Splitboarding in Alaska
Jones Adventure Grants
Turn your dream adventures into reality.
Jones Adventure Grants encourage human-powered exploration of the winter wilderness by motivated amateur snowboarders.
We are honored to bring the dreams of inspired backcountry explorers to life with the Jones Adventure Grant program. Since 2017 we have offered two public grant awards to amateur snowboarders that offer funding and gear support for North American expeditions.
The Jones Backcountry Adventure Grant and the Jones Live Like Liz Award are awarded annually to creative, adventurous and low-impact expedition proposals, as chosen by Jeremy Jones and Jones brand managers. The Live Like Liz Award honors Jones ambassador guide Liz Daley who was taken in an avalanche accident, and is open to only female applicants. The grants are offered in association with the American Alpine Club and are open to American citizens only at this time. Expedition partners may be of any gender or nationality, however. Winning grant applicants receive $1500, plus a Jones splitboard, skins and backpack.
If you have an awesome idea for a splitboard expedition, but limited resources to make it happen, here's your chance to get funding and gear for your dream trip!
Grants
Backcountry Adventure Grant
Start brainstorming your expedition ideas now!
Grant offered to support a creative, adventurous and low-impact splitboarding expedition. Winning applicant must be a USA citizen, but expedition partners may be of any nationality. Expedition must be in North America and may focus on a single descent/summit or a tour/traverse of a region.
Grant Award
$1500 plus a Jones splitboard, skins and backpack.
Application period
October 1st through January 31st
Live Like Liz Award
Grant honors Jones ambassador Liz Daley. Only open to female applicants.
Grant offered to support a creative, adventurous and low-impact splitboarding expedition led by a female snowboarder. Winning applicant must be a USA citizen, but expedition partners may be of any nationality. Expedition must be in North America and may focus on a single descent/summit or a tour/traverse of a region.
Grant Award
$1500 plus a Jones splitboard, skins and backpack.
Application period
October 1st through January 31st
Trip reports from past winners
Discover the adventures made possible with the grant
2024 Backcountry Grant
In April 2024, Alex and a crew of friends used the grant to help fund an expedition to the Ruth Gorge in Alaska.
Splitboarding in Alaska with Gus Jepsen
2022 Backcountry Grant
In April 2024, Gus and a crew of friends used the grant to help fund an expedition to the Alaska Range in Denali National Park.
Splitboarding to Mount Katahdin
2022 Live Like Liz Award
In March 2022, Lianna Altieri used the grant to help fund a trip to the remote Mount Katahdin in Maine.
FAQ
How do I apply for the grant?
The link buttons on the grant page will direct you to the online application when the application window opens on October 1st. Online applications must be received by January 30th at 11:59pm PDT.
Does it cost any money to apply?
No, it is free to apply for either grant.
Who is eligible to apply for the grants?
Grant applicants must be USA citizens that are 18 years or older. The Backcountry Adventure grant is open to male and female applicants. The Liv Like Liz Award is open to only female applicants. Expedition partners may be of any gender or nationality. We must limit the applicants to USA citizens due to legal liability.
Where can I go on an expedition?
The goal of the grants is to promote low-impact backcountry exploration that does not require extensive car/plane travel. Expeditions must be located in the USA or Canada with the preference that expeditions are located in the applicant's home range or a nearby range.
If I win the grant, when do I have to go on the trip?
Winners will be notified in January and the expectation is that expeditions will occur by the end of that winter season unless extenuating circumstances arise.
Do you pay for travel to the trailhead?
Any travel expenses you incur enroute to the trailhead must be paid with the $1500 grant award.
Can I apply if I am a sponsored snowboarder or athlete?
Projects involving riders who are professionally sponsored or supported financially by corporate sponsors will not be considered. Proposals from “amateur” riders that receive only in-kind corporate support will be considered, but support level should be disclosed in the application.
What do you look for in selecting a winning applicant?
Project proposals will be considered based on creativity, exploratory nature, environmental impact and overall significance. Objectives may be a single line/peak or a tour/traverse of a wider region. We also vette proposals to assess how realistic the objective will be.
If I win, what do you expect from me in return?
Our first request is that you be safe and have fun! Our second request is that you provide us photos and a written trip report from the expedition that we can post on social media and our website, plus use for our catalog. If you have the capabilities, we would also love any video footage you can shoot during the trip.
Any other rules I should know about before applying?
All expeditions must be conducted in an environmentally conscious and sound approach, with care and respect for local inhabitants and wildlife. Additionally, all expeditions must be legal and obtain all necessary permits required by local authorities.
Ride for tomorrow
Pick your spots to hit 5th gear. The season is a marathon not a sprint.