By Skimum Paula

Snowbird Skimums will hit the slopes every Wednesday starting January 7^th. If that seems like a long time, well, there were reasons. Primarily, because most of us live here and are not on vacation (no, I’m not bitter, not too bitter), the demands of the holiday season were not accommodating to our little ski rendezvous.

Same Time – Same Place. We’ll meet at the Gadzoom lift at 9:30am and ski until we have to go back to work or school or home to let the dog out. If the wind is blowing over 20 mph or the visibility is terrible (Julie says I can’t write “sucks” anymore), then we’ll pass. After all, we live here.

If you’re new, Skimums is a free weekly meetup group (more like a glorified play date) to encourage Wasatch Women to explore the Bird, make new friends and, hopefully, laugh like crazy. Women just show up and collectively decide where to ski. Yes, only women could do it this way and make it work.

Skimums March, 2014

Last season, Skimums ranged in age from 25-65. They came from all over the Wasatch Front, Back, and occasionally Texas. They were married, unmarried, divorced, widowed, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends. They were doctors, lawyers, nurses, bankers, entrepreneurs, homemakers, community leaders, students and, of course, ski bums. Yes, the curious husband and boyfriend occasionally showed up, but satisfied that we weren’t plotting rebellion or spending money, they skied off by themselves.

Skimums is intended for intermediate-advanced skiers. However, because of high demand (yep, the word got out, and all of our friends wanted to come), Snowbird’s Mountain School is working on a “Returner’s Permit” for former skiers who want to get back on the mountain. We’ll pass along information as soon as we get it. If you want a regular gig with an instructor, then register for the Women’s Wednesday Getaway (snowbird.com/winter/mountainschool), a four-week program designed to give you lots of attention and get you to the next level.

Yes, yes, yes, the Mountain School will again provide Skimums Four (4) FREE group lessons. They are scheduled for Jan. 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11. These have been very popular, and we’re working on an RSVP system to make sure we have even more instructors this year when necessary (they really, really like the Mums). Typically, the conditions dictate what we work on. Yes, these are really FREE lessons, but a $10-$15 gratuity is suggested.

We’re trying to put more Snowbird and Wasatch Front deals on the blog and Instagram (@skisnowbird) this season. Skimums like good deals and good gear, and there are a lot of folks in town that want to help the Mums with both (they’ve recognized the power of the purse). Support the Bird and local businesses. #utahfirst

See you on the slopes!