Interested in backcountry snowboarding but can’t afford the gear? Jones Snowboards and the American Alpine Club offer two new grants for amateurs only.
Splitboards, avalanche gear, skins, and travel costs: Backcountry touring is expensive. One grant from Jones Snowboards and the American Alpine Club hopes to change that for two lucky adventurers.
New this year, the Jones Backcountry Adventure Grant and the Jones Live Like Liz Award support amateur snowboarders on a single summit and descent, or tour of a region.
The grand provides a Jones splitboard, skins, backpack, and $1,500 to complete the adventure. The Jones Live Like Liz Award delivers the same package, though only open to female applicants.
The application period opened Dec. 12, 2017 and runs through Jan. 30, 2018. Only one applicant will be chosen for each grant. Winners will be announced in February.
Jones Backcountry Grants: Amateurs Wanted
Since 2015, Jones has annually offered grants to brand ambassadors to encourage ambitious backcountry snowboarding exploration. These grants resulted in multiple first descents but weren’t accessible to amateur riders.
Now, with Jones’ partnership with the American Alpine Club, amateur expedition grants are available. The two organizations want project proposals to focus on exploration, carbon footprint, creativity, remoteness, and overall significance.
Backcountry Exploration Grant: Application Material
The application for the two grants requires thorough reporting of the objective, partner and experience level, expedition documentation, and budget.
Applicants must be members of the American Alpine Club, complete the project in 2018, and be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age. The project must be located in North America. Professionally sponsored riders cannot apply.
Grant recipients must provide a written trip report, photos and videos, and social media content to Jones.
Now what are you waiting for? To those looking to kickstart a splitboarding career with some serious financial backing: Consider applying for these two grants.
