When I know snow is coming in, I wake up, grab my phone, and check OpenSnow. Ten inches of fresh overnight at my local mountain. Nice. Then I swipe over to another favorite and see Silverton  is lining up for another 15 tomorrow. I look at my calendar. I’ve got the next five days off. That’s all I need to know — it’s time to storm chase. All smiles under the snow This is where OpenSnow really shines for me. It’s not just a single forecast or a snapshot in time — it’s the full

Somewhere between packing snacks, triple-checking your gear, and booting up in the cold at the trailhead, trip planning can start to feel optional. We’ve all been there. You meant to read the forecast more closely. You assumed everyone had the same goals. You figured you’d “talk it through in the parking lot.” Life is full — and when time gets tight, it’s tempting to cut corners. In the backcountry, those corners matter. Most incidents aren’t caused by one bad decision. They’

You keep telling yourself, “I’m not ready for AIARE 2.” But what if that doubt is the best reason to take it? This course isn’t about being an expert—it’s about gaining the skills and confidence to make your own backcountry decisions.

If you’ve ever wondered why I keep coming back to Silverton Mountain’s Women’s Big Mountain Weekend and Sisters in the Steeps, it’s simple: the stoke is unmatched. Every year, I get to ride with an incredible crew of women — and sometimes even pros like the Moonrise Create team, Sierra Schlag, Hana Beaman, and more. There’s nothing like dropping into the San Juans with a crew of badass women, laughing the whole way down, and pushing yourself on terrain you won’t find anywhere

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. 

Introducing VNTRbirds’ AIARE Course Leader, Mentor, and Backcountry Educator - Janine Prout

As a seasoned backcountry instructor, here are my top 3 reasons why I encourage you to sign up for your first avalanche education course.

This mentorship scholarship opened my eyes to the vast perspectives of what a community can bring to you and the importance of preserving  those spaces. One of the coolest things I was able to experience was the unity of unique, badass women who were brave enough to be curious.