In late 2023, Ellie Frost was ready to return to the slopes after years spent earning a demanding computer programming degree and recovering from long COVID. But as a Denver transplant, Frost realized her former ski buddies from Dillon and Vail were outpacing her skill level. Seeking new companions, she turned to a women-only Facebook group for Colorado-based backcountry skiers.
The response was overwhelming: over three dozen women replied to her post, leading to an in-person meetup and the creation of a WhatsApp group aptly named “Backcountry Beauties.” Within a week, the group swelled to 300 members. Frost quickly recognized two things: a hunger for community among Colorado women and her own unique ability to build a platform to meet that need.
“I realized this is the app I would build,” Frost recalls.
The Birth of Backcountry Beauties
By March 2024, Backcountry Beauties was in beta testing, and today, the app has over 2,000 users ranging in age from 22 to 72. Designed for women-identifying outdoor enthusiasts, Frost blended features from popular platforms like Facebook and Meetup, creating a unique space where members could connect.
Unlike Bumble BFF, which often focuses on one-on-one meetups, Backcountry Beauties prioritizes group activities. Profiles include details such as safety certifications, acceptable risk levels, and outdoor preferences, helping users find like-minded adventurers. From downhill skiing and mushroom foraging to snowshoeing, the app’s groups are organized by activity, location (e.g., Front Range or San Miguel County), and ski pass affiliation (Ikon vs. Epic).
Building a Community
The platform isn’t just about adventuring; it’s about connection. Online chats often spark real-life meetups, including gear swaps, trivia nights at craft breweries, and social gatherings at spots like Denver’s Punch Bowl Social. These events allow women to bond in casual, low-pressure settings before heading into the backcountry.
“Many women come to these events completely alone,” Frost shares. “But it doesn’t take long before they’re laughing and connecting with their new community sisters.”
The app’s free features include event calendars, chat groups, and community forums. For those seeking more, subscription tiers start at $40 annually and offer perks like bundled access to outdoor apps such as onX and AllTrails, as well as exclusive video tutorials on topics like ski-touring basics and avalanche safety.
Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Frost envisions Backcountry Beauties growing beyond Colorado. Plans are already in motion to organize events across state lines—and perhaps even internationally. One dream on the horizon: a peak-to-fjord ski trip in Norway.
Ultimately, Frost sees the app as more than a way to coordinate outdoor activities. It’s a tool to combat isolation and foster meaningful connections.
“You should only have to ride a chairlift solo if you want to be alone,” Frost says. “Not because you don’t have anyone to go with.”
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, Backcountry Beauties is proving that finding your next adventure buddy—and building lasting friendships—might be just a click away.
