Check-in takes place between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM at the far right side of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. Our goal is to be on snow by 10:30 AM, so please ensure you arrive on time. 

If you are using rental equipment, please see the instructions and guidelines provided below.

For more details on the schedule, please refer to the "Day of Timeline" section.

The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is located at 361 NH-16, Jackson, NH, United States, New Hampshire.

For any questions, contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.org.

The typical cost of a comparable Intro to Backcountry Program in the United States ranges from $200 to $350. In alignment with our mission, we offer this program at $150. 

However, we recognize that even this reduced cost can pose a financial barrier for some participants. To address this, we are proud to offer eight scholarship opportunities for this program. You can apply for a scholarship here. The selection process will be conducted anonymously by our Board of Directors. If selected, Inclusive Ski Touring will cover 100% of the program cost.

With the low end of similar programs costing $200, we are subsidizing $50 per participant to make this opportunity accessible, ensuring more individuals can enjoy the benefits and joys of backcountry touring.

This program follows the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) with a vertical gain of approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters), leading to the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter, also known as HoJo’s.

From there, participants will descend via the John Sherburne Ski Trail back to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking area.

For your uphill rental needs, we recommend Mountain Sports Lab and White Mountain Ski Co. Both shops are conveniently located near the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and staffed by friendly professionals with expertise in gear and local terrain.

• Mountain Sports Lab

  • 2936 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860.

  • Opens at 9:00 AM.

• White Mountain Ski Co.

  • Located at 211 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846.

  • Opens at 9:00 AM.

These locations make it easy to pick up your rentals the morning of the program. If you have any questions about rentals, feel free to contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.com.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrive at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and check in with your Inclusive Ski Touring guide at the far-right side of the parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. After check-in, use this time to prepare for the tour and ensure you are ready to be on the snow by 10:30 AM. Your guide will be available to assist with gear setup, including skins and bindings, and to answer any questions.

10:30 AM: The group will meet at the firepit outside the Visitor Center. Once gathered, we will do introductions, including your name, pronouns, what brought you here, where you are from or typically ski, and any prior touring experience. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and start building a sense of community before beginning the tour. Your guide will also review the tour plan, safety guidelines, and objectives for the day.

Note: Timing from this point onward will vary depending on the pace of each group.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Begin the ski touring and split-boarding ascent on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Throughout the climb, your guide will offer assistance to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. We take consistent brakes along the way to ensure that no one is rushed or left behind. 

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter (HoJo’s).  After taking a few minutes to rest, we will transition for the downhill skiing and snowboarding aspect of the day. This includes removing your skins, adjusting your bindings, and preparing your gear for the descent. We will take approximately 30 minutes for this transition and rest.

Downhill: Once everyone is ready, we will begin skiing and snowboarding down the John Sherburne Ski Trail. Throughout the descent, we will take multiple breaks to promote safe backcountry practices and ensure the group stays together.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Arrive back at the parking area. We will conclude the day with a group debrief, reflecting on the tour, answering any final questions, and providing another opportunity to connect with fellow participants.

We encourage participants to avoid apologizing during our programs. Instead of saying, “sorry I’m slow,” try saying, “thank you for waiting.” Similarly, replace “sorry I couldn’t figure out my binding” with “thank you for helping me.”

This no-apology, no-drop policy aligns with our philosophy that everyone deserves to be part of the ski touring and split-boarding community, regardless of skill or pace.

IST Cancellations: Program cancellations are occasionally necessary due to weather conditions or guide availability. If your program is canceled, please contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.com to request a refund or reschedule your appointment.

Participant Cancellations:

• 5+ Days Before the Program: Full refund

• 1-5 Days Before the Program: 50% refund

• Day of the Program: No refund

Requirements: Participants must be comfortable and confident descending black diamond terrain while downhill skiing or snowboarding. It is important to know that our guides are not downhill ski or snowboard instructors.

Expectations: Our tours emphasize creating an open, supportive environment where participants can learn, grow, and connect with others. Negative attitudes or judgment towards others will not be tolerated—this space is intended for fostering a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all.

The Northeast is known for its rapidly changing weather and conditions, which may require us to adjust our standard plan to ensure safety. When these changes occur, we tailor the day to include a combination of activities and education designed to maximize the experience. The specific activities covered are at the discretion of the guide, based on the interests and abilities of the group. This may involve developing mountaineering skills, completing multiple shorter laps, exploring packing and med-kit essentials, and more.

Mountaineering Skill Examples:

• Ascending in ski boots over challenging terrain

• Different methods for strapping skis to backpacks

• Skinning techniques for various conditions

• Decision-making strategies and group dynamics

• Recognizing when it’s best to turn back

• Navigation basics, including reading terrain and maps

• Trail etiquette and effective group communication

Packing and Med-Kit Discussion:

• How to pack efficiently for a full day in the backcountry

• What guides carry in their medical kits and the purpose of each item

• Identifying essential personal gear versus optional items

• Strategies for staying warm, dry, and hydrated throughout the day

• How to respond to minor injuries and handle emergencies

These adjustments are designed to enhance your learning experience by equipping you with essential skills for backcountry travel. They also ensure that the group stays safe, engaged, and adaptable—no matter what conditions we encounter.

This event takes place on N’dakinna, which is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present.

We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land, waterways, and people who have stewarded it throughout the generations.

We invite our participants to do the same by learning more and taking actionable steps:

• Wabanaki Alliance

• Wabanaki Reach

• Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness

As part of our commitment to equity and repair, Inclusive Ski Touring provides all of our programming at no cost to Indigenous peoples. This policy is an intentional act of reparations, acknowledging the enduring impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities and lands.

We emphasize that this is not a gesture of charity or an act of saviorism but a step toward honoring the original stewards of the lands we recreate on.

If you would like to utilize this policy, please email info@inclusiveskitouring.org, and we will provide you with a code to make your participation free. We are committed to fostering an inclusive outdoor community that respects and uplifts Indigenous voices and experiences.

Click here for IST Safety Policy

Click here for IST Gear List

Click here for Layering Information