At-A-Glance
Season:
Winter
Months:
Dec - May
Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing involves skiing in natural, ungroomed terrains outside of ski resorts, requiring specialized gear like alpine touring skis. Skiers navigate uphill using skins and enjoy downhill skiing in remote areas. It offers adventure but demands skill and avalanche safety awareness.
Safety Note: Avalanches pose serious risks in backcountry skiing. Never venture into the backcountry without proper avalanche education or a knowledgeable guide. Understanding avalanche safety is crucial for a safe skiing experience.
BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCES NEAR VAIL
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding should be a safe and exciting experience, unlike what is found in bounds of any ski resort. Before heading into the backcountry, it’s critical that you have the proper knowledge, skills, and equipment to have fun and most importantly stay safe! There are several offerings in and around Vail available to check out!
PARAGON GUIDES BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
A private tour is the best way to experience the backcountry on your terms. Paragon Guides professionals provide an experience built for your objectives, skill set and fitness level. Whether you are looking for an Intro to Backcountry Touring experience, an Avalanche Awareness experience, or you are looking to ride some of your guide’s favorite hidden gem’s, you’ll get the most out of the day with a private tour.
Full day tours are 5 – 7 hours in length, while half day tours are 3 – 4 hours. While we can not guarantee perfect conditions, guides are really good at finding the best snow possible. Lunch and snacks are provided from one of our local vendors. Participant is responsible for personal hydration. Don’t worry if you don’t have the gear, complete avalanche gear is supplied including beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack.
Paragon Guides also offers Intro to Splitboarding classes, Backcountry Club trips, and various Avalanche courses.
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS
Apex Mountain School’s backcountry ski guides will share hidden powder stashes, as well as backcountry travel and snow analysis tips to help build your backcountry travel skills. Guides know the local terrain better than anyone else and are excited to share their vast experience skiing and riding in the Colorado backcountry with you. Step into your bindings and experience the unique thrill of riding untracked terrain in a wild backcountry setting with Apex Mountain School. Plan for a 6-7 hour adventure. Available for ages 12+. Participants need their own equipment (alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboards), including beacon/Probe/Shovel (rental available).
Beginner backcountry ski courses are available to skiers of all ability levels, including first time skiers. With slopes for everyone; ranging from low angle beginner to intermediate as appropriate. During the course we cover these topics: Introduction to equipment and its use, skinning (or ascension) technique, efficient travel techniques, backcountry skiing and snowboarding instruction. Choose a private day tour, select one of the group beginner backcountry ski courses, or try an overnight tour to one of the remote Vail, Colorado area huts. No matter the trip, our focus is on creating an unforgettable day, developing your technique, and taking your skills to the next level.
Apex Mountain also offers Mountaineering, Ice-Climbing, Avalanche courses for beginners to experts.
VAIL MOUNTAIN BACKCOUNTRY TOURING SCHOOL
Offering backcountry ski tours for all levels. Come explore the wilderness around Vail on one of our private tours.
Again, we strongly recommend everyone obtain knowledge by taking avalanche courses and acquire the essential gear before heading into the backcountry. Also, check in the the Colorado Avalanche Information Center prior to any trip out for the latest avalanche conditions. When in doubt, don’t go out!
When in the backcountry, please follow the Leave No Trace rules specifically designed for backcountry adventures.
