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, courses are open to all rider types. *Splitboarders must feel comfortable split skiing in terrain less than 30 degrees.

  • 7 field sessions total, 3-day immersive in December & 4-day immersive in February/March

  • with the option to add addition Tour Days and courses for a discounted rate.

  • 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 2025/2026 season

    • Access to Grounding Truth Alumni Programs and Events

    • *AIARE 2 Certificate

After 3 years of a bi-monthly meetup model in addition to immersive hut trip style programs, I've discovered that the immersive multi-day programs are the most impactful for helping people build confidence through application and solidify their learning.

That's why this year the program will include an initial 3 days of diving in as a group early season -- where we can give you tools to take forward into the next touring opportunities of your season -- and then we circle back for a deeper dive to help answer your questions and discuss the application pieces you've encountered thus far.

This year, the hope is to have a community place to gather outside of being on the snow in Glacier, to be able to have deeper discussions, share meals, and build community. Lodging may or may not be an option for an additional fee, otherwise acquiring lodging in Glacier is a good move for these dates.

Session Dates Winter 2026: listed below.

Immersive Mentorship ProgramS

Intermediate & Advanced/Expert

Groups will be divided based on skill level and date availability throughout the application process.

For women & women identifying individuals who are operating at a high level of recreational skill (1+ years backcountry experience).

*Programs with Julz INCLUDE AN AIARE LEVEL 2 certification.

  • 4 spots in each date set

  • 7 days total

  • Dates:

    • December 16-18 & February 25-28 (Julz)

    • December 26-28 & March 5-8 (Julz)

    • Date sets may mix and match for Erin’s cohort depending on mentee availability

  • Guide: Julz Holder (AMGA Certified Ski Guide, WEMT) & Erin Villareal (PRO 1 Avalanche Practitioner, WFR)

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

 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!

    • Private Guided days

    • AIARE 1’s are offered in December 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.