Hands-On Snow & Ice Training for Women
A three-day immersive training experience at the Storm Equipment headquarters and training pad, combining classroom instruction and hands-on equipment operation on the Storm Academy Training Pad.
This event is designed for women working in snow and ice management who want stronger operational understanding, equipment exposure, and confidence in the field.
Who This Is For
Women working in snow and ice operations looking to advance their career
Women in office or leadership roles supporting snow teams
Business owners investing in operational understanding and skill development
Experience levels: beginner to expert
What You’ll Learn
Equipment operation fundamentals across plows, loaders, skid steers, sidewalk equipment, and deicing technology
How equipment setup, technique, and conditions affect performance
Clearer understanding of snow operations from start to finish
What included
All Storm Academy training and hands-on instruction
Lodging at a private lakefront retreat home
All meals prepared by an in-house chef, plus on-site hospitality throughout the experience
Dedicated time to learning as well as ample time for connection building
Where You’ll Stay
Influential Encounters will host the non-training portion of the Storm Academy experience at a private lakefront off the shores of Madison Lake, Minnesota, set on two wooded acres overlooking a quiet recreational lake. The setting was chosen to support connection, focus, and replenishment throughout our time together.
The home is thoughtfully designed for group retreats with large open gathering spaces allow for group sessions and shared meals, while smaller areas throughout the home offer space for conversation, reflection, or downtime. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to stream into the main living areas.
Outdoor spaces include multiple decks, a fire pit, and direct lake access, creating natural moments for connection between sessions. The overall environment is calm, private, and spacious, allowing attendees to fully engage in Storm Academy while also enjoying time to rest and reset.
Accommodations will be strictly limited to female guests and a company verification of background check will be required to stay with the group.
Thank You to our Training Host and partner!
Storm Equipment was one of the first companies to believe in Influential Encounters when our mission to support women in male-majority industries was still taking shape. Their early support helped turn a vision into a growing community, especially for women working in the snow and ice industry.
Storm Equipment is a national distributor and support provider for snow and ice management equipment, supplying plows and related solutions while backing contractors with parts access, warranty support, and real operational expertise. That commitment to education and skill development led them to open the Storm Academy training pad in Mankato, Minnesota to our community, making possible the first women-only, multi-day hands-on snow training experience of its kind. That event set a new benchmark for learning, connection, and what is possible when women are given time and space to grow together.
In 2026, Storm Equipment returns as both our Storm Academy training host and Amplification Partner. As Amplification Partner, their support strengthens the in-room experience through essentials like audio and visual support at select events and extends our impact through professional videography that carries the learning, stories, and mission far beyond those in attendance. Their continued belief in this work continues to shape where we are going next.