Hilaree Nelson. Photo: Nick Kalis
The 2023 W2W Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship program aims to empower women through their passion for mountain sports.
Editor’s note: We don’t often publish press releases at WildSnow. For clear reasons, primarily the values represented in the press release and espoused by Hilaree Nelson over the years, we’re glad to spread the word.
Blizzard Tecnica is proud to announce the third annual scholarship for women looking to advance their education in snowsports, updated with a new name – the W2W Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship – in honor of the fallen mountaineer, friend, and mentor. Whether applicants are interested in avalanche safety, ski instruction, guiding, health/wellness or other related coursework, the program application parameters are intentionally relaxed, as to encourage all women skiers to pursue their individual goals. The grants awarded will include coursework fees along with a pair of Blizzard skis and Tecnica boots.
Nelson was a pioneer, an inspiration, and leader for women in the outdoor world. But she was not just about her epic feats. She did not want to be put on a pedestal, revered and out of touch. She was down on the ground, leading her community every step of the way. “Women need to stop underselling themselves,” said Nelson. “Stop acquiescing and know that if you’re out there pushing the limits, then you’re worth it.” With this scholarship program in her name, Blizzard Tecnica hopes to help carry her torch for future generations of women.
Blizzard Tecnica’s Women2Women (W2W) program is widely considered one of the most committed women’s programs in skiing, closely and continually evaluating women’s products, needs, and lifestyles as they pertain to skiing. Education is a key pillar for W2W and has proudly awarded 37 women with over $35,000 in scholarships and equipment in the first two years of the scholarship program. Seeing the growth in applicants and learning more about their stories, Blizzard Tecnica’s Global W2W Project Leader, Leslie Baker-Brown, feels more confident than ever of its significance to women.
“I’ve been so moved hearing the stories of the women who won W2W Education Scholarships over the last two years,” said Baker-Brown. “These courses are not only helping them advance their mountain skills or careers, they’re also empowering them in their everyday lives and allowing them to inspire other girls and women to know they can do or be anything they want.”
Humarira Falkenberg. Photo: TREW
“By attending the PSIA National Academy 2022, I will gain training so that I can, in turn, make investments in black, brown, and indigenous women of color who are PSIA level 1 instructors,” said 2022 winner, Humaira Falkenberg. “This is a cradle in community investment. When you invest in me, I invest in others.”
Applications will be accepted here through December 19 2022, at which time Baker-Brown and an international team involved with the W2W program will review all entries and award a number of grants dependent on applications received. Winners will be alerted in January 2023 with funds and products awarded thereafter.
While most of the WildSnow backcountry skiing blog posts are best attributed to a single author, some work well as done by the group.
