Kindling Collective and Inclusive Ski Touring are excited to host Queer Backcountry Skiing! This event offers queer participants a thorough introduction to backcountry touring on the East Coast in an inclusive and welcoming environment. 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.

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 safe, inclusive, and empowering environment to help you build confidence in the backcountry. Learn more about what it’s like to join an IST Intro to Backcountry Programs by watching this video.

Equipment required: Bring your own ski touring or splitboarding equipment or connect with us about rentals.

Experience Required: 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.