Colorado Adventure Guides is proud to share our Professional Mentorship Program with members of the outdoor community again this season! There are a variety of barriers to succeeding in the world of avalanche education and backcountry guiding, and we are here to support all individuals along the way. Our goal? A more inclusive and diverse outdoor leadership community!
Breaking into backcountry ski and splitboard guiding or avalanche education can be challenging. At Colorado Adventure Guides, we’re committed to helping aspiring outdoor professionals overcome those barriers.
Our Professional Mentorship Program (PMP) supports both professional and personal growth, with a focus on connecting mentors and mentees from historically marginalized communities. By fostering mutual understanding and guidance, we aim to cultivate a diverse new generation of outdoor leaders.
For the 2025/2026 season, we are excited to support a women’s group and a co-ed group. The program is designed for individuals seeking a career or role in avalanche education or backcountry ski/splitboard guiding.
The program runs December through March and includes:
Applications close November 30, 2025. Join us and take the next step toward your professional aspirations in the backcountry.
Our mentorship program for women provides guidance, support, and skill-building to help aspiring backcountry guides and avalanche educators grow in their careers. Many women face challenges sustaining careers in this field, and women continue to make up a smaller portion of ski guides and instructors than men.
If you’re not sure where to start, this mentorship is designed to help you connect with experienced guides, build your skills, and chart a path forward.
If you aspire to professional growth in avalanche education or backcountry guiding, we encourage you to apply to the program.
Mentees will be selected each fall for the upcoming winter season, with the number of accepted mentees varying each year. Our mentorship program takes a multi-faceted approach, and is built around helping aspiring professionals reach their goal of working in our industry.
Our mentees will spend at least 1 day per month throughout the winter season (Dec-Mar) in the field with a mentor to help hone snowpack assessment skills, instructing/guiding techniques, group management, and more.
Mentees will have monthly virtual sessions with a mentor to discuss varying topics, which may include general catch ups, tracking the season's conditions, different teaching styles, risk management, and more.
All mentees will have an open line of communication to their mentor who will be a resource to answer any questions throughout the season.
Do you want to just get out for a customized day of learning or riding? The day can be tailored to the skills you want to spend the most time on, from trip planning to route selection, field observations to snowpack analysis. Or it could simply be about getting out and finding the best conditions. We have top-notch instructors and guides on staff that will show you and your group an amazing time!
