Blizzard Tecnica Launching Third Annual Scholarship For Women To Advance Their Education In Snowsports.

Blizzard Tecnica are launching their third annual scholarship for women looking to advance their education in snowsports.

The scholarship, which now has a new name to honor legendary skier and mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, will be open for applicants through December 19th, 2022.

Welcome to year three of the Blizzard Tecnica W2W Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship Program. Blizzard Tecnica are excited to support women in their pursuit to further their education and knowledge in snowsports.

Blizzard Tecnica sees education, a key pillar of the w2w program, as a way to empower and instil confidence in women and a way for women to know that they belong in the snowsports space.

Hilaree Nelson 1972-2022 said “It’s much easier to be something when you see a path put down by women before you.”

On September 26, 2022, at 10:42 a.m., Hilaree, with her partner Jim Morrison, reached the summit of Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world. They proceeded to gear up and ski down when, after the first few turns, Hilaree was swept off her feet by a small avalanche and carried 5’000 feet down a steep slope. Her body was recovered 2 days later.

Hilaree was a pioneer. an inspiration and a leader for women in the outdoor world. just a few of her many accomplishments include: 

• 2020: First Ski Descent Of The Lhotse Couloir (4th Highest Peak At 27,940 Ft) 
• 2012: The First Women To Climb Lhotse & Everest (29,032 Ft) In 24 Hours 
• 2017: First Ski Descent Of Papsura (21,165 Ft), India

But Hilaree 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 us each step of the way. She was a force that showed us what we, as women, can do.

“Women need to stop underselling themselves. stop acquiescing and know that if you’re out there, pushing the limits, then you’re worth it.”Hilaree Nelson

With This Scholarship Program In Her Name, Blizzard Tecnica  Hopes To Carry Her Torch For Future Generations Of Women.

Blizzard Tecnica  will be awarding financial support to women for educational opportunities, ranging anywhere from introductory courses to top level certifications, as well as a pair of Blizzard skis and Tecnica ski boots. The number of scholarships to be awarded is dependent on the requests and will be determined after all applications have been received.

• APPLICATION: NOV. 18 - DEC. 19, 2022 HERE
• SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED: EARLY JANUARY, 2023

“By attending the PSIA national academy 2022--i will gain training so that i can, in turn, make investments in black, brown, indigenous women of color who are PSIA level 1 certified instructors. this a cradle to community investment. when you invests in me, i invest in others.” Humaira Falkenberg

“The AIARE itc course, without the support of this scholarship, would be inaccessible to me. empowering women with education invites them to advance into leadership positions. additionally, and more abstractly, often women have a hard time holding the conviction that not only are their goals are worth pursuing, but that as an individual she is worthy of pursuing her goals. to have support from a company can be a powerful nudge towards pursuing things that are inspiring but feel like a reach. ”Hannah McGowan

“By helping women advance their education in snowsports, we’re not only helping them as individuals, but all of the girls and women they affect through their work. it’s imperative that we bring more women into leadership roles and empower them to use their voice on and off the hill.” Leslie Baker-Brown