Description

Our Women’s Intro to Backcountry Program offers participants a thorough introduction to backcountry touring on the East Coast. Designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills, the program covers topics such as proper equipment use, foundational techniques, interpersonal dynamics, and key considerations for traveling beyond resort boundaries. These days are centered around the identities and experiences of women and non-binary individuals. This intentional focus creates a space where the unique perspectives and narratives of women and non-binary participants are not only acknowledged but celebrated. As with all of our programs, we emphasize creating an inclusive, welcoming, and empowering environment where everyone feels comfortable learning, growing, and building connections with others in the outdoor community.

This fully guided program is led by professional instructors and operates under a permit from the White Mountain National Forest. It is ideal for participants who have some experience with touring but are new to backcountry travel. Please note that this course focuses on essential backcountry skills and does not include avalanche education or enter avalanche-prone areas. Therefore, participants do not need to bring a beacon, shovel, or probe to take part.

Whether you are looking to expand your touring knowledge or want to connect with like-minded adventurers, this program offers a supportive and engaging environment to help you build confidence in the backcountry. Learn more about what it’s like to join our Intro to Backcountry Programs by watching the video below.

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.

Check-in takes place between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM at the far right side of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. Our goal is to be on snow by 10:30 AM, so please ensure you arrive on time.
If you are using rental equipment, please see the instructions and guidelines provided below.
For more details on the schedule, please refer to the "Day of Timeline" section.
The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is located at 361 NH-16, Jackson, NH, United States, New Hampshire.
For any questions, contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.org.
The typical cost of a comparable Intro to Backcountry Program in the United States ranges from $200 to $350. In alignment with our mission, we offer this program at $150.
However, we recognize that even this reduced cost can pose a financial barrier for some participants. To address this, we are proud to offer eight scholarship opportunities for this program. You can apply for a scholarship here. The selection process will be conducted anonymously by our Board of Directors. If selected, Inclusive Ski Touring will cover 100% of the program cost.
With the low end of similar programs costing $200, we are subsidizing $50 per participant to make this opportunity accessible, ensuring more individuals can enjoy the benefits and joys of backcountry touring.
This program follows the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) with a vertical gain of approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters), leading to the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter, also known as HoJo’s.
From there, participants will descend via the John Sherburne Ski Trail back to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking area.
For your uphill rental needs, we recommend Mountain Sports Lab and White Mountain Ski Co. Both shops are conveniently located near the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and staffed by friendly professionals with expertise in gear and local terrain.
- Mountain Sports Lab
  - 2936 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860.
  - Opens at 9:00 AM.
- White Mountain Ski Co.
  - Located at 211 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846.
  - Opens at 9:00 AM.
These locations make it easy to pick up your rentals the morning of the program. If you have any questions about rentals, feel free to contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.com.
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrive at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and check in with your Inclusive Ski Touring guide at the far-right side of the parking lot. Look for the car with IST flags to find your guide. After check-in, use this time to prepare for the tour and ensure you are ready to be on the snow by 10:30 AM. Your guide will be available to assist with gear setup, including skins and bindings, and to answer any questions.
10:30 AM: The group will meet at the firepit outside the Visitor Center. Once gathered, we will do introductions, including your name, pronouns, what brought you here, where you are from or typically ski, and any prior touring experience. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and start building a sense of community before beginning the tour. Your guide will also review the tour plan, safety guidelines, and objectives for the day.
Note: Timing from this point onward will vary depending on the pace of each group.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Begin the ski touring and split-boarding ascent on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Throughout the climb, your guide will offer assistance to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. We take consistent brakes along the way to ensure that no one is rushed or left behind.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Hermit Lake Caretaker Shelter (HoJo’s). After taking a few minutes to rest, we will transition for the downhill skiing and snowboarding aspect of the day. This includes removing your skins, adjusting your bindings, and preparing your gear for the descent. We will take approximately 30 minutes for this transition and rest.
Downhill: Once everyone is ready, we will begin skiing and snowboarding down the John Sherburne Ski Trail. Throughout the descent, we will take multiple breaks to promote safe backcountry practices and ensure the group stays together.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Arrive back at the parking area. We will conclude the day with a group debrief, reflecting on the tour, answering any final questions, and providing another opportunity to connect with fellow participants.
We encourage participants to avoid apologizing during our programs. 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.
IST Cancellations: Program cancellations are occasionally necessary due to weather conditions or guide availability. If your program is canceled, please contact us at info@inclusiveskitouring.com to request a refund or reschedule your appointment.
Participant Cancellations:
- 5+ Days Before the Program: Full refund
- 1-5 Days Before the Program: 50% refund
- Day of the Program: No refund
Requirements: Participants must be comfortable and confident descending black diamond terrain while downhill skiing or snowboarding. It is important to know that our guides are not downhill ski or snowboard instructors.
Expectations: Our tours emphasize creating an open, supportive environment where participants can learn, grow, and connect with others. Negative attitudes or judgment towards others will not be tolerated—this space is intended for fostering a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Northeast is known for its rapidly changing weather and conditions, which may require us to adjust our standard plan to ensure safety. When these changes occur, we tailor the day to include a combination of activities and education designed to maximize the experience. The specific activities covered are at the discretion of the guide, based on the interests and abilities of the group. This may involve developing mountaineering skills, completing multiple shorter laps, exploring packing and med-kit essentials, and more.
Mountaineering Skill Examples:
- Ascending in ski boots over challenging terrain
- Different methods for strapping skis to backpacks
- Skinning techniques for various conditions
- Decision-making strategies and group dynamics
- Recognizing when it’s best to turn back
- Navigation basics, including reading terrain and maps
- Trail etiquette and effective group communication
Packing and Med-Kit Discussion:
- How to pack efficiently for a full day in the backcountry
- What guides carry in their medical kits and the purpose of each item
- Identifying essential personal gear versus optional items
- Strategies for staying warm, dry, and hydrated throughout the day
- How to respond to minor injuries and handle emergencies
These adjustments are designed to enhance your learning experience by equipping you with essential skills for backcountry travel. They also ensure that the group stays safe, engaged, and adaptable—no matter what conditions we encounter.
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.
If you would like to utilize this policy, please email info@inclusiveskitouring.org, and we will provide you with a code to make your participation free. We are committed to fostering an inclusive outdoor community that respects and uplifts Indigenous voices and experiences.
Click here for IST Safety Policy
Click here for IST Gear List
Click here for Layering Information

Women's Intro to Backcountry Program Sign Up

Meet Your Guide

Mack Connor

She, Her, Hers
Guiding and Instructing since 2019, Mack Connor is originally from Cape Cod, MA, and did not have access to mountains growing up. Her passion for outdoor education began in the early stages of her undergraduate career at the University of Maine where she studied Environmental Science and Outdoor Leadership while also instructing rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering trips with the outdoor education program on campus, Maine Bound Adventure Center. It was there that she gained an understanding of the benefits and implications of experiential education and her passion for wanting to share these activities with others developed. After graduating with her B.S. Mack made the easy decision of pursuing a Master's in Teaching and staying in the realm of outdoor education as an Instructor for Acadia Mountain Guides, while also breaking into the ski guiding world. As a female voice, it is her goal to provide outdoor and nature-based educational opportunities to the underserved while fostering an inclusive, safe, and fun environment where growth, mental health, and lifelong learning are a priority. In between guiding and outdoor pursuits, Mack can be found teaching science in Bethel, ME., baking, working in her garden, and crafting earrings out of beans!
Guiding Credentials:
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Training
- Paradox Sports, Adaptive Climbing Initiative Course
- Registered Maine Guide
Medical and Rescue Credentials:
- WMA, Wilderness First Responder
- American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
- ACA, Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Skills Course Completion
- NAMI, Youth Mental Health First Aider
Educational Credentials:
M.A.T in Science Teaching
B.S. in Environmental Sciences, Minor in Outdoor Leadership