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Guided Backcountry Ski Tour
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Overview
Escape the crowds for powder and pristine lines
Duration: Full Day
Meeting Point: Trailhead/Colorado Adventure Guides Basecamp
Group Size: 5:1 Participant to guide ratio
Description: Escape the lift lines and find untouched powder in Colorado’s incredible Summit County! Backcountry skiing lets you experience solitude, fresh turns, and the thrill of earning every run. From mellow glades to high-alpine ridgelines, our guides lead you to the best snow and safest terrain on a customized tour.
Our professionally trained guides handle the route planning, snowpack assessment, and avalanche safety so you can focus on skiing. Whether you’re new to the backcountry or ready to level up, we’ll teach you uphill techniques, safe travel practices, and how to make smart decisions in the mountains.
Bring your own gear or use our rental packages to get fully equipped for the day. Join us and see why earning your turns is the most rewarding way to ski Colorado!
What is Included: - A local, professional backcountry ski guide
- Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead if needed
- Discounted rental of Ortovox beacon, shovel and probe
- Discounted ski or splitboard rentals
- A safe, fun, and educational ski adventure
What is not Included: - Touring skis/splitboards, boots, skins, and avalanche gear (available to rent at a discount)
- Trip/rescue insurance
- Transportation to the designated meeting place
- Food/water for the day
- Instructor gratuity
Itinerary: Pre-Trip: Your guide will contact you at least 48 hours before your tour to review trip details and answer any questions.
Day of Tour: Enjoy a full day in the field from 8 AM to 4 PM. Meet your guide at the trailhead or CAG basecamp before heading out for a full day of adventure!
Where We Guide & Who We Are
Based in Silverthorne, Colorado Adventure Guides offers expert avalanche education and backcountry courses throughout Summit County and nearby areas, including Eagle, Clear Creek, and Grand Counties. With access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and valleys, we choose the best terrain and snow conditions for each course—whether at our basecamp, a ski resort, or a hut.
Our locally owned, year-round guiding company delivers hands-on instruction across multiple USFS and BLM districts, creating safe, educational, and unforgettable mountain experiences. From rafting iconic Colorado rivers to hiking, climbing, and peak ascents, our passionate team is dedicated to safety, learning, and adventure in every season.
What to Bring: - 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
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Sunscreen
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Snacks, water, food
Equipment available to rent
- Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
- Medium-sized backpack
- Alpine touring skis with climbing skins, boots + poles, or equivalent splitboard set up
Special Requirements:
Faqs: ##What kind of skier would enjoy this adventure?
Skiers must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort. You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain. If you like skiing Vail's Back Bowls, you will enjoy this trip.
I need to learn how to ski tour, what should I do?
Sign up for our Intro to Backcountry Skiiing/Splitboarding Course!
How physically fit do I need to be to participate in this course?
Our priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our guides and instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness. We will contact you beforehand to ensure proper planning and area selection.
Can I join a group backcountry skiing tour?
Guided ski tours are private and fully custom. If you are looking for a group trip option please contact us at 970-893-8007.
Should we tip our guide?
Your guides and instructors put in a lot of effort before, during, and after your course to ensure you have an excellent experience. While gratuities aren’t expected, they’re always appreciated—typically 15–20%.
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
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Additional Info
Your Winter Adventure with Colorado Adventure Guides
Thank you for booking with Colorado Adventure Guides! We’re excited to share an unforgettable winter adventure in the Colorado backcountry. Please read the information below to prepare for your trip or course.
Itinerary
Pre-Trip – Your guide/instructor will contact you 24–48 hours before the start (or 2 weeks for hut trips/courses) with final details, weather and snow conditions, and meeting instructions. AIARE Students will receive course materials a month prior to their course.
Day of Adventure – Meet your guide at the CAG Basecamp/trailhead/classroom at the scheduled time. Your day begins with orientation and gear check, followed by your guided winter experience.
Liability Waiver & Emergency Contact Policy
All participants must sign a liability waiver. Guests under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Emergency contacts must be over 18 and not participating in the same trip. The waiver link is in this confirmation email. Please contact our office at 970 893 8007 or email us at info@coloradoadventureguides.com if you cannot find it.
What’s Included
Professional CAG guide(s)/instructor(s)
Activity-specific gear if provided: snowshoes, climbing gear, or classroom materials
Discounted rentals for skis/splitboards/avalanche gear (avalanche gear rentals are included in all AIARE courses)
A safe, fun, and educational experience
What’s Not Included
Lodging (unless specified for hut trips)
Meals/snacks/water (unless otherwise noted)
Trip or rescue insurance
Guide gratuity
What to Bring
Layered winter clothing (base, mid, and outer shell)
Sturdy waterproof boots (for snowshoeing and ice climbing)
Ski or splitboard touring setup with skins (for backcountry trips) We have rentals.
Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe — rentals available)
Backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses/goggles, lip balm
Hat, gloves, neck gaiter/buff
Area Info
CAG operates across Summit County and surrounding areas. Please leave extra time for winter driving conditions on I-70.
FAQs
How fit do I need to be?
Winter trips require moderate to advanced fitness depending on the activity. Your guide will confirm the right trip for your group. You are at 9,000 feet. Please be sure to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol which can dehydrate you, get good sleep, and eat foods that are carb heavy and will keep you full while giving you energy.
Can I rent gear?
Yes, we have touring skis and boots, splitboards, avalanche safety equipment, snowshoes, and technical climbing gear for rent.
Do guides accept tips?
Yes — 15–20% is typical if you had a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Refunds for Guided Trips - Refunds will be honored for cancellations of more than 48 HOURS PRIOR notice to guided adventure start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Refunds for Courses - An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations. Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment less a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, you will be charged the full amount. Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
Rescheduling Policy
An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS PRIOR to guided adventures and 14 DAYS PRIOR to any course or camp start date. If you need to reschedule within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will reschedule your booking with a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, we will be unable to reschedule our booking.
No-shows will be charged the full price.
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.
Contact us by phone (970) 893-8007 or info@coloradoadventureguides.com to inquire about a cancellation or reschedule.
