This course is for women who are wanting to grow as backcountry travelers, partners and leaders within the mountain space. This is not just a “hard-skill” crash course, this is a season long space for asking questions, diving deeper and gaining experience through mentorship. Throughout this season-long course you will gain confidence and freedom moving in the mountains and gain community with other women.
This is a bi-weekly program led by ski guide Sammy Spence that meets Jan-March (5 days total) with the option to add custom/private days throughout the season. This season long course provides the opportunity to carve out time to grow and learn in the field, and also through extra readings, podcasts, and conversation.
Tracking seasons conditions
Route Planning
Planning appropriate tours based on avalanche hazard + forecast for the day
Skin track building, kick turnin’ + efficient transitions
Stability evaluation (baby steps, intro to snow science, common language of SWAG,
snow instability tests etc.)
Apply avalanche knowledge/foundational skills learned in AIARE 1 courses (+ more) to
ever changing conditions within the WA Pass operating zone over the course of a season
Decision making + Leadership Styles
Human factors/social dynamics and their impacts on risk/perceived risk
Intentional Debriefs
Build confidence + expand comfort zones/skills + empower the spirit!
Intentional AM/PM debriefs
HAVE A BLAST + BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH THE JOY OF SKIING
Women with at least 10+ days of backcountry experience, have their AIARE 1* and are intermediate/advanced riders excited about skiing off-piste terrain in ever changing conditions, a proper relationship with their gear and how it works, and physically fit (able to climb at least 2000ft a day)
EQUIPMENT LIST – BACKCOUNTRY SKIING DAY TRIPS
TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:
A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand. All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather. Select garments that are warm, lightweight, and durable. Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allows flexibility and resists wind, water, and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please discuss this with your guide in advance to determine the conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast. With a good weather forecast, some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water. Please see our “food” equipment list for details.
$1,625 per person
2026 Dates
5 date program: Jan 11, Jan 25, February 8, February 22, March 8
