Women’s

Season Long

Mentorship Programs

For the slaydies of the PNW

“The value and benefits of having a consistent group are infinite! Knowing your group's communication styles, risk-tolerance, ambitions, goals, backcountry skills, and about who everyone is as an individual is invaluable in building mutual trust and respect. This has been my first opportunity to travel consistently in the backcountry with an all-female group, and it has been nothing short of amazing and so empowering. It has been such a privilege to get to know all of you this season and to have you as trusted backcountry partners and friends. Your support and encouragement have meant so much to me. I'm not sure if I would have skied most of the things we have this season if it hadn't been with all of you.”

- Hilary Groh, Avalanche Mentorship Program 2023

Two field sessions per month allows for a deepening of community, an opportunity to encounter a wide variety of avalanche problems, and an opportunity to grow with other experienced skiers who are dedicated to becoming more mindful backcountry travelers.

Throughout this program you will learn to:

  • Track the entire seasons conditions

  • Build confidence in your voice & observations

  • Develop your backcountry leadership abilities

  • Apply your avalanche understanding to changing conditions and actual terrain

  • Make real decisions concerning avalanche terrain

  • Grow your awareness of Human Factors

  • Tour some amazing terrain and have some fun!

Prerequisites for all courses: Avalanche Level 1, one season backcountry experience (> 10 days with your gear, touring), intermediate to expert riding ability off-piste, desire to lead or contribute meaningfully to a group.

*At this time, the Intermediate course is only for skiers, due to the nature of travel and group dynamics. New to Backcountry and Advanced courses are open to all rider types. See specific prerequisites for splitboarders in course descriptions.

  • 6 field sessions, January - March

  • Advanced Programs with Julz: $2000 - $2400 sliding scale

  • Intermediate Programs with Erin: $1600 - $2000 sliding scale

  • Includes:

    • Field days at 4:1 ratio, with your mentor’s full presence and care for your learning and empowerment.

    • Google classroom mapping & tour planning resources, in-depth debrief questions, films, research papers, discussion forum

    • Continued support in-between sessions throughout the season

    • Zoom tour planning sessions

    • Discounts on private guided days during the 2024/2025 season

    • Access to Grounding Truth Community Rescue Clinics

    • *Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays w/ Julz include an AIARE 2 Certificate

Session Dates Winter 2025: listed below.

Wednesdays

Advanced/Expert

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at a high level of recreational skill (3+ years backcountry experience) or who are pursuing the PRO track for avalanche education (Ideal for up and coming guides who want additional support and mentorship from a woman in the industry).

*INCLUDES AN AIARE LEVEL 2 certification.

  • 4 spots (FULL for 2025)

  • 6 days total

  • Dates: 1/8, 1/22. 2/5, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19. Wednesdays, every 2 weeks, January through March.

  • Guide: Julz Holder

*Splitboarders must feel comfortable split skiing in terrain less than 30 degrees.

Thursdays

Expert

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at a high level of recreational skill and want feedback on best-practices, in-depth discussion about avalanche hazard and assessment, determining implications of observations for tour planning, developing more accurate vocabulary for describing snow, gaining insight into a maritime snowpack and the nuances of stability, and to build community with other women who love skiing in the backcountry!

*INCLUDES AN AIARE LEVEL 2 certification.

  • 4 spots (FULL for 2025)

  • 6 days total

  • Dates: 1/9, 1/23. 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/20. Thursdays, every 2 weeks, January through March.

  • Guide: Julz Holder

*Splitboarders must feel comfortable split skiing in terrain less than 30 degrees.

Intermediate

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at an intermediate level of recreational skill and want to take their backcountry skiing to the next level. We will focus on snowpack assessment, decision making strategies in avalanche terrain, efficiency hacks for transitions, tour planning, and skiing in different snow conditions. Not to mention, this course is a great way to build community with other women at your level who love skiing in the backcountry!

  • 4 spots (*3 remaining)

  • 6 days total

  • Dates: 1/9, 1/23. 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/20. Thursdays, every 2 weeks, January through March.

  • Guide: Erin Villareal

*Skiers only. No hard feelings, please!

FridayS

Advanced

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at an intermediate to advanced level of recreational riding ability and want to take their backcountry skiing to the next level. We will focus on snowpack assessment, decision making strategies in avalanche terrain, efficiency hacks for transitions, tour planning, and skiing in different snow conditions. Not to mention, this course is a great way to build community with other women at your level who love skiing in the backcountry!

*INCLUDES AN AIARE LEVEL 2 certification.

  • 4 spots (FULL for 2025)

  • 6 days

  • Dates: 1/10, 1/24. 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21. Fridays, every 2 weeks, January through March.

  • Guide: Julz Holder

Intermediate/Advanced

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at an intermediate level of recreational skill and want to take their backcountry skiing to the next level. We will focus on snowpack assessment, decision making strategies in avalanche terrain, efficiency hacks for transitions, tour planning, and skiing in different snow conditions. Not to mention, this course is a great way to build community with other women at your level who love skiing in the backcountry!

  • 4 spots (*1 remaining)

  • 6 days total

  • Dates: 1/10, 1/24. 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21. Thursdays, every 2 weeks, January through March.

  • Guide: Erin Villareal

 FAQs

  • Riding skill level, general comfort in snow and backcountry environments, and your desire to progress into the more nuanced levels of snow study and decision making.

    The goal with each group is to be able to take each member of the group to the next level in their understanding and practice, and so we need to match skill level in order to make it so one person does not feel they are "holding up the group."

    I, Julz, spend an enormous amount of time and take great care to make sure these groups are as well matched as I can before the season begins and your application will help me inform you of which group will best serve your learning desires and meet you where you are.

  • Yes, you just need it before the season begins!

    Also, you can sign up for a few of these course without a level one and we will focus on the basics and get you started!

    • Advanced In-Bounds, New to Backcountry Weekend Mentorship in March.

    • AIARE 1 December 6-8 before the season kicks off.

    I recognize that riding ability and avalanche knowledge levels do not always align, and that is why there are so many options for mentorship that can meet you in your specific needs.

  • Do you want to grow as a backcountry skier?

    Are you new to the backcountry? Are you just starting to feel more competent? Are you a seasoned recreational skier looking to take the next step in becoming a leader in your backcountry groups, or gain the proficiency of someone interested in a career in the snow industry.

    If any of these things get close to where you are, these courses are for you.

    Please email me directly to find a time to chat on the phone if you'd like more detailed answers to your questions.

Don’t Have time to devote

a whole season to mentorship?

Check out our weekend mentorship offerings, and weeklong hut trip experiences instead!