Women's Mentorship Program - AIARE- American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education

AIARE Women's Mentorship Program

Women make up a disproportionately small number of avalanche educators in the U.S., and many women in the field find it difficult to grow and sustain their careers. The financial, sociological, and other barriers faced by everyone in the industry are often exacerbated for women. And those barriers can be even further amplified for women who are racialized, disabled, trans, mothers, poor/working class and women who hold other historically marginalized identities.

For these reasons and more, AIARE is thrilled to bring back the Women’s Mentorship Program for the 2022–23 season

The AIARE Approach

This three-pronged community-focused program aims to support women in avalanche education with opportunities and resources to grow and sustain careers.

Scholarships

Scholarships for women on PRO 1, Instructor Training, & Course Leader Training Courses

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Mentorship

Cohort-based mentorship for select applicants, which includes direct connections to field opportunities with AIARE providers. See an outline of this season's sessions:

VIEW OUTLINE

Networking

Four panel conversations and facilitated networking events, featuring women in avalanche education. Join the AIARE newsletter so you don't miss out on any networking opportunities.

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Women’s Mentorship: A Conversation Series

Panels are back for 2022/23! Hear from women across the avalanche industry about topics ranging from getting started with your personal avalanche education journey to finding work to building a sustainable career in the industry. Panels will be hosted in-person and available virtually. All gender identities are welcome!

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How to Get Started: Avalanche Education

Thursday, 11/3/2022 @ 6 - 7:30 Pacific Time // Location: Virtual or In-person: Bay Area, CA (Sports Basement [Redwood City])

From roadside crags to big lines deep in the mountains, ever-present avalanche dangers require us to be informed when we’re playing in the snow. Thankfully, there are lots of resources out there to expand our knowledge, but which ones are right for you? Come hear from knowledgeable AIARE instructors about how you can get smart about avalanches and the backcountry, along with what courses and other resources are available.

How to Get Started: Professional Work in the Winter Outdoor Industry

Monday, 11/7/2022 @ time TBD // Location: Virtual or In-person: Seattle, WA

Teaching others about avalanche safety and managing folks in avalanche terrain are big responsibilities, and breaking into the industry can be overwhelming. Not only do you need to gain technical experience and knowledge in the field, but there’s a whole world of professional training and workplaces to navigate. Join experienced AIARE instructors to hear about their journeys as well as advice for getting started in the industry.

(registration coming soon)

Deep Dive: Careers in Avalanche Forecasting + Ski Patrolling

Monday, 12/5/2022 @ time TBD // Location: Virtual or In-person: Jackson, WY (Teton Gravity Research)

There are so many different work opportunities in the winter outdoor industry that it can be hard to figure out where to start. Join seasoned AIARE instructors as they take a deep dive into two specific parts of the industry: ski patrolling and avalanche forecasting.

(registration coming soon)

Finding the Balance: Part-Time Work in the Avalanche Industry

Tuesday, 12/13/2022 @ 6-7:30pm Mountain Time // Location: Virtual or In-person: Denver, CO (Rab Denver)

Lots of folks choose a part-time arrangement for their work in the avalanche education industry. For some, it’s a stepping stone towards getting established in a full-time capacity; for others, it’s to offer affinity programs for their communities while maintaining day jobs. The reasons are varied and plentiful, but regardless of why or how people find themselves working part-time in the industry, it can be a difficult and delicate balance to strike. Join AIARE instructors to hear about how they’ve found the balance over the years and what advice they have for those navigating part-time work in avalanche education.

AIARE Women's Affinity Courses 2022-23

AIARE offered its first Women’s Affinity Instructor Training Course (ITC) in February 2021. Six women successfully completed the course in Washington, and we were able to offer full scholarships to all participants. Through this effort alone, we increased the enrollment of women in ITC courses to 35% (up from 28% the previous year).

In 2022, AIARE’s instructor training course made up of 27% women, up 5% from last season—but women also need support once they have entered the industry. That's where the Women's Mentorship Program comes in.

Interested in applying for an all-women’s PRO 1 or ITC for the 2022–23 season?

Apply for a scholarship

Learn about the ITC

We aim to provide:

A peer support program that meaningfully connects women to other women in the avalanche industry.

A connection to AIARE providers for women to better support their path in finding, building, and growing sustainable career paths in the avalanche industry.

Opportunities for the public to engage with women in the industry and their knowledge and experiences, including through panel events

Applications Now Closed for 2022-23 Women's Mentorship Program.

Not able to join AIARE for our Women’s Mentorship Program?

Check out these other industry mentorship opportunities:

Want to support the Women’s Mentorship Program?

Purchase a Mammut Barryvox S beacons are for sale in the AIARE online store. All proceeds go towards the Women’s Mentorship Program.

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