SCHOLARSHIPS FUND
Supporting women in the outdoors and furthering their outdoor education through mentorships and grants.
WINTER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! SEE BELOW.
VNTRBIRDS WINTER SCHOLARSHIPS— 2025/26
Empowering Women & Femme-Identifying Adventurers in the Backcountry
Winter is our time to connect with the mountains in a whole new way. VNTRbirds scholarships provide financial support, mentorship, and education to help women and femme-identifying adventurers safely explore the backcountry, build confidence, and step into leadership roles.
​
Whether you ski or splitboard, our winter scholarships focus on backcountry and avalanche education, giving participants the skills, confidence, and mentorship to safely explore the mountains.
Support the
VNTR FUND
VNTRbirds unites women-identifying and non-binary outdoor athletes who are comfortable in femme-centered spaces to foster confidence and self-reliance in mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and split boarding.
Our approach emphasizes holistic, women-led learning, celebrating identities as outdoor athletes in an inclusive and enjoyable environment.
FEMME-CENTERED
SAFE LEARNING
We offer safe learning spaces, long-term mentorship, and community forums to promote diversity and growth in outdoor sports.
Support the Fund: Donate here to help us continue empowering more women and non-binary riders.
Support the VNTRbirds Scholarship Fund and help empower women and non-binary individuals in outdoor sports through mentorships, skills clinics, and financial grants. VNTRbirds is an outdoor education and adventure company based in Summit County, CO, offering workshops, clinics, and courses across the state.​
This fund helps create safe, femme-centered spaces for mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and splitboarding—fostering confidence, self-reliance, and long-term community support. Your donation not only supports inclusive outdoor education, but 4% also goes directly to Friends of Dillon Ranger District, giving back to the public lands where we learn, ride, and grow together.
WE'RE ALSO THRILLED TO SHARE THAT VNTRBIRDS IS NOW ABLE TO ACCEPT 501(C)(3) DONATIONS THROUGH OUR FISCAL SPONSOR, FRIENDS OF THE DILLON RANGER DISTRICT!
SCHOLARSHIPS
How Scholarships Work
VNTRbirds scholarships help cover:
-
Course fees for AIARE Level 1, Level 2, or introductory courses
-
Equipment rentals or purchases for winter backcountry trips
-
Mentorship and guided experiences with our professional educators
-
Access to community events and networking opportunities
Who Can Apply
-
Women and femme-identifying adventurers of all experience levels
-
Individuals looking to grow their skills and confidence in winter backcountry environments
-
Anyone passionate about sharing the backcountry responsibly and supporting other participants
Apply or Support
Applications open Nov 1st 2025 and close Nov 29th 2025 at MIDNIGHT. Scholarships are awarded by Dec 6th 2025.
Donate or Sponsor
Your support helps more adventurers access winter education and mentorship. Funds contribute directly to scholarships, gear, and programming.
​
VNTRbirds Mentorship Scholarship, aimed at empowering aspiring women leaders in the backcountry! This scholarship is designed for those looking to become backcountry guides and educators. One deserving recipient will receive:
-
Hands-On Mentorship: Work closely with experienced instructors and learn the operational side of VNTRbirds backcountry courses.
-
Shadow a VNTRbirds Course: Gain invaluable experience by shadowing a VNTRbirds course, providing you with real-world insights and skills.
-
$500 toward Training: Receive $500 to put toward a Wilderness First Responder course, Level 2 course, or a Pro Level course. Funds will be awarded upon proof of completion.
Rocky Talkie Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners with a set of Rocky Talkie radios, ensuring clear communication throughout your adventures.
_ai.png){kind=logo}
Underground Snowboards Scholarship, designed to support breast cancer patients and survivors on their journey into the backcountry. One deserving recipient will receive:
​
-
VNTRbirds AIARE Level 1 Course: Acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the winter backcountry safely and confidently.
-
Rocky Talkie Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners, enhancing communication and safety during your adventures.
Powder 7 SKIING FOR ALL Scholarship, designed to empower lifelong backcountry adventurers! One deserving recipient will receive:
-
VNTRbirds AIARE Level 2 Course: Elevate your skills and safety knowledge by continuing your backcountry education.
-
AIARE Rescue Course: Essential training to prepare you for emergencies in the backcountry, a prerequisite for the Level 2 course.
-
$300 Gear Stipend: Use this to gear up at Powder 7 in Golden, Colorado! Whether you need new equipment, a tune-up for your gear, or a boot fit, they've got you covered.
-
Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Keeping you and your backcountry partners in touch at all times.
-
REQUIRED: blog post, video testimonial for both VNTR + Pow7 after the course.
.png)
#1 Arc'teryx AIARE Level 1 Scholarship, dedicated to empowering femme backcountry travelers! One deserving recipient will receive:
-
VNTRbirds AIARE Level 1 Course: Acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the winter backcountry safely and confidently.
-
Free Rescue Gear Rental: If you need it, we’ll provide rescue gear to ensure you're prepared for any situation.
-
Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners at all times, enhancing safety and communication during your adventures.
#2 Arc'teryx Intro to Backcountry Scholarship, designed specifically for new backcountry users! One deserving recipient will receive:
-
VNTRbirds Backcountry Basics Course: Learn the fundamentals of backcountry travel in a supportive environment, perfect for those new to the sport.
-
Free Avalanche Rescue Gear Rental: If needed, we’ll provide essential rescue gear to ensure you’re prepared and safe.
-
Rocky Talkie Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners, enhancing communication and safety during your adventures.​​
Arrow Insurance BIPOC Scholarship, created to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to confidently explore the backcountry. Supported by the woman-owned Arrow Insurance, this scholarship aims to help more femme and underrepresented folks access outdoor education and adventure opportunities. Each recipient will receive:
-
VNTRbirds Backcountry Basics Course: Gain essential skills and knowledge for safe winter exploration. Take your first steps into the backcountry with confidence!
-
Free Rescue Gear Rental: If you need it, we’ll provide top-notch rescue gear to ensure you're prepared for any situation.
-
Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners at all times, enhancing safety and communication during your adventures.
