Volunteer Director (Sam Andrews): Leads the overall volunteer program, supports each mountain’s coordinator, and ensures our team has clear standards, training, and communication.

Mountain Coordinator: Point person at each partner mountain. Coordinates local volunteer schedules, communicates weekly updates, and supports leads and assistants before and during program days.

Lead Volunteers: Experienced IST volunteers who guide the day. Leads make on-snow decisions, set the pace and plan, and ensure clear communication and a welcoming environment for participants.

Assistant Volunteers: Support the lead and the group. Assistants help with check-ins, layering questions, encouragement on the climb, and keeping the group moving safely together.

Event Volunteer Team: A growing group that represents IST at community events. Event volunteers table at partner shops and local gatherings, answer questions, and help spread the word about accessible uphill opportunities.

Volunteers set the tone on program mornings. Your job is to help participants feel welcome, keep the group moving safely together, and model great etiquette with our partner mountains.

This includes:

• Welcome participants at check-in, answer questions, and help everyone feel comfortable.

• Support a smooth start and keep the group together with a clear, no-drop approach.

• Encourage good trail etiquette to maintain positive relationships with mountain staff and guests.

• Model inclusive, patient, and supportive behavior throughout the morning.

• Keep groups to the side of designated uphill routes, and avoid blocking trail crossings or transition areas.

• Cross trails in small groups, yielding appropriately to downhill traffic.

• Set an example with calm, courteous interactions in all spaces on the mountain.

Commitment: As a Lead or Assistant volunteer you should plan to attend at least three program throughout the season. Our standard on-resort programs run about four hours each, typically from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Training: All volunteers attend a standard required volunteer training session. Lead volunteers will be required to attend additional training specific to their role. A virtual option available for all trainings if you cannot attend in person.

Volunteer sign-ups open November 3 and close December 3. Training runs in December.

After training, volunteers choose the dates and program locations that work best for them using our scheduling system. If you need to cancel after you have signed up, email your Mountain Coordinator so we can adjust staffing. Volunteers cannot cancel shifts directly in the system.

You do not need to be the fastest or most experienced tourer. If you can move uphill at an easy, conversational pace and enjoy helping others learn in a beginner-friendly setting, you will fit right in.

Do I need prior guiding or teaching experience? No. Prior IST experience helps for Lead roles, but Assistants just need a friendly attitude, patience, and basic comfort touring uphill.

What gear do I need? A touring setup, clothing/outerwear appropriate for the weather, and a helmet.

Are volunteers covered for uphill access on program days? Yes. IST arranges any required uphill access for your shift.

What if my schedule changes mid-season? Email your Mountain Coordinator so we can adjust coverage and open the spot to another volunteer.