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Breaking Down Barriers to Avalanche Education, the SheJumps Snowpack Scholarship

  • Writer: Jasmine Poblano
    Jasmine Poblano
  • Oct 6
  • 2 min read
Photo: Diana Bartos
Photo: Diana Bartos

SheJumps is proud to announce the return of the Snowpack Scholarship, our program designed to make avalanche education more accessible for women seeking to deepen their knowledge of backcountry safety.


This winter, we’re offering three tuition-free avalanche education courses exclusively for Snowpack Scholarship recipients in Washington, Utah, and Colorado. Each course will welcome 12 participants, for a total of 36 scholarships awarded.


Why the Snowpack Scholarship Matters


Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion is an integral part of our mission to increase the participation of all women and girls in outdoor activities. We recognize the historic exclusion of women, especially Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color, from outdoor spaces. The Snowpack Scholarship was created to help address these inequities by generating opportunities for education, community-building, and leadership development through avalanche training.


Courses are led by women instructors and offered only to scholarship recipients, ensuring an affinity space where participants can learn, connect, and build lasting community.


Course Offerings


  • Utah AIARE Level 1: December 19-21, 2025 | Wasatch Mountains, UT | Instructor: Inspired Summit Adventures

  • Washington AIARE Level 1: January 24–25, 2026 | Stevens Pass, WA | Instructor: Alpine Ascents International

  • Colorado Rec Level 1: March 7-8, 2026 | Estes Park, CO | Instructor: American Avalanche Institute


Course Overview


Level 1 avalanche courses provide an introduction to using decision-making tools to help a group manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain. Students will learn how to combine an avalanche forecast with field observations to make informed decisions about traveling in the backcountry.


Key Dates


  • Applications open: October 6, 2025

  • Applications close: October 24, 2025

  • Notification to participants: Week of November 17, 2025

  • Acceptance + refundable deposit deadline: December 2, 2025

  • Non-selected applicants notified: On or around December 5, 2025



Who Should Apply?


All self-identified women, ages 18+, are welcome to apply. We especially encourage applications from Women of Color, LGBTQIA+ women, non-binary people, and those with financial need.


Preference will be given to applicants who live within 150 miles of the course location to strengthen community connections locally, both during and after the scholarship.


Prerequisites


Applicants should:

  • Have intermediate to advanced downhill ski/snowboard ability in off-piste or ungroomed conditions.

  • Be able to comfortably ski/ride blue square off-piste terrain with a 25lb backpack.

  • Be comfortable using touring skis/splitboards and transitioning between tour and ski modes.

  • Be prepared for full winter days outside with appropriate clothing, food, and hydration.

  • Note: Snowshoes are only permitted on the Washington course.


What’s Covered


The Snowpack Scholarship covers 100% of course tuition. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, meals, and personal equipment.


Apply


Applications open October 6, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to join a supportive learning environment that prioritizes education, safety, and community in the backcountry.



Together, we can lower barriers to avalanche education and build stronger communities where all women belong.

 
 
 

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