2022 Women’s Weekend
Photo by: Camilla Rutherford
There are heaps of different perceptions about heli skiing, many of which have been moulded through the scenes of classic films comprised of the “Alaska-style” lines we all grew up watching. Certainly not for the faint of heart. While the Southern Alps of New Zealand can scratch the itch for those who wish to channel their inner Travis Rice, there is also an endless playground on offer for those in search of pristine snow, reprieve from the ski field queues, new terrain and incredible views. From boy’s trips, 30ths, 40ths and 50ths or just because it’s a Thursday, there is no denying the lads certainly hold it down when it comes to heliskiing.
And so, this one was for the ladies.
This year we had the great honour of hosting a Women’s Weekend in partnership with The North Face and POC. The weekend was designed to encourage, equip and connect like-minded women to free themselves from their comfort zone and tap into new capabilities we know they had in themselves all along. Egos, doubts, and hesitations were left at the staging area and we took flight for a day of laughter, encouragement, and 100% good times.
We reckon we nailed it, but we’ll let you be the judge.
Movie & Mingle Community Night
Janina Kuzma and Sam Smoothy presenting their newest film. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
The weekend festivities kicked off with a Movie & Mingle community night hosted at B. Social in Wanaka. We packed the house to support an amazing local organisation, Mint Charitable Trust, helping to raise $1,270 for their summer camp. Mint Trust works to support families and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their programs provide physical, intellectual, and social engagement opportunities which create support, improved confidence, and new friendships. Janina Kuzma and Sam Smoothy helped to kick off our backcountry stoke with a showing of their newest film “The Pursuit.”
A packed house at B. Social viewing “the Pursuit”. Photo by: Camilla Rutherford
Raffling off a pair of Völkl skis in support of Mint Charitable Trust. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Backcountry Day
Attendees of Women’s Weekend booked in for a backcountry adventure of their choosing- 5 runs of straight-up heliskiing or an Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring. After receiving 15 cm of new snow days prior, the weekend greeted us with incredible blue-bird conditions and zero wind. Some might say it was too perfect.
Janina Kuzma provided morning safety briefing before lifting off. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring
Our ski touring crew was comprised of individuals who had never ski toured before, and those looking to advance their skills. Throughout the day this crew learned tips and tricks for effectively moving throughout the mountains, terrain navigation, assessing risks, and of course skiing some fun backcountry terrain.
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Following an incredible day of skiing and snowboarding the ladies were greeted with a special treat, a lakeside après ski celebration at Minaret Station. Our friends from B.Effect welcomed guests with delicious libations. Nibbles were enjoyed, laughs and stories were shared, and we gave a few prizes from our Friends at POC & The North Face. Prize categories included most perseverance, trailblazer (for our ski touring group), and of course…best bail.
We were sad to see the day come to an end, but the day was capped off with a stunning sunset boat ride across Lake Wanaka in true Minaret Station fashion.
Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Photo by: Victoria Wells
We are incredibly grateful to all who attended and helped to make this unforgettable weekend possible. A big thank you to all of our supporting partners: The North Face Aus/NZ, POC, B.Effect, Peak Experience, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Volkl, Love Thy Land and Hannah Hughes Photography.
And of course, a massive thank you to the incredible ladies who documented the day: Camilla Rutherford (photo) and Deanna Gerlach (Video).