Backcountry Leaders Initiative

Considering the lack of BIPOC AIARE instructors & ski/snowboard guides, this is a free mentorship program.

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Climbers of Color’s Backcountry Leaders Initiative provides extended mentorship, education, and coaching for those seeking to further their backcountry skills to become certified AIARE instructors &/or pursue backcountry ski/snowboard guiding. The cohort will be limited to 4 intermediate backcountry* snowboarders and skiers. The program will run from January 2024 - April/ May 2024. Prior goals for this group may include: 

• Improved forecast interpretation and application skills

• Improved confidence traveling in advanced and complex terrain

• Improved confidence traveling to & leading groups in new snowpacks

• Volcano/big mountain touring efficiencies

• Pro-1 application

• AIARE Instructor Trainer Course application

• Introduction to technical skills for ski-mountaineering/ split-mountaineering

 

*Note: 

Climbers of Color recognizes a conglomerate of factors that creates an intermediate ability level. Rigid prerequisites are outlined below; any further questions or concerns may be directed to cal@climbersofcolor.org.

 

Prerequisites:

• AIARE I certified (may be taken this season, see AIARE I page for application) 

• 2 or more seasons of backcountry travel with at least 5 days/ season

• Familiarity with avalanche forecasting websites

• Backcountry travel gear & familiarity with applications

 

Course FAQs:

 

• I have all the prerequisites except for an AIARE I, can I still apply?

  • If you can receive AIARE I certification this season, yes! CoC will offer three AIARE I this winter, including many scholarship opportunities. 

 

• What if I do not want to become an AIARE instructor &/or ski/snowboard guide?

  • I (Cal’ S.) encourage you to re-think this! There are very few BIPOC AIARE educators and backcountry guides. Let’s work to change this together!

 

• What if this is my first season of backcountry travel, but I am a big shredder?

  • Let’s have a conversation! Contact me at cal@climbersofcolor.org & let's figure it out!

• Is this for beginners, where can I find that?

  • This program is prioritized for intermediate-advanced riders. Check out the Touring Leadership Course here!​

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Itinerary

 

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January 13th: Initial meetup! Location TBD, but likely Snoqualmie Pass

 

February 19th: Review materials from the initial meetup. Expand further into snow-test pits & their results. Location TBD

 

March 1 - 3: Overnight trip as introductory to winter camping, on-site riding, and forecasting. Location TBD

 

April 5 - 7; April 12 - 14 (optional backup dates): Cohort trip to the desired venue. Apply skillsets from previous trips to a different/ previously unvisited zone. 

 

May 10 - 13: Volcano expedition. Pahto, Kulshan, Takhoma, etc. Where do we want to spend 4-nights?!