Guided Back Country Skiing

Intro to Backcountry Touring

Season:

Winter & Spring

Difficulty:

Duration:

Good For:

Individuals, Groups, Families

Leave the resort crowds behind and discover Summit County's incredible backcountry skiing terrain. Our introduction to backcountry skiing course teaches the fundamentals of ski touring—uphill skinning technique, transitions, avalanche awareness, and downhill skiing in variable snow conditions. Perfect for confident resort skiers and snowboarders ready to explore beyond the boundaries.

Rocky Mountain Guides has been introducing skiers and splitboarders to the backcountry since 1992. Our AIARE-certified guides provide safe, educational experiences that respect the serious nature of avalanche terrain while making backcountry skiing accessible to newcomers. If you've been curious about backcountry skiing but didn't know where to start, this course is your answer.

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Typical Intro Ski Tour Locations

We choose gentle terrain for intro courses—typically 25-30 degree slopes in well-protected areas with minimal avalanche exposure. Near Breckenridge and Summit County, we have several excellent "mellow zone" areas perfect for learning. You'll climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet and ski several laps, building fitness and technique.

Prerequisites

Skiing Ability: You must be a confident intermediate skier or advanced snowboarder at resorts. Can you ski blue runs confidently? Handle powder days? If yes, you're ready for the intro course.

Fitness Level: Skinning uphill at 9,000+ feet elevation is cardiovascular work. You should be moderately fit and comfortable with 2-3 hours of continuous aerobic activity.

No Prior Backcountry Experience Needed: That's the point of this course.

Equipment You'll Need

Don't own backcountry gear yet? Several Breckenridge and Frisco shops rent complete ski touring or splitboard setups plus beacon/probe/shovel kits. We'll provide equipment recommendations when you book. Rocky Mountain Guides supplies backup safety equipment and emergency gear.

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Rates

Intro To Backountry Touring (per person):	HALF DAY	FULL DAY
1 Person	$335	$490
2 People	$190	$280
3 People	$160	$235
4-6 People	$150	$220

Call for larger groups

Are you ready to Ski Tour?

Ready to try backcountry skiing? Our introduction courses run throughout winter from Breckenridge and Summit County. Small groups, patient instruction, and safe terrain selection. Perfect first step into backcountry skiing.

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Equipment

Beacon, probe, and shovel (equipment available for rent)
Backcountry touring gear (skis, split-board, skins or snow shoes; equipment available for rent)
Pack with down jacket, extra layer, gloves, hat and goggles
Sun protection: sunglasses, sunblock
Clothing: Hard or softshell pants, hardshell water and wind resistant jacket, light gloves, hat
Plenty of water
Snacks and/or lunch
Helmet

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Paul Slack

December 16, 2025

Wow, what a fantastic mountain bike ride! From my initial communication with my guide, Robert, to the completion of an epic adventure, I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. I provided my riding background and current fitness level. A few days before the ride, Robert suggested I start prepping by drinking plenty of water—advice I appreciated. When we met, he had me sit on the bike and made numerous adjustments to ensure a proper fit. He also asked about my usual tire pressure. After I told him, he mentioned it was a little lower than what’s typically used in the area but chose to leave it, which I appreciated. Robert led the ride and frequently looked back to check on me, which was reassuring. He talked about the surroundings, adding context and interest to the journey. When we stopped, he made me aware of what to expect ahead and asked how I felt about it. When appropriate, he offered different trail options and asked for my input. I had confidence in his assessment of my abilities and asked him to choose. He was very knowledgeable and patient throughout. As an after ride bonus, Peter(Company founder) invited me for a cappuccino. We had a wonderful conversation. Thank you, Peter and Robert, for making this mountain biking experience an indelible memory!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take this course if I've only skied at resorts?

Yes! The intro course is designed for confident resort skiers transitioning to backcountry. If you can handle blue runs comfortably and ski powder days without major struggles, you have sufficient skiing ability. We'll teach everything else—uphill technique, transitions, avalanche basics, and skiing variable snow. Resort skiing experience is the foundation; we build backcountry-specific skills on top of that base.

What equipment do I need to bring?

For intro courses, you can rent complete backcountry setups from shops in Breckenridge and Frisco. Essential equipment: AT (alpine touring) skis with skins OR splitboard setup, avalanche beacon/probe/shovel, backpack (25-30 liters), appropriate clothing layers, water, and food. Rocky Mountain Guides doesn't rent touring equipment directly but we'll recommend quality rental shops when you book. Many shops offer intro-to-touring package rentals that include everything needed.

How is skiing backcountry snow different from resort skiing?

Backcountry snow is ungroomed and variable—powder, crud, breakable crust, wind-affected snow, and more. You can't see obstacles under the snow. The terrain is natural (not machine-built). No grooming means you adapt your technique to whatever conditions exist. Resort skiers accustomed to consistent, predictable surfaces find backcountry snow challenging initially. The intro course specifically addresses skiing technique for variable conditions.

Is one intro course enough to start touring independently?

No. The intro course teaches basics—uphill technique, transitions, and beginner-level avalanche awareness sufficient for very simple terrain only. For independent backcountry travel in more complex terrain, you must complete comprehensive avalanche education (AIARE Level 1 minimum). After intro, we recommend continuing with guided tours while taking avalanche courses. Backcountry skiing has serious risks that require substantial education to manage safely.

How steep is the terrain in intro courses?

We choose gentle terrain for intro courses—typically 20-30 degree slopes in areas with minimal avalanche exposure. This allows you to focus on learning uphill technique and transitions without managing serious avalanche risk. As you progress to AIARE courses and more experienced touring, you'll work up to steeper, more exposed terrain. Building skills on easier terrain first is the smart, safe progression path.