Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring

Escape the resort crowds and discover Summit County's incredible backcountry skiing terrain. Rocky Mountain Guides has been leading avalanche-safe ski tours in the Colorado backcountry since 1992, combining Austrian Alpine ski touring traditions with professional avalanche education and local terrain knowledge.

Whether you're taking your first backcountry steps or seeking expert-guided descents of steep alpine couloirs, our AIARE-certified guides provide safe, educational, and exhilarating ski touring experiences throughout the Breckenridge, Keystone, and Frisco area.

Our Backcountry Skiing Services

Intro to Back Country Skiing

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing

New to backcountry skiing or splitboarding? Our intro courses teach uphill skinning techniques, basic avalanche awareness, and transition efficiency. Perfect for resort skiers and riders ready to explore beyond the boundaries. We cover equipment selection, layering systems, and safe terrain choices.

Guided Ski Touring

Guided Backcountry Ski Tours

Experience Summit County's best backcountry terrain with expert avalanche-certified guides. From mellow tree skiing to steep alpine bowls, we match the tour to your group's skiing ability and snow conditions. All tours include avalanche safety assessment and education throughout the day.

Why Choose Rocky Mountain Guides for Backcountry Skiing?

Professional Avalanche Certification: All our backcountry skiing guides are AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) certified. We assess snowpack, terrain, and weather conditions daily to ensure safe touring.

Austrian Ski Touring Tradition: Our approach to ski touring comes from the European Alps, where backcountry skiing has been refined for over a century. We emphasize efficient technique, proper pacing, and smart route selection.

Comprehensive Terrain Knowledge: With permits in the Dillon and South Platte Ranger Districts covering multiple mountain ranges, we have access to incredible terrain throughout Summit County. We know which zones offer the best snow quality and safest conditions on any given day.

Education-Focused Guiding: We don't just lead ski tours—we teach you to make smart decisions in the backcountry. Our guides explain snowpack assessment, terrain selection, and avalanche risk management throughout the day.

Summit County Backcountry Skiing

The terrain around Summit County offers outstanding ski touring:

Beginner Touring: Low-angle tree skiing, mellow ridges, protected valleys
Intermediate Terrain: Rolling alpine bowls, moderate-angle glades, longer tours
Advanced Skiing: Steep couloirs, exposed alpine faces, technical descents
Splitboarding: All our tours accommodate splitboarders and skiers together

What to Expect on a Backcountry Ski Tour

Your day begins with a comprehensive avalanche and weather briefing. We'll check everyone's equipment (beacon, probe, shovel, skins) and discuss the day's objective. On the skin track, we climb at a sustainable pace, taking breaks to discuss the terrain and snowpack we're observing.

At the top, your guide will assess the descent, discuss skiing strategies, and ensure everyone is ready. Descents are taken one at a time in avalanche terrain, with your guide managing group spacing and safety. We finish the day tired but exhilarated, having earned turns in some of Colorado's most beautiful winter terrain.

Avalanche Safety Equipment

All backcountry skiing requires proper safety equipment:

Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
Probe and shovel
Backcountry skiing or splitboarding setup
Appropriate clothing and layers for changing conditions

Don't have equipment? We offer rental packages including beacon, probe, shovel, and touring skis or splitboards.

Book Your Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Ready to experience Summit County's backcountry? Whether you're learning the basics or seeking expert guidance on advanced terrain, Rocky Mountain Guides provides safe, professional ski touring services. Daily tours from Breckenridge, Keystone, and Frisco.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between backcountry skiing and resort skiing?

Backcountry skiing means skiing in uncontrolled, unpatrolled terrain away from ski resorts. You climb uphill using climbing skins or a splitboard, then ski down in variable, ungroomed snow. There's no ski patrol, no avalanche control, and no lift service—you're responsible for your own safety. It requires additional equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) and avalanche education. The rewards are pristine powder, incredible scenery, solitude, and the freedom to explore mountains on your own terms.

Do I need avalanche training before backcountry skiing?

Yes, avalanche education is essential for independent backcountry skiing. We offer AIARE Level 1 courses that provide comprehensive avalanche training. However, for guided tours with Rocky Mountain Guides, you don't need prior avalanche training—our AIARE-certified guides handle risk assessment and decision-making. We teach you while we ski. If you plan to eventually ski backcountry independently, formal avalanche education is mandatory.

How fit do I need to be for backcountry skiing?

Backcountry skiing demands good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength. Skinning uphill at 9,000-11,000+ feet elevation is sustained aerobic work. For beginner tours (1,000-1,500' vertical), you should be moderately fit and comfortable with 2-3 hours of continuous uphill effort. Advanced tours (3,000'+ vertical) require excellent fitness and previous touring experience. If you can comfortably ski black diamond runs all day at resorts and are in good aerobic shape, you're likely ready for backcountry skiing.

What equipment do I need for backcountry skiing?

Essential equipment includes: AT (alpine touring) skis with touring bindings and climbing skins, OR a splitboard setup; avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel); backpack (25-35 liters); appropriate layering system; water and food; sunscreen and sunglasses. Ski crampons are helpful for firm conditions. Don't own gear? Complete backcountry ski setups are available to rent in Breckenridge and Frisco—we'll recommend quality rental shops.

Can snowboarders do backcountry skiing?

What's the difference between a guided tour and an avalanche course?

Guided tours focus on skiing terrain while our guides manage avalanche risk and safety decisions. You ski great terrain safely, and learn through observation and questions. AIARE avalanche courses are classroom and field-based education focused on teaching you to make your own avalanche decisions. After a Level 1 course, you'll have the knowledge to assess terrain and snowpack independently. Most people take avalanche courses to eventually ski independently, but continue hiring guides for complex terrain or when traveling to unfamiliar areas.

Is backcountry skiing dangerous?

Backcountry skiing has serious risks, primarily from avalanches. However, with proper education, conservative decision-making, and expert guidance, these risks can be managed to acceptable levels. Our AIARE-certified guides assess conditions daily, avoid hazardous terrain, and only ski when conditions allow. Most backcountry accidents involve inexperienced users making poor decisions—professional guidance eliminates this risk.

What's the best time of year for backcountry skiing in Summit County?

Summit County's backcountry ski season runs December through April. January-February typically offers the best powder conditions but avalanche hazard can be elevated. March-April provides more stable snowpack and longer days—spring corn snow skiing is excellent. December can be good but snowpack is shallower. Your guide selects terrain appropriate for the day's conditions regardless of season.