Though I have not found any information to properly back up the effect of altitude on estrogen production, I would have to say that our emotions were certainly intensified. This was a good thing. Day 2 of the Exum Women’s Ski Mountaineering course was full of adventure. After hauling 50+ pounds of gear up to our camp, we set up tents, drank tea while it hailed on us, and then off we went for an evening ski. This was an eye opener for me. I do want to stress that the more confident of a skier you are, the more you will get from a ski mountaineering course. We were skiing slopes that were all over 35 degrees in slope angle. Having a good headspace will allow you to absorb more information.

Funny how nervous you become when your guide says, “you cannot fall here Luv”. This statement can make a slope angle that you have skied a thousand times instantly look much steeper. Anna, our Kiwi instructor, was amazing at giving the instruction and courage needed to conquer these slopes.

The next few days were spent learning many skills that would be applied to our ski adventures. Due to the warmer weather we would be up at 4:00am and back at camp by noon. We would head up on hard, frozen over snow in the AM and by the time we got back to camp skiing mashed potatoes was on the menu. The increased temperatures made the snow stability quite sketchy as the day got on. We learned how to assess all of the factors involved in safe snow travel. Elevation, temperature, slope angle, and what the terrain is like above the proposed slope to be skied, are all factors that need to be determined.

Seeing an avalanche will send chills down your spine. Due to the experience and great instinct of Anna Keeling, we decided by using all the factors mentioned that skiing a particular couloir was not an option. About 10 minutes after we skied away from this couloir an avalanche from up high broke and dumped into the couloir. You can say we were lucky, but through Anna’s information we made a smart decision that sent us away from danger.

This course is not for the light at heart, but all the proper techniques are used to keep you a safe as possible. This is an amazing way to travel in alpine terrain. I felt that working with women let me conquer some fears and attain some goals that I want to get to. I cannot stress how amazing this course was. A bit odd when I had to hike back down to reality. I miss the mountains already.

In conclusion, this ski course allowed us to wake up at 4:00am, ski amazing terrain, eat tons of cheese, fight off mice in our food bags, work on avalanche skills, learn to tie knots, girl talk, and gain the occasional thrill. All standard stuff you know. You will love it. I will have a full review of this camp posted within the week. Please come back and check it out.