Colorado's Best Winter Sports Programs for Women

Women may be the main family members to plan a vacation, but they're the least likely to participate in the activities once they arrive, according to a study by Vail Resorts. 

Colorado's ski resorts want to change that. And in fact, many have special winter sports programs just for women and girls.

Grab your sticks and hit the powder. Here are four of Colorado's best winter sports offerings for women this season. This is by no means the complete list of offerings. Just a few of our faves.

For future reference, most are regular, recurring programs whose dates and times only change.

Breckenridge is one of the best destinations for women who want to fine-tune (or begin) their snowy adventures. 

Check out the Women and Wine lesson: a ski or board lesson that rewards you with a free glass of wine when you're done. Learn about the wine, munch on apps, meet other women skiers and take the time to enjoy your winter vacation. During the 2017-2018 season, this program is offered in January and February on Wednesdays, starting at 1:15.

Breck's 3-day Women's Camp is February 14-16 in 2018. Available certain dates throughout the season (mostly in March in 2018) are half-day Women's Ultimate 4 Classes, lessons offered in small groups of 4 or more. Or sign up for the Breck Bombshells classes, designed for moms. These discounted lessons are designed to fit in between the provided childcare window, so you don't have to wonder what to do with your little snowmen while you practice your techniques on the sticks. 

Telluride will be holding three Women's Ski Week and Wellness Week events during the 2017-2018 season. 3-day events are being held January 19-21 and March 2-4. A 5-day event will be held February 4-8. Get expert instruction by women, assessment of your alignment and equipment, and a video analysis of your ski skills.

Learn more with presentations by experts on the biomechanics of women's skiing and accessing your gear. And unwind with access to the spa, pool, yoga classes and more. The more friends you sign up with, the larger the discount.

There is also a women-only snowboard camp.

Aspen's Women's Edge program has a solid reputation, now going on 30-plus years. These classes are taught by pros who specialize in women's instruction. Participants from intermediate to advanced skiers can take this four-day program (Mondays through Thursdays) mid-January to mid-March.

Women's Edge is not for total beginners. If you're new, instead sign up in the Adult Beginner's Magic group lesson. Although this program is not women-specific, it's a great way to learn the basics of boarding or skiing, from picking your gear to keeping safe on the mountain. Aspen Snowmass is known for its unique, quick method — hence, the "magic" in the name. 

February 25-26, 2018 are this season's dates for Keystone Bettys, aka two-day Betty Fest Weekends for Women. These classes are for women of all levels and taught by women instructors. The small classes include lunch, video analysis, personalized coaching, and apres ski on Saturday.

Keystone's school also offers the Women's Ultimate 4 ski program, which provides personalized instruction for no more than four participants per teacher. It's a great way to get one-on-one coaching to fine-tune techniques.

The Ultimate 4 classes are strategically offered during childcare hours and they get out by mid-afternoon, so moms have plenty of time to recover and prepare for the evening ahead.