January 25, 2012 (Ripton, VT) – Energizing women about being active in the outdoors during the winter is the aim of a day-long Women’s Ski Day at Rikert Nordic Center in February. Rikert Nordic Center will host a day of cross-country skiing for women on Sunday, Feb. 5. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stride Foundation, a local non-profit devoted to empowering girls and women through mentoring and sports.

Geared for beginner to intermediate cross-country skiers, Women’s Ski Day includes coaching in both skating and classical technique from top women instructors, along with waxing clinics and a yoga and stretching workshop at the end of the day. Vendors will also be on hand and raffle prizes including clothing, gear and a night and spa visit at the Middlebury Inn.

“We are looking forward to a fun day on snow with lots of laughs and terrific camaraderie,” said organizer Peggy Lyons of Rikert Nordic Center. “We hope everyone will go away energized about getting outdoors and staying active in the winter.”

The event is sponsored by New England Nordic Ski Association. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and activities run through 3:30 p.m.  The cost for the event is $25 for NENSA members and $35 for non-members. Hot beverages and snacks will be available. Lunch is also available for $10. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register visit www.nensa.net or contact Rikert Nordic Center at 802-443-2744.

Lead sponsors include: TD Bank, Middlebury Inn, Waterfalls Day Spa, Ski Rack, Middlebury Mountaineer, Rikert Nordic Center, Toko, Otter Creek Yoga.

About Stride
Stride: The Wright Foundation for Female Athletes was founded in 2001 to provide opportunities for girls and women through sports mentoring programs. The foundation’s mentoring programs – Snow Stars Nordic, Snow Stars Alpine and Sisters in Sport – strive to enrich the lives of girls and women. Stride believes that sports can make a difference in the lives of girls and women. The lessons of team work, discipline and winning and losing are ones that female athletes carry off the playing field and past the finish line. Participation in sports should not be segregated along racial or socio-economic lines. Stride’s programs aim to eliminate these barriers and provide valuable life lessons.  Stride is a 501(c ) 3 non-profit based in Ferrisburg, Vt.