Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

The terrain on Red Mountain Pass, Ophir Pass, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains in Colorado is world class. There are easy-going, moderate runs near the road, quiet tree runs that hold powder for weeks, big open bowls with acres of untracked snow, and steep faces that descend from craggy summits. We offer single day or multi day options.

COST
1 person: $450/day
2 people: $288/person/day
3 people: $225/person/day
4 people: $189/person/day
5 people: $162/person/day

This is a full day of instruction and guiding that will be tailored to your ability level and interests. We operate throughout the Northern San Juan Mountains around Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride, Colorado. This vast area includes the easy-to-access runs near Red Mountain Pass, Silverton, and Telluride resort.

Beginner Introduction and Skill Development

If you are a beginner, we will help you learn the basics of ski touring. This includes equipment use, skinning technique, and technique skiing or riding in variable conditions. Our guides are specialists at meeting you at your skill level and building from there!

Advanced Ski Tours

If you have backcountry skiing experience, we will arrange a high-level ski tour that includes big powder runs and lots of vertical. The San Juan mountains is a vast area with almost unlimited possibilities.

Group Size

This is a private program, no one else will be paired with your party. If your group is larger than 5, we apply a group discount and additional guides are added to keep the guest to guide ratio at 5:1 or lower.

Season

December – May

Time and Place

This trip meets at our office at 160 Liddell St in Ridgway.

Equipment List

All avalanche rescue equipment is included in your tour. (Beacon, Shovel, Probe)
View Equipment List as a PDF

Rental Gear

Touring skis and and boots are available for rent:
Rental Gear

Course participants will learn fundamental skills for backcountry skiing and split-boarding. From trip planning to gear selection, the goal is to have participants feel like they can do very simple tours with friends of similar experience after this course.

One of the most iconic mountains as you drive up Red Mountain Pass. Long runs are rewarded for your skin with over 2,000’ feet of vertical and a variety of terrain at your disposal. If you really want the steeps and the deeps, Red #3 is the ticket. Not to mention the views from this 12,800-foot beast are top notch!