MSG to Host 2nd Annual Powder to Prosecco
MSG to Host 2nd Annual Powder to Prosecco
Join in the Fun of this Women 2 Women Event and Celebrate the Camaraderie of Women Skiers
Over 20 years ago, “pink it and shrink it” was the ski industry’s design philosophy for women-specific skis and gear, according to Kimberly Reading, owner of Mud, Sweat n’ Gears. While the past few decades have seen more women than ever enjoy a historically male-dominated sport, many women struggle to find ski gear that is specifically designed for them, or even a ski shop with a decent variety of women’s specific ski gear. The 2nd annual Powder to Prosecco Women 2 Women Clinic, hosted by Mud, Sweat ‘n Gears in conjunction with Blizzard/Tecnica is the perfect opportunity for women to learn about a global initiative to design high-quality women’s products and celebrate the camaraderie of women skiers.
The two-day event begins Thursday, February 23 from 6:00-8:00pm at Mud, Sweat n’ Gears, where former US Ski Team member and Blizzard/Tecnica Marketing Director Leslie Baker-Brown will lead an educational discussion about the Women 2 Women Project and all things skiing. “Leslie has been in the ski industry for almost 35 years now and is a pioneer in developing women-specific ski products,” Reading noted. The project’s goal is to teach female skiers about women-specific ski equipment that will enhance their skiing experience and make them better skiers. This casual evening will give guests the opportunity to meet Leslie, learn about the importance of being in the right gear, and enjoy drinks and light refreshments.
The event continues Friday at HoliMont, where Baker-Brown and other representatives from Blizzard/Tecnica will be doing a private on-snow demo for participants. Reading explained, “There will be up to 40 pairs of Blizzard skis for women to demo. Participants will also have the opportunity to ski with Leslie and other Blizzard/Tecnica representatives. There is a light lunch and an apres party with raffles and giveaways.” The event is limited to 40 participants and is filling up fast with many of last year’s participants returning. “It’s a really nice way for female skiers to get to know each other and become part of this wonderful community,” Reading added.
Reading, who has been skiing her whole life, is all too familiar with the challenges of being in a historically male-dominated industry. “Basically, smaller skis with a women’s graphic on them was about the extent of female skis,” she said, “but in the last 23 years that my husband and I have owned Mud, Sweat n’ Gears, the advancements in women-specific equipment have been incredible. We have an entire section in the store dedicated to women’s specific ski equipment… a category that continues to grow every year. ”
Another component to Leslie Baker-Brown’s Women 2 Women Project is the Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship, which supports women in their pursuit to further their education and expertise in the ski industry. According to Reading, “I’m thrilled to announce that Mud, Sweat n’ Gears employee Hanna Lee was one of 30 women nationwide to be awarded this prestigious scholarship,” said Reading. “Leslie is all about women being involved in the ski industry - whether you’re working in a ski shop, on the hill, or behind the scenes.”
Lee grew up in Syracuse and started working at Mud, Sweat n’ Gears nine years ago while still a college student. “I’ve been to boot fitting schools and there are only ever a handful of women attending,” she noted. “It’s become increasingly important to me to get as much education as I can to help more women in snowsports be more comfortable and find the right gear for them.”
Lee went through the extensive application process in which she answered several questions about her history in the ski industry, why she is drawn to it, and what she’d do with the grant money. While still deciding which educational opportunity she’d like to pursue with her award, Lee is confident in her goal, which informs her career as a full-time member of the staff at Mud, Sweat ‘n Gears.
“It’s important to me for women to feel comfortable in an industry that’s often dominated by men,” she said. “Seeing a female working in a ski shop provides comfort in a process that can be intimidating. There are a lot of women who aren’t aware that there are skis and boots designed specifically for them, and it’s really cool to help women go through that process and experience - really see the difference that the right gear can make.”
Lee, who was part of last year’s Powder to Prosecco event, is looking forward to the camaraderie of skiing with Baker-Brown and other women skiers again. “It’s a whole different environment than a mixed gender group,” she said. “It truly builds this amazing community of female skiers. I love that!”
To sign up for Powder to Prosecco, stop in or call Mud, Sweat n’ Gears at 716-699-8300. Lift tickets are required; discounted lift tickets can be purchased at HoliMont (no lift ticket charge for HoliMont season pass holders).