On Sunday, July 13, 2025, as the featured “Big Thing” overland weekend concludes, the XOverland Ranch is offering a women-only technical training course—a dedicated space designed to build driving confidence, refine recovery techniques, and foster genuine connection among women who share a passion for adventure.
Hosted at the picturesque XOverland Ranch near Three Forks, Montana, the Big Thing event (you can read more about the event here) spans from July 10-13 and welcomes overlanders of all skill levels to immerse themselves in a deep-dive experience that features trail drives, gear sessions, presentations, live music, and camper gatherings. The newly added Sunday class, however, places women drivers firmly in the spotlight. Created for beginner to intermediate off-roaders, it is led entirely by experienced female instructors and was introduced via social channels only a few days ago.
The course is deliberately structured to be inclusive and empowering. Participants will engage in hands-on work with vehicle recovery and winching techniques, learn how to read challenging terrain, and explore trail navigation away from the standard roadmap. The accessible class format—five hours of combined classroom and on-trail instruction—ensures participants can grow their skills comfortably without pressure.
According to the event’s organizers, the women-only class “provides a welcoming, judgment-free space,” intending to build trust, technical knowledge, and camaraderie through shared learning and tackle real-world scenarios on challenging terrain. The structure allows up to two people per vehicle and includes a night’s camping, aligning it with the same immersive, off-grid ethos that frames the main weekend festival.
This addition aligns with the overarching ethos of Big Thing, which is equal parts skill-building and community-building. Over the weekend, attendees will have access to live music, campfire networking, gear workshops, trailer setup sessions, and presentations from leading overlanders like Scott Brady, Patty Upton, and Dan Grec. The women-only class extends that spirit into a focused technical setting, giving women an opportunity to refine their capabilities with a supportive group of peers.
With Montana’s sweeping landscape as both a classroom and a playground, attendees will gain practical competence, like winching from mudding scenarios or picking their way across rocky washouts. Paired with the ranch’s dedicated 4WD test track and winding trail network, the class promises concrete lessons that participants can apply immediately to their adventures.
Timing and pricing reflect the course’s value and hands-on intensity. The session runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. Anyone taking part must be at least 18 years old, licensed to drive, and arrive with their own 4WD vehicle. The total cost is $621 per truck, equivalent to $600 plus a registration fee. The offering currently shows eight spaces remaining, signaling strong interest yet leaving room for those ready to step onto the trail. Reserve your spot for the women-only off-road class here; scroll down to the Update Your Experience section.
Read more: The Big Thing is Here, and We Are Stoked!
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
