We ask each volunteer to commit to at least three tours throughout the season. Volunteers will be on-site for about four hours per tour (approximately 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM). By volunteering with IST, you are committing to a minimum of 12 hours throughout the season.

Lead Volunteer: Our Lead Volunteers are individuals with strong leadership skills with a desire to help run our tours. They are comfortable discussing Inclusive Ski Touring and our mission, familiar with the touring routes, and adept at managing on-site logistics. These individuals serve as the day of decision-makers and communicators. They are supported by our Assistant Volunteers. We require that lead volunteers have volunteered in the assistant role before stepping into the lead role.

Assistant Volunteer: Our Assistant Volunteers help the Lead Volunteers run the tours. Responsibilities include helping participants decide on appropriate layering for the day, assisting with check-ins, engaging with and encouraging participants throughout the tour, and serving as the last person up and down the mountain to ensure all participants make it safely.

We are seeking volunteers who are positive, approachable, enthusiastic, and patient to help us cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment.

All volunteers should have touring experience, be comfortable with their gear, and able to assist others.

Lead volunteers must feel comfortable leading groups of 15 or more individuals physically, socially, and emotionally.

All volunteers are responsible for assisting with participant check-in, helping participants with their gear both indoors while getting ready and outside on the hill, educating them on uphill travel, and offering tips and advice as needed.

During each tour, leaders will be responsible for:

• Ensuring all participants are checked in using the IST scheduling system.

• Ensuring all participants have assistance with their gear as needed.

• Checking in with assistant volunteers and providing direction as necessary.

• Leading a welcome circle before the uphill journey, which includes:

  • A brief introduction to IST.

  • Facilitating participant introductions.

  • Explaining recommended layering, binding risers, and body positioning.

  • Discussing resort etiquette and uphill policies.

• Guiding the tour uphill at a no-drop pace.

• Leading the break, transition, and descent from the top of the mountain.

• Ensuring a volunteer is at the back of the downhill group to make sure no one is left behind.

• Concluding the tour at the base, allowing time for questions and participant connections.

If you are interested in applying, please submit a volunteer application. The application should take approximately 10–15 minutes.

IST encourages any individual to apply to volunteer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity, age, or any other characteristic. We strive to have diverse volunteers who help create an inclusive environment and provide representation for everyone in the outdoors.