Women, get your skis and snowshoes ready! Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is about to embark on a workshop embracing winter recreation.

February 2-4, BOW will be holding snowshoeing and skijoring classes in Thompson Falls. BOW wants to see you get your warm winter gear on and come enjoy the fun.

Snowshoe instructor Dan Edge will discuss the different types of snowshoes and what conditions they should be used in. As students trek across terrain, Edge will pass along proper techniques for snowshoeing on upward, downward and side slope expeditions. Students should come outfitted with their own pair of sturdy, insulated snow or hiking boots. There is an option of bringing your own snowshoes, or using a pair provided.

Skijoring, skiing behind a single horse, will be offered by Trout Creek resident Jason Helvey for students wishing to be a bit more adventurous. Skiers will be pulled behind a horse, which has been trained to pull skiers with a rope, in water ski-like fashion. Participants are required to bring their own downhill skis and boots. Helmets are optional but highly recommended. BOW stated students do not have to participate in this activity, observing is fine too.

Saturday evening participants will attend dinner at The Wild Coyote Saloon and enjoy a no-host cocktail hour 5-6 p.m.

Northwest Montana’s subsidiary BOW club hosts two or three events every year. BOW, a program developed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in hopes of encouraging women to develop outdoor skills, was organized 25 years ago, and the local chapter has been together for close to 10 years, according to member Ginger Ward.

The deadline to register for the $170 course is Jan. 15, with Jan. 25 the deadline for cancellation. Lodging will be provided by the Rimrock Lodge.

BOW offers partial scholarships to women over 18 years of age who have never participated in a BOW event, and are full-time Montana residents. Contact BOW Coordinator Sara Smith at (406) 444-9948 for information.

“Hopefully the weather will cooperate,” said Ward, addressing the warmer temperatures and rain experienced the last few days. If Mother Nature decides the event should be cancelled, a full refund will be granted.

Ward is joined by Nancy Fields, Deb Gamm, Sandy True, Karen Morey and Judy Erwin in forming Northwest Montana’s BOW.

For more information, contact Fields at [email protected] or (949) 412-8561. Ward may also be contacted at (406) 544-7658 or (406) 827-4597 for information. To register for the course, visit fwp.mt.gov/education/bow.