( AN OH ! REVIEW )
MIM ’ S THE WORD A WOMEN ’ S SKI PROGRAM
Analee Matthews puts her ski legs to the test at the annual Mim Sodergren Women ’ s Ski Program at Falls Creek ( VIC ).
im Sodergren had a widespread
M reputation among the snow
community as being passionate advocate for women ’ s skiing . Before her unfortunate death in the Thredbo landslide in 1997 , Mim recognised that women have completely different needs to men when it comes to learning how to ski , due to variances in anatomy , preferred styles of learning , and overall goals . As a result , Mim developed and delivered a learn-toski program specifically for women , which she delivered at Falls Creek for some years prior to her death .
When Mim and her husband Michael perished in the Thredbo tragedy , Falls Creek decided to continue Mim ’ s legacy by renaming the innovative program in her honour . The result is their annual ‘ Mim Sodergren Women ’ s Ski Program ’. Designed by women for women , this five or three-day program teaches women how to improve their current skiing ability in a fun , friendly and supportive environment . Catering to all abilities – from absolute beginners to the highly experienced – the program attracts women from all walks of life and from geographic regions far and wide .
Last season , I was fortunate enough to secure a spot in a three-day program , and in our group of 23 , we had ladies of all ages attend , some of whom had travelled from as far away as Perth and Adelaide . Throughout the group , skill levels ranged right through from green to black run expertise , with me proudly representing the beginners !
The beauty of the Mim Sodergren program is that participant groups are purposely kept small . This means the attention you receive is individualised and tailored to your specific needs .
If you consider that a typical day in the program is equivalent to , say , four or five private lessons , then it really is a costeffective way to improve your performance on the snow , and truly refine your techniques – because essentially you ’ re getting three or five days straight , of private tuition .
A fellow participant , Lindy Allen says of her experience in the Mim Sodergren program , ‘ In a social sport like skiing , women definitely learn in a different way to men – our goals are less competitive , less about perfect technique , and more about enjoyment . The accumulative teaching over three days helped me enormously to improve my confidence and technique . Our instructor , Natasha was a great observer and offered us all unique insights as to how we could improve .’
I have to agree with Lindy . Although I ’ ve been snowboarding for almost a decade , my skiing skills were absolutely L-plate ( that ’ s ‘ yellow ’ in ski instructor talk ), so I needed a very effective communicator and a highly experienced instructor , to successfully teach me the know-how to stay upright for three days .
Having gotten to know the instructors on the program , it was very clear to see that each and every one were equally passionate about their role in the program . Twenty-year-old Jane has been going to Falls Creek since she started skiing at the age of two , so she holds an almost iconic position in the village , with everyone who works there knowing who she is . ‘ It ’ s such an honour to be able to be involved in this program ,’ Jane says . ‘ When she was here , Mim did so much for women ’ s skiing , so to be able to continue her goal of helping women learn to ski and further their skills , is awesome .’
In addition to the on-slope tuition , the program also includes some meals and daily social opportunities . ‘ I really enjoyed the way the program offered the opportunity to learn in a mutually supportive environment with other women ; and not just on the slopes , but also over lunches , drinks and dinner ,’ says Lindy .
When a group of women gather around a common goal – in this case , to enjoy and improve one ’ s skiing abilities – a lot of magic can happen . The encouragement and support that is shared among each group means that genuine friendships form , which often continue well beyond the last day of the program .
Whether you are learning how to ski for the first time , or if you ’ re already an avid lover of snow sports , the Mim Sodergren Women ’ s Ski Program at Falls Creek has a lot to offer . The program is great excuse for a group of girlfriends , a couple of sisters , or even mums and daughters to spend time together . You can leave the kids and partner at home , or bring them along to Falls Creek and let them do their own thing while you ’ re in the program . Each day offers up to six hours of instruction including individual assessment , video tape analysis , goal exploration , discussions around overcoming fears and all the while , having a lot of fun .
To find out more watch a video about the program at https :// youtu . be / psw _ cN2ZwVQ or visit www . fallscreek . com . au / womensprogram
OH ! MAGAZINE ( MAY 2017 ) 13