Women who can't not: the repeat guest
We had a call with our friend and repeat retreat guest, Kasia, on why she comes back to The Ski Retreat. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
Q: Let’s start at the top. What’s your name, where do you live, and where do you like to ski?
A: I’m Kesia. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I’ve done most of my skiing in Tahoe. I also really like Breckenridge—and I have a feeling I’ll love Sun Valley next year.
Q: How many Ski Retreats have you attended, and where were they?
A: I’ve done three Ski Retreats. Two in Tahoe—fun fact, they were both at the same house and I got the same room each time—and one in Breckenridge.
Q: What originally drew you to The Ski Retreat the very first time?
A: I wanted to get back into skiing after taking a break. I also loved that it was a women’s retreat with extra things like yoga classes. I was excited to meet new people—I really enjoy solo travel.
Q: I forget—how did you hear about it?
A: Someone at work posted about it. They were looking for an intern, but I wasn’t—I just thought the retreat looked cool and started looking into it.
Q: What was going on in your life when you first signed up?
A: I had some PTO to use, and this seemed like a great way to spend it. It felt like a low-risk trip—only four days. Worst case, I figured I could do my own thing. But it had the potential to be amazing, and I’m really glad I took the chance.
Q: What made you come back for more retreats?
A: They’re just really fun. It’s a safe, judgment-free space—especially for someone like me who’s not an expert skier. There are so many great touches: yoga, sound baths, chef dinners. It’s all organized for you, which makes it feel like such a treat. I wouldn’t do all those things if I went skiing solo.
Q: What does The Ski Retreat give you that you don’t find elsewhere?
A: Camaraderie. You meet women from all different walks of life who share a love of skiing. In SF, I mostly meet tech people, so I assumed retreats would be full of people like me—but they’re not, and that’s been refreshing. Plus, I’ve gotten to try things I wouldn’t have on my own, like IVs and B12 shots!
Q: Is The Ski Retreat something you plan your winter around now?
A: Definitely more now than before. With multiple dates and themes, I can choose what works with my schedule. It helps that dates are announced earlier now, which makes planning easier.
Q: This year you joined the foodie retreat—was that a draw for you?
A: A hundred percent. I’ve done two regular retreats, so I was excited to try something new. I love food, I cook and bake a lot, and the idea of talking about nutrition and gut health made it even more appealing. It felt like a way to combine two passions.
Q: How did the food-focused elements shape this experience for you?
A: We were definitely more spoiled with food this time! I’ve actually changed how I chop onions thanks to that cooking class. I also started adding more ingredients to my salad dressings from what I learned. It was a fun and practical upgrade to my everyday life.
Q: Was there a standout food moment?
A: So many! The Nutella cake. The honey butter. Even the salads—usually hit or miss—were amazing. Learning about the ingredients and making our own dressings was really memorable.
Q: From your perspective, how has The Ski Retreat evolved over the years?
A: It’s always been well-organized, but now you have backup plans in place when things change—like the rain day where we watched a ski movie. Themed retreats are also a great addition. They offer something new for returning guests and attract different people.
Q: What did you think of the new pre-retreat Zoom call?
A: I liked it! It was nice to meet everyone beforehand. It helped me feel reassured that it would be a good group.
Q: Have your goals shifted with each retreat?
A: Yes. The first year was about getting back into skiing. Now it’s about pushing myself, improving, and taking on harder runs.
Q: Has your confidence, skiing, or sense of community grown from these retreats?
A: Immensely. I used to think only people who started skiing as kids were any good. But I’ve met women who learned in the last few years and are crushing it. That’s been really encouraging—it reminded me I’m not too old to keep getting better.
Q: What’s been your favorite retreat moment so far?
A: Personally, conquering a blue run I was scared of was a big deal. But overall, the chef dinners are always a highlight. It’s such a luxury—something I’d never do for myself otherwise.
Q: What does The Ski Retreat mean to you now, three seasons in?
A: It’s become an annual tradition. I get to ski, meet new people, and try something different every time. Oh—and I forgot about the female entrepreneur speaker! That was so inspiring. I loved hearing stories from women who are building businesses—it’s rare to have that kind of open, encouraging space.
Q: What advice would you give someone thinking about attending for the first time?
A: Just do it. It’s such a low-risk way to try something new. Everyone is open-minded and friendly. Worst case? You ski and hang out with strangers for a few days. Best case? You have an amazing time.
Q: What would you say to someone considering coming back?
A: Honestly, if you’ve done it once and had a good time, why wouldn’t you go again? The themed retreats offer a fun new twist, too.
Rapid-Fire Round
Q: Each year, I come back because…
A: I want to get better at skiing.
Q: What surprised you the most this time?
A: Learning how to cut an onion properly!
Q: The Ski Retreat has become…
A: An annual tradition.
Q: One word to describe this year’s retreat?
A: Can I say more than one? Uplifting. Eye-opening. Fun.
Q: What would you tell someone thinking of joining?
A: There’s really no reason not to. Just join.
Q: What’s your ski alter ego name?
A: K/Slay. ChatGPT helped me with that one!
Q: Anything else you want to share?
A: It’s a fun way to ski, escape, and spend time on yourself. It’s super supportive and non-competitive—everyone just wants to help each other get better. That’s rare, and it’s part of what makes it so special.