Opportunities for Women in the Backcountry

Trying to find ways to get into the backcountry as a woman can be difficult at times when you don't have the guidance and the resources. With all-women's backcountry courses and scholarships, women are finally starting to have a platform to progress their skills in the mountains. Here are a couple women focused organizations and scholarships to help relieve financial constraints and guide you in the right direction. SHE JUMPS SheJumps is one of the leading non profits for women and girls in the backcountry. Their continuous efforts to support women outside goes beyond what most other organizations have accomplished. They are an inclusive organization welcoming transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people that identify with the women's community. Katherine Keel, CCBC Ambassador, is a huge advocate for She Jumps. "I've volunteered and been on the fringes for a few events and initiatives, and would love to be more involved with the organization because of its' amazing work in the community. This organization as a whole does a great job of including womxn and non-binary people in all forms of outdoor activities, and encourages participation from people who are 'never-evers', all the way to sponsored athletes! The events I've been to are inclusive, positive and fun, which makes these traditionally male-dominated activities more approachable to womxn" said Keel. This winter they are offering a number of events including:Wax & Wine Night- A night with the ladies learning how to tune your own skis and boardBackcountry 101's- Informative virtual presentations from female/ non-binary professional guides themselvesAlpine Development School- Welcoming beginner to advanced skiers to help you build skill set in the Cascade MountainsAIARE Level 1's and AIARE Level 2's- SheJumps works with a number of guiding companies to promote all women's and female-guided coursesSCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED THROUGH SHEJUMPS:SheJumps Avalanche Snowpack ScholarshipSheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship AIARE Women's Mentorship Program Studies show that women make up a very small number of avalanche educators across the country. This mentorship program launched in 2021 is made to help women in the industry grow and develop a career as an avalanche educator through AIARE. AIARE is here to help you through barrier's faced in the industry not just as a woman but for BIPOC women, mothers, transgender, and other marginalized identities. The mentorship includes:Cohort-based mentorship opportunities for select applicantsScholarships for women on PRO 1, Instructor Training, & Course Leader Training CoursesThree panel conversations featuring women in avalanche education and facilitated networking COALITION SNOW INDIGENOUS BACKCOUNTRY SCHOLARSHIP The Coalition Snow Indigenous Backcountry Scholarship was made to help the indigenous community as well as women, non-binary, gender expansive skier's or splitboarders. Five individuals will be selected to receive:$1000 for the purchase of gear or avalanche educationA pair of Coalition skis or a snowboardA Deuter guide or ski packA discount code for Ortovox rescue gearThe opportunity to be featured in the new On The Land magazine VOILE BACKCOUNTRY SCHOLARSHIPS 1. Voile Backcountry Scholarship -In 2020, Voile launched a backcountry scholarship specifically for BIPOC to amplify representation in the mountains. This scholarship goes towards a full set up in the backcountry including; skis/splitboard, poles, skins and $500 to aid toward taking the next step towards your avalanche education. Scarpa will also be donating a pair of backcountry boots to the mix!2. Brooke Jackson Backcountry Scholarship- As a V-Team ambassador, Brooke Jackson has sought to help a fellow lady overcome financial hurdles that may be preventing them from advancing in their backcountry journey.*Scholarship closed for 2021* Jackson Hole Babe Force The Jackson Hole Babe Force is an all-female, nonprofit whose mission is to empower all women to seek adventure in the mountain. They are offering 3 different scholarships this winter:1. Go Your Own Way Scholarship- This is an ongoing scholarship with no deadline. If you have a trip you have been dreaming of, a big project, or want to exceed your avalanche education, this is the scholarship to apply for. 2. Rad Moms Scholarship- A scholarship to get moms out there for a fun day of skiing on the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 3. AVY 1 Scholarship- All female scholarship hosted by Jackson Hole Mountain Guides or American Avalanche Institute. A great way to gain knowledge and expertise in the backcountry. More Scholarships and Women focused Groups & Organizations: Women's Weekend in the JuansVNTR BIRDS Backcountry ScholarshipSan Juan Expeditions Women's AIARE 1 w/ Durango SlaydiesSan Juan Expeditions Women's AIARE 2 Hut Course + Equanimityw/ Weston rider Dani Reyes-AcostaIris (Formerly known as Chicks Climbing & Skiing) in the San Juan MountainsOutdoor Women's AllianceWomen Who Splitboard Colorado- Facebook GroupWomen Who Snowboard- Facebook GroupKeeping Women Wild in Durango,ColoradoDurango Slaydies in Durango,Colorado Coalition Snow