2025 Women's Ski Mountaineering Scholarship

February 21-23, 2025

Mt Washington, NH

The application period for this course has come to a close.

We’re excited to announce a unique opportunity for women and non-binary/gender non-conforming individuals looking to take their ski mountaineering skills to the next level. It’s common knowledge that mentorship opportunities are lacking for women in the outdoor world, which creates barriers and imposes limitations for those looking to move into intermediate and advanced backcountry spaces. This course seeks to create a mentorship space with field-based learning to help women and gender non-conforming individuals advance in a supportive, fun learning environment.

Course Description:

A supportive, fun, skills-based ski mountaineering course for women and non-binary individuals looking to take their backcountry skills to the next level and continue their avalanche education beyond their Level One Avalanche Course while creating meaningful connections. Low student to teacher ratios offer an intimate, impactful experience. This course seeks to address the lack of mentorship opportunities and women’s-specific programming beyond into-level backcountry courses both in recreational and professional spaces. This course will be provided at no charge to the participants.

  • “Rescue” skills (patient packaging, rescue sled use, etc) 

  • Rope skills (coiling, attaching to a rope, ski belay, rappelling)

  • Using CalTopo/backcountry mapping apps to assist in route planning and field navigation

  • Navigating safely through avalanche terrain

  • How to use ice axe, boot crampons, boot packing efficiency, and kick turns

*Please Note: All outdoor programming is weather and conditions permitting. In the case of extreme weather or avalanche danger, programming will be adapted as required.

Requirements:

  • Prerequisite: Level 1 Avalanche Course

  • Ability to ski and ride safely and in control through a variety of snow conditions, in “expert” terrain, on 35 degree plus, un-grooomed slopes. 

  • At least one full season of ski touring experience. Attendees should feel comfortable hiking uphill all day at a steady pace and have an understanding of how their touring gear works.

  • Identify as a woman or non-binary/gender non conforming individual who feels comfortable in women centered spaces.

  • Be available to attend all three days of the course (Friday evening and two field days-Saturday and Sunday)