Dear Backcountry Babes, I miraculously just completed your AIARE Level 1 course on Vail and Loveland Pass with Anne, Janine, and Eryka. I think I would follow those ladies anywhere now after witnessing firsthand their experience, knowledge, and leadership skills. Wowza! Before this class I emailed and asked you ladies about the physical requirements/skinning mileage […]
Dispatch from New Zealand: Winter in Aotearoa While North America watches the snowline descend, New Zealanders (nicknamed Kiwis, because of their yummy fruit and their rare nocturnal flightless bird) are skiing the last of their snow. My husband, two boys and I spent August and September chasing storms from the North Island to the South. […]
Historic Logos Leslie Ross founded “Babes in the Backcountry” in 1997 in Breckenridge, Colorado. As a telemark free skiing champion, Leslie is passionate about teaching women the skills to head into the backcountry safely and confidently led. Under the leadership of Jenna Boisvert, Backcountry Babes spread to Alaska in 2011. Currently, with Emily and […]
For most backcountry skiers, taking AIARE level 1 is an obvious choice. As a beginning backcountry skier, you want to solidify knowledge that you’ve gleaned from ski partners and personal experience to make better informed decision in the backcountry. You sign up for AIARE Level 1. The reward is great. You have more knowledge and […]
You’re headed to a 10th Mtn division hut trip in Colorado! Perhaps a Summit Hut Association Hut. What do you really need to bring? 1. Ski Gear Backcountry Skis Touring bindings Backcountry Ski Boots The Backcountry Babes consensus for best make and model? Scarpa Gea RS boots. Ski Poles -adjustable height, lock firmly into place, powder baskets, extra […]
HandOut Gloves….a glove with a zipper on the back of your hand so you can pull out your entire hand without taking your gloves off your wrist. I met the folks at HandOut at the Outdoor Retailer Show last year and finally purchased some this season. No, they weren’t free and no, I’m not getting […]
Women of all ability levels join our Backcountry Babes course. Many people wonder which course is best for them. This blog post outlines the general backcountry skills progression to help you figure out which is the best course for you. Of course, we are always open to hearing from you personally and we can recommend […]
You’re going to a backcountry ski hut! Yay! Untracked pow, great friends, cozy nights. Here’s a packing list to help you prepare for the adventure. Special thanks to SCARPA, G3, PISTIL Designs, BCA, Ortovox, DPS skis, Osprey Packs and CLIF bar for supporting Backcountry Babes. All brands mentioned below are products we use and recommend […]
So…You’re going backpacking! Yay! Here’s a list to help make packing easy. Basic mid-weight, durable, practical, and multipurpose gear. Recommended for spring, summer, or fall backpacking. (25ºF – 95ºF) Multisport Gear: many items on this list overlap with your Whitewater Rafting, Backcountry Skiing, Hut Trips, and Bike Packing Trips. It’s worth getting good, high quality […]
Grand Canyon Trip Packing List So…You’re going on the Grand Canyon! Congrats! All that’s left to do is gather your personal river gear. Here’s a list to help streamline the process. By the way…some of these companies are generous sponsors, like Smith Optics and Pistil Designs. Other companies give us nothing and have no idea […]