What people say afterwards
Twenty-eight reviews on Google, every one of them five stars, printed here in full with the name of the person who wrote it. Underneath, what our own participant survey found, with the share of the 119 people who raised each thing, so you can tell one voice from half the room.
The numbers
Two different things are on this page and it is worth knowing which is which. The reviews below are public, named, and live on Google, where we cannot edit or remove them. The survey underneath is ours, anonymous, and answered by 135 people, which is why it can tell you what share of a room felt something and a review cannot. Read the reviews on Google.
Reviews on Google
All 28 of our Google reviews that carry any writing, printed in full and exactly as written. The other 7 are ratings with no words. Read off our Google profile on 10 August 2026, and the age on each one is the age Google shows.
The people were so patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. It was a frigid day and they bent over backwards to accommodate and check in with each of us on how we were feeling and worked with the resort seamlessly to make the most of it. There was overall group instruction and then plenty of hands to help answer gear specific or personal questions. Amazing group of people, fantastic resort support. This is what sport and community are all about!! I’ve owned my touring gear for 2 years but was too intimated to use it and now feel fully equipped and excited to venture into this!
Can’t say enough good things about Inclusive Ski Touring. IST provides a welcoming environment to what I first thought to be an intimidating aspect of skiing. I found IST after getting all my own gear and attempting a ski tour of my own at a local resort. I did enjoy it but had lots and lots to learn from my experiences. I signed up for my first Mt Abram open to all program in January 2023. I left wishing that the IST program was my first ever ski touring experience. The value of going out and touring together with like minded friendly people was near immeasurable. Especially in an environment where other participants and volunteers were so willing and ready to chit-chat, answer and ask questions. I’ve since participated in 3 additional IST programs and look forward to being present at more. It’s been extremely fun to interact with others, find new places to ski, and make new friends/ future ski partners !
This is my first winter skiing and I wanted to learn about touring and try my hand at it. Inclusive Ski Touring did a phenomenal job of helping to get me out to the mountain in a way that lowered the barrier of entry for an amateur with no gear. My experience was that of a positive and supportive environment as the group leader helped me to learn the gear and the ins and outs of skiing uphill. I really enjoyed that we travelled uphill with the entire group in a no drop manner and swapped stories along the way. No complaints, and will absolutely be back for another tour in the future.
I did the Intro to Backcountry Skiing Program lead by Elizabeth and Christian and it was the best decision! This was my first time skinning/backcountry skiing and theu both were very helpful getting me set up with my skis/bindings throughout the day. It was a very low pressure environment and we went at a nice pace, taking time for breaks and enjoying the views along the way. I am so glad a program like this exists for people like me who want to experience backcountry skiing in a beginner setting. Thanks so much IST for the best day!
If you have ever thought of trying uphill skiing, this is the program to do! The volunteers are super friendly and supportive. They helped me know that uphill is not such an overwhelming sport to try. The low cost of the program and rentals really helped out too! Much better than trying is out on your own.
I participated in the Open to All program and it was INCREDIBLE. I learned so much about touring, felt extremely supported by the group, and there were plenty of breaks to ensure everyone felt challenged, but most importantly supported. I can’t wait to invest in touring ski bindings to allow myself the opportunity to get incredible exercise like this in the future and join the group more!
As someone who wanted to learn about ski touring, I joined an Open to All program with Inclusive Ski Touring at Mt. Abram, Maine. The group was a wonderful mix of brand new tourers and people with extensive backcountry experience. We all skied uphill together, enjoying great conversation and learning from each other. The tour leaders made everyone comfortable, offered tips, and kept the group moving along at a very comfortable pace. No one was left behind and everyone enjoyed the great views. If you are considering learning about ski touring, I strongly recommend Inclusive Ski Touring as a fantastic introduction that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
I took part in IST’s Intro to Backcountry program in late March and it was fantastic! Our guide, Elizabeth, was phenomenal, she was super positive, incredibly knowledgeable, and extremely reassuring. The ascent (up Tuckerman Ravine Trail) was very manageable and the views near the cabin were amazing; the descent (down the Sherb) was a bit of a challenge (due to the spring conditions) but in a good, fun way. I look forward to heading out with IST again next year and I encourage anyone looking to get into the backcountry for the first time to do the same.
An incredible environment and community for back country skiers and split boarders of all levels and backgrounds. I participated in their BIPOC ski touring clinic and was surrounded by supportive people while I downhill skied for the first time in many years and first time ski touring along with many others learning as adults! Zach, Mardi, and all the people at IST are amazing and making a difference to make the outdoors more accessible for all. Thank you!!
IST is so great! Everyone I’ve met has been so nice, knowledgeable, welcoming, and helpful! From the rep at Portland Splitboard expo, to our amazing guide Mack who led the women’s tour, to Zach’s communication in his emails, these folks are on top of it!! Thank you IST for sharing your knowledge and creating these opportunities for people to get involved in this sport! I hope to do more with you soon and I recommend you to everyone!
I had the pleasure of participating in IST’s “Intro to Backcountry Skiing” program today led by Elizabeth, with a special appearance by Zach. The day was nothing short of good vibes, friendly chats, and a truly authentic intro to the backcountry ski scene on Mt. Washington. IST stands true to their mission of creating a welcoming and empowering environment for fellow outdoor enthusiasts interested in ski touring. I’m left looking forward to future events and opportunities to get out and recreat with this great non-profit.
I had an incredible day with Elizabeth Bois. It was very informative and extremely helpful. There were several moments throughout the day when Elizabeth explained safety tips and provided guidance on other trails and options, which I really appreciated. I left the backcountry intro course feeling more confident and looking forward to more experiences.
Women’s program at Cranmore was fantastic. Leaders were enthusiastic, positive, and helpful. Great workout, nice group of participants with a variety of ages. Wish it was closer to where I live because I would do this more often.
Wonderful experience with Inclusive Ski Touring, great volunteer guides taught us how to use the equipment and all the basics we needed. They were all so welcoming and patient with us all. It was an awesome day and I hope to be back again!
This was a wonderful way to learn how to ski tour! The volunteer leaders were wonderful, and it was such a nice group of people. I am so excited to learn something new. IST made it SO EASY and fun.
Highly recommend joining a class! I had the best time, made new friends, learned a new skill, and got to be outside! The leaders were awesome, super knowledgeable and welcoming (shoutout Jake, Simon, and Shoo!) I’ll definitely be back for another class!
This is a terrific, friendly program, and a great way to get outdoors with some wonderful people. I highly recommend Inclusive Ski Touring if you want to explore the world of uphill and backcountry skiing. Kudos to all those who got this program up and running.
As a first time ski tour participant, I found the organization to be welcoming, helpful, informative and kind. I left this event feeling like I could def see a future in ski touring, and having made good connections with the volunteers.
This program is the BEST! It is so welcoming, informative, and fun. The folks here create a space where asking questions is comfortable and not knowing something is good so that we can all learn! I HIGHLY recommend joining inclusive ski touring if you ever wanted to try it.
The Open to All program was great! Met wonderful participants and volunteers. Very welcoming and a great introduction to alpine ski touring.
We had a small group with two wonderful instructors. It was great to get some helpful hints and meet some like-minded people!
I participated in an uphill ski clinic in Maine. The group was small and the instructors were fantastic! I highly recommend!
I attended the Open to All IST at Bromley. Highly recommend as a way to experience uphill for the first time!
Elizabeth made everyone feel relaxed and included! Great way to learn about backcountry skiing!!!
Amazing organization. Friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. Thanks for a great ski tour!
Fantastic guides, great communication! I would absolutely join again.
The hosts were so positive friendly and helpful. I loved every moment.
The volunteers are as respectful, warming and knowlegeable as it can be.
Nothing above has been picked. That is every Google review with words in it. See them on Google, where you can also see the ones that are a rating and nothing else.
What our own survey found
After the 2026 season we asked everybody who came out with us two open questions. 135 people answered the survey and 119 of them wrote something about what they enjoyed. Their answers group into four things, and the percentage on each is the share of those 119 who raised it. Every answer below is printed as written.
Community and connection, raised by 54.6% of the 119 people who answered what they enjoyed, the most common answer of all.
“I just completed my fourth tour with IST and always leave in the best mood. These tours bring outdoor lovers together in a supportive environment.”
Women's Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“The real sense of community. I don't know if it would be the same with a coed group, but the Women's Group vibe was top notch and just what my soul needed.”
Women's Program, 2026 season
“Meeting great people from all over New England! Finally trying ski touring for my first time with my husband who volunteers.”
Open to All, 2026 season
“People who were interested in helping me learn more about the sport! It felt like a very supportive community.”
Women's Uphill Bash, 2026 season
The volunteers and the guides, raised by 39.5%, often naming the person.
“Everything. Mack was especially wonderful, her email prior was very informative. The volunteers were so kind and supportive. It inspires me to think about volunteering once my uphill skills get more solid.”
Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“Our guide, Stu, was incredibly welcoming and inclusive and did a fantastic job of managing the different experience levels in the group. He gave specific, clear instructions to help us get more comfortable.”
Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“The people were so patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. It was a frigid day and they bent over backwards to accommodate and check in with each of us on how we were feeling.”
Open to All, 2026 season
“Kyra and all of the volunteers were fantastic and very patient, positive and helpful. Also loved that the route at Cranmore went into the woods for part of the ascent.”
Women's Program, 2026 season
Feeling welcome, and no-drop, raised by 29.4%, who described it as judgment-free from the parking lot onwards.
“I really enjoyed the leave no person behind policy because I'm usually the slowest person. Great meeting new people and talking gear with the guides.”
Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“Loved that it was an all-women's group. Also loved the clear messaging about no drop. My biggest fear was being super slow but the group's pace was amazing.”
Women's Program, 2026 season
“It was such a peer-feeling guiding environment. I absolutely love that there are affinity group trips, especially as learning new skills can feel so intimidating.”
Queer Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“Please keep this up, it was so great to be out in a welcoming environment, doing something that can be intimidating to newcomers.”
Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
Learning it, and being able to afford to try, learning was raised by 29.4% and the cost of getting started by 6.7%.
“As a novice, it was reassuring to have someone explain the equipment use, set up and safe handling. It made it possible to access the snow without as much fear or worry.”
Open to All, 2026 season
“Even though I've been several times with IST guides, this time I unlocked a new layer of understanding in the way that Stu explained how to properly step and slide.”
Intro to Backcountry, 2026 season
“I've always wanted to try ski touring but the principal cost of gear has always been my barrier to entry. I was so thrilled IST made it possible.”
Women's Program, 2026 season
“The rental deal with Stan + Dans made this ski trip affordable and approachable, which helped lower the barrier of entry for me.”
Open to All, 2026 season
Leave one
If you have been out with us, a review helps more than you would think. It is the first thing a nervous first-timer reads, and it carries further on Google than it does here.