Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, hone in on a current one or make some new friends, there are a variety of clinics to do just that. Here are seven mountain clinics and events for women who love the outdoors.
Women’s Learn to Lead
Feb. 1-2
Part of the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest in North Conway, N.H., the Women’s Learn to Lead clinic is tailored to advanced climbers. It’s for women who are ready to lead the way on their next climb and want to learn how to do so safely and properly. The course will cover techniques like rope management, finding routes, advanced anchor and belay systems, using alternative protection systems and placing screws. There will also be a Women’s Ice Climbing clinic at the Ice Fest those same days.
Women’s Outdoor Skills: Crawford Notch
March 27-29
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Appalachian Mountain Club’s event will teach women a variety of outdoor skills. That includes everything from hiking safety, how to use a map and compass, outdoor cooking techniques and basic first aid. Lodging, meals and equipment will be provided for the event.
Chicks Indian Creek Crack Climbing Clinic
April 2-6, 2020
Chicks Climbing & Skiing will hold a women’s crack climbing clinic at Indian Creek, which is two hours south of Moab, Utah. This clinic is for intermediate and more advanced climbers and focuses on trad climbing and jamming skills. Instructors will cover techniques like ring locks, finger stacks, fist jams and more. Participants will camp out during the event, and there will be catered meals provided.
Women’s Wilderness
June 13-20
The Women’s Wilderness adventure will take you through some of the beautiful forests and streams in North Carolina. You’ll learn about selecting a campsite, managing wilderness risks and how to navigate the backcountry. The first four days will be spent hiking, while the remaining days will include paddling down the river. The course is designed to focus on both your physical and mental journeys.
Summit Sisters Retreat
June 26-28, 2020
An annual event hosted by Women’s Wilderness, the Summit Sisters Retreat gives women the chance to try new things, learn outdoor skills and more. They have hiking trails, daily yoga classes, live music and courses on camping, hiking and survival skills. Women can choose which workshops and activities they want to participate in, and catered meals will be provided.
Adventurer Class
Aug. 21-23
Want to learn more about backpacking in the wilderness? Spirit Forest’s Adventurer Class in Denver, Colo., will start with a campout, safety overview and training before setting out on the hike. Participants will need to be able to carry up to a 40-pound backpack and walk 7 to 14 miles. The event is currently full, but you can add your name to the waiting list. Once you complete the Adventurer Class, you can sign up for their Reunion Class the next year.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Various dates
This non-profit offers hands-on workshops for women of all ages and fitness levels across the country. The Original Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop is a three-day event featuring more than 20 classes. There are classes on outdoor skills like canoeing, winter survival, camping, rappelling and more. Some states also offer Beyond BOW events that last one to three days covering one topic a day, like charter fishing, kayaking, camping and archery. There are also destination locations, like in Costa Rica, Mexico and Africa, that hold these events. You can find the BOW events by visiting the site and clicking on your state.
One-stop outdoor shop
Need some outdoor accessories before heading to a clinic? Or, did you fall in love with a new activity and want to buy or rent some gear? Outdoors Geek has you covered for all of your outdoor needs, from women’s backpacks and tents to footwear and bike packs. Come visit us in our store at 4431 Glencoe St. in Denver.
