The Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition (OIWC) said it is accepting nominations for the 2010 SnowSports Industry Pioneering Woman and First Ascent awards, now through December 8, 2009.

The OIWC awards are designed to encourage and support female industry participation in the industry by recognizing established mentors and promising newcomers. The awards also present an open opportunity to acknowledge exceptional industry women across all professional levels.

The Pioneering Woman award honors a woman within the SnowSports Industry who has furthered the vision of the OIWC by demonstrating an outstanding commitment to mentoring female colleagues.

The First Ascent award recognizes a woman new to the industry who has demonstrated strong potential for leadership. It also furthers the vision of OIWC by increasing visibility of talented young women exhibiting the skills for long-term success.

Nominations for both awards are currently being accepted online now through December 8, 2009: http://www.oiwc.org/?AwardNomination. Previous nominees are eligible for re-nomination.

This year's SnowSports Industry Pioneering Woman and First Ascent awards will be announced and a trophy will be bestowed January 30 at the OIWC Gathering during SIA, details will be announced soon. Recipients must be present at the event to be eligible for the awards.