SheJumpers were treated to significant mid-March snow just before this Resort to the Back Country clinic at Mount Cardigan in New Hampshire, making for some of the best conditions of the winter. Cardigan Lodge is located on a 1,200-acre reservation owned by AMC and offers year round outdoor activities. Ahead of the event, a list of essential gear was shared with all participants, including skis/splitboard, climbing skins, poles, helmet, goggles, sunglasses, sun screen, lip balm (Eco Lips was perfect for this!), blister care, tissues, a bandana, a well-fitting backpack, and a wide mouth water bottle.
Proper clothing for the backcountry was also covered – in a word: LAYERING! Wool or wicking base layers, socks and extra socks, insulating layers for top and bottom (fleece, down, Primaloft), wind and waterproof shell and pants, hat, gloves, mittens, balaclavas or a face mask.
The morning started with a conversation led by Margaret Brumsted, Casy Calver, and Jillian Willard from the AMC New Hampshire Ski Committee. We discussed Back Country ethics, weather and route planning, leave no trace, and shared what typically gets packed for a BC day trip, including emergency supplies, first aid, bivy sacks, repair kits, cording, whistle, foot traction, high calorie foods, map and compass, matches and fire starter, a multi-tool, and a sleeping pad.
Mount Cardigan offers classic and historic ski trails. Our group was able to ski the Alexandria (cut in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and designed by Charles Proctor a former Dartmouth College skier and a member of the U.S. Olympic Ski Team), Duke’s Trail, and Kimball Ski Trail. The on snow education included skinning techniques, kick turns, how to use and store poles properly, and strategies for skiing ungroomed terrain. “Thank you for all the knowledge sharing and fun,” remarked one woman.
“Great to meet so many other mountain ladies!” said Linda, an event participant, “Great to meet such an awesome group of lady shredders in the Northeast!” A special thanks to the Appalachian Mountain Club – NH ski committee members, Margaret Brumsted, Casy Calver, Jillian Willard and Matt Schraut for sharing their wealth of knowledge with an enthusiastic group of women! The AMC offers classes open to all, often free of charge. Thank you to Eco Lips and Treeline Coffee for their continued partnership with SheJumps.
Photo Credits: Cassie Brugger, Linda Li, Kirsten Nelson, Jillian Willard
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