BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – International Women’s Day in the Upper Valley is an excuse to buckle up the boots and slap on the skis.
It was a celebration of women at the Dartmouth Skiway. Both for those in the community and the patrollers who keep the slopes safe. A “charcuter-ski” board was the inspiration behind the event.
“You know, the ski industry — and specifically the ski patrol industry — is really male-dominated,” said Meghan O’Keefe, a Dartmouth senior and student director of the ski patrol. But half the patrollers at the college-owned mountain are women and most are students. “I hadn’t had a background in medicine and I was a little nervous about it. But I wanted to learn, so I just kind of jumped in.”
Past patrollers came back for the event. Martha Beattie was in Dartmouth’s first coed class. “To have this kind of engagement for the students, for all alumni, whether they were ski patrol or have just always loved the Skiway, I think, is a fantastic idea,” said Beattie, a member of the class of ‘76.
“Hugely proud, hugely proud,” said Darren McDermott, who has two daughters, one of whom serves on the 75 student staff. “Skiing has meant so much to them in terms of getting outdoors and building their confidence.”
The event, which included a raffle, was also a fundraiser for WISE, an organization that supports victims of domestic and sexual violence. The entire community was invited.
Maia Rutman is an emergency pediatric doctor for Dartmouth Health. “A local skier, a mom, a doctor in this community, I think it is awesome that we have so many women who are strong and great providers and awesome skiers,” Rutman said.
Dartmouth president Sian Beilock, the first woman to serve in that role, was also a special guest. She says the Big Green has a long list of strong women. “In terms of what women have done to give back, in terms of how they’ve led the way. And I am looking forward to continuing those traditions,” Beilock said.
“I think it’s cool,” said 6th grader Lilly House, who shared an International Women’s Day message — “You can do anything you want.”
The college has committed to turning this day into an annual event, celebrating women on and off the slopes.