This course is for ladies who have a strong foundation of backcountry skills that want to learn how to travel through more technical terrain on their splitboards. As splitboarders we require different strategies to move efficiently in the mountains. This course will focus on the specifics of tackling steeper terrain through the perspective of being both a woman and a splitboarder. In this course we will cover a wide array of topics with an emphasis on traveling through intermediate and advanced terrain, focus on the use of technical gear such as ice axe, crampons, rope-management and anchor techniques while utilizing practical application of those skills. This hut-based, female-led course includes 3 days and 2 nights with breakfast and dinner included. Build your confidence, your crew, your knowledge and take your splitboarding to the next level!
May 1 - 3, 2026
Blue Piano Hut, Guanella Pass, Colorado
1 hour from Denver Colorado!
Requirements:
- Level 1 Recreational avalanche course
- Rescue Course
- Ability to ski all terrain at the ski resort, including black diamonds and UNGROOMED TERRAIN.
- 20+ days in the backcountry with ability to skin 3000ft vertical.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Equipment
- Introduction and overview of technical gear
- Ropework; knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, & rappelling
- Ice axe; including self-arrest, belay & climbing techniques
- Crampon usage
Trip Preparation
- Advanced trip planning and route selection
- Rescue and emergency preparation
Techniques
- Techniques for traveling through technical terrain
- Steep skinning and bootpacking techniques
- Steep snow climbing techniques
- Steep riding
Course Dates Location & Duration
- Dates: Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
- Duration: Three days & two nights
- Approach Distance: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 900 ft
Trip Itinerary
- Students will have a pre-trip zoom meeting scheduled on Wednesday April 22nd, 6:00-8:00pm MST
- Day One: Meet at trailhead, gear up, and tour to the cabin. Afternoon gear overview and then potentially travel into the field for a short tour.
- Day Two: Full day in the field learning and practicing skills such as ice axe/crampon use, rope-work including belay and rappel techniques, and techniques on how to travel through technical terrain.
- Day Three: Attempt an objective (condition dependent) to climb and ride to practice some of the newly learned skills. Return to cabin, pack gear and travel out of field.
Price Includes
- Price: $899 + booking fee’s
- Two breakfast & two Dinners
- Qualified and professional Guides/Instructors
- Lodging
- Technical gear if needed
- 3-4:1 client:guide ratio
Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Transportation to designated meeting place
- Food for lunch/snacks (in the field)
- Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
Guide Team
- Sarah Janin, American Mountain Guide, first female Certified Splitboard Guide, AIARE and AAI Avalanche Instructor, Wilderness First Responder Instructor
- Rhema Wiarda, Women Who Splitboard Founder, AIARE Instructor, splitboard guide, Wilderness First Responder
