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

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.

The mystical Snow Snakes were the bane of my existence in those early days on the snow.

This journey was nothing short of exhilarating, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

The excitement of gearing up for an AIARE 2 hut trip with VNTRbirds was amped up even further by the storm brewing in the mountains.

I want to express my gratitude for the incredible opportunity provided to me through the Arc’teryx Backcountry Scholarship.