Intro To Backcountry Program

Description

Our Intro to Backcountry Program offers participants a thorough introduction to backcountry touring on the East Coast. Designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills, the program covers topics such as proper equipment use, foundational techniques, interpersonal dynamics, and key considerations for traveling beyond resort boundaries. As with all of our programs, we emphasize creating an inclusive, welcoming, and empowering environment where everyone feels comfortable learning, growing, and building connections with others in the outdoor community.

This fully guided program is led by professional instructors and operates under a permit from the White Mountain National Forest. It is ideal for participants who have some experience with touring but are new to backcountry travel. Please note that this course focuses on essential backcountry skills and does not include avalanche education or enter avalanche-prone areas. Therefore, participants do not need to bring a beacon, shovel, or probe to take part.

Whether you are looking to expand your touring knowledge or want to connect with like-minded adventurers, this program offers a supportive and engaging environment to help you build confidence in the backcountry. Learn more about what it’s like to join the program by watching the video below.

  • Check-in takes place between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM at the far right side of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. Our goal is to be on snow by 10:30 AM, so please ensure you arrive on time. 

    If you are using rental equipment, please see the instructions and guidelines provided below.

    For more details on the schedule, please refer to the "Day of Timeline" section.

    This program follows the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) with a vertical gain of approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters), leading to the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter, also known as HoJo’s.

    From there, participants will descend via the John Sherburne Ski Trail back to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking area.

    The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is located at 361 NH-16, Jackson, NH, United States, New Hampshire.

    For any questions, contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.org.

  • The typical cost of a comparable Intro to Backcountry Program in the United States ranges from $200 to $350. In alignment with our mission, we offer this program at $150. 

    However, we recognize that even this reduced cost can pose a financial barrier for some participants. To address this, we are proud to offer eight scholarship opportunities for this program. You can apply for a scholarship here. The selection process will be conducted anonymously by our Board of Directors. If selected, Inclusive Ski Touring will cover 100% of the program cost.

    With the low end of similar programs costing $200, we are subsidizing $50 per participant to make this opportunity accessible, ensuring more individuals can enjoy the benefits and joys of backcountry touring.

  • For your uphill rental needs, we recommend Mountain Sports Lab and White Mountain Ski Co. Both shops are conveniently located near the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and staffed by friendly professionals with expertise in gear and local terrain.

    These locations make it easy to pick up your rentals the morning of the program. If you have any questions about rentals, feel free to contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.com.

  • 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrive at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and check in with your Inclusive Ski Touring guide at the far-right side of the parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. After check-in, use this time to prepare for the tour and ensure you are ready to be on the snow by 10:30 AM. Your guide will be available to assist with gear setup, including skins and bindings, and to answer any questions.

    10:30 AM: The group will meet at the firepit outside the Visitor Center. Once gathered, we will do introductions, including your name, pronouns, what brought you here, where you are from or typically ski, and any prior touring experience. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and start building a sense of community before beginning the tour. Your guide will also review the tour plan, safety guidelines, and objectives for the day.

    Note: Timing from this point onward will vary depending on the pace of each group.

    10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Begin the ski touring and split-boarding ascent on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Throughout the climb, your guide will offer assistance to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. We take consistent brakes along the way to ensure that no one is rushed or left behind. 

    12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter (HoJo’s).  After taking a few minutes to rest, we will transition for the downhill skiing and snowboarding aspect of the day. This includes removing your skins, adjusting your bindings, and preparing your gear for the descent. We will take approximately 30 minutes for this transition and rest.

    Downhill: Once everyone is ready, we will begin skiing and snowboarding down the John Sherburne Ski Trail. Throughout the descent, we will take multiple breaks to promote safe backcountry practices and ensure the group stays together.

    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Arrive back at the parking area. We will conclude the day with a group debrief, reflecting on the tour, answering any final questions, and providing another opportunity to connect with fellow participants.

  • We encourage participants to avoid apologizing during our programs. Instead of saying, “sorry I’m slow,” try saying, “thank you for waiting.” Similarly, replace “sorry I couldn’t figure out my binding” with “thank you for helping me.”

    This no-apology, no-drop policy aligns with our philosophy that everyone deserves to be part of the ski touring and split-boarding community, regardless of skill or pace.

  • We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible while ensuring fairness to both participants and our guides. Due to the high demand for our backcountry programs and the commitment required from our guides, our cancellation policy is as follows:

    • More than 7 days before your scheduled program: You are eligible for a full refund or the option to reschedule to a different available date.

    • 7 to 2 days (48 hours) before your scheduled program: You may choose to reschedule to another available date or receive a 50% refund.

    • Within 48 hours of your scheduled program: We are unable to offer refunds or rescheduling. At this point, it is too late to fill the spot, and our guides have already planned for the group size accordingly.

    Inclement Weather & Travel Considerations

    Please note that inclement weather does not necessarily mandate a cancellation. After all, we are backcountry skiing and snowboarding, and snow days often provide some of the best conditions! Our programs are designed to run in a variety of winter conditions, and cancellations will only occur if safety is significantly compromised.

    If you are concerned about travel, it is your responsibility to plan ahead and make accommodations as needed to ensure safe arrival. We encourage participants to stay closer to the mountain the night before if weather conditions may impact driving.

    A great option is the Northeast Mountaineering Bunkhouse, where IST participants receive a 33% discount using the code ISTBUNK when booking. Rates are $29.70 per night with this discount. You can learn more and book your stay here: Northeast Mountaineering Bunkhouse.

    By registering for the Intro to Backcountry program, you acknowledge and accept this policy. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to introducing you to the backcountry experience!

  • Requirements: Participants must be comfortable and confident descending black diamond terrain while downhill skiing or snowboarding. It is important to know that our guides are not downhill ski or snowboard instructors.

    Expectations: Our tours emphasize creating an open, supportive environment where participants can learn, grow, and connect with others. Negative attitudes or judgment towards others will not be tolerated—this space is intended for fostering a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all.

  • The Northeast is known for its rapidly changing weather and conditions, which may require us to adjust our standard plan to ensure safety. When these changes occur, we tailor the day to include a combination of activities and education designed to maximize the experience. The specific activities covered are at the discretion of the guide, based on the interests and abilities of the group. This may involve developing mountaineering skills, completing multiple shorter laps, exploring packing and med-kit essentials, and more.

    Mountaineering Skill Examples:

    • Ascending in ski boots over challenging terrain

    • Different methods for strapping skis to backpacks

    • Skinning techniques for various conditions

    • Decision-making strategies and group dynamics

    • Recognizing when it’s best to turn back

    • Navigation basics, including reading terrain and maps

    • Trail etiquette and effective group communication

    Packing and Med-Kit Discussion:

    • How to pack efficiently for a full day in the backcountry

    • What guides carry in their medical kits and the purpose of each item

    • Identifying essential personal gear versus optional items

    • Strategies for staying warm, dry, and hydrated throughout the day

    • How to respond to minor injuries and handle emergencies

    These adjustments are designed to enhance your learning experience by equipping you with essential skills for backcountry travel. They also ensure that the group stays safe, engaged, and adaptable—no matter what conditions we encounter.

  • Click here for IST Safety Policy

    Click here for IST Gear List

    Click here for Layering Information

Meet Your Guides

  • She, Her, Hers

    Elizabeth LOVES snow! She grew up in Southern Maine and moved to New Hampshire to attend New England College. During her studies in Outdoor Leadership, Environment Science and Art, she began ski patrolling and continues to do so today. Her interests have led her down many different paths, some of which included, guiding backpacking courses in the Tetons, coaching collegiate alpine ski racing, bartending at a kombuchery, and starting her own gardening business last summer. 

    Elizabeth spends time volunteering with the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, Granite State Critical Incident Stress Management Team and Mount Washington Avalanche Center. She currently works as a professional patroller at Attitash. She is an EMT and completed her avalanche professional level 1 course last winter. When Elizabeth is not skiing, you’ll find her throwing pottery, spending time in northern Maine, and relaxing by the river.

  • She, Her, Hers

    Guiding and Instructing since 2019, Mack Connor is originally from Cape Cod, MA, and did not have access to mountains growing up. Her passion for outdoor education began in the early stages of her undergraduate career at the University of Maine where she studied Environmental Science and Outdoor Leadership while also instructing rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering trips with the outdoor education program on campus, Maine Bound Adventure Center. It was there that she gained an understanding of the benefits and implications of experiential education and her passion for wanting to share these activities with others developed. After graduating with her B.S. Mack made the easy decision of pursuing a Master's in Teaching and staying in the realm of outdoor education as an Instructor for Acadia Mountain Guides, while also breaking into the ski guiding world. As a female voice, it is her goal to provide outdoor and nature-based educational opportunities to the underserved while fostering an inclusive, safe, and fun environment where growth, mental health, and lifelong learning are a priority. In between guiding and outdoor pursuits, Mack can be found teaching science in Bethel, ME., baking, working in her garden, and crafting earrings out of beans!

    Guiding Credentials:

    • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

    • AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Training

    • Paradox Sports, Adaptive Climbing Initiative Course 

    • Registered Maine Guide

    Medical and Rescue Credentials:

    • WMA, Wilderness First Responder

    • American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor 

    • ACA, Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Skills Course Completion

    • NAMI, Youth Mental Health First Aider

    Educational Credentials:

    • M.A.T in Science Teaching

    • B.S. in Environmental Sciences, Minor in Outdoor Leadership

Program Partners

Permitted through the White Mountain National Forest