WHAT WE DO
-
The Front Country Foundation empowers veterans through backcountry ski and snowboard education, instilling lasting skills, fostering connections, and prioritizing mental and physical health as part of suicide prevention.
-
We provide week-long backcountry skiing/ snowboarding trips in Jackson Hole for veterans combining comprehensive education, snow safety, and AIARE 1 avalanche certification. Our programming includes instruction on map and terrain skills, ski/snowboard uphill techniques, AIARE avalanche training and certification and fosters a supportive and enthusiastic environment.
-
Our specialized SHRED Therapy program is a vital reintegration tool for veterans, restoring purpose, camaraderie, and joy. We proactively address mental health concerns, including suicide prevention, recognizing it as a leading cause of death among veterans. Our goal is to support veterans in reclaiming purpose and connection in the Wyoming mountains regardless of financial, social or logistical barriers.
What is Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding?
Backcountry skiing takes place outside of groomed, controlled ski areas (like ski resorts). Instead of chairlifts, marked trails, and avalanche control, backcountry skiers travel into natural, undeveloped terrain— in the backcountry you learn how to read snow conditions to navigate the best lines.
Key features:
No ski lifts: Skiers climb the mountain themselves (using skins, splitboards, or boot-packing).
Ungroomed snow: Terrain is untouched—deep powder, trees, steep chutes, open bowls.
Avalanche risk: Because the area isn’t controlled, skiers must have avalanche safety training (like AIARE 1 certification we provide) and carry essential safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel).
Adventure & solitude: Backcountry skiing gives access to quiet, beautiful places far from crowds and supplies an environment built for small group connection.
Rigor: often called “Type 2 Fun”—hard in the moment, but deeply rewarding afterward
