Join Cameon in her chat with Meredith and Susan, the inspiring co-owners of Rippin Chix. They lead ski camps designed to help women conquer fears, build confidence, and level up their skiing skills.
In this interview, they share their journey from elite skiers to empowering women to tackle challenging terrain. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Rippin Chix offers expert coaching designed to transform your mountain experience.
"Hi everybody, it's Cam from Women's Outdoor Connection, and I'm here with the Rippin' Chix! I'm kind of super fangirling because I'm with Meredith and Susan, and I can't wait to ski with them this season. They have some clinics here in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m sure they’ll talk about it. But I’ll just let them introduce themselves and tell us what they do and what inspires them."
Learn more about Rippin Chix! Sign up for Camp!
Boost Your Confidence on the Slopes: Rippin Chix clinics are all about helping women break through mental and physical barriers so they can tackle new challenges and enjoy skiing even more!
Find Your Tribe: Meredith and Susan have created a super supportive community where women come together, learn new skills, and make lasting connections.
Learn from the Best: With years of competitive skiing and coaching experience, Meredith and Susan bring top-notch expertise to their clinics, helping women level up quickly and safely.
Conquer Your Fears: The Rippin Chix team understands that skiing isn’t just about technique—it's about overcoming those mental blocks. Their camps help women feel confident and ready to take on the mountain.
Connect at the Event: At the Women’s Outdoor Connection, you’ll get to meet Meredith and Susan, hear their inspiring stories, and join a community of women passionate about the outdoors and skiing.
✨https://www.rippinchix.com/
✨https://www.instagram.com/rippinchix/
✨https://www.instagram.com/mereditheades/
✨https://www.instagram.com/susanmedville/
Meredith:Hi, I’m Meredith. I became part of Rippin’ Chix in 2017 when Susan brought me on as a coach. We had the opportunity to take over as co-owners in 2019. I used to compete competitively on the free-skiing tour and in free rides like halfpipe and big air. Understanding the mindset behind skiing and the mental stuff that holds you back is something I personally faced and had to work through. Now, it’s really cool to take those skills and help others expand their mountain playground so they can go to all these cool places that are on their bucket list.
Susan:I’ve been with Rippin' Chix since the start. My friend and ex-ski coach, Alison Gannett, started the company around 2000 or 2003. She wanted to bring together a wide berth of experience in skiing for women. We’ve had breaks here and there to have kids and run other businesses, but we took over the company in 2019, and we’ve been pushing it forward, trying to grow it and hopefully influence women positively around skiing.
Cam:So, other than skiing, what outdoor passions do you have? How do you keep in shape during the off-season?
Meredith:I love mountain biking, from e-biking to riding the bike park, and I also love weightlifting. And, of course, long walks with the dog and hiking!
Susan:Meredith and I are one in the same. I’m big into mountain biking too, and I coach mountain biking. I also kiteboard and kite surf, and like Meredith, I think strength training is a super important piece of the puzzle. Injuries are part of the game, and that strength from outside of skiing and biking is key.
Cam:As women in the outdoor industry, do you face any frustrations or hurdles?
Susan:I think my biggest frustration isn’t necessarily as a woman, but bringing our camps to ski areas comes with a lot of hurdles. There’s resistance from the ski area or instructors, even though we bring something to the table that’s different from what they’re offering. Ski areas like Whitewater, Alpenshall, and Alta have been supportive, but in general, it’s tough.
Cam:On a positive note, what are some of the greatest aspects of being in the outdoor industry?
Meredith:The community! We have such great support from sponsors like Mons Royale, Head, and Strafe Outerwear. They believe in empowering women to get outside and learn more. We’ve created a community for our participants and with the resorts that support us, which is really motivating.
Susan:I agree, and I’d add that the wins come from seeing our clients grow. By the second day, we’re seeing changes in their skiing. That’s why we do it—to see that transformation.
Cam:What can people expect when they come to your camp?
Meredith:People are usually nervous when they arrive, but we help break down those mental barriers. We start with skills in the morning, then take those skills onto the actual terrain. We do video review at lunch and build on the skills in the afternoon. On day two, we broaden the skill set. By the end, they’ll have a better understanding of why skiing works the way it does and gain confidence in applying those skills to new terrain.
Cam:I love that you focus on building confidence. Do you find that women have mental hurdles when it comes to skiing?
Meredith:Absolutely. A big part of our camp is breaking down those mental barriers into digestible bites. We talk about why things work the way they do, not just how to do it.
Cam:That’s awesome! So, we’re wrapping up, but I have to ask—what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Meredith:I’m really into peanut butter chocolate ice cream lately.
Susan:I’m all about caramel, chocolate, and marshmallow… maybe all three at once!
Cam:I love it! Well, thank you both for being here, and we’re so excited to have you at the Women’s Outdoor Connection on October 26th. For everyone else, we’ll have more information about Rippin' Chix on our website. Thanks again, and we can’t wait to see you out there!
Watch the Full Interview...Curious to hear more from Meredith and Susan of Rippin Chix? Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel where they dive deeper into their journey, their passion for skiing, and how Rippin Chix helps women tackle fears on the mountain. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—watch it here!
Sign Up for Rippin Chix ClinicsReady to transform your skiing skills? Join Meredith and Susan for an unforgettable experience at a Rippin Chix clinic, where you’ll conquer new terrain and build lasting confidence on the slopes. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait—sign up here to secure your place in an upcoming clinic!
Meet Rippin Chix at the Women’s Outdoor Connection...Want to meet the coaches in person? Meredith and Susan will be at the Women’s Outdoor Connection event on October 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with them, hear more about their incredible journey, and learn how you can join the Rippin Chix community!
Learn more about Rippin Chix! Sign up for Camp!
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