BACKCOUNTRY BASICS - Monarch Pass
Embarking on your backcountry journey requires both education and experience with your equipment, as well as knowledge of avalanche safety. VNTRbirds has designed this Backcountry Basics course specifically for women who are new to the backcountry. Learn touring techniques, optimize your equipment use, and much more from experienced instructors.
This is a women specific backcountry basics course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
This is a women specific backcountry basics course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
What will you learn?
· An introduction to your backcountry equipment & gear.
· Introduction to backcountry trip planning.
· Introduction to avalanche safety.
· Practice with your avalanche rescue gear.
· A fun and educational day with other women from your community just getting into the backcountry!
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to confidently ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain on the resort. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Looking to advance your backcountry skills and getting into an AIARE course? Check out our scheduled AIARE Level 1 or Companion Rescue.
· Introduction to backcountry trip planning.
· Introduction to avalanche safety.
· Practice with your avalanche rescue gear.
· A fun and educational day with other women from your community just getting into the backcountry!
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to confidently ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain on the resort. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Looking to advance your backcountry skills and getting into an AIARE course? Check out our scheduled AIARE Level 1 or Companion Rescue.
Schedule
Subject to change:
· 1 day in the field: 8:30am we will meet in the morning. We will spend the day outside.
· Morning meeting will go over what's in your pack, safety equipment and check touring gear before heading into the backcountry
· Learning to tour efficiently, play with transceiver, shovel and probe.
· Lunch in the field (BYO)
· Get a lap or two in before getting back to the cars for course debrief around 3:30pm
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Salida, that way you have easy access to our field day location.
· 1 day in the field: 8:30am we will meet in the morning. We will spend the day outside.
· Morning meeting will go over what's in your pack, safety equipment and check touring gear before heading into the backcountry
· Learning to tour efficiently, play with transceiver, shovel and probe.
· Lunch in the field (BYO)
· Get a lap or two in before getting back to the cars for course debrief around 3:30pm
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Salida, that way you have easy access to our field day location.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Goshute and Timpanogos people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
Meet your instructors!
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors.
Jordan Berde
AIARE REC 2 · EMT · WFR
Jordan Berde (she/her) is an avid backcountry skier, often up before most of her friends getting in a dawn patrol. She started skiing in her late 20s, but has wasted no time putting in time on the skin track. She has her AIARE II and her wilderness EMT.
Mara Berde
AIARE Rec 2 · wfa
Mara Berde (she/her) is a passionate outdoor recreationalist -- she’ll never be first to the top of the mountain, but she always has a smile on her face and snacks in her pocket. Mara loves skiing, biking, and has recently started getting into trail running and white water rafting. She started backcountry skiing when she lived in Alaska in 2019 and has been exploring Colorado’s mountains ever since.
Kelley Wren
AIARE REC 2 · WFR · owner at vntrbirds
Kelley (she/her) has always been passionate about creating opportunities for women to connect with the outdoors. A lifelong snowboarder, she’s traveled the world, riding some of the most stunning mountains on Earth. Over time, her love for adventure expanded beyond snowboarding to include other adrenaline-packed pursuits, like mountain biking, which continues to fuel her thirst for exploration.
Why take a course with us?
This beginners course left me feeling more confident with my skills, knowledge, gear and using my voice in the backcountry. They were also very patient with me as my cardio was awful after having Covid.
- Diana
My Backcountry Basics with VNTRbirds was exceptional! What amazing leaders and instructors they were! Highly knowledgeable, Leanne and Kelley kept us interested, moving and having fun and engaged. The scenery was gorgeous! Anyone who needed time to catch up was accommodated; they used that time wisely to intersperse their lessons. I learned so much, I'm now skinning both in and out of resorts with much more confidence.
- Courtney
Took the Backcountry Basics course with Kelley and Jordan at Monarch Pass as a newbie. A looot of snow that day but they filled the whole day with giggles and knowledge. Would super recommend to anyone looking to try backcountry skiing out w a supportive group of women!
- Hannah
Need help paying for a Backcountry Basics course?
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack