Women who love the outdoors have a new way to get outside together. The REI Outessa Summit is a new weekend getaway created for women who love the outdoors. This immersive event offers outdoor adventures led by inspiring female guides and athletes, access to coveted gear and products, great food and wine, and a variety of lodging choices all set in gorgeous surroundings, says the co-op. “The three-day experience has been curated to create unparalleled memories in the outdoors for individuals seeking adventure or friends looking for a different kind of escape.”
In its inaugural year, the first two REI Outessa Summits will be held at Kirkwood Resort near Lake Tahoe, California, from August 19 to 21, and Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City, Utah from September 9 to 11. Online registration is now open, although there are a limited number of spots available to maximize the quality of experience for each attendee.
“The REI Outessa Summit brings women together to try something new. Whether your skill level is advanced or you just want to get out and enjoy the outdoors with a great group of other women, this is for you,” said Julia Stamps Mallon, co-founder and VP of business development of the REI Outessa Summit. “Our first two Summits will bring women together for a weekend to challenge themselves, create new friendships and strengthen their love for the outdoors.”
The weekends are designed to be flexible. Each attendee can customize her schedule, choosing from more than 200 classes and experiences including camping, backpacking, kayaking, outdoor cooking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, yoga, hiking, trail running and more.
“Everyone connects with nature in a different way and it’s pretty great that participants can design their days and evenings to fit their interests and outdoor goals,” said Sally Johnson, REI Outdoor Programs manager of events. “From learning a new activity with an REI Outdoor School instructor or soaking it all in by kicking back and relaxing with your girlfriends, Outessa is centered on connections to each other and nature.”
Additional leading brands sponsoring the series include prAna, Osprey, Cannondale, BIC SUP, Petzl, Big Agnes, Trigger Point, ENO, ORU Kayak, Salomon, Nuun, Taylor Maid Farms, Goal Zero, Amy’s Kitchen, GCI Outdoors, Smarty Pants, Lagunitas, ProBar, Clif Bar, Picky Bar, Honey Stinger, Hint, Dirty Gourmet, World Peas, Tandem, Rinse, GoMacro, Stance, Native, ElliptiGO, Igloo and Dandies. These companies will offer hands-on experiences with their coveted products as well as and product trials and samples.
The REI Outessa Summit will feature many professional athletes and brand ambassadors who will lead weekend activities as guides. They include: prAna-sponsored Olivia Hsu, yoga/rock climbing; Quinn Brett, yoga/rock climbing; Heidi Wirtz, rock climbing; Stevie Kremer, trail running/rock climbing; Magdalena Boulet, trail running; Anna Levesque, kayaking/SUP/yoga; Kathryn Bertine, cycling; Roberto Gutierrez, kayaking; Sage Rountree, running/yoga; Jenny Smith, mountain biking; and Chris Burkard, photography.
More than 20 of REI Outdoor School’s best female instructors will lead and partner with brands to host programming each weekend, including hiking, trail photography, trail running, mountain biking, SUP, kayaking, backpacking, climbing, yoga and much more.
Mallon added, “After three days, Outessa women will find inspiration from their peers and from their own new-found abilities. We are excited to help them connect with the outdoors and each other during these unforgettable weekends.”
To learn more and register, visit outessa.com, follow on Instagram and Twitter, and like on Facebook. Click here for a press kit and high-resolution photos.
