BIPOC Intro To Backcountry Program

Description

Join us on Sunday, March 8th, for our BIPOC Intro to Backcountry program! This program offers participants a thorough introduction to backcountry touring on the East Coast. Designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills, the program covers topics such as proper equipment use, foundational techniques, interpersonal dynamics, and key considerations for traveling beyond resort boundaries.

This fully guided program is led by professional instructors and operates under a permit from the White Mountain National Forest. Whether you are looking to expand your touring knowledge or want to connect with like-minded adventurers, this program strives to offer a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment to help you build confidence in the backcountry. Learn more about what it’s like to join our Intro to Backcountry Programs by watching the video below.

  • Who It’s For: This program is ideal for BIPOC participants who have some experience with touring but are new to backcountry travel. The course focuses on essential backcountry skills and does not include avalanche education or enter avalanche-prone areas. Therefore, participants do not need to bring a beacon, shovel, or probe to take part.

    What to Expect: As with all of our programs, we emphasize creating an inclusive, welcoming, and empowering environment where everyone feels comfortable learning, growing, and building connections with others in the outdoor community.

    Check-In: Between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM at the fire pit (no active fire) just out front of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. You can easily identify your guide by the bright orange IST armband they will be wearing. Our goal is to be on snow by 10:30 AM, so please ensure you arrive on time.

    The Tour: 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 more details on the schedule, please refer to the "Day-Of Timeline" section.

    If you are in need of rental equipment, please see the instructions and guidelines provided below.

    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 have reduced the cost of this specific program to $100 per person.

    However, we recognize that even this reduced cost can pose a financial barrier for some participants. To address this, we are proud to offer ten 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.

  • 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.

  • If needed remember to reserve your rental equipment in advanced. We recommend White Mountain Ski Co. and Mountain Sports Lab.

    • Mountain Sports Lab offers IST Intro to Backcountry Participants rental gear for $50 (can be applied toward a purchase and is generously $25 off their standard pricing). To reserve, email sara@mtnsportslabnh.com with subject line: Intro to BC IST Gear Reservation.

    • White Mountain Ski Co. offers rental gear to IST participants for $50 (generously $20 off their standard pricing). To reserve, fill out this form and note at the bottom that you’re participating in an IST program. They may also ask to see your program confirmation email to confirm eligibility.

    If you need equipment outside of boots, skis, or a split-board email info@inclusiveskitouring.org letting us know what you need and we will work to provide this for you.

  • 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.

  • At Inclusive Ski Touring, no participant will ever be dropped or rushed. Our guides and volunteers ensure everyone moves at a comfortable pace and feels supported throughout the experience.

    We believe that ski touring and splitboarding is for everyone, and our No-Drop Policy reflects our dedication to fostering a community where all participants feel valued, supported, and empowered to enjoy the outdoors.

  • 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:

    • More than 7 days before your scheduled program: You are eligible for a full refund or the option to reschedule to a different available date.

    • 7 to 3 days (72 hours) before your scheduled program: You may choose to reschedule to another available date or receive a 50% refund.

    • Within 72 hours of your scheduled program: We are unable to offer refunds or rescheduling. At this point, it is too late to fill the spot, and our guides have already planned for the group size accordingly.

  • 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.

  • Click here for IST Safety Policy

    Click here for IST Gear List

    Click here for Layering Information

 

Intro to Backcountry Program Video

Get a feel for what it’s like to join an IST Intro to Backcountry Program.

Meet Your Guides

  • Jordan Revis

    Guest BIPOC Guide

    Jordan grew up in Southington, Connecticut, snowboarding at the local hill, Mount Southington, starting in 2002. In 2021, he began exploring backcountry travel as the rising cost of ski passes pushed him beyond resort skiing.

    Beyond being an avid outdoor enthusiast, Jordan is deeply committed to making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive. Each year, he and a group of friends host BIPOC-centered climbing courses and are now expanding that work into the world of backcountry travel.

  • Colin Aina

    Guest BIPOC Guide

    Colin Aina is a Rhode Island native who got introduced to the outdoors through snowboarding at age 13 after attending a ski and snowboard expo. 

    As an avid skateboarder, he found the perfect thing to extend his love of boarding into the winter. 

    As the years progressed, he started to get tired of the crowded resorts and ever- increasing lift ticket prices. Colin quit snowboarding altogether in his early 20's. Colin was reintroduced to winter activities after retiring from a highly competitive track and field career.

    It started with winter backpacking, progressed to mountaineering and then into ice climbing. These pursuits took him to the Andes, the top of Mt Rainier, Iceland and Nepal. Colin then became compelled to help get people outside doing activities. He started taking as many educational opportunities, clinics and safety courses as he could, then became involved with the Appalachian Mountain Club leading climbing clinics. 

    He always swore that if he returned to sliding on snow, it would only be through backcountry snowboarding. By chance, 2 years ago he had the opportunity to do his first split boarding tour with legendary big mountain snowboarder and founder of the Protect Our Winters organization, Jeremy Jones. He's been hooked ever since, and has realized that the Northeast contains some the best backcountry terrain. 

    In recent years, Colin has focused his attention on getting more BIPOC and marginalized groups into the outdoors, organizing many BIPOC climbing and community events such as the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest, Vermont Climbing Festival, and events with the Outside Social Club. 

    Colin is also an avid mountain biker and is the vice president of a nonprofit (1PVD Cycling) that gets youth from the Providence area involved in competitive cycling. When not climbing, split boarding, riding bikes or DJing around the northeast, Colin works as a strength and conditioning specialist and sports performance coach, helping people of all ages and ability levels reach their physical potential. He also works part-time building adventure vans.

    He’s excited to help get others out on the snow!

  • Stuart Hickey

    IST Intro to Backcountry Program Guide
    He, Him, His

    Coming to us from the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Stu began guiding in 2011 as a whitewater guide on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, where he first discovered his passion for making the outdoors more accessible. That passion eventually led him to New England, where he could stay rooted in the Appalachian Mountains, explore all of his outdoor pursuits, and ski daily through the winter months.

    Over the years, Stu’s guiding style has become increasingly education-focused. He has taught fly casting and archery for L.L.Bean, trained whitewater paddlers in Swiftwater Rescue, and guided for the Backcountry Skiing Program at Carrabassett Valley Academy, pursuing outdoor education from many angles. A longtime volunteer with Inclusive Ski Touring’s On-Resort Programs, Stu is incredibly excited to step into a backcountry role where his commitment to accessibility in the outdoors aligns so closely with our mission. Whether it is backcountry skiing, paddling whitewater, rock climbing, or anything in between, Stu is always eager to share his knowledge with anyone who asks.

    Certifications & Credentials:

    Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid

    American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Certified

    AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Training

    Maine Whitewater Guide

    ACA, Level 5 Swiftwater Rescue Course Completion