SnowPals.org partners with SlabLab.co (your source for backcountry skiing partners) to help connect backcountry skiers, split-boarders, and snow sports enthusiasts to the best resource to help make your backcountry outings safer:
SlabLab.co – “We make finding backcountry partners easier and more effective!”
When it comes to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, your partners are everything. Sure, the latest bindings, high-tech avalanche transceivers, or advanced snowpack tests grab attention, but they aren’t what make or break your day in the backcountry. Your team is the foundation of every safe, successful, and enjoyable outing.
But let’s face it—finding the right partners is tough. Finding great partners? That’s even tougher.
SlabLab Founders
Richard
Richard is a long-time avalanche educator and ski guide, author of Light Tours of Tahoe and served as executive director of AIARE from 2016-2018. He is passionate about student outcomes, and actions people take after training.
Page down the page to join Richard backcountry Q&A Zoom meeting today, 1/29 at 8:15 PM.
Daniel
Daniel is a mediocre backcountry skier but a great Human-Centered designer and product manager with experience at Apple and IDEO.org. He loves helping people through making useful things.
Jenny
Jenny is a design research specialist and wild places enthusiast. She’s passionate about supporting people to choose safe behaviours, navigate risks and mitigate trauma.
Why did we founded SlabLab?
Since 2021, we’ve been listening to skiers and boarders of all experience levels, and one challenge comes up every time: finding good, reliable, and like-minded partners is a struggle. Whether it’s people who truly understand your goals, who can communicate effectively, or who even show up when they say they will—this issue is universal.
Enter the SlabLab Partner Network.
SlabLab is the only backcountry-specific social network designed to help you find partners and build stronger, safer, and more aligned teams. We make it easy to connect with people who share your skills, goals, and values so you can spend more time doing what you love and less time searching for teammates.
Here’s How It Works
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Build a Profile That Stands Out
Your SlabLab profile lets you share what truly matters to backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Highlight your: -
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Experience level
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Availability
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Avalanche and first aid certifications
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Fitness level and ski skills
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Personal values and what you’re looking for in a partner
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The more complete your profile, the easier it is for the right people to find you.
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Search Smarter, Not Harder
Use our intuitive filters to find partners who match your criteria. Want a midweek ski buddy in moderate shape who’s taken an Avalanche Level 1 course and knows Tahoe? SlabLab will connect you to people who check all those boxes. -
Connect and Build Trust
Explore profiles, read posts, and see comments to get a sense of each person’s vibe. When you find someone promising, reach out through SlabLab’s direct messaging system to start the conversation. -
Test the Waters
Once you’ve connected, start small. Plan a low-consequence outing, like resort laps or a climbing gym session, to get to know each other before committing to a big backcountry day.
Why SlabLab?
We’re here to help move away from the randomness of traditional social media posts like, “Who wants to ski The Cross on Saturday?” SlabLab is about building partnerships that are better aligned, safer, and more rewarding. The backcountry isn’t just about the powder; it’s about the people you share it with. Join SlabLab.co today to find your great backcountry partners.
Join SnowPals to get 1/2 off SlabLab.co membership. Promo expires Feb 14, 2025.
Join us for a Q&A with Richard on Wednesday 1/29 at 8:15 PM PST
Mark your calendar 
to join our backcountry skiing & snow sports Q&A with Richard Bothwell, Backcountry Ski Touring Guide and Alpinist, and co-founder of SlabLab for a virtual backcountry Q&A tomorrow Wednesday 1/29 at 8:15 PM PST on a group Zoom call.
If you’re interested in backcountry snow sports or are a BC veteran, join our virtual Zoom meeting to ask any questions you might have.
Richard Bothwell, will be our guest for Wednesday 1/29 Q&A one-hour session
More about Richard and his backcountry experiences:
“ Richard Bothwell, Backcountry CFO (Chief Fun Officer)
Since 1996, Richard has been the backwoods expert, climbing guide, splitboard guide, and a pretty good backcountry cook. Richard has climbed, skied, snowboarded, and guided numerous trips worldwide including 4 of the “7 Summits” (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, and Elbrus).
He’s climbed extensively in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, including summiting Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Tocllaraju.
He’s also snowboarded down 7500 meter/24,000′ peaks in China. He’s surfed (poorly) on four continents as well.
Richard served as the Executive Director of AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) from 2016 to 2018.
In 2023, Richard authored Light Tours of Tahoe, a backcountry ski guide focusing on mellow tours that avoid avalanche terrain.
Certifications and training that Richard holds or has held: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Top Rope Site Manager, AMGA Apprentice Backcountry Ski Guide, AIARE Level 3 avalanche training, AIARE Avalanche Course Leader, Wilderness First Responder, PSIA 1 Ski Instructor, and ACA Sea kayak instructor.
Richard is passionate about avalanche education and backcountry snowboarding. He teaches avalanche classes for The Nickolay Dodov Foundation, Feather River College and Lake Tahoe Community College.
Most of all, Richard loves connecting with people and sharing his knowledge with others.”
Join us to ask Richard your QA questions:
Join the Zoom Meeting at 8:15 PM Wednesday 1/29:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 880 8290 9611
Passcode: 625608
Richard will be giving away two free SlabLab membership subscriptions during the Q&A
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