Empowering Tomorrow’s Outdoor Leaders: Backcountry Squatters
Backcountry Squatters is a nationwide coalition of college clubs committed to fostering participation, leadership, and inclusivity among women and gender-queer folks within the outdoor industry and community.
about us
Run by ‘Squatters alumni, this 501c3 nonprofit uplifts women and gender-queer folks at a pivotal moment in their lives by connecting them in the kinship, growth, and empowerment of shared outdoor pursuits.
our chapters
We are opening the door to outdoor opportunities that women and non-binary folks have historically been excluded from. With chapters established accross the nation, Backcountry Squatters is rapidly expanding.
join us
Your support helps shape the next generation of resilient, empowered leaders. Together, we can make a difference, creating a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.
Upcoming Events
6th Annual Sasquatch Skedaddle
bozeman, mt + virtual option
November 17,2024
Join us for a 1 mile/5K/10K fun run to benefit Backcountry Squatters mission of building an inclusive outdoor community by providing opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and professional development. We also have a virtual option to participate from ANYWHERE between Nov. 11th-17th.
on the blog
2023 In’s and Out’s
February, the actual start of the year, is when you make good on some new resolutions, tidy things up, and rebrand yourself completely. In honor of the new year (Ibby’s New Year™), I thought I would share some of my “In’s and Out’s” for 2023.
Beginning in the Backcountry
Maggie is a recipient of the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education and received her AIARE 1 through the University of Colorado.
Backcountry Squatters Takes Jackson Hole
I crashed the Backcountry Squatters ski trip and it was hands down the best decision ever. We skied everywhere. Let me tell you from experience, skiing with a group of 10 people with various backgrounds can be tricky, but this just felt right.
2022 Sasquatch Skedaddle
If you were not at MAP Brewing in Bozeman, MT on November 14th, enjoying the Sasquatch Skedaddle fun run/race, you sorely missed out. On that particular Sunday, an incredible community of vibrant and ambitious women came together to pull off the funnest fun run that...
AIARE 1 w/ Mackenzie
Mackenzie reflects on her experience taking a AIARE level 1 course through the Acadia Mountain Guides with the funds she received from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education.
AIARE 1 w/ Eva
Eva reflects on her experience taking a level 1 course through the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education with the funds she received from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education.
What our community says:
From the beginning this movement has never been about how fast we can ski, how hard we can climb, or how far we can run–it has always been about pushing the boundaries of what women perceive as possible for themselves in outdoor culture, and in-turn, society. Through my own experience with Backcountry Squatters, I’ve found a meaningful sense-of-place in my community and have gotten to do so alongside women with an array of interesting backgrounds and stories–an experience I believe every woman should get the opportunity to have.
The Backcountry Squatters were a pleasure to partner with for avalanche education. The turnout for the classes was always high and the women were excited to learn. It’s great to work with a club that is eager to offer educational opportunities, as well as fun experiences.
I am always inspired by the women I have met through Backcountry Squatters. This community has introduced me to strong, confident, and amazing women who all share a collective enthusiasm for the outdoors. By maintaining a supportive atmosphere to pursue unique goals and have fun doing it, ‘Squatters has helped me build confidence in the mountains, on the river and even in school.
I got involved with the Backcountry Squatters at DU when it first got up and running because I wanted to not only inspire girls to join the outdoor community but also help other like-minded girls to find more gal pals to go get after it with. That’s why it has been so important to me: because we need more girl support in the outdoor community and an inclusive environment where we can grow and learn from each other.
WHO WE ARE
Backcountry Squatters is a vibrant community that empowers college women and non-binary folks at a pivotal moment in their lives. We are dedicated to fostering growth, leadership, and kinship through shared outdoor pursuits.
Our vision propels a new generation of leaders to thrive through college and beyond, making a lasting impact on the world. With a nationwide network of clubs, we prioritize community, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, education, and outdoor recreation, ensuring everyone can access the transformative power of the outdoors.