Guided Backcountry Skiing in Colorado
Discover the ultimate winter adventure with backcountry skiing in Colorado. At American Mountain School, we offer guided backcountry skiing trips that take you far from the crowds and into untouched alpine terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking to challenge yourself on steep, untracked slopes, or a beginner eager to learn the basics in a safe, supportive environment, we have the perfect program for you. Join us to explore the Rocky Mountains’ backcountry, with expert guides leading the way and ensuring a thrilling, safe experience.
Why Choose American Mountain School for Backcountry Skiing?
Certified, Experienced Guides: Our guides are fully certified with years of experience in backcountry skiing and mountaineering. They know Colorado’s backcountry terrain intimately, ensuring that every trip is both safe and exhilarating.
Tailored for All Skill Levels: We design our backcountry skiing programs to suit everyone, from beginners who want to learn the basics to seasoned skiers looking for a challenge. No matter your level, we’ll help you achieve your goals.
Small Group Sizes: We believe in providing personalized attention, which is why we keep our group sizes small. This allows our guides to focus on each participant, offering customized instruction and ensuring you get the most out of your experience.
Top-Quality Gear Provided: Don’t have all the equipment? No problem! We provide all the necessary backcountry gear, including avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels, to keep you safe. Our gear is well-maintained and of the highest quality.
Focus on Safety: Backcountry skiing can be risky, but we mitigate those risks with proper training, expert guidance, and the latest safety equipment. All our trips include comprehensive avalanche awareness and safety instruction to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
Commitment to Sustainability: We care about preserving Colorado’s pristine wilderness. Our guides are trained in Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that our impact on the environment is minimal.
Unforgettable Adventure: We offer more than just skiing – our trips are full wilderness experiences. You’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and memories of skiing untouched powder in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
BEGINER
INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
Field Overview
Trips overview
Expectation & Safety
Gear list
Clothing list
Pricing
Field Overview
Why Choose Backcountry Skiing in Colorado?
Colorado is world-renowned for its diverse and accessible backcountry terrain, making it a premier destination for skiers seeking fresh powder and a true wilderness experience. Here are some key reasons why backcountry skiing in Coloradois a must:
Varied Terrain: From vast powder fields and steep couloirs to tree runs and rolling glades, Colorado offers a wide variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels. Whether you prefer open slopes or technical descents, there’s something for everyone.
Unmatched Scenery: The Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your skiing adventure. Ski through snow-covered pines, across frozen alpine lakes, and into secluded valleys, all with breathtaking mountain views.
Reliable Snowfall: Colorado enjoys consistent snowfall throughout the winter months, providing excellent backcountry skiing conditions from December through April. This ensures you can count on plenty of fresh powder and well-preserved snow on every trip.
Accessibility: Many of Colorado’s top backcountry skiing zones are easily accessible from major towns and cities, allowing you to experience world-class skiing without the need for extensive travel.
Wildlife and Solitude: In the backcountry, you’ll have the chance to encounter unique wildlife and experience the peace and quiet of nature, far from the bustling ski resorts. It’s the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and adventure.
Trips overview
We offer a range of backcountry skiing trips, designed to meet the needs of skiers at every level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, we have the perfect program for you.
Beginner Backcountry Skiing Trips
Our beginner trips are ideal for those who are new to backcountry skiing or have limited experience. We’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of backcountry travel, including skinning (ski uphill), terrain navigation, and using avalanche safety gear. You’ll enjoy moderate ascents and gentle descents, focusing on skill development and confidence building.
Intermediate & Advanced Backcountry Skiing Adventures
For more experienced skiers, we offer trips that challenge your skills and take you deeper into Colorado’s backcountry. Expect longer ascents, steeper descents, and more technical terrain. These trips are perfect for skiers looking to push their limits and experience the true thrill of the backcountry.
Expectation & Safety
A day in the backcountry with American Mountain School is a unique and exciting experience. Here’s what you can expect:
- Meet Your Guide: Your day begins with meeting your guide at a designated location. You’ll receive a trip overview, check your gear, and review the safety plan for the day.
- Safety Briefing & Gear Check: We’ll go over essential avalanche safety practices, including how to use your beacon, probe, and shovel. This briefing ensures you’re prepared to travel safely in the backcountry.
- Skinning & Climbing: Once ready, you’ll begin your ascent using specialized backcountry skis with skins. Your guide will help you navigate the terrain, offering tips on skinning technique and pacing.
- Epic Descents: After reaching the top, it’s time for the fun part—skiing down! Depending on your skill level, you’ll tackle powder-filled bowls, tree runs, or steeper chutes, all under the expert guidance of our instructors.
- Wrap-Up: At the end of the day, you’ll debrief with your guide, discussing what you’ve learned and the day’s highlights. You’ll head back feeling accomplished and inspired by your adventure in the wild.
- Avalanche Awareness: All trips include instruction on recognizing avalanche terrain and assessing snow stability. Our guides will teach you how to read the snowpack and make informed decisions in the field.
- Safety Gear: Each skier must have an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. We will provide the instruction on how to use them effectively. Our guides are equipped with communication devices in case of emergencies.
- Emergency Preparedness: Our guides are trained in first aid and avalanche rescue. Should an emergency occur, we are prepared to respond swiftly and efficiently.
- Guide-to-Skier Ratios: To ensure personalized attention and safety, we maintain low guide-to-skier ratios, giving each participant the guidance they need in complex terrain.
Gear list
GEAR LIST FOR BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
PERSONAL MINIMUM GEAR ( NOT INCLUDED )
- Backcountry Skis, Splitboard, or Snowshoes
- Skis with Touring Bindings: Designed for uphill travel and backcountry descents.
- Splitboard: For snowboarders, a splitboard that converts for uphill travel.
- Ski Skins
- Essential for ascending slopes. These attach to the bottom of your skis or splitboard and provide traction on the uphill.
- Ski Crampons
- Essential for ascending slopes. These attach to the binding of your ski or splitboard and provide additional traction on the crusty uphill.
- Avalanche Safety Equipment
- Avalanche Beacon: A transceiver used to locate people buried in an avalanche.
- Probe: A collapsible pole used for pinpointing the exact location of a buried skier.
- Shovel: Lightweight, collapsible shovel for digging out avalanche victims or snow shelters.
- Backpack (25-35L)
- A medium-sized backpack with space for your safety gear, extra layers, food, and water. Make sure it’s designed for ski touring with options to carry your skis or snowboard.
- Hydration System
- Insulated Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: Make sure it’s insulated so the water doesn’t freeze.
- Navigation Tools
- Map, Compass, GPS, or Altimeter: To navigate in unfamiliar terrain.
- Headlamp: In case the trip runs late or starts early in low light.
- First Aid Kit
- A basic kit with bandages, antiseptics, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
- Multi-Tool/Repair Kit
- For any gear fixes, including spare parts for bindings, duct tape, and a small screwdriver.
- Snacks and Food
- High-energy snacks like energy bars, trail mix, or sandwiches to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
- Ski Poles
- Adjustable ski poles for both uphill and downhill travel. Make sure they have powder baskets for deep snow.
- Ski Helmet
- Safety first! A ski-specific helmet for protection on the descent.
- Sunglasses
- UV-protective sunglasses for sunny days or during the ascent.
- Ski Touring Boots
- Backcountry-specific boots that are compatible with your touring bindings and comfortable for uphill travel.
- Ski Goggles
- Protect your eyes from wind, snow, and UV rays. Goggles with good ventilation and anti-fog features are ideal for varying conditions.
Clothing list
CLOTHING LIST FOR BACKCOUNTRY TRIP
- Base Layers (Top and Bottom)
- Moisture-wicking fabric like merino wool or synthetic material. Avoid cotton. The base layer keeps sweat off your skin, keeping you warm and dry.
- Mid Layer (Insulation)
- Fleece Jacket or Lightweight Puffy Jacket: Provides warmth while allowing moisture to escape.
- Shell Jacket
- Waterproof and Breathable Jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent): Protects you from wind and snow, but allows sweat to evaporate.
- Shell Pants
- Waterproof and Breathable Pants: Make sure they have ventilation zippers to dump heat on the uphill.
- Insulated Jacket (Optional)
- A down or synthetic insulated jacket to wear during breaks or in very cold conditions.
- Ski Socks
- Wool or Synthetic Ski Socks: Designed to keep your feet warm and wick away moisture. Bring an extra pair in case your first pair gets wet.
- Gloves or Mittens
- Waterproof, Insulated Gloves or Mittens: Keep your hands warm while skiing. Consider bringing an extra pair for backup.
- Lightweight Liner Gloves: For uphill travel or when you don’t need the heavy gloves.
- Hat/Beanie
- Warm, lightweight hat to wear under your helmet or while resting.
- Neck Gaiter or Buff
- To protect your face and neck from cold winds.
Pricing
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Climb itinerary
- Guide fees
- Group equipment
- Human waste disposal bags
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Food during trip
- Transportation to and from the meeting point (optional)
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- Park fee (if necessary)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rescue Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
Book Your Backcountry Skiing Adventure
FAQ
No, you don’t need previous experience to join a backcountry skiing trip. But you should to have a ski experience. We offer beginner-friendly trips that introduce you to the basics of backcountry travel and skiing. Our guides will help you every step of the way.
While backcountry skiing involves inherent risks, American Mountain School takes every precaution to ensure your safety. Our guides are trained in avalanche rescue, and we provide comprehensive safety training at the start of each trip.
The backcountry skiing season in Colorado typically runs from December to April, depending on snow conditions. The best time for backcountry skiing is mid-winter (January and February), when snow conditions are at their peak.
Backcountry skiing requires a moderate to high level of fitness. You’ll need to ascend slopes on skis, which can be physically demanding. However, our trips are tailored to different fitness levels, and our guides will set a pace that’s comfortable for you.
A typical backcountry day with American Mountain School lasts about 6-8 hours, including travel time to and from the backcountry spot. We provide plenty of time for breaks and instruction, so you can learn and ski at a comfortable pace.
Backcountry Skiing:
Dive into the backcountry wilderness, where pristine powder and hidden gems await. Our guided backcountry skiing adventures take you off the beaten path, exploring vast snow-covered landscapes away from crowded resorts. Traverse through open bowls, weave through glades, and carve your own tracks on slopes untouched by groomers. With safety as our priority, our experienced guides lead you to the best powder stashes and ensure an unforgettable journey through Colorado’s winter wonderland.
Ski Mountaineering Trips:
For the adventurous spirit, our ski mountaineering trips blend skiing prowess with alpine exploration. Ascend towering peaks, navigate challenging couloirs, and experience the breathtaking fusion of skiing and mountaineering in the heart of Colorado’s most iconic mountain ranges. Our certified guides bring unparalleled expertise, leading you to the pinnacle of alpine adventure while prioritizing safety in every ascent and descent.
Ski Touring Adventures:
Embark on a journey of self-powered exploration with our ski touring adventures. Traverse high alpine meadows, climb pristine summits, and revel in the serenity of untouched landscapes. Our guides provide the knowledge and skills needed for efficient ascents and exhilarating descents, making each ski touring experience a harmonious blend of challenge and reward.
You can easily book your Backcountry skiing trip through our website or by contacting our office. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates, especially during the peak winter season.
Start Your Backcountry Skiing Adventure
6-8 hours backcountry skiing adventure with certified guide
Open to participants of all skill levels.
