How do I use the website?

You can search for women's ski lessons and programmes by date, or by location. Use the drop-down menu on the left hand side of the page to search by the month. When you click on the month, the page will show the dates of single day or weekly lessons. There is a link near the top to the page listing programmes lasting 2 days or more. All the listings then link to a resort page. Alternatively you can search by country; the drop down menu lists countries alphabetically.

How do I find snowboarding lessons for women?

Snowboarding is a recent addition to skilikeawoman.com. The information can be accessed from the Snowboarding page.

How do I find information about cross-country or telemark skiing?

Following requests for information, cross-country and telemark skiing have been added too. The information can be accessed from the Nordic page.

Are there any snowshoe events specifically for women?

Yes! Snowshoeing is winter's fastest growing adventure fitness craze and some resorts host women-only events. See the Snowshoe page for details.

What should I look for in a programme?

There's a lot of difference between a lesson once a week and a programme lasting several days. If you're having a lesson once a week for several week you should be with the same instructor/pro. Some offer a few hours of instruction and others last all day. Programmes lasting 2+ days have time to offer more. There may be off-slope discussions on equipment, dealing with fear, building confidence etc. Many provide video analysis. Some groups meet early for breakfast while others meet later on the slopes. You decide what suits you best - there's a wide variety on offer. And see the page What to Expect?

I'm a beginner - are there any lessons or programmes for me?

Many of the resorts offer their programme for all ability levels, including never-evers and beginners. However, a number of programmes are restricted to intermediate-advanced skiers and snowboarders. We've searched through all the ski lessons and programmes on offer and have compiled this list to help you find a resort that caters for beginners. (Never-evers may find it easier to have a private or group lesson first - perhaps at a dry ski slope if you live in UK.)

What is level 4?

Some resorts state the required ability by numbering the ability levels. See what level am I?

I'd like to find out more about equipment for women - will someone advise me?

Many resorts will offer advice and provide the opportunity to demo equipment. There are clinics which pay special attention to equipment - find out more from the equipment page.

How many will there be in a class?

You will be placed in a class according to your ability - usually no more than 6 in a class, possibly just 3 or 4. If you're in a class that's not the right level for you, ask to be moved to another group.

Will my instructor/pro be a woman?

Almost always the answer is yes if the programme lasting several days, and generally yes for single day or weekly lessons. There's a difference of opinion on this - many resorts say that women prefer to be taught by a man. However, in February 2006 I joined a Women's Ski Camp at Sunshine Village and our group was taught by a man; Dan was a very good instructor and his gender wasn't important! Sometimes you can state your preference when you book lessons. It's worth checking if that information is not clear from the resort page.

What do the colours mean?

The grading of pistes (or trails) is not the same in Europe and North America. Also, shapes are combined with colours in North America, and red runs do not exist there. See what do the colours mean? for clarification.

When and where did women's lessons start?

Squaw Valley resort in California, USA began women-only ski classes in 1975. Their popularity has grown - now over 150 resorts throughout the world offer women-only snowsport instruction.

None of the resorts near me are listed; will they offer a women's programme in the future?

It's worth contacting the ski school at resorts - many have said that group lessons can be arranged for women of similar ability. Let resorts know that there is a demand for women specific lessons, then these may be included in their schedule for next season.

Please contact SkiW if you have any other questions.