Queer Intro To Backcountry Program with Kindling Collective
Description
Join us on Saturday, February 8th, for our Queer Intro to Backcountry program in partnership with Kindling Collective. 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 programming is designed for and by queer people. The intention behind these trips are to create opportunities for queer people to learn new skills in an affirming environment.
This fully guided program is led by professional instructors and operates under a permit from the White Mountain National Forest. It is ideal for participants who have some experience with touring but are new to backcountry travel. Please note that this 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.
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.
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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.
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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, for this specific day, we are offering a scaled pricing model in line with Kindling Collective.
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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.
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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.
2936 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860.
Opens at 9:00 AM.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Meet Your Guide
Mack Connor
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She, Her, Hers
Guiding and Instructing since 2019, Mack Connor is originally from Cape Cod, MA, and did not have access to mountains growing up. Her passion for outdoor education began in the early stages of her undergraduate career at the University of Maine where she studied Environmental Science and Outdoor Leadership while also instructing rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering trips with the outdoor education program on campus, Maine Bound Adventure Center. It was there that she gained an understanding of the benefits and implications of experiential education and her passion for wanting to share these activities with others developed. After graduating with her B.S. Mack made the easy decision of pursuing a Master's in Teaching and staying in the realm of outdoor education as an Instructor for Acadia Mountain Guides, while also breaking into the ski guiding world. As a female voice, it is her goal to provide outdoor and nature-based educational opportunities to the underserved while fostering an inclusive, safe, and fun environment where growth, mental health, and lifelong learning are a priority. In between guiding and outdoor pursuits, Mack can be found teaching science in Bethel, ME., baking, working in her garden, and crafting earrings out of beans!
Guiding Credentials:
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Training
Paradox Sports, Adaptive Climbing Initiative Course
Registered Maine Guide
Medical and Rescue Credentials:
WMA, Wilderness First Responder
American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
ACA, Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Skills Course Completion
NAMI, Youth Mental Health First Aider
Educational Credentials:
M.A.T in Science Teaching
B.S. in Environmental Sciences, Minor in Outdoor Leadership
