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Guided Backcountry Skiing Tours

Colorado Adventure Guides Crossed Skis

Escape the crowded resorts and earn your turns on a backcountry skiing adventure in Colorado’s backcountry. We scout out the best conditions and assess avalanche danger and other potentially dangerous conditions that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Not an expert skier? Never skied in the backcountry? No problem! If you can ski Vail’s back bowls, you can ski in the backcountry.

Our experienced and professional guides will teach uphill and downhill skiing technique, risk management, and talk you through decision-making in the backcountry. Bring your own gear or take advantage of our rental packages to get fully equipped with alpine touring boots, skis, bindings, avalanche beacon, shovels, and probes.

Colorado Adventure Guides Crossed Ski Poles
15
Activities Offered
6000
Acres of Terrain
485
5 Star Reviews
20
Years in Business

Colorado Backcountry Skiing Tours

Skip the Lines & Beat the Crowds

Backcountry skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter in Colorado. Not only does it provide the opportunity to extend your ski season but it allows you to experience something few skiers ever will, skiing powder in solitude. Enjoy some mellow turns in a fresh tree stash, lay the first line down the powder filled meadow, or even potentially traverse a high alpine ridge line to a snow-covered summit. CAG’s professionally trained guides are here to show you the way.

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Backcountry Skiing Rentals

No Gear? No problem!

Acquiring rentals can sometimes be stressful. Look no further, we also are now operating a full backcountry demo shop out of our basecamp in Silverthorne, CO. We will be carrying full A/T touring setups from Weston, Faction, Dynafit, and Stereo. Discounts will be honored when booking a guided tour or course. We also carry snowshoes, ice climbing gear, avalanche rescue gear, and more.

Rent Gear
Backcountry Mentorship Program
More than just guided experiences

Offer more than just a guided experiences. We understand that backcountry travel requires a wide range of skills. This can be an overwhelming endeavor for those looking to start backcountry skiing on their own. Welcome, the Backcountry Mentorship Program. From clinics to avalanche education, to ski mountaineering courses we have you covered and offer plentiful perks along the way. Our local team of experienced and qualified guides are here to help you on your journey towards a lifetime of backcountry skiing.

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My wife and I have been out with them multiple times now after trying some other guide services. They are the best and have consistently put us on great snow.

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Booked a private backcountry tour with Nate from CAG and we had a spectacular time! Nate was knowledgeable, informative and entertaining, couldn't have asked for anything more from a guide! Would highly recommend CAG for any backcountry winter activity!

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I had a great time backcountry skiing with Dave Shuey from Colorado Adventure Guides! Dave is knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and an all-around great guide. He found some impressive powder for us in Vail Pass despite mediocre recent snowfalls. We managed to ski 4 nice powder runs in a full-day session. I'd highly recommend Dave and CAG!

General Info

Tour Duration

1 day ( 8 hours)

Dates

Guided backcountry skiing tours generally operate from December to April depending on conditions.

Price

1 person – $515

2 people – $275

3 people – $225

4 people – $185

5 people – $175

*Prices are per person. Contact us for groups of 6 or more

Guest:Guide Ratio

5 clients:1 guide

Location

We operate tours all around the Central Colorado Region. Our terrain is vast and we are able to choose the best location for your trip based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions.

Our Silverthorne Basecamp is located at:

204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498

Tour Itinerary

Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly from their guide no later than 48 hours before trip start to discuss trip details

Day of Tour – 8:00am – 4:00pm Meet at TH or CAG basecamp to meet your guide and then travel into the field for a full day of learning and fun

Required Equipment

Avalanche Beacon

Avalanche Probe

Avalanche Shovel

Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)

Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard

Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)

Goggles

Helmet (optional)

Recommended Clothing

Hard or softshell pants

Synthetic or merino wool base layer

Softshell jacket (optional)

Down or synthetic insulated jacket

Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket

Light gloves for uphill travel

Warm gloves

Brimmed hat or visor

Sunglasses

Neck gaitor or buff

Local Accommodations

Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or click the button below to visit their website.

The Pad
Reschedule/Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be honored for cancellations with more than 48 Hours PRIOR notice to trip start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.

Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS prior to trip start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling.

All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund. Operator, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed.

Prerequisites

Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort. Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. Touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp. Looking for more of an educational outing? Sign up for one of our 1-day Intro to Backcountry Ski or Splitboard Courses!

Price Includes

Local qualified and professional Guides

5:1 maximum client:guide ratio

Discounted use of ORTOVOX beacon, shovel and probe (if needed)

Discounted Demo Gear

Price Does Not Include
  • Air­fare
  • Accommodations
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from designated meeting place
  • Food
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a backcountry skiing tour cost?

The cost of a backcountry skiing tour depends on the number of people in your party. Colorado Adventure Guides offers guided backcountry skiing tours based on these rates: *Prices are per person

1 person – $425

2 people – $275

3 people – $225

4 people – $185

5 people – $175

How physically fit do I need to be for a backcountry skiing tour?

Backcountry skiing can be a physically demanding activity. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

How safe is backcountry skiing?

While backcountry skiing poses inherent risks, Colorado Adventure Guides number one priority is in keeping our staff, patrons and students out of harms way. Our guides and instructors have many years of experience and are professionally trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly.

Can I join a group backcountry skiing tour?

All of our guided backcountry skiing trips are booked private and custom and priced accordingly. If you are looking for a group trip option please see our Backcountry Skiing Courses or contact us to see if we have any group trips available on the schedule.

How do I prepare for backcountry skiing?

Before your backcountry skiing trip make sure that you are comfortable skiing on the ski resort and are ready for a day skiing in unmaintained terrain. You will want to make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to the day and get a good nights rest. It is always smart to pack the night before to make sure that you have everything needed for the next day. Get a good stretch in the morning and make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the day.

Where can I take a backcountry skiing tour in Colorado?

Colorado Adventure Guides provides guided backcountry skiing tours all around the Central Colorado Region. Our terrain is vast and we are able to choose the best location for your trip based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions. Our basecamp is conveniently located 1.25 hours from Denver, 20 minutes from Breckenridge, and 30 minutes from Vail.

204 Ryan Gulch Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498

When and how do I meet up for the tour?

For field based trips clients will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding. Your instructor/guide will contact you with more details at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip that will include meeting time and location.

Should I tip my backcountry skiing guide?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

Is backcountry skiing hard?

If you are reasonably fit, and you can ski on the resort comfortably at a Blue/Black level, then you should be able to enjoy an easy to moderate tour in the backcountry. The uphill touring requires a bit more physical fitness and then the downhill skiing surface conditions can always vary.

When is the best time to go backcountry skiing?

We operate our guided ski tours, conditions permitting, from December through May. Throughout most of the winter in Colorado our tours are in the search of powder and are on the mellow side in terms of steepness due to avalanche concerns. Once our snowpack starts to become more stable, typically around Spring, we start to venture out into our steeper and more technical skiing terrain.

Other Winter Courses
Intro to Backcountry Touring
Skiing & Splitboarding
Intro to Backcountry
AIARE Avalanche Companion Rescue
Companion Avalanche Rescue
AIARE Rescue
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Education Course
Avalanche Safety Course
AIARE 1
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Education Course
Snow stability & avalanche hazard
AIARE Level 2
Book a guided backcountry skiing tour today!
Book online or call today to reserve your spot

Our backcountry skiing tours have limited capacity and tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.

204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498

(970) 893-8007

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    LOCATION

    204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498

    PHONE

    (970) 893-8007

    Call Now Button