Where are all the ladies?

Each year, hundreds of people enroll in ski and snowboard instructor courses, and each year it is the same trend – loads more men than women are eager to join the fantastic winter sports industry! On average, around 70% of course participants are male and 30% female.

Over the years, we’ve asked customers their thoughts, but for some reason, skiing and snowboarding instructor courses seem to appeal more to males – and we can’t for the life of us work out why. In fact, a cursory glance around the resort clarifies that there are more men than women in general. In fact, just last year, the Telegraph asked, are ski slopes really sexist?

We’re happy to be proved wrong – and would celebrate a 50/50 split between men and women on the slopes, but more than anything, we want to know why? Women are fantastic skiers and snowboarders! Women make incredible instructors, lifties, resort staff, and some of the most famous UK pro-skiers and boarders are women. In fact, just earlier this year, we highlighted the incredible female role models out on the slopes on International Women’s Day.

These girls can! ski instructor trainees

These Girls Can! Ski Instructor Trainees

It isn’t just the winter sports industries that lack female participation. It is clear women are underrepresented and undervalued in all sports – the pay disparity between male and female sports stars is common knowledge. Sport England has done research showing this, and there is an excellent Huff Post article that talks about it in detail. Is it a lack of encouragement from school age, a male-biased culture in sport, or a natural tendency for men to enjoy sport more than women?

Here at Winter Sports, we want to do all we can to boost the number of women on the slopes! We want to inspire more ladies to join us on the mountain this winter – we need to start representing! So, let’s shout it from the rooftops this season, encourage all the ladies in your life to get out on the slopes, and take back the mountain.

Inspired to do more and teach? Why not sign up for a ski instructor course?

 

Career Break, Gap Year, let’s Hear It For The Girls, Representing, Ski, Snowboard, This Girl Can, Women In Sport, Women Ski, Women Snowboard

Emma Dyson

Author: Emma Dyson

Often referred to as the Admiral, she is the glue behind the scenes. Keeping the beating heart of the WSC pumping ensuring all operations are covered. With over 2 decades of experience with complex logistics and planning you will be glad that she is on your team. Found between the UK and Canada.

Trustpilot