Update: What 2021 trips will be full before it’s even 2021?
The open application period for our 2021 trips has been open for a week, and I’d like to share some numbers that will help to set the expectations of those who have already applied and those who are considering it.
Overall
Demand for next season has been even stronger than I’d hoped. Honestly, I’m delighted, especially given the circumstances. Versus this time last year, I’ve received almost twice as many applications. I suspect that we’re riding a Covd-related surge of outdoor interest, but I think the program has strong standalone momentum, too.
In addition to the gross number of applications, I’m also really pleased by the number of female applicants and the male/female ratio. It’s not at 50/50 yet, but it’s a notable improvement over last year and a significant improvement over our male-dominated early years.
Utah
Based on early demand for this location, I already added two sessions here, for a total now of eight. Still, when the open application period closes on December 28, the 5-day trips will be full (with probably a waitlist) and the 7-day trips will be about full.
Alaska
If I can place every current applicant, the Alaska trips would be full. But that’s not the way it works — after filtering out some applicants because I don’t feel they’re ready, and after sub-dividing the remaining pool based on both fitness and scheduling availability, I think we still have some spots here.
Like Utah, the deadline for Alaska is December 28.
Colorado
The deadline for Colorado, California, and West Virginia is January 4, and I think I’ll see another round of application submissions by then.
Accounting for that, I think the 3-day Fundamentals trip will be almost full, or maybe completely full. The 5- and 7-day trips will definitely be full, and the 5-day trips probably will have a waitlist.
California
I built a lot of capacity into this location, and that has proven warranted. The 3-day course will be nearly full when open application closes, and the 5- and 7-day trips will be full. Again, there’s slightly more interest in the 5-day than the 7-day.
West Virginia
Versus the other locations, West Virginia is a relative under-performer. But for trips that are still ten months away, I think the numbers are still really good. The 3-day course will be almost full, and the 5-day trip will be almost full or full.
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