru is so much further ahead than all the other women skiers out there. It's because her parents decided to invest in her at an early age,

How can we expect girls to be as good when our talent pool is a glass of water compared to an ocean of boys?

Ladies day events need to be improved. They need to be less geared towards soccer moms drinking wine and more geared towards pushing ladies to take their skiing up a notch. I really wish we could get something similar to liv ladies night mountain bike program for skiing. That program really pushes ladies to take risks and improve their riding, instead of just being complacent with where they are.

The physical aspects are real, women can't put on as much muscle, they have smaller hearts and lungs. But it's really hard to say how large the disparity between men's and women's skiing would be considering we have so many other issues to overcome first.

GREAT points! Thanks. I never thought about parents influence on skiing but it's super relevant. If I'm honest my mum and I had a heated discussion about this when I was home last. She was saying how kids skiing these days is a lot easier to get attention with social media and stuff which is so true. And I was like yeah when I was young you had to train and be good and get results to have assistance for paying for camps and stuff. And she's like

"You never had the drive anyway. You never wanted to be good like that. If you had the drive I would've supported you more."

And I was just like fuck you. I hid my drive because I felt so incompetent in a "boys" sport and you just let me bitch out. I would have benefited from a parent who supported and pushed me a bit more. And I actually got a skiing scholarship on my own but my parents still refused.

ugh.. Haha

Feb 20 2017 12:17PM

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Also .... Thoughts?

https://vimeo.com/198161608

Skiing is good.. Haven't decided how I feel about the rest

Feb 20 2017 12:54PM

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Queen_Selassie

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LymecityAlso .... Thoughts?

https://vimeo.com/198161608

Skiing is good.. Haven't decided how I feel about the rest

Katrina is a very good friend of mine, this edit was a joke, completely, people call her Trina as a nickname to Katrina. One of the only female rappers from the 90s is named Trina so they wanted to remake that music video with skiing. Katrina had no say in the editing and was just as surprised as some of us when it came out. People took this way to seriously, she got called racist and other uncalled for names. She happens to be one of the most intelligent ladies I know holding multiple masters degrees. People who judge her without personally knowing her don't realize that she knows how fucked up the ski industry is in terms of sex sells over talent. She makes jokes off of that and adds badass skiing, comparable to most men. Anyone she means well and people just assume the worst haha.

Feb 20 2017 11:37PM

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Queen_Selassie

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snophieSki media -
It pisses me right off seeing the models with their fur pom poms and fake smiles, posing promiscuously! I'm looking at you Lange, Anakieouterwear, and even Virtika! Those photos have nothing to do with skiing, and those models probably have never seen snow before! Instead, we need brands showing rad women who are repping them mid line!

.

This has always been such a bummer to me. So many talented BEAUTIFUL BAD BITCHES out there that ride for these companies yet they get in girls to model who look like they cant even ski!!! Kills me cause I want to see the girl who throws down be the face of the company, not the girl with the pretty face.

Feb 20 2017 11:42PM

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snophie

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LymecitySoph! Legend response. Promiscuous poms poms got me raging haha Althouuughhhhh I don't mind a sexy calendar for charity ha but I definitely feel like a lot of womens ski media is focused on that. Do you remember when I raged at Perisher Parks for posting women sitting and smiling for International Womens Ski Day last year? They have people like fucking Emma Dahlstrom riding in their park and they post women sitting down and smiling. FFS.

Also, great point on watching womens edits being inspiring. All of a sudden it's like "holy shit I could probably do that if she can". To be honest when I saw the video of you spinning off rails at Falls Creek it was the reason I tried

haha yeah i feel like all other Aussie mountain misrepresent woman conforming to the stereotypical chalet/ apres vibe, basically the winter version of soccer mums.

I feel the same way about seeing other girls throw tricks, and am so stoked and keen to try it myself, thinking it makes it more achievable somehow haha

Aww thanks lyds! Seriously appreciate the compliment! love how we can both still inspire each other from across the sea! We really need to do another park sesh together soon!! potentially this winter??

Feb 21 2017 12:22AM

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Queen_SelassieKatrina is a very good friend of mine, this edit was a joke, completely, people call her Trina as a nickname to Katrina. One of the only female rappers from the 90s is named Trina so they wanted to remake that music video with skiing. Katrina had no say in the editing and was just as surprised as some of us when it came out. People took this way to seriously, she got called racist and other uncalled for names. She happens to be one of the most intelligent ladies I know holding multiple masters degrees. People who judge her without personally knowing her don't realize that she knows how fucked up the ski industry is in terms of sex sells over talent. She makes jokes off of that and adds badass skiing, comparable to most men. Anyone she means well and people just assume the worst haha.

You know, I kind of thought that might be the case. I was thinking about it after i watched it and was like Trina is a bad ass regardless haha the editing seems like a classic Virtika move.

It sucks she copped so much shit for it and i guess thats what sucks about it. I hope it doesnt take away too much from the fact that the skiing is banger.

Feb 21 2017 10:21AM

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