By Pearl Bellomo
Carve Bunnies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting women through action sports and the outdoors, is hosting its third annual ski trip at Killington and Okemo on March 14-16, drawing in over a hundred women from around the U.S. and Canada.
This three-day event provides free time and planned activities to hit the slopes, socialize, and visit local businesses.
Coordinator Annabelle Recierdo recalled how the trip began by accident three years ago while on a girls’ ski trip.
“It was me and six friends, and we wanted to fill an Airbnb [in Killington]. We had two spots remaining, so we posted it all over social media…and it really quickly blew up…We had filled those two spots, and then even more people came about and expressed interest. So then we got another house, and then another house, and it quickly became like six to seven houses. And I think in the first year, we were around 85 people,” said Recierdo.
It was there she met Carve Bunnies founder, Florie Ventura, opening the door to their friendship and first official collaboration this year.
“She quickly became a really great friend of mine,” said Recierdo. “I really do believe in the value of her mission.”
Ventura explained that their mission is to “bring together women of different backgrounds, races, and ages to share their passions and participate in predominantly male-led sports in a welcoming all-women environment,” achieved through planning and assisting events and community activism.
Whether women already know others in the group or not, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with new people. Set up before the trip, a group chat and Google Sheets allowed women the chance to introduce themselves, plus a group mixer on Friday and dinner on Saturday.
Recierdo thanked Cascades Lodge and Killington Distillery for their time, assistance, and generous group rates and discounts.
“It’s been a real joy working with the manager [at the Cascades]. Her name’s Pia… She’s just a very firm believer and sees the value of getting women together, and she’s very hospitable and having us there, so I’m very thankful for her,” she said.
A Burton representative will also provide demo snowboards, allowing participants to try new models they may not have otherwise.
Backing Recierdo and Ventura is Okemo group leader Bray Brattoya.
“This is Annabelle’s third annual trip, and every year, it just gets bigger and better,” said Brattoya. “Carve Bunnies and Florie’s contribution is huge and it wouldn’t be as big without her community! I’m grateful to be friends with these amazing women and that I’m able to contribute in any way. I love snowboarding, and I love encouraging women to push themselves and get out in nature.”
Last-minute sign-ups are welcome, with a few rooms left at Cascades, and locals or campers are encouraged to join as well.
“I’ll keep doing this. It’s an event that brings me joy, and it’s just a gift that keeps on giving in my life,” said Recierdo.
For more information, visit: carvebunnies.com or email [email protected].
