History was made yesterday at Wachusett Mountain. I know, that might sound dramatic, but for the first time since I have been snowboarding (which has been since 2007), there was an event that was dedicated to ONLY women’s snowboarding at the most well-known ski area in Massachusetts. Andrew Bouffard, Terrain Park Manager and lifetime Wachusett local, is the mastermind behind the first ever “Powder Room Park Party,” and after seeing the smiles and hearing the cheers from the ladies, it was absolutely a success.
getting handsy
The day started out at the bottom of the mountain with a brief introduction from coaches and special guests. I was so lucky to be joined by Amy Gan, an AASI National Team rider, and Athena Comeau, who represents Eastern Boarder and Burton Snowboards. We then began our ascent to the top and learned about each of the riders’ goals for the day on the lift. At the top, we reviewed SMART style freestyle terrain safety, and then made our way to the park.
Wachusett had a very progressive park set up for us, which included a flat rail, box, dance floor, tube jib, two small jumps, and a rainbow box. It was the perfect introduction to freestyle boarding, which made everyone feel extremely comfortable. The warm day and soft snow made for perfect riding conditions for trying new tricks, and it was apparent early on that everyone was in their comfort zone, but willing to push it to the next level. Some girls had goals of learning better board control and flat ground tricks while others hoped to clear their first jump of stomp their first 50-50. The day concluded with unlimited hits on the airbag, which was a first for many of the ladies. Despite many initial fears, the girls ended up taking at least one jump, and many went back for more, all while wearing the biggest smiles. Girls were handed swag throughout the day and left with goody bags filled with Wachusett goods and lots of stickers from the other sponsors, including VNTRbirds.
“just send it”
Given my surroundings and all the outgoing women, I can honestly say it was my personal best day on my board this season as well. Not because I learned new tricks, but because I met so many local girls and we all shared the same goals and interests. Andrew and Wachusett created an environment that supported progression, no matter what level you were at, and I cannot express my gratitude for making this happen. I’m looking forward to the next ladies-only event at Wachusett and cannot wait to meet even more girls!
smiles all around, all day
first slides
The next freestyle event geared towards the ladies will take place at Mount Snow on February 24 and 25. You can register now at www.ParkAffair.com, but hurry! There are only a few more spots!
following through
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MacKenzie Hennessey
One of the original VNTRbirds’ team riders, MacKenzie has been taken with board sports and the outdoors for over a decade. From snowboarding, skimboarding and even motorcross, she has been taken away with the free feeling of being outside and using her body to navigate the elements. As well as playing outside, MacKenzie makes a name for herself in the photography industry. See her works of art here: MackHennPhoto
