- Boot Tan Fest has grown rapidly in size since its inception in 2021 as an all-female ski resort
- This year the weekend, expected to attract at least 500 women, will take place at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Colorado
A ski event aimed primarily at women will allow “female and non-binary” skiers to hit the slopes during the ski retreat's annual after-hours nack round.
Boot Tan Fest returns to the slopes of Colorado in March for a weekend of skiing and special events designed to strengthen friendship among the female skiing community.
Held for the first time in 2021 with just 27 skiers, the event is “the world’s largest ski and snowboard festival for women and men,” according to its website.
Boot Tan Fest has grown significantly since its inception. Last year, “over 400 incredible women and ladies ignited the liberating atmosphere of Boot Tan Fest.”
Jenny Verrochi, the event's founder and described as an “event wizard,” watched Boot Tan Fest quickly grow into an event that now attracts about 500 people annually and skiers spend hundreds of dollars on.
Boot Tan Fest has grown rapidly in size since its inception in 2021 as an all-female ski resort
As is well known, the weekend includes a naked ski session after work, to which all women and skiers with “female ID” are invited
According to the Denver Post, she recently said that they chose this year's venue for the event – Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort – because it was a “super low-key, very relaxed atmosphere.”
“That wouldn’t be possible at Aspen Mountain or Vail Resorts,” she added.
Boot Tan Fest doesn't completely take over Sunlight Mountain, so everyone – male, female or none – is invited to ski and snowboard during the day.
However, once the resort closes at 3 p.m. on March 29, the slopes will be open only to official Boot Tan Fest guests, who will be invited to ride the ski lifts up the mountain before stripping down for the naked lap.
“It’s a normal day of skiing with clothes on, and then it’s an after-hours thing,” Verrochi said, adding that taking them off isn’t mandatory.
The goal of the event is to be a safe place for everyone, she said.
At the weekend there will also be an area where women's brands can set up and sell their wares, as well as an après-ski tailgate that will take place on the evening of the 29th.
Those wanting to go home with a lasting souvenir can celebrate the epic day on the slopes with a tattoo done by the on-site tattoo artist stationed at the base of the mountain.
The retreat ends the next morning with a guided journaling exercise with live music.
This year the weekend, expected to attract at least 500 women, will take place at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Colorado
The retreat's founder said the goal of the growing event is to foster camaraderie between like-minded female skiers (and others).
Skiers have the option to ride the ski lifts up the mountain before stripping down for the naked lap – but a naked descent is not a requirement
Verrochi said the goal of the growing event is to foster camaraderie between like-minded female skiers (and others).
“We want it to be welcoming.” “Come alone and you'll definitely leave with friends,” she said.
Tickets for the late March event are still available at varying dollar amounts depending on the package selected – visit boottanfest.com for more information.