A magical winter meet in Hemsedal
Our first winter meet, pretty much summed up why I started the Women’s Alpine Adventure Club and why it’s so special.
Women of totally different ages, backgrounds, countries, cultures and levels of experience coming together as one tribe to embrace adventure and support each other to achieve their goals.
We had women from Canada, Poland, UK, Norway, Switzerland, USA and Jordan.
Scientists, glaciologists, DJs, bass guitarists, knitters, programme managers, sales people, vets, bloggers, mountain guides and a fabulous cook all learning and growing together.
We all felt like one unit which was great given that we were nearly 30 women, I put that down to our unique Viking House lodgings that kept us close and Rob’s cooking. Always a great buzz at dinner time.
Also, though what it was to have such a wonderful group of women. A meet full of bright, buzzing and shiny souls.
Humble thanks to all those who came and made it such an incredible week.
Many women tackled cross country ski, ice climbing and ski touring for the first time and others came to pick up new tips to improve their skills.
We had cross country technique workshops, avalanche awareness with snowflake geekiness, ice tool bouldering, ski tour planning, weather and route choices.
And most importantly strong bonds and new friendships were formed. Adventure buddies that’ll see us through - both off and on the mountain!
There was some hilarity such as the wine box burial for avalanche awareness (honest), knee wrestling in crampons (errr yes), great music, happy vibes and dancing in the kitchen. As well as soul therapy with hot tubs under the stars and daily yoga. And yes - we buried the car, no names will be mentioned - there’s always one!
The guides did a fantastic job to bring it all together; an awesome and inspiring bunch of women with special thanks to Bjørg Selvåg for all the help with arranging kit and workshops as well as guiding.
And of course, huge shout out to my female fellow volunteers - to those behind the scenes that couldn’t be there but worked hard to make it happen - Kate & Jenny.
As well as my partner in crime, who sat through Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, my tears, fears and frustrations - carrying me through on a wave of positivity.
Lizzie - you know who you are!
What did everyone enjoy most?
The supportive, kind & enthusiastic atmosphere. Participants and guides were great. And I loved the non-judgemental yoga.
I guess it's lazy to put "everything"! 1) The variety of activities on offer. 2) Group dynamics - brilliant cooperation over pretty much everything!
The buzz- the energy, stoke, what ever you want to call it - of lots of cool people getting to know each other and spreading their wings 😄
Choice of workshops. Great food. Lots of help and guidance and lending kit! The likeminded people - some kind of magic.
The supportive and friendly vibes and energy. And ice climbing!
Learning new skills in a fun and supporting and inspiring environment of awesome women. Guides were really amazing people. Super skilled, inspiring and supporting!
Being genuinely encouraged and taught by women mountain guides.
credits - Special shout out to:
@robertgeorgeweir - On banging tunes and lovely food all week long.
@bjorgselvag - Incredible organisation skills, best laugh ever and guiding too.
@urpuskiguide - So much snow geekiness and coaching the ski team all week long.
@tamsingay - For great guiding and humour as always (and burying the car).
@husolodge - What an incredible space to stay, we will be back.
@tecwyn - For being the best hound and mascot ever (apart from when outside overexcited).
@tanianoakes - Hemsedal was her idea!… and so is the upcoming Dolomites trip!
What’s next?
Thanks all for making this such a wonderful occasion and roll on the next BIG MEET… cue Dolomites September 5 - 12th and watch this space for winter 2021.
Also check out our UK meet up dates to get skills sorted and meet women before the summer.