Affinity Courses
STRONGER TOGETHER
Collaborative Courses Designed with Inclusivity In Mind
The outdoors should be a place where everyone belongs. For too long barriers to access, skills development, and leadership opportunities have kept climbers on the margins. Together, in partnership with other organizations, we’re changing that.
We’re proud to announce Affinity Courses—designed to build leadership, technical skills, and community across affinity spaces. These courses are more than just learning how to climb—they are about taking up space, reclaiming leadership, and forging a future where climbers from marginalized communities don’t just participate, but lead.
Sliding scales and scholarships are available via our “Stronger Together Scholarships” — supporting LGBTQIA+ and POC climbers and our “Mountain Leadership Fund” — supporting current and future volunteers in their leadership journeys. See individual applications for details!
Courses for Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary Climbers
About Indigo Alpine Guides
IAG was founded in 2017 by Jack Bynum. After working for companies across America, including National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Alpine Ascents, Mountain Madness, and Mountain Professionals, Jack decided to start IAG focusing on custom unique experiences in the seldom-traveled parts of the world.
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Queer Backpacking (Alaska)
An awesome expedition with a rad group of queer folks in the heart of one of the coolest mountain ranges in Alaska. We’ll fly deep into the Brooks Range to the small native village of Anaktuvuk. This flight saves us all the hassle of bushwhacking. From there we’ll explore the high alpine tundra with epic views of mountains in all directions. We’ll cover anywhere from 5-10 miles per day of off-trail travel. There are no trails in Alaska, so we make our own way – camps are just spots on the map and our route is just a line that seems to go. There will be all kinds of weather and infinite Alaska sun. In the mornings and evenings we’ll share delicious but simple backcountry food and enjoy each other's company. There will be enough time on this trip to rest and read and make art, but also be prepared for some long challenging days, especially as we climb over high passes. Before you know it, we’ll be back in Anaktuvuk awaiting our charter flight back to Fairbanks. In Fairbanks we’ll shower and share a final celebratory dinner before parting ways the following morning.
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Advanced Backpacking (Alaska)
This course is for intermediate to advanced backpackers who want to up their game to the next level and open up a whole new world of possibilities. Maybe you’ve backpacked a bunch, but never dared to set foot off trail. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a specific trip, but feeling like you’re not quite dialed enough to pull if off. This course will cover everything there is to know about expedition backpacking, in a fun and supportive group. You’ll leave feeling competent and confident to take yourself and friends backpacking anywhere in the world on or off trail with or without consulting guidebooks and written reports. We’re running two trips: one for women (cis, trans, non-binary) and one for queer folks, because we believe affinity spaces are important in building a more inclusive outdoor community.
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Intro to Mountaineering: Trans, Genderqueer and Non-Binary
A 6 day expedition to one of the most iconic mountains in the North Cascades with a supportive group of humans. Kweq’ Smanit (Mt. Baker) is an ideal mountaineering adventure for folks new to the sport and beginner / intermediate climbers wanting to develop their skills. We’ll cover the basic skills of mountaineering, attempt a summit and make sure that we have enough time for games and laughter. Our goal is to teach you everything you need to know to start mountaineering on your own: navigation, crevasse rescue, trip prep, etc. We’ll even rappel into a crevasse (if you want to)! Costumes are welcome. This climb is appropriate for beginner or intermediate mountaineers who can confidently hike for 6-8 hours uphill with a light pack and anyone who’s excited for a fun and wild mountain climb.
Courses for Queer, Trans, Nonbinary and BIPOC Climbers
About Climbers of Color
Climbers of Color was founded in 2017 in Seattle, WA.
Their mission is to increase access to climbing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Climbers of Color aims to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the climbing and mountaineering community by developing leaders of color. To accomplish its mission, Climbers of Color provides supportive mentorship, technical training and access to key resources including gear and scholarships.
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Glacier Skills
This one-day workshop covers the basic components of glacier travel and crevasse rescue. The course can serve as a refresher for those with previous glacier mountaineering experience or introduce the necessary skills for mountaineers looking to climb their first glaciated peaks. The course starts with an in-town park day to review equipment and gear used in glacier travel and to practice haul systems used in crevasse rescue. Following this, the group will head to Snoqualmie Pass to practice these systems in the snow and finish with mock rescue drills to put it all together.
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Mountain Leadership I
A two-day workshop designed an inclusive space for POCs and LGBTQ+ affinities. It covers mountain navigation and snow skills and will help introduce experienced hikers into mountaineering. Individuals who already have mountaineering experience can expect to develop their navigation, teaching, and leadership skills. Skills learned will allow you to climb easy-to-moderate mountaineering objectives like Ellinor, Adams, and Shasta by the end of Summer.
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Mountain Leadership II
This four-day workshop is an intermediate level course to prepare leaders and team members for expeditions on PNW volcanoes such as Tahoma (Mount Rainier) and Koma Kulshan (Mount Baker). The course will take place on the slopes of Koma Kulshan and will cover expedition camping, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and group management on glaciated terrain. There will be three days of instruction and one day for a summit attempt of Koma Kulshan.
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Ice Leadership I
Ice Leadership I is intended to teach ice climbing skills and movement in addition to rope skills and anchor building. First-time climbers will learn all the tools and tricks of the trade on top rope. More experienced climbers will be introduced to mock leading and or guide tips and tricks on setting up their own top rope ice crags for climbing partners or friends.
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Intro to Top Rope Climbing (Outdoor)
Top roping is a fun and safe way to get into outdoor climbing. Toproping is the act of climbing while your rope is anchored above you at the top of the climb. We will cover belay device types and their proper operation, communication/commands, tying in as a climber. This course is also a great way to prepare and pass your indoor climbing belay cert!
FAQs
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✅ Subsidized Mountain Leadership & Navigation training
✅ Crevasse Rescue for glacier travel & mountaineering
✅ Advanced Alpine & Ice Climbing instruction
✅ Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC climbers -
These courses are designed as inclusive shared affinity spaces for both the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Anyone from within these communities is welcome to apply.
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Guides from Climbers of Color (CoC) will oversee and execute the courses, manage applications, scholarships, and program logistics. Queer Mountaineers (QM) is providing scholarship support, marketing, and volunteer connections + support. Additionally, these courses will be further supported and operated by Miyar Adventures.
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After the success of our past and recent collaborations, it's clear that our communities thrive when we come together.
While @ClimbersofColor has focused on BIPOC programming and @Queer.Mountaineers on queer/trans safe spaces, our communities’ needs demand something bigger.
"In life, one should aim to be both the teacher and the student."
Our organizations are coming together to do just that—to learn from the needs and asks of our communities and from one another. To grow, together.
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In a time of growing division and as attacks on racial justice, diversity programs, and LGBTQIA+ rights escalate—unity is resistance. Our communities’ challenges are intertwined. So is our power.
By breaking tradition, we are not only building skills but building collective resilience. These courses are more than climbing; they’re reclaiming leadership, creating real pathways for change, and strengthening community.
Because community is more than labels.
It’s more than sharing a sport.
It’s showing up for each other.
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📍 Apply Now to a Course
💸 Support Our Scholarships—donate today!
Questions?
Email mountaineering@climbersofcolor.org and CC info@queermountaineers.com
Note:
These courses are operated by Miyar Adventures and will be subject to Miyar's cancellation policies
The future is ours to shape. We’re stronger together.
Let’s work together.
Are you part of an affinity organization interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!