Inclusive Ski Touring

We provide financially accessible group programs in order to develop an inclusive uphill community and offer opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to try ski touring and/or split boarding.

We are 501 (C)3 Non-Profit

Empowering Diversity and Accessibility on the Slopes: IST's Mission and Impact

Inclusive Ski Touring (IST), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to building an inclusive uphill community through organized group programs. We create a welcoming and empowering environment for those interested in ski touring, split-boarding, and backcountry skiing/snowboarding, as well as for individuals looking to connect with others in the outdoor community. Recognizing the exclusivity often associated with these activities, we lower barriers by providing financially accessible programs at resorts and in the backcountry. Our ultimate goal is to offer opportunities for participation at little to no cost, ensuring all participants feel comfortable, supported, and enjoy their time outdoors. Acknowledging the substantial lack of diversity in the outdoor industry, we are committed to embracing all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities. While we can't change the industry overnight, we are dedicated to playing our part in facilitating equal opportunities for all.

IST is unique as the only organization—private or nonprofit—offering group instructional opportunities in uphill skiing and split-boarding, regardless of ability or financial means. Since our founding season, we have provided over 2,000 individuals the opportunity to join our programs.

In 2024 alone, we welcomed 745 participants, 70% of whom were new to touring. To keep these programs financially accessible, we subsidized them by $40,000. This was made possible through the support of 62 volunteers contributing 1,900 hours, three employees, five highly engaged board members, and the generosity of our sponsors.

For the 2025 winter season, we are excited to continue our partnership with the Blizzard Tecnica Women2Women Program to offer a dynamic lineup of programs designed to connect, empower, and inspire women in the outdoors.
This season, our Women’s Program will feature a variety of opportunities, including:
- Women’s Program Tours at Mt. Abram, Whaleback, and Cranmore.
- Women’s Intro to Backcountry Programs on Mt. Washington.
- Our Women’s Uphill Bash, a celebratory event combining fitness, fun, and community
These programs are intentionally crafted to foster connection, build skills, and create empowering experiences for women and non-binary individuals in the outdoor community.
For the 2025 season, we are excited to expand our Open-to-All Program to three locations: Mt. Abram, Whaleback, and Cranmore. This program will run almost every Sunday from January to March at each location, offering more opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to experience ski touring or split-boarding.
Our Open-to-All Program is designed to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment for both newcomers and experienced participants. Whether you are trying ski touring for the first time or looking to connect with others in the touring community, these programs provide the perfect space to learn, grow, and meet new people.
Learn about the East Coast backcountry with professional guides in the White Mountain National Forest. Our Intro to Backcountry Program equips participants with essential skills, covering equipment use, foundational techniques, and key considerations for traveling beyond resort boundaries. Designed for those with resort-based touring experience but new to backcountry, this program fosters a welcoming and empowering environment to learn, grow, and connect with others.
Led by professional instructors, the course operates under a White Mountain National Forest permit. It focuses on essential skills without entering avalanche terrain, so no beacon, shovel, or probe is required. Whether you're expanding your knowledge or meeting like-minded adventurers, this program will help you build confidence beyond the resort.
We are proud to offer programs designed to create opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in outdoor spaces. Many of these programs are run in partnership with outside organizations to best serve the communities we aim to support.
Stay tuned—by December 2024, we’ll announce exciting plans for our 2025 underrepresented athlete programs. We look forward to expanding this important work and fostering even more opportunities for inclusion.