Description

Our Whaleback Women's program is designed to create an inclusive, empowering space for women and non-binary individuals to learn ski touring or split-boarding, while connecting with others in the community. These days are intentionally focused on celebrating the unique perspectives and experiences of participants. Running on three Sunday’s from January to March at Whaleback Mountain in New Hampshire (1/12, 2/9, & 3/9), the program fosters a supportive environment where no one is rushed or left behind. With subsidized costs and a no-apology policy, it welcomes all skill levels. Participants should be comfortable descending blue terrain.

For more information about the schedule, please visit the sign-up section.

At Inclusive Ski Touring, we believe that women's programs are vital to our mission of developing an inclusive uphill community for individuals of all backgrounds. In outdoor spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated, these programs offer a welcoming atmosphere that encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges without hesitation.
By being part of a women's group, participants can learn from each other and gain confidence in their abilities. The collective support helps individuals overcome personal barriers, whether they're new to ski touring or looking to advance their skills. The empowerment and confidence gained through our women’s group carries beyond the slopes and into day-to-day life.
We maintain the following five principal beliefs surrounding the importance of women's programs:
1. Fostering a Supportive Community
Women's group programs provide a space where participants can support one another, ask questions freely, learn at their own pace, and receive personalized guidance tailored to their needs. Additionally, women’s group programs bring together like minded people to build connections and community in outdoor spaces.
2. Empowering Through Shared Experiences
Being part of a women's group allows participants to learn from each other and gain confidence in their abilities whether they're new to ski touring or looking to advance their skills.
3. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity
We recognize the importance of diversity in outdoor recreation. Women's programs are vital in making the outdoors more accessible to those who may have felt excluded in the past. By intentionally creating spaces that celebrate women's experiences and identities, we help cultivate a more inclusive outdoor community.
4. Enhancing Skills in a Nurturing Environment
Our programs are led by experienced female volunteers who understand the unique perspectives and challenges women may face in outdoor activities. This understanding and nurturing environment enables participants to feel comfortable learning at their own pace.
5. Building Leadership and Representation
By participating in women's group programs, women not only develop their skills but also become role models for others. Increased female representation in outdoor spaces encourages more women and girls to get involved, helping to balance the gender disparities in adventure sports.
Join Us in Creating an Inclusive Outdoor Community
Our Women's Programs are more than just an opportunity to try touring—they're a movement toward inclusivity and empowerment in the outdoors. We invite all women, regardless of background or experience level, to join us in making the outdoors a place where everyone feels welcome and inspired.

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.
Reserve your gear by emailing rental@whaleback.com
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:
As part of our commitment to equity and repair, Inclusive Ski Touring provides all of our programming at no cost to Indigenous peoples. This policy is an intentional act of reparations, acknowledging the enduring impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities and lands.
For Indigenous peoples who would like to utilize this policy, please enter code "inclusive2025" at checkout. We are committed to fostering an inclusive outdoor community that respects and uplifts Indigenous voices and experiences.
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