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.
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.
Details
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.
Touring skis and and boots are available for rent: Rental Gear
Selected Programming
Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course
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.
Red Mountain #3
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!
Peak Mountain Guides is an authorized permittee of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest; San Juan National Forest; Bureau of Land Management Monticello, Moab, Gunnison, and Glennallen Field Offices; Eldorado Canyon State Park; Ouray Ice Park, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks; and National Parks including Mt. Rainier, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Colorado National Monument. Peak Mountain Guides is an equal opportunity service provider.