Utah
Education
Skiing & Splitboarding

Women’s Backcountry Ski Mentorship Program

$2000

Utah
4
6 Days + 1 evening session
Intermediate and above

$2000

Utah
4
6 Days + 1 evening session
Intermediate and above
Send Inquiry

The Women’s Backcountry Mentorship Program is designed to empower women to become confident, independent decision-makers in the backcountry. Together, we’ll focus on trip planning, terrain selection, avalanche hazard evaluation, safe travel techniques, track setting, clear communication, and building the confidence to trust your own judgment.

Overview: This intensive 6-day course (and 1 remote evening session) is a women’s group and designed for adventurous skiers and splitboarders eager to elevate their backcountry skills and gain the confidence to navigate remote and challenging terrain. Whether you’re aiming to tackle steep couloirs, navigate complex snow conditions, or simply enhance your backcountry safety, this course offers comprehensive training under the guidance of seasoned instructors.

DATES:

January 19-21, February 12-13, 15

Your Guide

Winslow Passey is a certified AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide with nearly two decades of experience guiding in the Wasatch and internationally, including the Lyngen Alps and Svalbard in Norway, Valdez in Alaska, and even Antarctica. She holds Level 3 Avalanche training and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Winslow is passionate about teaching women, helping them expand their skills, and supporting them in reaching new heights—literally and figuratively.

Applying: We are currently accepting applications to the program. Please submit the form to express your interest in joining the program.

Requirements:

  • Level 1 Avalanche Course (or equivalent)
  • Strong skiing ability off-piste (comfortable on varied terrain and snow conditions)
  • Fitness to climb ~3,000’ in a day (ranges may vary depending on group ability)

  • Supportive learning environment: Women are often more collaborative and curious, creating space for open dialogue and shared problem-solving.
  • Similar ability and risk levels: It’s powerful to find partners who ski and assess terrain at a pace that feels aligned with your own goals.
  • Confidence to speak up: In an all-women’s group, participants consistently report feeling more comfortable voicing their concerns and asking questions.
  • Skill-building and independence: Women learn how to take care of themselves in the mountains, rather than relying on others to make decisions.
  • Celebration and encouragement: The environment is less competitive and more focused on lifting each other—every voice matters, and every success is celebrated.

  • Going out with people who are faster than you, where you’re just trying to keep up instead of having your voice heard.
  • Touring with partners who have a higher risk tolerance than you, and finding yourself in terrain you disagree with.
  • Being with someone who “knows it all” but isn’t interested in slowing down to teach.
  • Going alone, feeling unsafe, and not having backup if something goes wrong.

It’s easy to assume that taking a single avalanche course is enough—but real proficiency requires ongoing practice and the right kind of experiences. Too often, people head into the backcountry with friends—novices or even seasoned skiers—and still end up making questionable decisions. Sometimes you get away with it and believe it was the “right call,” but that’s a dangerous game, like playing Russian roulette. Good decision-making comes from both knowledge and deliberate, supported practice.

We’ll head into the mountains six times throughout the season (January–March, about twice a month). Unlike a one-time course, this mentorship model allows you to:

  • Experience a wide range of avalanche conditions and snowpacks as they evolve throughout the winter.
  • Build skills step by step, with time to practice and reinforce what you learn.
  • Explore different areas of the Wasatch and grow your terrain recognition.
  • Gain confidence skiing a variety of snow types—from deep powder to crust to hardpack.
  • Become part of a supportive community of women who will continue to be great partners beyond the program.

  • Route Planning & Tour Preparation: Learn the essentials of backcountry route planning, including reading topographic maps, selecting safe routes, and preparing for potential hazards. You’ll also dive into weather and snowpack analysis to make informed decisions on your tours.
    • For this portion of the course, you’ll have a remote evening session with an instructor.
  • Terrain Assessment & Travel Techniques: Develop your ability to assess and navigate various types of terrain. Understand how to identify avalanche-prone areas, avoid terrain traps, and use efficient travel techniques to move safely through the backcountry.
  • Snowpack Assessment: Gain practical knowledge in evaluating snow stability through field tests such as hand pits and compression tests. Learn to interpret snowpack data to make informed decisions about terrain choice and travel.
  • Ski Mountaineering Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with the technical skills required for ski mountaineering. This includes using crampons and ice axes for ascents, mastering steep skiing and riding techniques, and practicing essential rope skills for safe travel in exposed areas.
  • Avalanche Companion Rescue: Sharpen your avalanche safety skills with practical training in companion rescue techniques. Learn how to effectively use a beacon, probe, and shovel, and participate in scenario-based training to simulate real-life rescue situations.
  • Full-Day Tours: Put your skills to the test on full-day tours designed to challenge your navigation, decision-making, and group management abilities. These tours provide a real-world application of all the skills you’ve learned throughout the course.
  • Capstone Experience: The course culminates in a final student-led (instructor supervised) tour where you take the lead, applying your new skills in a more advanced setting. This experience is designed to solidify your knowledge and prepare you for future ski and splitboard mountaineering adventures.

Who Should Join: This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and splitboarders who have some backcountry experience and are looking to expand their skillset. Participants should be comfortable with full-day tours and have a solid foundation in skiing or riding in varied snow conditions.

What You’ll Gain: By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of ski and splitboard mountaineering. You’ll leave with the confidence to plan and execute your own tours, navigate complex terrain, and respond effectively in avalanche situations.

  • Duration: 6 Days + 1 remote evening session
    • Dates will be coordinated with the group after booking, adhering as best as possible to your availability.
  • Location: Wasatch Mountains, Utah (specific locations vary based on conditions)
  • Group Size: a maximum of 4 students of comparable level and fitness
  • Instructors: Certified and experienced ski mountaineering guides

Equipment: Participants will need a full backcountry ski or splitboard setup, including skis or splitboard with skins, avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel), and mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness). A detailed gear list will be provided upon registration.


    What Clients Say

    Winslow was absolutely wonderful in every way!

    I learned so much from her throughout the day and am very grateful for her patience and thoughtfulness - even bringing me delicious homemade vegan soup and ginger tea to enjoy in the backcountry. No doubt in mind that this was the first of many tours I hope to do with Winslow.

    Elizabeth D.

    Winslow was the very best - we loved our tour with her!

    Do not miss a chance to ski with Wasatch Mountain Guides - their staff are pros and they're sure to give you a great and safe day outside!

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