Backcountry Skills Yurt Trip

Get to know the snow.Develop solid winter skills with new and old friends and increase your confidence while having fun in the snow by day, and spending cozy nights tucked into a scenic high-country yurt. This three day, two night immersion provides fundamental skills for skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders venturing into the backcountry. You'll learn how to assess backcountry terrain for best travel routes, avalanche avoidance, and other snowy hazards, read the weather, navigate with map & compass, learn how to stay toasty in chilly temperatures as well as what to do in an emergency. Gain confidence with winter equipment and travel while building community with other snow adventurers and appreciating Colorado in her frosty glory.

What should I expect on a Women's Wilderness Course?The Women's Winter Program is designed to help build solid winter outdoor skills for women in an empowering and affirming style. Courses are educational, fun, and supportive. Women's Wilderness Institute staff will lead each course.

You can expect to learn a lot, do a lot, laugh a lot, and be tired out by the end of the day! Our intention is to teach you the skills to go out and have your own adventures, and to have fun in the process. Women's Wilderness Institute courses are real-life adventures, rather than guided expeditions, and you can expect to give a hand in all the aspects of the day, including carrying gear, preparing meals, and packing up, and to always have a say in whatever you're doing.

What do I need to bring?Once you enroll on the course, you will receive a packet of information including a list of items to bring to the course. You should be prepared for any kind of weather on this 3-day course. Dressing in layers, and avoiding cotton are key elements in staying happy, warm and safe in an extended winter endeavor. The Women's Wilderness will supply all of the group gear that is needed, including cooking equipment and snow shovels. However, you will be responsible for your own mode of transportation (ie. skis, snowboard/splitboard, snowshoes). Some clothing items may be borrowed from Women's Wilderness. 

How will I get to the course start?An e-mail with the site and driving directions will be sent to you one week before the course start. The course will begin at 8:00am at our office and plan to be back at 6:00pm on Sunday. 

What will we eat?All meals and snacks will be provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3. Meals are hearty, simple and nutritious. We always have vegetarian options, and we can accommodate some common food allergies and dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, or you'd like to bring some of your own food, please let us know at least 3 business days before your course.

What about fitness? This course requires a good level of fitness. We strongly suggest conditioning for quads, hamstrings and glutes, and regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before your course. If you have questions about your level of fitness or would like suggestions about how to physically prepare, please give us a call. 

Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy Registration for this course is required by January 15th. Course tuition includes a $60 nonrefundable application fee. The remainder of the fee is due when you receive notice that you are enrolled on the course. Our cancellation/refund policy and transfer policy are based on our investment in staff time, course planning, and food and equipment purchases before your course.

Cancellation refunds will be given according to the following schedule:

Days prior to course start:

More than 60 days: 100% of full tuition minus $60 application fee.
21-59 days: 50% minus $60 application fee.
8-20 days: No refunds, however 50% minus the $60 application fee may be transferred to another course in 2010.
Less than 7 days: No refunds or transfers.

If we cancel a trip: TWWI reserves the right to cancel a trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate. If this happens, we will fully refund the stated cost including the application fee. However, TWWI is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, e.g. transportation costs, gear, etc.

Trip Insurance Safeguard your adventure! Plans can change without warning, which is why we recommend securing your course by investing in trip insurance, for example with:
Travelguard.com 1.800.826.4919               Insuremytrip.com 1.800.487.4722