For our second Backcountry Beta event, we're honored to be working with VNTRbirds, a women-run adventure company based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains specializing in women-focused outdoor education and experiences.
When: Thursday, February 13th at 5 pm PST
Where: Zoom
How: Register here
What: We're going to discuss one of the most important topics in backcountry safety: terrain selection. In this session, you'll learn how to:
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Check the avalanche forecast
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Identify avalanche terrain
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Create a trip map using CalTopo & using map layers to help mitigate risk
About our speaker, Erin Hennessy:
My name is Erin, I’m a long-time skier, but more recently have spent the past few seasons in the backcountry. I’m currently living in Colorado but spent my earlier backcountry years in the northwest in Oregon. I’ve had the wonderful opportunities to participate in the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) Women’s mentorship program and VNTRbird’s mentorship program where I’ve learned from some phenomenal guides, AIARE instructors, and avalanche forecasters. I love learning and thinking about snow, avalanches, terrain, and group dynamics. My educational background is in meteorology (weather) and geospatial mapping. For my day job, I work as a Hydrologist collecting and analyzing snowpack data for water resource studies.
About VNTRbirds:
VNTRbirds brings women-identifying and non-binary skiers/riders (who are comfortable in femme-centered spaces) together to build confidence and self-reliance in the outdoors through mountain biking, backcountry skiing/splitboarding, and community meet-ups. VNTRbirds focuses on holistic learning that’s led by women and for women that encourages to own their identities as outdoor athletes in a way that’s inclusive and fun. We provide safer places for learning, mentorship for long-term growth, and forums for community and connection with the goal of seeing more women of all demographics on mountain bikes, splitboards, and skis.
We annually offer scholarships that aim to foster a diverse community of skiers and snowboarders, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the thrill of the mountains safely and confidently. Be sure to check them out on our website.