People end up in Chamonix for all sorts of reasons. Some come for a single winter season and stay far longer than they planned. Others arrive with a clear idea of building a life here. What most have in common is that pull towards the mountains.
Building Confidence in the Mountains
But not everyone arrives in Chamonix feeling bold and capable.
For many women, skiing or touring alongside highly experienced partners or friends can be daunting. What feels like a manageable challenge to one person can feel overwhelming to another. Confidence dips, technique follows, and a day in the mountains becomes more stressful than enjoyable.
That search for a more supportive environment is what leads many to the Women’s Mountain Club.
Based in Chamonix, the club runs trips, workshops and clinics designed specifically for women who want to build skills, grow in confidence and spend time in the mountains with others at a similar stage. From ski touring adventures to technique focused sessions on piste, the emphasis is on encouragement, progression and shared experience.
If you are curious about what they offer and how it works, here are some answers from the founders of the Women’s Mountain Club.
Who are the Women’s Mountain Club?
The Women’s Mountain Club is a community of women, primarily based in the Chamonix valley, who share a love of the mountains and the outdoors. The focus is simple: building skills and confidence in a supportive group environment.
The club was founded in 2016 by Rachel Kerr. Fay Mackman joined the following year, with Naoimh O Hagan coming on board shortly after.
Rachel and Fay lead the on snow coaching and instruction, while Naoimh manages the marketing and communications. Together, they run trips, workshops and events designed to help women progress in the mountains while feeling part of a strong and encouraging community.
What Inspired You to Start the Club?
Rachel recognised there was space for a women specific programme in the valley. Somewhere that offered a learning environment designed with women in mind, led by women who understood the particular challenges and confidence barriers that can come with mountain sports.
Many mountain disciplines are still male dominated. Creating a club that focused on women felt both necessary and timely. The demand was clearly there.
What Does the Women’s Mountain Club Offer?
In winter, the focus is on skiing, with the programme split into two main strands.
Technical Sessions
These are led by qualified ski instructors and concentrate on ski technique. The aim is to break movements down, identify individual weak spots and refine performance. It is detailed, focused work for those who want to properly understand how and why they ski the way they do.
Alongside weekend sessions, the club now also offers midweek technical days, which have proved popular with those who cannot commit to Saturdays.
Mountain Skills Sessions
These are led by mountain guides and look at the bigger picture of skiing in the mountains. The focus shifts to all mountain skills, including avalanche awareness, crevasse travel, ski touring, map reading and off piste technique.
Technique is still part of the day, but it sits within a broader context. Participants build the knowledge and confidence needed to move more independently and safely in alpine terrain.
What Happens in Summer?
The summer programme shifts focus but keeps the same spirit. Mountaineering days, hiking, climbing and road biking all feature, led by the same experienced guides who work with the club in winter.
Road cycling meet ups are coordinated in partnership with Ali Gibb’s 44 South Morzine and bike apparel brand Kandesent. The summer calendar continues to grow each year. After a busy winter season, there is usually a short pause, but the aim is to keep the community active well beyond ski season.
Pre Season Ski Camp
Each November the club runs a pre season camp called Find Your Ski Legs. It is a week long ski course held in Cervinia, chosen for its high altitude and reliable early snow.
The week is designed to get participants back on their skis before most resorts open and to fine tune technique ahead of winter. The programme includes on snow coaching during the day, with optional stretch sessions and evening workshops. There is also time built in for relaxed socialising after skiing, which has become a firm favourite part of the week.
Why Is Chamonix Home?
Chamonix is home simply because it is where the founders live. While members join from neighbouring resorts and the club occasionally travels further afield, Chamonix remains base camp.
With access to skiing, climbing, mountaineering and biking all year round, it provides a natural setting for the club’s activities and community.
How Can You Get Involved?
Any woman who is confident skiing a red run is welcome to join.
For now, that is the minimum level required to get the most out of the sessions. In the future, the aim is to introduce beginner courses for those who have never skied before, but currently the focus is on intermediate skiers and above.
There are typically three sessions each month: one Saturday mountain skills day, one Saturday technical session, and one midweek technical session.
To get involved, you simply need to get in touch and book onto a session. Details are shared via the club’s website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram or you can look at our website.
Do You Have Dates Coming Up This Season?
The club runs regular sessions throughout the winter season, typically continuing until mid April.
Events are listed on Facebook and bookings are made via the website. Sessions usually include a mix of technical and mountain days each month.
The season traditionally finishes with an annual end of season hut trip. Members head away together with guides to explore a new area, spend time in the mountains and enjoy a relaxed weekend away. It has become a highlight of the calendar and a great way to round off the winter.
