Description
In just one full day, you’ll skin through forested glades, climb toward ridgelines, and ski powder in wide-open bowls near Silverthorne. Your guide manages the route, safety, and pacing so you can focus on smooth uphill travel and rewarding downhill turns, helping you feel accomplished and confident in your skills. It’s the perfect blend of instruction, challenge, and clear winter views.
This full-day backcountry ski experience gives you a direct, practical introduction to Colorado’s quieter mountain terrain. You start at a local trailhead, where your guide reviews the day's plan and checks your gear to ensure everything is ready for varying winter conditions. From there, you begin the uphill approach using climbing skins. The pace is steady and manageable, and you learn basic touring techniques in a friendly setting that encourages learning and exploration.
As you work your way through tree-covered slopes and toward more open terrain, you see how different the backcountry feels compared to a ski resort. Your guide explains why specific routes are chosen, what the current snowpack looks like, and how to read small changes in the landscape. These moments help you understand the terrain around you, fostering a sense of connection to the natural environment and a feeling of discovery.
When you reach a higher point, such as a ridgeline or a sheltered open slope, you prepare for the downhill. The transition is straightforward, and your guide offers clear tips for moving safely and staying aware of changing conditions. The descent is the highlight of the day, with long turns on natural snow that feels more open and quiet than anything inside a resort. If time and conditions allow, you may complete additional laps chosen for stability, snow quality, and your comfort level.
Throughout the day, the focus stays on clear guidance, safe travel, and giving you a realistic, rewarding look at what backcountry skiing is like in Colorado.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What skiing ability do I need?
You should feel comfortable on steep blue to black resort terrain and be able to ski ungroomed snow with control. This helps you move confidently in variable conditions throughout the day. Your guide adjusts the pace and route, but a solid downhill foundation makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Do I need prior touring experience?
You don’t need any touring experience. Your guide teaches skinning techniques, transitions, and safe movement in winter terrain. The day is paced so you can learn while staying comfortable. As long as you're an able resort skier, you can pick up the basics quickly and enjoy the whole tour.
How fit should I be?
Expect steady uphill travel for several hours. You don’t need extreme fitness, but you should be able to handle moderate aerobic activity and winter conditions. Your guide will check in before the tour to plan the route around your ability, ensuring the day feels challenging but manageable without overwhelming you.
Are these tours private or group-based?
These tours are private and tailored to your goals, pace, and comfort level. This format helps your guide adjust terrain, instruction, and breaks to what works best for your group. If you're interested in joining a group option, you can reach out directly for availability and details.
Is avalanche instruction included?
Avalanche awareness is built naturally into the day. Your guide explains terrain choices, snowpack observations, and simple decision-making tools while you move. It’s not a formal certification, but it provides practical context and helps you better understand why certain routes are used in real-world conditions.