Testimonials
“I can't really put into words how amazing this course was! I feel so lucky to have been apart of the Wednesday ladies group, you all were so supportive, kind and curious. One of the things I really valued about the way Julz allowed the course to flow was the sharing of collective knowledge. I learned so much from each of your perspectives, experience and questions. Reflecting back on our tours I am in awe of the new places that we got to ski together, the challenges we undertook, and the support we shared with one another to keep the stoke high and get everyone home safely. Although the focus of the course was on snow and avalanche mentorship, I also improved so much in technical ski skills (more efficient skinning, boot packing, skiing steep terrain, navigating challenging conditions and route finding).”
- Hilary Groh, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23
“The Mentorship Course was the perfect next step in my avalanche education after taking AIARE courses and skiing in my own. The holistic approach helped me put the pieces together of what I had learned previously and gave me tools that I'll use in every single tour moving forward.”
- Malena Harrang, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23
“If you are on the fence about deciding to take this course, my advice is DO IT! I almost talked myself out of it because I wasn't sure I had the time, and I'm really glad I didn't. The course is so well laid out and organized, it doesn't leave you guessing on how you need to prep for your field days. Also, having multiple days on the snow with the same people really helped to reinforce what we were learning. Not to mention, the absolute blast of a time Julz creates along with being surrounded by other like-minded rad ladies. This course is more than avalanche education, it's rooted in self empowerment. And without self confidence and being able to speak up, you are missing two key ingredients in how to make safe back country decisions. Julz provides you with the resources, experience and unwavering encouragement, which made me feel way more confident in using my voice while back country, and I'm so grateful for it!”
- Haley DeMarco, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23
“Julz makes the backcountry feel so accessible with her ability and her energy. She strikes just the right balance between challenge and support. Communication is so important in avalanche terrain with group dynamics and she has organically created a culture of caring and contribution for her classes. Super inspiring!!”
- Jen O’Neal, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23
“A common beginning and end of season comment among people in my group was the attraction to Julz’ course because they felt it was going to be something different than what is by and large offered in the guided world right now. By the end, each person in the group found what they were looking for because what Julz is offering IS DIFFERENT. Most guided instruction gives you the tools for decision making but leadership retains all the actual decision making in the field. Julz contrasts to this by empowering each student through thorough leadership and mentorship to take what she is passing on and actually have the opportunity to apply it all day long in each session. Whether coming from a recreational background or someone early on in their career as a ski patroller and aspiring ski guide such as myself, anyone taking a mentorship program will find themselves better equipped and knowledgeable by the end to make better decisions in their own pursuits or apply it to their professional goals.
- Alec Butler, Mentorship For All Program, Winter 22/23
“I gained a lot of confidence this past season. In the past I have so truly believed that everyone I tour with knows more than me. This year, while I recognize the need for collaboration and all voices to be heard in the backcountry, I found my own voice. I realized I am capable of making observations and decisions, and that not everybody knows more than me all the time. I loved touring with the other ladies in the group on the days off, and found so much comfort and stoke knowing we could trust eachother.”
- Erin Villareal, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23
“This program isn’t just about avalanche safety and awareness, but so much more. One of my favorite components of the program is the community development around it. I didn’t expect going in, that I would create SO many connections with like minded people to go play on the mountains with. Julz puts a lot of intention into creating this community and it feels really special to be a part of it. Additionally, I think having the opportunity to take a course that lasts the entire season with the same group of people is extremely valuable. We got to see how the season evolved, skied on days I probably wouldn’t have skied on otherwise, and built so much trust in each other throughout the season. This is definitely a high value program, with lots of learning and lots of laughs (:”
- Keeley Chiasson, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 22/23-
“Wow, how do you put this into words. There were times when I was almost overwhelmed by the experience (in a positive way) and consciously thought about how I could retain my memory of it. You’ll do all the things that you anticipate: learn skills, climb and ski in amazing places, live in and appreciate a beautiful environment. It’s really what Julz herself offers and the atmosphere she supports that make the experience special. Our group really quickly bonded over our shared challenge and adventure and that made the climbing and skiing even better.”
“Julz puts so much thought and care into the courses/programs/experiences she guides. It’s much more than a simple objective attempt. I always leave a course or experience guided by Julz being a little better. I have better skills in a certain area. I have better awareness of my place in and contribution to a community. I have had a shared experience more valuable than summiting a certain peak or skiing a certain line. It’s always a truly holistic experience that I cling to until the next time. I’m really grateful for Julz’s ability to provide that opportunity.”
- Ted DeBonis, Ski Mountaineering Course 2023
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“I took my AIARE I course with Julz and she was an incredible instructor. She fostered such a kind, open space making everyone feel comfortable to ask questions. She was truly an inspiration for me - her love and respect for the mountains and outdoor spaces was infectious, and she made my first backcountry skiing experience one I won't forget!”
- Alexandra Nicolopoulos, AIARE 1 Course
“Julz is an absolutely incredible wealth of knowledge. Her expertise is combined with an openness and lack of ego that can be hard to find in the outdoor industry. All of this plus a literal mountain of stoke is a powerful force! She saw a need for a different kind of business/nature relationship and I am so excited to watch it grow and evolve.”
- Katie Davis, Women’s Mentorship Program Winter 21/22
“Julz has such a wealth of knowledge with a background as a mountain guide, ski patroller, wilderness medicine instructor, and avalanche instructor and professional. She brings forth all those hard skills and knowledge, but blends it with her deep appreciation of nature and the mountains, human connection, humility, vulnerability, and engaging with wild spaces as means of personal insight and growth. She did a beautiful job of stepping in as an expert and leader, while also creating space for each woman in the group to do so and make it feel like a collaboration. That was a beautiful aspect of this experience, we got to learn from each other, not just the instructor.
I walked away from this mentorship experience feeling more confident as a leader and skier, communicating and discussing terrain/decisions, in terrain observations and risk management, in identifying certain avalanche problems, and in understanding the snowpack on a deeper level. Not to mention all the wonderful nuggets of information, tips, and tricks to take with me in my winter backcountry travel. I would do this mentorship program every year to keep deepening my knowledge and confidence if I could! If you are at all interested in growing as a backcountry skier, or just getting out there more, then you do not want to miss this opportunity!”
- Demi Fair, Women’s Avalanche Mentorship Program Winter 21/22
“Luck allowed me to be part of Julz’s pilot mentorship program, and I am so grateful to have had the experience.
The course bolstered my foundation in snow science, risk mitigation and evaluation; cultivating a deeper connection to the Baker backcountry by providing applied context.
Julz embodies an intention that allows students to come as they are, move and learn freely and openly, to ask and answer questions as a servant-leader, and to have a rad time finding good snow to ride.
At the conclusion of our time together I have increased confidence in backcountry planning and travel, begun to find my own voice as a leader, and have been given tools to connect and grow as a splitboarder. Plus, she tele’s.”
- Marilyn Wright, Women’s Avalanche Mentorship Program Winter 21/22
“Julz's approach to education and mentorship is rooted in a sincere passion for helping people increase their knowledge and confidence in the backcountry and growing a judgement-free backcountry community. The Women's Backcountry Mentorship Program provided a space where I felt part of a collaborative backcountry team and could practice stepping into leadership roles, making decisions, and expand my confidence in new or unfamiliar situations. By doing this mentorship program I gained in-field experience, like-minded touring partners, and continued mentorship from Julz outside of the program. I cannot recommend any and all programs with Julz enough - if you are looking for continued learning and backcountry skills progression outside of structured avalanche education courses but do not want to hire a guide, these mentorship programs are the perfect way to continue your backcountry knowledge that can be practiced and grown all season long.”
- Sierra Bishop, Women’s Avalanche Mentorship Program Winter 21/22
“I’ve been fortunate to ski and climb with great guides in some of the great skiing and climbing destinations. Julz has the level of experience, skills, training, interpersonal ability, and thoughtful balancing of educator and companion that only the best guides offer. Two things make Julz different. She has a really unparalleled passion for outdoor adventure and a genuine joy in what it offers to her clients that frame your time with her. You’ll experience that when you ski or climb with her, and you’ll definitely be back for more.”
- Ted DeBonis, Wilderness First Responder, March 2022
“I’ve struggled with teachers/mentors/authoritative figures and it’s meaningful when I resonate with someone in that role. This course/your leadership taught me a new way to commune with nature through the lens of backcountry travel, and I truly appreciate that.
I took my AIARE 1 with Julz and can't imagine a better experience learning that subject matter. Her approach to teaching is an effective blend of the hard skills needed to safely gather data and make decisions mixed with the holistic experience of navigating wild places. She manages to do all this without ego and with genuine curiosity for the world - would 100% recommend to others and hope to take future courses with her!”
-Ian Campbell, AIARE 1 2022
“Jules was such a knowledgeable instructor whose passion shined through all of her teachings. She met each student in our group where they were at and was able to balance the complexity and seriousness of avalanche rescue and terrain with ensuring everyone had a great time. If you have the chance to take a course with her I would HIGHLY recommend you do so!”
- Marie Tsukayma-Wilson, AIARE 1 2023
“Julz did an awesome job of taking some very technical information and making it interesting, fun and relevant to learn. In the field, she went out of her way to make sure all the students were keeping up and understanding the main points, and shared key points and learnings she had accumulated during her years of outdoor adventures. She obviously loves what she's doing, and her enthusiasm was infectious. I would highly recommend her for any outdoor adventure training or guiding.”
- Bob Brennand, AIARE 1 2023
“Wow! I do not have enough wonderful things to say about Julz! I took my AIARE 1 course with her early January and was blown away with her knowledge and passion of the backcountry. Learning about avalanche hazard management involves digesting a lot of dense information and can seem like a daunting course to take on. Julz had a natural ability to teach in a way that emphasized the importance of being safe but was able to make it an incredibly fun and enjoyable course. She genuinely loves what she does and as a student, I feel incredibly lucky I got the opportunity to kickstart my backcountry exploration with Julz.”
- Anna Nicole Morgan, AIARE 1 2023
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Have you worked with Julz before? Tell others about your experience.