Backcountry Basics
BUILDING BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS & CONFIDENCE
Getting into the backcountry takes more than the right gear, it takes the skills and confidence to use it. VNTRbirds designed Backcountry Basics specifically for women who are new to backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Learn essential touring techniques, get comfortable with your equipment, and build a foundation for traveling confidently in the backcountry alongside experienced instructors.
This is a women-specific Backcountry Basics course. We welcome women-identifying, femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming participants who are comfortable learning in a femme-centered space.
Getting into the backcountry takes more than the right gear, it takes the skills and confidence to use it. VNTRbirds designed Backcountry Basics specifically for women who are new to backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Learn essential touring techniques, get comfortable with your equipment, and build a foundation for traveling confidently in the backcountry alongside experienced instructors.
This is a women-specific Backcountry Basics course. We welcome women-identifying, femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming participants who are comfortable learning in a femme-centered space.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Get familiar with your backcountry equipment and learn how to use it effectively.
- Learn the basics of backcountry trip planning and preparation.
- Build foundational avalanche awareness and safety skills.
- Practice using your avalanche rescue gear, including your transceiver, shovel, and probe.
- Spend a fun, educational day building skills and confidence alongside other women getting into the backcountry.
This course is about laying the foundation for a lifetime of backcountry adventures. Building the skills, knowledge, and confidence to keep learning and exploring.
COURSE FORMAT
1 FULL DAY — Hands-on backcountry learning with experienced instructors
Total course commitment: approximately 7–8 hours.
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration for an additional $50.
Total course commitment: approximately 7–8 hours.
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration for an additional $50.
Course Schedule
- 1 full day in the field — We’ll spend the day learning the fundamentals of backcountry travel in a hands-on, supportive environment. We’ll cover equipment, touring techniques, trip planning, avalanche awareness, and rescue basics while putting those skills into practice.
- Morning meetup — We’ll start with introductions, course logistics, and a quick review of the day’s conditions before heading out.
- Hands-on learning throughout the day — Expect to spend the full day outside moving through the backcountry, practicing with your gear, and building confidence with the skills you’ll need to get started.
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend staying in Salida or Poncha Springs to make getting to our field locations easier. Specific meeting and trailhead locations will be shared with participants before the course.
Meet your instructors!
Your course will be led by experienced educators with a passion for making backcountry education approachable and inclusive.
Jordan Berde
BACKCOUNTRY INSTRUCTOR · AIARE REC 2 · EMT · WFR
Jordan Berde (she/her) is the friend who’s already halfway up the skin track before you’ve hit snooze. A late-20s ski convert turned full-blown backcountry devotee, she’s been making up for lost time with countless dawn patrol laps and endless stoke. Jordan holds her AIARE II and Wilderness EMT, and she’s always down to chase good snow, good friends, and type-2 fun.
Mara Berde
BACKCOUNTRY INSTRUCTOR · 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.
Why take a course with us?
Learn the foundations of backcountry travel in a space built for women and femme-identifying adventurers.
VNTRbirds Backcountry Basics combines practical backcountry skills with the community, mentorship, and support we've built over years of getting women into the backcountry.
You'll learn from experienced instructors in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, skills are practiced, and there's no expectation that you already know everything. Come curious, leave more confident, and start building the foundation for a lifetime of backcountry adventures.
VNTRbirds Backcountry Basics combines practical backcountry skills with the community, mentorship, and support we've built over years of getting women into the backcountry.
You'll learn from experienced instructors in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, skills are practiced, and there's no expectation that you already know everything. Come curious, leave more confident, and start building the foundation for a lifetime of backcountry adventures.
FEMME-CENTERED
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
COMMUNITY
Leave with more than a course, you'll have people to keep learning with.
Leave with more than a course, you'll have people to keep learning with.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) 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.
Need help paying for Backcountry Basics?
We believe avalanche education should be accessible. Financial assistance is available through our VNTRbirds Scholarship Program.
[ APPLY FOR A BACKCOUNTRY BASICS SCHOLARSHIP → ]
IMPORTANT INFO
Age: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Helmet: Helmets are required for all field days.
Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Course commitment: Participants must complete the required self-paced online learning, live online session, and both field days.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Participants are responsible for having the required backcountry equipment for the course, including:
AT skis or splitboard
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Backcountry-specific backpack
Helmet
Appropriate winter clothing and gear
Need avalanche safety gear? A limited number of avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are available to rent from VNTRbirds and can be added during registration.
All personal equipment must be in good working order.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. If space is available, participants may request a one-time transfer to another VNTRbirds course or clinic for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
BEFORE YOU JOIN US
All participants must complete the required waiver and medical history form before the course.
We believe avalanche education should be accessible. Financial assistance is available through our VNTRbirds Scholarship Program.
[ APPLY FOR A BACKCOUNTRY BASICS SCHOLARSHIP → ]
IMPORTANT INFO
Age: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Helmet: Helmets are required for all field days.
Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Course commitment: Participants must complete the required self-paced online learning, live online session, and both field days.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Participants are responsible for having the required backcountry equipment for the course, including:
AT skis or splitboard
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Backcountry-specific backpack
Helmet
Appropriate winter clothing and gear
Need avalanche safety gear? A limited number of avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are available to rent from VNTRbirds and can be added during registration.
All personal equipment must be in good working order.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. If space is available, participants may request a one-time transfer to another VNTRbirds course or clinic for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
BEFORE YOU JOIN US
All participants must complete the required waiver and medical history form before the course.
Questions before you register?
Not sure if Backcountry Basics is the right fit, wondering about gear, or just want to talk it through? Reach out! We're happy to help.
[email protected]
Not sure if Backcountry Basics is the right fit, wondering about gear, or just want to talk it through? Reach out! We're happy to help.
[email protected]
VNTRbirds LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.
VNTRbirds LLC operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.
VNTRbirds LLC operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.