Felicia Brower
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the draw of Colorado's majestic peaks is undeniable. But beyond the thrill of the slopes, instructor Kahle Toothill discovered something even more profound through Colorado Mountain Club: a vibrant community and a pathway to purpose. Her journey, from an East Coast snowboarder to a passionate backcountry instructor, highlights how CMC isn't just about adventure, but about building lasting connections and fostering a shared love for wild spaces.
From Pennsylvania Powder to Colorado Peaks
Kahle's love affair with the mountains began in the snowy landscapes of Pennsylvania, where she first honed her snowboarding skills. Her horizons expanded in upstate New York, where the Adirondacks introduced her to the grandeur of bigger mountains. When she eventually moved to Colorado, the allure of the state's renowned snowboarding was a draw, but she quickly realized that exhilarating as the mountains were, she needed to meet people.
"I was really looking for friends and wanted to try a new sport," Kahle recalls. It was this simple desire for connection that led her to Colorado Mountain Club. She started seeking out rock climbing classes, and CMC's offerings immediately stood out. "I think the classes were really affordable and they seemed like what I was looking for," she explains. She signed up for an Intro to Rock Climbing class, and from that moment, her path with CMC was set.
A Natural Progression: From Student to Instructor
Kahle embraced the organization's ethos, taking as many classes as she could, including advanced mountaineering school through the Boulder Group. Having absorbed a wealth of knowledge and skills, Kahle wondered what would come next. The answer was clear: teach and lead trips. This natural progression from student to instructor became her way of giving back and deepening her engagement with the community that had welcomed her.
Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboarding: A Passion Project for Connection
One of Kahle's major contributions has been her involvement with CMC's Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboarding course. "I really struggled taking my Avalanche Level One course because I was touring for the first time while also learning my gear, and I really couldn't pay full attention to the avalanche stuff," she explains.
So she created a new course and helped CMC become one of the only organizations in the area offering a backcountry ski and splitboarding course that serves as a space for people who want to gain confidence with their gear and layering before diving into avalanche education.
While the course provides crucial technical skills, Kahle's passion for it also stems from its role in fostering connection. She describes field days as intimate, hands-on experiences. Small groups of students and a high instructor-to-student ratio create a personalized learning environment where everyone feels supported. "We go really slow, and we take lots of breaks. We figure things out," she notes, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere. For Kahle, these days are not just about teaching, but also about mentoring new instructors, further strengthening the bonds within the CMC's volunteer community.
The CMC Advantage: Building Relationships in the Mountains
CMC members often share a baseline competence for outdoor adventure gained from other courses and trips, leading to a network of like-minded individuals which makes it easier to make friends quickly. "You end up seeing a lot of the same people in these trips and classes," she says.
This cross-pollination of activities—from ski classes to alpine climbing—leads to deeper relationships. "They're sharing those experiences and then they're spending more time in the mountains together," Kahle explains. "There's really nothing better than building those relationships in the mountains and finding partners to do things with."
Kahle's own experience is a testament to this. "I actually met my favorite ski partners from CMC," she reflects. These aren't just casual acquaintances; they are trusted companions, often with complementary skill sets. She describes a "really great symbiotic relationship" where, in one instance, a partner competent in alpine climbing might handle technical rope work while Kahle focuses on avalanche assessment during a ski mountaineering objective. CMC, she emphasizes, helped cultivate that.
Kahle Toothill's story is a powerful reminder that organizations like Colorado Mountain Club offer more than just outdoor instruction; they offer a gateway to community, friendship, and a lifelong passion for the mountains. If you're looking to not only explore Colorado's stunning landscapes but also connect with fellow adventurers, the CMC might just be the perfect place to start your own journey.