7 Women's Skills Clinics & Camps Happening in 2018

Jan 27, 2018
by Sarah Moore  

Photo Credit Re Wikstrom
ROUND UP
7 Women's Skills Clinics & Camps Happening in 2018
Photo: Re Wikstrom


With women's specific clinics and camps popping up all over the place, there are now tons of options for women to enhance their skills. Whatever your skill level, budget or ideal location, there's a camp for you. We rounded up a few that are on our radar for 2018, but tell us about the ones we missed!




VIDA MTB Series

Complete beginners and seasoned veterans alike are invited to take part in VIDA MTB's one and two-day skills clinics in top riding locations like Sedona, Valmont and Snowmount. In addition to skills clinics,
the events feature yoga, maintenance classes, and happy hour socializing. (Learn more.)
Photo Credit Natalie Starr


Liv Ladies AllRide Skills Camps

In addition to skills camps, Ladies AllRide camps feature education stations where women learn about setting up and adjusting suspension, fixing flat tires, bike maintenance and more. With more than half of the events already filled up for 2018, you'll want to jump on this one quickly if you want to improve your skills with Ladies AllRide. (Learn more.)
We are there to catch you if you fall


Sweet Skills

With private lessons and With backcountry camps in the Yukon, Retallack, the Chilcotins and Sol Mountain, you may want to plan your summer vacation around the Sweet Skills schedule.
(Learn more.)
Photographer Steve Shannon


Trek Dirt Series

The 2018 schedule includes twenty-four mountain bike camps throughout Western Canada and the US - women's specific and co-ed, cross-country and downhill, and beginner through advanced.
(Learn more.)
Trek Dirt Series Justa Jeskova


Shred Sisters

Shred Sisters host weekend courses, weekly programming, retreats and more in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Their courses include everything from beginner clinics to a specialized enduro racing workshop. (Learn more.)
photo


World Ride

World Ride organizes mountain bike trips and retreats on epic trails in Nepal, and all proceeds from these trips go to the Ladies Mountain League, an organization that helps to empower Nepali women through the outdoors. (Learn more.)
Nepali mountain bike guide Usha Khanal.


Roam Retreats

All-inclusive women's bike vacations in world-class riding destinations that focus on epic scenery, established outdoor infrastructure, and inviting accommodations. (Learn more.)
Photo Permission Courtesy of Yeti Cycles - Yeti riders Sarah Rawley and Liz Cunningham chill after a day of riding.


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110 Comments
  • 19 0
 If you haven't looked at birthday/valentines/happy saturday gifts for your missus, this is the way to go. My wife did a Shred Sisters program last year in Canmore. Loved it. She's stoked to do another round this season again. Great instructors, well divided groups to abilities, and a pile of fun was had. Highly recommend!
  • 2 0
 Great idea for a gift!
  • 2 0
 Aye, some of the best money you can spend on your bike is the money you spend on good coaching. Great gift idea ????
  • 13 0
 Blue Mountain here in southern Ontario offers a couple different women's camps/skill building days. The page is not updated for 2018 dates yet though. www.bluemountain.ca/plan-your-trip/lessons-and-rentals/bike-lessons
  • 3 0
 Women's Downhill camp, sounds like fun!
  • 24 7
 I, for one, welcome our new Women overlords.
  • 23 19
 Men have been fucking things up spectacularly for 50,000 years. It might be time.
  • 9 12
 @jayacheess: amen
  • 6 27
flag steve9train (Jan 27, 2018 at 8:43) (Below Threshold)
 @jayacheess: straight white men lol
  • 27 26
 @steve9train: you think the only society where men treat women like second class citizens, are those dominated by straight white men? Dude, look elsewhere; in some places in the world and women are not even given basic human rights. Middle East, India, and Africa come to mind. In terms of oppression and equality there are a large contingent of straight white men are turds, but they are not alone.

Men in general are the problem, not just straight white men. We're eff'ed up, all over the world, all colors and all races.

Humans are all awesome. Women however, I think might just be a little more awesome then their male counterparts - self included.
  • 16 22
flag poozank (Jan 27, 2018 at 13:36) (Below Threshold)
 @steve9train: yes the ones who built modern civilization. Kindly go f*ck yourself.
  • 19 19
 @FLATLlNE: CUCKLEDOODLEDOO how’s that self loathing working out for you? Keep your toxic worldview of how men are evil to yourself. Writing off half of the worlds population is utterly backwards.
  • 9 10
 @poozank: And denying the f*ckheadery in the world, which has been largely due to men (regardless of whether women would have done to same), is also utterly backwards.
  • 6 7
 @poozank: Using the term "cuck" and calling someone else out for having a toxic world view?!
  • 11 10
 @poozank: you can chose to live your life with your eyes closed if you like - continue living your ignorant life, pal.

Men are the source of all major conflict in this world. Including conflict/mutilation/oppression of women. It's shameful to me, yeah. You are allowed to have your own opinion. I'll happily debate that with you if you'd like to be sensible in doing so. But quit being a childish brat and throwing insults - the only thing that really serves to do is help the rest of us lump you on the d-bag category.
  • 3 4
 @poozank: The civilization that is slowly making all life extinct?
  • 5 9
flag privateer-wheels (Jan 27, 2018 at 18:43) (Below Threshold)
 @poozank: and I certainly didn't say all men are evil. But the majority of women are definitely cooler than the majority of men.
  • 9 13
flag djm35 (Jan 28, 2018 at 3:07) (Below Threshold)
 Women will never outnumber men in this sport because it's dangerous and most (but not all) women will avoid potentially dangerous situations. Men are more inclined to seek out dangerous situations to show strength and dominance, to test themselves and find their absolute limits. These traits are biologically hardwired into most most people and it has nothing to do with sexism. The more people that start accepting these basic instinctive differences (also seen in nature) the better.
  • 5 0
 @djm35: Equine sports are dominated by women, not exactly safe either.
  • 1 4
 @Leethal-1: That's very true, however the lower perceived danger + tendency to want to care for other beings can override the danger element.
  • 13 3
 I'm really sad to see the comments from @FLATLINE or @sspiff downvoted so much. Do you guys really think that women have equal rights with men everywhere in the world? Let me remind you that it's exactly the opposite. In many cultures, women can't even choose their husband or work professionally, or go outside alone. And even in so called civilised countries, women usually are still expected to take care of children and too cook even if they work full time, plus they get lower pay for the same work as men. If this is not being underprivileged then I have no idea what is. Something to think about, @poozank.
  • 8 2
 @djm35: Any peer reviewed studies/research to back up your assertions here, or is this just your gut feeling?
  • 4 12
flag zorba73 (Jan 28, 2018 at 17:48) (Below Threshold)
 Guys, start drinking cow milk again. You're all tuning into a bunch of pussy hat wearing, virtue signalling, white night soyboys. It's so embarrassing..
  • 8 1
 Damn. I know mountain biking can be kind of a mess at the best of times, but it makes me really sad to see alt-right terminology (e.g. "cuck" and "soyboy") turning up in this community.
  • 2 0
 @Slabrung: I never mentioned anything in your comment. Not once. Show me where I compared men’s rights versus womens? Show me where I even used the word rights once.

I didn’t. Either your reading comprehension is lacking or you are intentionally putting words in my mouth.

All I commented on was the extremely negative self loathing attitude towards men.
  • 2 1
 @poozank: That was never my intention so apologies if I misinterpreted something. For the record, I'm a woman and I'm far from loathing men Big Grin But I do loathe the mindset which leads to situations described in my previous post.
  • 1 0
 @jayacheess: There have been a few studies done on this subject. Here's one on women in cycling from the UK last year. (similar stats can be found elsewhere) www.cyclinguk.org/article/campaigns-guide/women-cycling
  • 4 3
 @djm35: Nothing in that survey proves your assertion that this is due to some innate biological difference. In fact, it's very, very difficult to prove those kinds of assertions in the first place, as societal pressures that define gender roles and behaviour associated with those roles has been found to be an extremely strong influence. Defining where biology factors in is difficult and very likely the more minor factor.

More likely is that women have been conditioned to think that pursuing safer activities is part of their 'role' in society. Promoting women in our sport is a way to fight back against that kind of shitty conditioning.
  • 3 3
 @jayacheess: there’s been many studies concluding Women are more risk adverse than men. This dead horse has been beat.

Why does it even matter?

If men want to get into biking they will. If women want to get into biking they will. Saying we need to pander to women as if they are being held back by society from participating in mountain biking is not only ludicrous but patronizing to women.
  • 3 4
 @poozank: 'Pander' to women. Jesus christ, dude.
  • 2 1
 @jayacheess: No, it just proves that women are put off cycling because of the danger element, which was my initial point. It's also disproportionately racially mixed (mainly due to cultural differences) but no one's complaining about that. Your argument that societal pressures define gender roles, is true but is also a natural occurrence. We know things like maternal instinct for almost all women and male competition/hierarchy exist in much of the animal world yet struggle to beleive they apply to us.
  • 2 3
 @jayacheess: The world must be a scary place when you have the reading comprehension of a 7 year old. Re-read the post. You were the one who said cycling should be promoted to women i.e. pandering. I am against this as it is patronizing.
  • 3 3
 @poozank: That you see promoting women in sport as pandering is your interpretation only, and says more about you than anything else.
  • 2 3
 @jayacheess: any more complete nonsense to clog Pinkbike’s servers?
  • 1 3
 Can we please downvote this thread so that it doesnt show up anymore? I thought I was making a funny meme joke, but I don't think this thread should exist anymore.

Thanks.
  • 10 0
 Any guys who are wondering how to get their wife/girlfriend into mountain biking: this is it. My girlfriend took part in one of these clinics a few years back and she made a huge jump in skills and confidence.
  • 4 0
 What would you recommend in Europe?
  • 1 0
 @Uuno: check Leogang on facebook, I know they have heaps of events happening for women. She might have to speak german though...
  • 2 0
 I got my Gf into biking by taking her to a lift accessed resort, getting her a nice bike and lots of pads. The armor helps with confidence and the lift helps with fast progression to get them hooked. Now she rides with me
  • 5 0
 Any recommendations in particular? My wife is just getting into it and I’m doing my best not to push her and let her develop and enjoy it at her own pace. I think she’d be all for one of these so long as it’s not intimidating and a learn at your own pace style.
  • 2 1
 @Uuno: The Gehrig Twins do a couple "Twins Camps" each year. They could be cool to check out. I don't think they've released the dates yet. Many resorts will also have women's camps and instructors.
  • 1 0
 @poozank: Lift access, armor and good bike definitely help make learning fun. Stoked to hear you can ride together now!
  • 2 0
 @tmadison12: Many women's camps are very well suited to beginners and are less intimidating. It's great having qualified coaches to learn the fundamentals from. One's partner is not always the best coach!
  • 3 0
 @tmadison12: I can recommend the Trek Dirt Series Mountainbike camps. They have coaches for every level and create a fun and supporting environment. I have learned a lot volunteering at two camps in Whistler last year and was blown away by the positive response of the participants. They just released their schedule for this year - dirtseries.com
  • 2 0
 @Uuno:
My girlfriend took part in this one:
www.vg-lambrecht.de/vg_lambrecht/Tourismus/Mountainbiking/Mountainbiking%20Frauencamp%202018/Ausschreibung_2018.pdf

It tales place every year in the Pfälzerwald in Germany.
  • 2 0
 @Uuno: www.saalbach.com/de/events/ladies-session_e_2882
Hosted at Spielgerghaus - home of Vali Höll
  • 1 0
 @cvoc: Thanks for sharing!
  • 2 0
 @tmadison12: I've only got experience with ladies allride and vida. Both are great. If your wife is a little timid, allride is an especially great to get started.
  • 7 0
 Endless Biking has lots of options too, including privates & customs available any day. Not all camps are women’s only or men’s only, there are some good co-ed options that are really popular and have been highly effective programs.

Check it out if you into it.
www.endlessbiking.com

DB@EB
  • 4 0
 Don't forget the gt women's nights at the Whistler bike park, every Monday and Wednesday night for most of the season
bike.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike-school/adult-youth-programs/womens-night

Also a day camp version a handful of times throughout the summer
  • 1 0
 Yes, those sound super fun. Look forward to checking them out this summer!
  • 6 0
 You should add the Sugar Showdown at Duthie Hill near Seattle first weekend of July and the Little Big at Truckee Bike Park around June.
  • 5 0
 Yes, Kat Sweet is awesome, the trails at Duthie are wicked, and the Sugar Showdown sounds super fun!
  • 3 0
 Rutland VT has great mountain biking and the rec department offers women clinics at extremely affordable rates. Super good vibe and instructors. My wife participates every year just because it is fun. And the riding is darn good. www.rutlandrec.com/mountain-biking
  • 2 0
 Don't Forget to check out the DNK events on their website dnkpresents.com They've got an awesome women's 2 day camp coming up in February in Sedona AZ!! These ladies are the best and their 2 day camp prices are similar to a lot of the one day events in this list!
  • 3 0
 Dialed In Cycling in Squamish do a whole series of women's skills sessions over the summer for beginners to experts. Nothing posted for this summer just yet, but pretty sure they'll be up soon: dialedincycling.com
  • 1 0
 Thanks for sharing!
  • 2 0
 Last year Maggie from Magpie cycling adventures hosted a free locals skill camp for ladies. My wife loved it; I guess it is easier for her to learn with other women than from me when we go ride and I try to help her progress and learn new skills. We offer custom instruction to all rider ability levels, from the basics to advanced techniques. Magpie Cycling in Moab!
  • 2 0
 I've been attending the Trek Dirt Series camps for the last several years. I've been to the Women-Only in Park City, UT and Mammoth, CA and also twice to Whistler for the Co-Ed camps. The camps are extremely well organized and the coaches are really amazing, supportive, and encouraging (and so much fun!). I've taken different camps in the past, and none of them compare to the Trek Dirt Series. The level of coaching is top-notch and the skills and techniques that are taught are very specific to the needs and wants of the participants. No matter what level you think you are, you will only get better with the Dirt Series. Do yourself a favor and attend one of the many camps offered. My friends and I are super excited about registration opening on Feb 10th. The camps do fill up, so check them out and sign up quick! www.dirtseries.com
  • 3 0
 We have a few happening in Cumberland and Mount Washington this year. Check it out under the "Services" page
www.gravitymtb.ca
  • 4 0
 Joyride150 indoorbike park is having our annual Woman's weekend this February! Check the website
  • 2 0
 My girlfriend wished she was here for the JR thing. Totally wish you did this more often. One of our other girlfriends is going, and she is totally jealous.
  • 1 0
 Love Joyride150 and the Women's Weekend there!
  • 1 0
 We have regular women's group rides that are supportive and work towards improving technique here in Christchurch NZ.Our local bike park runs coaching sessions and our local d/h club,Gravity Canterbury has run women's skill sessions as well.Further north in Nelson there is a thriving women's riding scene supported by an excellent local club(Nelson MTB Club).
  • 3 0
 Trek Dirt Series are good camps. A really good vibe, professional, well organized, good swag too. They even have a few camps that guys can join too!
  • 1 1
 And nothing east of the Mississippi. Way to go, Trek.
  • 1 0
 Crux Initiative Society in Golden BC and Wanderingwheels in Revelstoke are working with the best females and males MTB coaches in the area. Crux as developed a Big Mountain Academy that fosters jobs for coaches and help to keep the costs low to keep the clinics accessible for the community (W's, M's and kids). They have a great selection of Ladies's specific clinics, some that includes bikes to demo and some shuttling to ease the way ups and focus on the fun parts or inc! They're adding clinics regularly at the moment. Check them out at: bigmoutainacademy.setmore.com and wanderingwheels.ca
  • 1 0
 Down in WA don't forget all things Sweetlines. Additionally we have a whole bunch of women's specific classes through Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (over 50% of all students last year were women!), Crank Sisters riding club and even an all girls DH/Enduro race development team, Sweetlines Junior Racing... www.pinkbike.com/news/the-sweetlines-jr-racing-girls-are-rad-video.html
  • 1 0
 Going to make a shameless plug for ourselves:

rideguides.ca/make-a-reservation

We have not settled on our 2018 calendar yet, but should be offering unsegregated skills camps at Albion Hill's, Buckwallow and Hardwood. In previous seasons we have had one per month from May through September.
  • 2 0
 fi-fi.facebook.com/Pussy-Camp-506009846206458
Girls only enduro- and DH-camp, from beginners to Pros.
This in Finland..
  • 3 0
 You can also book with the Crux Initiative in Golden BC, lots of different ladies only clinic, led by a bunch of rad ladies.
  • 3 0
 A lot of things for womens in Europe too....
  • 2 0
 We're admittedly NA-centric in this list and would love to hear about some EU options!
  • 2 0
 Flyup 417 near Cheltenham host a women's coaching day once I month. A lot of them are racing at FOD this weekend.
  • 4 1
 www.ichoosebikes.com by Leigh Donovan
  • 1 0
 Good one!
  • 1 0
 Canberra Off Road Cyclists, CORC, regularly host women's camps and ride days. Google their website for details. Very friendly bunch!
  • 1 0
 Very cool, thanks for sharing!
  • 1 0
 Anything for the younger women? The daughters? I.e Girls in that 10-13 age bracket?
  • 3 0
 Endless Biking in North Van has camps for everyone, including some camps with some girls of this age range.

DB@EB
  • 2 0
 Ladies AllRide will be doing a Girls AllRide at select camps. Check their site for details.
  • 1 0
 @endlessbiking: I think I still have a credit with you guys too. Smile

I'll definitely check it out. It feels, generally, like there's a gap in girl's riding - there's kids stuff (frequently co-ed), and ladies stuff, but I don't see much for the young ladies to get them through their tweens and those following few years, and maybe build those podiums in local races. Know what I mean?
  • 3 0
 Look for a Little Bellas group or your local NICA league.
  • 3 0
 @qduffy: That's a good point. Little Bellas in the US is great. Hope we can get a couple chapters in Canada eventually! Fast and Female isn't cycling specific, but is a great organization that works to keep girls in sport. They occasionally do cycling events, so you could sign up for their newsletter to find out when the next one is.
  • 2 1
 Air Maiden here in Scotland. They run some fantastic events and training sessions.
  • 1 0
 If youre in Wanaka check out mission wow.

missionwow.org/events/2016-2
  • 1 0
 Any recommended Classes / Clinics in the Las Vegas area? Id love to get my wife in one of these.
  • 1 0
 Trek Dirt Series and Shred Sisters are both amazing camps for women!! So happy to see them on this list!
  • 7 7
 This is going to be 'Below-Threshold-Tastic'...
  • 3 3
 I need a mens skills clinic and preferably in or close to Omaha nebraska
  • 1 0
 You could try these guys: www.randroutside.com/ride-right-mtb-school Looks like they're local!
  • 1 0
 @sarahmoore: Thank you for your time to help me! It means a lot but unfortunately ive tried to contact them on multiple occasions and they have not replied.
  • 3 0
 @panzer103: Ah, maybe the website info is out of date. A local bike shop would probably know who the coaches in town are. Or you could just head to the closest Trek Dirt Series co-ed camp (or similar) for a vacation!
  • 1 0
 ..
  • 14 16
 going to do a list of men only ones as well - you don't want to appear sexist Wink
  • 7 17
flag pb-kg (Jan 27, 2018 at 8:27) (Below Threshold)
 You one of those idiots who don't think 90% of every human construct favors men?
  • 6 7
 @scvkurt03: go back to tumblr. No one wants your turd in the punch bowl.
  • 5 5
 @poozank: Sure thing poo guy. Y’all downvoters are obtuse as hell.
  • 6 1
 Male or female, you can always learn something from a good coach at a skills camp!
  • 1 2
 @scvkurt03: Welcome to Pinkbike...
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