5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a VNTRbirds Full Moon Skin

When I first started ski touring, it was a very solitary activity for me—first by necessity, then by preference. I picked up my first pair of touring skis during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic primarily because I feared the ski resorts would close down. But even after the pandemic, skinning up the resort was a meditative activity, where I could simply be alone with my thoughts and decompress from the day.

Then I discovered the VNTRbirds community and realized how much more fun it was to turn my solo skiing days into adventures with new and old friends. I first found VNTRbirds through mountain biking and soon learned about their winter events and offerings. After being accepted as a VNTRbirds ambassador for the winter season, I began attending—and eventually leading—the Full Moon Tour events.

For those who don’t know, the Full Moon Tours are hosted by VNTRbirds several times throughout the winter and offer the perfect opportunity to get out on your skis or splitboard after work with a great crew. Each tour gives you a groomed run beneath your feet, a peaceful climb in the twilight, and a magical descent lit by the full moon. Afterward, there’s an optional happy hour at a local spot and a photo contest where participants can win fun prizes.

For me, the Full Moon Tours have become an event that I look forward to each month for several reasons:

1. CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN TOUR!

   One of the best parts of these tours is that you can tailor the experience to how you’re feeling that day. It’s not the kind of outing where you have to be at 100% just to keep up or worry about getting left behind. VNTRbirds offers different paced groups, so you can choose exactly what you need. I can push it most of the time, but some days a mellow cruise is exactly what my legs (and brain) want. No matter which group you join, the vibe is engaging, fun, and inclusive—and you’re never left behind.

2. IT'S AN AMAZING COMMUNITY!

   At every event, I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with incredible women and femme-identifying folks who inspire me both on and off the snow. Along the way, I’ve not only expanded my roster of ski buddies but also filled my bucket list with heli-ski adventures, hut trips, and ski mountaineering races I learned about from other participants.  

3. KEEPING YOU MOTIVATED!

   We’ve all been there—it’s cold, you’re tired from work, and the couch feels way more appealing than getting outside. That was me on one of our tour days. But I had already committed, and backing out wasn’t an option. As always, once I got out there, I had an incredible time and was so glad I pushed myself. These tours also give me the chance to explore new terrain and ski areas I don’t visit as often, which makes the experience even more rewarding.

4. THEY ARE FEMME FOCUSED!

   There’s something uniquely empowering about a women- and femme-focused outdoor event. Last season, I spoke with many participants who were initially hesitant to join the Full Moon Tour because past experiences in coed groups or courses hadn’t felt inclusive or supportive. I completely relate—one of the reasons I spent my first years ski touring solo was feeling out of sync with the all-male groups I had joined, whether around risk tolerance, learning goals, or what we wanted from the experience. One of the most rewarding parts of leading the Full Moon Tours is seeing how many women and femme-identifying folks leave with a renewed sense of confidence and excitement for group touring.

5. ALWAYS LEARNING!

   Even when I’m leading a group, I’m constantly learning something new. From the best headlamps for night skiing to off-season training tips, favorite shops for ski tune-ups, or hidden backcountry gems, each tour leaves me with valuable knowledge and fresh inspiration.

I still enjoy my solo resort tours. But if VNTRbirds is hosting a group ride, I’m there—and highly recommend you check them out too! Skiing under the glow of a full moon with friends is an experience that you’ll never forget. 

Megan O'Brien (she/her) was born in Chicago and moved to Colorado after college. She lives in Breckenridge with her six-year-old golden retriever, Declan, and works as a writer and editor for a software company. A lifelong skier, she also enjoys mountain biking, ice hockey, and hiking.