Beginner uphillers are encouraged to join. Check-in takes place from 8:15 AM to 8:45 AM in the upstairs area of 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.

Whaleback's address is 160 Whaleback Mountain Rd, Enfield, NH 03748. 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 uphill tickets are not included; they can be purchased online or in person for $10.

Alternatively, an Uphill New England (UNE) Season Pass covers the uphill access needed for IST programs, eliminating the need for additional uphill tickets. The UNE pass also provides access to 18 partner resorts across New England, expanding opportunities for everyone to experience mountain adventures on their own terms.

With similar programs typically costing around $70, we are subsidizing $50 per participant to make this experience more accessible.

Uphill rentals are available from the Whaleback 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 (waiting on link from Whaleback).

For sizing questions, refer to our rental size guide or contact the Whaleback 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 at the upstairs area of 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.

We encourage participants to avoid apologizing during our tours. Instead of saying, “sorry I’m slow,” try saying, “thank you for waiting.” Similarly, replace “sorry I couldn’t figure out my binding” with “thank you for helping me.”

This no-apology, no-drop policy aligns with our philosophy that everyone deserves to be part of the ski touring and split-boarding community, regardless of skill or pace.

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 Ivory Run uphill route at Whaleback. The route is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) long and includes a vertical gain of about 650 feet (198 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.

This event takes place on N’dakinna, which is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present.

We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land, waterways, and people who have stewarded it throughout the generations.

We invite our participants to do the same by learning more and taking actionable steps:

• Wabanaki Alliance

• Wabanaki Reach

• Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness

To learn more about Whaleback ’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