Ski Divas is hosting a women’s trip for advanced skiers to the southern French Alps in La Grave, France, March 4–10, 2012. Led by Jessica Baker, a former big mountain freeskiing champion, the camp will focus on steep skiing skills, along with alpine safety, glacial travel, and avalanche awareness. Being in France, the trip will of course include plenty of local wine and cheese and French language workshops, plus daily yoga. Très bien! skidivas.com
After an unsuccessful legal battle for inclusion at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, women’s ski jumping will be on the program for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) twice rejected women’s ski jumping for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, saying the sport lacked enough elite competitors. A documentary called “Ready to Fly” is coming out this winter about U.S. jumper Lindsey Van and the U.S. team’s successful battle to get into the Olympic Games. readytoflyfilm.com
Russia
TOP TO BOTTOM: ANDY BARDON, USSA/TOM KELLY, SUSAN L. ECKERT/ADVENTUREWOMEN, INC., COURTESY OF KILIMANJARO MARATHON, COURTESY OF REAL WOMEN’S DUATHLON
Burma
Laos
Tanzania
Run 26.2 miles under the watchful eye of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters), at the Kilimanjaro Marathon, February 26, 2012, in Tanzania. The mostly flat race, which also includes a half marathon and 5K, travels on paved roads with enthusiastic crowds cheering runners along. The route passes through farms, villages, banana and coffee plantations, and patches of forest. Combine this race with a Kilimanjaro climb, or a safari to the Serengeti; race organizers will help with travel packages. kilimanjaromarathon.com
REAL = regular exercise, active lives—that’s what the annual REAL Women’s Duathlon series is all about. Entering its 5th year, the nine-race series will once again host fun, noncompetitive races around New Zealand in 2012. Each duathlon is a 3.5K walk or run, 10K bike, and 1.5K walk or run, and women also have the option for just a 5K walk or run. The series kicks of February 12 in Auckland, with eight races to follow through April. realseries.co.nz
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, AdventureWomen travel is leading an all-women’s trip to Burma and Laos, February 15–28, 2012. Participants will have a unique experience exploring these two Buddhist countries, which are the most exotic and least visited areas by tourists in southeast Asia. Stops include the city of Yangon, with its awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda; the ancient ruins of Bagan, a remarkable archaeological site; and Inle Lake, home to a native tribe known for their floating vegetable gardens. adventurewomen.com
New Zealand
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