Guided Backcountry Ski Tours

No, you don't need prior avalanche training for guided tours—our AIARE-certified guides handle risk assessment and terrain decisions. However, you should understand that backcountry skiing has inherent risks that can't be eliminated completely. If you plan to eventually tour independently, formal avalanche education (AIARE Level 1 minimum) is absolutely essential. Many people take guided tours while working through avalanche courses.

Minimum requirement: you must be a confident intermediate resort skier able to handle blue runs in powder and variable conditions. For beginner touring terrain (gentle slopes, protected zones), this ability suffices. Intermediate and advanced touring requires strong skiing in crud, breakable crust, and variable snow—basically, you should handle anything the mountain throws at you. We match terrain to your skiing ability, not vice versa.

Our guides check avalanche forecasts, weather reports, recent observation reports, and snowpack data every morning. We assess which zones offer safe skiing given current conditions. Even in moderate avalanche danger, many zones remain safely skiable—it's about choosing terrain appropriately. Your guide considers current avalanche conditions, your group's ability level, recent snowfall, wind loading, temperature trends, and aspect when selecting the day's objective.

If avalanche danger is High or Extreme, we cancel backcountry tours or choose terrain with zero avalanche exposure (flat areas, dense trees on low-angle slopes, ridgetops with no overhead hazard). Your safety is non-negotiable. We don't push into dangerous terrain hoping for the best. If conditions don't allow safe touring matching your skill level, we reschedule. This conservative approach is why we've guided safely for 30+ years.

Absolutely! Splitboarders are welcome on all our tours. A splitboard separates into two skis for uphill travel, then reconnects for descents. Uphill efficiency and technique are nearly identical to skiing. Our guides regularly lead mixed groups of skiers and splitboarders with no issues. On descents, everyone follows the same safety protocols regardless of whether they're on skis or board.

It varies widely based on terrain, conditions, fitness, and tour type. Beginner tours: 1,000-1,500' per lap, typically 2-3 laps (2,000-4,500' total). Intermediate tours: 2,000-3,000' per lap, 1-2 laps (2,000-6,000' total). Advanced tours: 3,000-5,000' in a single push to access remote terrain. We adjust based on your group's fitness and how everyone feels. More vertical doesn't always mean better skiing—two quality laps on perfect snow beats five laps on mediocre snow.

Guided tours include professional AIARE-certified guide service, avalanche risk assessment and management, terrain selection, continuous safety oversight, and emergency response capability. You provide your own equipment (touring setup, beacon/probe/shovel, clothing, food, water) or rent locally. Guide fees don't include equipment rentals, transportation to trailheads, or lunch. Private guiding costs more than group tours but offers custom terrain selection and flexible scheduling.

Yes! We guide multi-day ski touring trips including hut-based tours throughout Summit County and Colorado. Multi-day trips access remote terrain impossible to reach on single-day tours. Some huts offer lodging, meals, and a basecamp for skiing different zones each day. Other trips involve camping in snow shelters or tents. Multi-day tours require strong fitness, solid skiing ability, and appropriate gear. Contact us to discuss multi-day objectives—these trips are unforgettable experiences.