Only twelve of the 123 ski guides certified by the American Mountain Guide Association since 1993 are female. In 2007, Washington native Anne Keller became the sixth certified female ski mountaineering guide. The certification process included eight arduous exam days in the field near Valdez, Alaska, skiing, climbing and performing rescues in challenging glacier terrain.
It was the culmination of a lifetime spent in the alpine, gaining experience and good judgment. Keller has been to the top of Mt. Rainier more than 70 times (her first ascent was at age 17), guided at both North Cascades and Selkirk-Tangiers Heli-Skiing, and worked at Crystal Mountain as a patroller. Also a certified EMT, with a background in physical therapy, Keller is one of the most qualified, competent, and passionate women on skis.
Sound like a qualified guide?
Keller is hosting two camps in 2012 (January and March) through Revelstoke-based Selkirk-Tangiers Heli Skiing designed to help ladies develop confidence and composure in various situations in the mountains.
Whether it’s your first time heli skiing or an excuse for a girl’s trip, the camp aims to gather like-minded women for four days of unlimited vertical with some girly pampering like massage, yoga and martinis. The camp even donates a portion of sales to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
CAMP DETAILS
January 7-10, 2012 ($2,960 pp plus HST)
March 10-13, 2012 ($3,700 pp plus HST)
Package includes:
- Unlimited vertical over three days of heli skiing
- Three nights accommodation at the Hillcrest Hotel, a Coast Resort (based on double occupancy)
- Full buffet breakfast, gourmet mountain lunch, après ski snacks, dinner
- Women’s specific big mountain ski rental
- Avalanche beacon rental and related safety gear
- Backcountry safety briefing and beacon training
- Spa gift certificate
- Optional yoga sessions in the morning or evening
