Jeannie Thoren is opening the country's first ski center exclusively for women this Friday in Vail.

“For the last few years we've been looking for a home base,” Thoren said. Thoren has been looking around the U.S. with her husband and business partner, Tom Haas.

“I've been explaining how the anatomical differences between men and women affect ski performance and how gender-specific equipment makes a difference,” Thoren added. “Our demos and equipment clinics won't be a moving target any more. Women will know where to find us and Vail is the perfect location.”

The Jeannie Thoren Women's Ski Center will be in Lionshead.

“We'll be right near Chair 8 and the Gondola so women can easily get on the slopes and test ride our equipment,” Thoren said. “It has the quickest turn-around testing time on the mountain.”

As in all of Thoren's seminars, she champions “try before you buy”.

“Adding heel lifts, cants, adjusting bindings and picking the right ski and boot for a woman's ability is my specialty. After 30 years of helping women, I know what works,” she said.

So do long time business associates Jim and Cheryl Armington from Buckeye Sports in Peninsula, Ohio, who have joined with Thoren and Haas to stock the center with the latest in women's equipment.

“Right now we're concentrating on hard goods — skis, boots, bindings, poles, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks —but we may stock more clothing in the future,” Thoren said. “The emphasis is on skis and boots and getting women the right fit.”

The Jeannie Thoren Women's Ski Center will open Dec. 5 in Lionshead.