Chicks on Sticks

By Terri-Lynn Pellegri

It will be 5:30am when my alarm clock wakes me on Friday, February 7, 2020. The date is written with a bold sharpie on my calendar. For me, there are very few things in life worth waking up for in the wee hours of the morning. This particular February day will be the exception. It’s no ordinary day, but the one we have been planning for months. 

It’s the Alpine Sport Shop’s “Chicks on Sticks” all-women’s ski bus trip. By 6:30am my gear will be loaded in my car and I’ll be driving into the parking lot of the Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs. In anticipation of the others that will follow me, Jack Hay, shop co-owner and some friends will be ready to park cars and help with all the gear. Upon entering the shop I’ll be greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and pastries from the Bread Basket Bakery, along with the familiar smile and warm embrace from Jack’s wife and co-owner Cathy Hay. The women will begin arriving in pairs and in groups of three and four, meeting each other with hugs and laughter, the energy is always electric. 

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and all ages will join for our adventure ahead. Since 2003, Alpine Sport Shop has hosted this special day, as hundreds of women have been welcomed through the shop’s doors, to gather and then become part of this enthusiastic bunch known as “Chicks on Sticks.” Over the years, some have been fairly new to the sport, while others made their earliest childhood memories on the ski slopes. Collectively, our shared passion and this day of skiing is part of a larger plan. 

Our destination is Bromley Mountain near Manchester, Vt. for “Mom’s Day Off” – a yearly event wherein all of the proceeds from our lift tickets sales as well as all the others that ski at Bromley on February 7 will be donated to Southern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, and donated to women undergoing cancer treatment. Our eclectic mix of skiers have included survivors, supporters, and women currently in treatment. Being a cancer survivor myself, and having lost those I love to cancer, I feel empowered by the energy of our group of women and our intentions. Our mission is to celebrate the day, raise some money for a really great cause, and ski like crazy!

Bromley, “Vermont’s Sun Mountain” is a classic ski area, with southern exposure and a comfortable feel. With over 70 years of hospitality, it is a must ski for anyone who has not had the pleasure, and one of my personal favorites! We anticipate a great day on the slopes, joyful, exhilarating and knowing with every turn we take, we are collectively skiing for a great cause… And that’s not all, because, the fun doesn’t end with the last run taken. 

At the day’s close we have an early dinner at a favorite Manchester restaurant. Are you wondering how you can join us for this amazing day of skiing? For details, call the Alpine Sport Shop at 518-584-6290 or visit alpinesportshop.com.

Terri-Lynn Pellegri (info@terri-lynnpellegriphotography.com) lives in Saratoga Springs, she is a photographer and a writer, and shares a passion for skiing.