Our Story.

In 2021, our founder, Zach McCarthy, began organizing and sharing open-invite uphill group tours on his personal social media. He recognized a need to connect people within the touring community, offer mentorship to those interested in trying ski touring or split-boarding, and provide gear access to individuals who didn’t have their own. As the group tours grew, eventually including over 200 participants throughout the season, it became clear that a more formal structure was needed. This led to the creation of Inclusive Ski Touring.

Since the goal was never financially driven, Zach chose the non-profit route to focus on accessibility. In the months following the season, he conducted thorough research, prepared the necessary documentation, recruited a supportive board of directors, and filed for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Inclusive Ski Touring was officially approved as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on June 14, 2021, with the mission of developing an inclusive uphill community through organized group programs. Since then, we have continued to expand our programs and impact, staying true to our mission.

Impact.

2023 Season Impact: In 2023, we provided 644 individuals with the opportunity to experience ski touring or split-boarding through our programs. Of these participants, 74% were either first-timers or had only been touring once before. The gender breakdown was 69% female, 28% male, and 1% nonbinary. Additionally, 82% of our participants were white, while 18% were people of color.

2024 Season Impact: In 2024, our programs grew even further, with 745 individuals participating. Among them, 70% were either new to touring or had only tried it once before. The gender distribution shifted to 76% female, 18% male, and 4% nonbinary. The racial demographics remained consistent, with 82% of participants being white and 18% people of color.

This growth highlights the increasing interest in our programs and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Values.

At Inclusive Ski Touring (IST), our values center on creating an inclusive and welcoming community that opens the world of uphill skiing and split-boarding to everyone. We are dedicated to breaking down the barriers—whether they be related to ability, financial means, or societal stereotypes—that often prevent people from experiencing the joy of these activities. What makes us unique is our vibrant learning environment, where participants can develop their skills while forming genuine friendships with like-minded individuals.

We strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable, provided for, and enjoys their time outdoors. Recognizing the significant lack of diversity in the outdoor industry, we are committed to embracing all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities. Inclusivity for us means not only accommodating different ability levels but also actively creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Our ultimate goal is to facilitate equal opportunities for all to experience the adventure and camaraderie that ski touring and split-boarding offer. We believe that by nurturing an environment of openness and support, we can help transform the outdoor community into one that truly reflects the diversity and richness of all who wish to be part of it.