Description

Inclusive Ski Touring, in partnership with the Kindling Collective, is excited to host a Queer Touring Day on Sunday, January 26th 2025 at Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine! This unique day is dedicated to fostering a supportive, empowering environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to experience the joy of uphill touring and downhill skiing/snowboarding.

Subsidized costs make this event financially accessible, warmly welcoming beginner uphillers and participants of all abilities for a day of camaraderie and connection.

Program Options

This special program features two options to accommodate both experienced downhillers and those new to skiing:

For participants with existing downhill skiing or snowboarding skills, this tour will take you on an exciting uphill journey led by our experienced volunteers. Join other LGBTQ+ skiers and split-boarders in a welcoming, inclusive group as you explore touring together, build community, and enjoy the beautiful terrain.
Requirements: Participants must be comfortable descending on blue square terrain, as this aspect of the day involves both uphill travel and downhill runs.
Details: For program specifics for those with downhill experience please see the below drop down menu.

For those interested in touring but without prior downhill experience, this option offers a supportive introduction to skiing and snowboarding, led by professional instructors from Mt. Abram’s snowsports school. With foundational skills in place, you’ll gain the confidence to join future uphill tours and further your skiing journey.
The primary goal of this option is to break down the barrier of downhill ability for participants and provide the foundational skills needed to become future uphillers and backcountry enthusiasts.
Note: There is a limited number of 10 spots available for participants with no prior skiing or snowboarding experience. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, please use the designated signup button.
Details: We are still sorting out specifics for the those participating in this option. We will contact the participants who sign up for this option directly once we have a full plan following coordination with the mountain. Participants of this option will be required to provide additional information that is needed for their lesson and rental equipment.
The drop down menu below only applies to those participating in the Tour for Those with Downhill Experience.

Check-in takes place from 8:15 AM to 8:45 AM in the main lodge, with the goal of getting on the snow by 9:00 AM. Please ensure you're ready to start the tour on time. Cubbies are available for storage.
If you’re using rental equipment, please refer to the details below for instructions and guidelines.
For more details on the day's schedule, please refer to the "Day of Timeline" below.
Mt. Abram's address is 308 Howe Hill Rd #3112, Greenwood, ME 04255. For any questions, contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.org.
In alignment with our mission, the cost of our program is $20. However, if this presents a financial barrier, IST will cover your program fee. Simply use the code “inclusive2025” at checkout.
Please note that while the necessary uphill tickets are not included in our program cost, Kindling Collective will be providing every participant with their uphill ticket for this day.
Kindling Collective will be covering the cost of all rentals for this day. Please follow the instructions below to reserve your gear, but know that the cost of this rental will be covered for you.
Uphill rentals are available from the Mt. Abram Rental Shop. Gear must be reserved online in advance, as rentals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rental Pickup: Rental pickup begins at 8:00 AM on the morning of the program. Please arrive on time. All gear must be returned after the tour unless a full-day rental has been arranged.
You can reserve your gear online here.
For sizing questions, refer to our rental size guide or contact the Mt. Abram Rental Shop.
8:00 AM: Rental pickup begins. After collecting your gear, head to the IST check-in area to get ready for the day’s program.
8:15 AM - 8:45 AM: Check-in for your program in the main lodge. After checking in, use this time to prepare for the tour and ensure you're ready to be on the snow by 9:00 AM. Volunteers will be available to assist with gear setup, including skins and bindings, and to answer any questions you may have.
9:00 AM: Head outside for introductions, where participants will share information such as their name, pronouns, what brought them to the program, where they typically ski or ride, and any previous ski touring or split-boarding experience. This is also a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and build a sense of community before starting the tour.
Note: Timing from this point onward will vary depending on the pace of each group.
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM: Begin the ski touring and split-boarding ascent. Volunteers will be available to assist as you set off on your uphill journey, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident throughout the tour. The uphill route we utilize offers a steady yet manageable climb, allowing participants to enjoy the surroundings, engage with other participants, and get into the rhythm of the ascent
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Reach the top, then begin transitioning for downhill skiing or snowboarding. This includes removing your skins, adjusting your bindings, and preparing your gear for the descent. Allow approximately 15 minutes for this transition before heading downhill.
10:50 AM - 11:30 AM: After completing the uphill tour and once everyone has transitioned for the downhill portion, we will ski or snowboard back to the base. At the bottom, there will be time for questions, final discussions, and an opportunity to connect with other participants.
12:00 PM: Program concludes.
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.
Occasionally, cancellations are necessary due to weather or volunteer availability, and all program dates are subject to change. If your program is canceled, please contact us for a refund.
If there are no sign-ups by Thursday of the tour week, the program will be canceled to respect our volunteers’ time.
This program will follow the approved Easy Rider uphill route at Mt. Abram. The route is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and includes a vertical gain of about 1,000 feet (305 meters).
Participants must be confident in descending blue square terrain while skiing or snowboarding. We are not downhill instructors, and you are responsible for your own safety during the downhill portion. Skiing or snowboarding is done at your own risk.
Our tours focus on creating an open, welcoming environment for all. Negative attitudes or judgment towards others will not be tolerated. This space is intended for learning in a supportive, safe atmosphere, and for meeting other like-minded individuals.
To learn more about Mt. Abram’s Uphill Policy for your own recreation, visit their website here.
Click here for IST Safety Policy
Click here for IST Gear List
Click here for Layering Information