Women of the Wild: Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding in the White Mountains

Calling all female skiers and splitboarders! If you're eager to boost your confidence and skills in backcountry glades amidst the scenic White Mountains, this course is tailored just for you. Join a group of like-minded adventurers for a day of exploration and growth in the heart of nature. This course is designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for female skiers and splitboarders to grow their backcountry skills, explore the pristine White Mountains, and build lasting connections with fellow adventurers.

Who Should Attend

This course is perfect for female participants who have already ventured into backcountry skiing on trails and perhaps explored higher terrains like Mount Washington. If you're ready to take your skills to the next level while skiing in the enchanting forested terrain, this is your opportunity.

Course Highlights

• Orientation and Gear Check: The day begins with an orientation and a thorough gear check to ensure you're well-prepared for the adventure ahead. If necessary, we'll review the essentials of backcountry skiing and riding.

• Safety First: Prioritizing your safety, we'll start by reviewing the latest updates from the Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and the Mount Washington Observatory forecast. Safety is our top priority.

• Skill Development: Throughout the day, our experienced guides will delve into crucial topics, including:

  • Safe route finding amidst the trees and glades

  • Identifying potential avalanche terrain and other objective hazards

  • Assessing snow stability to ensure confident descents

  • Enhancing your skinning and downhill technique

  • Tips for staying comfortable and cozy in the winter mountain environment

• Varied Locations: The course location will be selected based on weather, snow, avalanche conditions, group skill level, and guide judgment. Possibilities include picturesque backcountry ski trails and glades like the Doublehead Ski Trail, Maple Villa Glade, Crescent Ridge Glade, and Baldface. In specific conditions, we may explore iconic routes like Sherburne Trail and areas of Tuckerman Ravine or the Gulf of Slides Trail on Mt. Washington. Local resorts could also be an option.

Ability Level

Participants looking to take this course should have extensive resort experience (feeling comfortable skiing variable conditions on "black diamonds" in the Northeast) as well as previous backcountry experience. You should be able to make controlled turns on narrow backcountry trails and glades. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains for 6-8 hours with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 3+ miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel).

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain, and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required for participation.

Prerequisites

Comfortable skiing/riding black diamonds in varying conditions at the resort. Some backcountry skiing experience.