Backcountry Skiing
Sharing our passion for backcountry skiing and snowboarding is what we love to do. Our AMGA trained/certified ski guides specialize in delivering sound and memorable mountain experiences with a low guide ratio of no more than 3:1.
Aspen is one of the places in North America where backcountry skiing first took hold, and to this day it remains a one-of-kind global ski destination. We firmly believe Aspen's backcountry skiing opportunities are a big part of that charm and allure, and we invite you to consider skiing or riding with us this winter.
Take a look at the offerings below, including lift-accessed ski descents. If it's your first time exploring the backcountry consider a lift-access or intro to backcountry skiing tour. Akin to summer hiking, winter ski touring has the added bonus of a ski descent.
Want more? Go on a ski mountaineering tour and perhaps climb and ski a winter peak. You let us know the kind of tour you want and depending on conditions we'll lead you to the untracked snow beyond the boundaries deemed appropriate for you and your posse.
As a slopeside backcountry test center based out of Aspen Highlands, all the light weight alpine touring equipment necessary for the day can be provided. Daily demos are also available.
Since 1977, Aspen Expeditions' ski guides have been leading skiers into the winter backcountry of the Elk Mountains, near Aspen, CO. Our local knowledge is unsurpassed.
Give us a call at 970-925-7625 or send an email to schedule a day or for more information.
Lift Access BC Ski/Ride
$ 595.00
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For many resort skiers and snowboarders, there is something decidedly romantic, wild west and even risqué, perhaps, about riding a chairlift up the ski area, then exiting the ski area and skiing down untracked chutes and bowls potentially as far down as the valley floor.
The mountains of the Elk Range and the access provided by our local ski areas — Aspen Mt., Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk — combine to make Aspen/Snowmass an incredible destination for backcountry skiers. From the top of a lift, a short hike — or just a traverse, in some cases — opens up infinite options for hand-crafted backcountry skiing tours.
Depending on snow conditions and specific clients' ambitions, our AMGA-certified guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind untracked adventure just for you and your group.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Winter 2017 - Green Trees off of Aspen Highlands
Off of Snowmass Mountain
Backside of Aspen Mountain -
Duration: Day Tour - Approx 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call 970-925-7625 to schedule a time to get setup at the backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.
Maximum Guide Ratio: 4:1
Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.
Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge
Not included: personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for demo at $15 discount), single ride lift tickets, lunch/snack food.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
Prep- Your guide will contact you the day before at the voice number you give us to discuss appropriate terrain for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time.
You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning of at 8:30 am at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:30 pm. (You will receive a $15 discount.)
The Day - Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. From there your will head out to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group. You will stop for lunch and snacks en route. (lunch/snacks are not included)
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST
SKI EQUIPMENT
The following items are provided for your day tour:
- Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
The following Demo AT rental ski package is available for $15 discount per person ($45 pp):
- Touring skis or splitboard and boots
- Climbing Skins: adjusted to skis
- Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
CLOTHING
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
- Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
- Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Small thermos: (Optional)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lunch/Snack food
-
Participants will travel through the winter backcountry for field days on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.
THE FIRST STEP
It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.
THE NEXT STEP
Follow a day of backcountry ski touring with another ski day, a lift access backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
POLICIES
Booking/Cancellation policy:
AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.
Risk Management
Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Intro to Backcountry Ski Tour
$ 500.00
-
A backcountry ski tour is somewhat akin to a summer hike, albeit on alpine touring (AT) skis with the added bonus of a ski descent back to the trailhead. Aspen is surrounded by countless backcountry ski touring options for both the intermediate and advanced alpine skier. With no prior AT experience necessary join us for a day trip up the Castle Creek Valley, a perfect backcountry skiing destination just outside of Aspen. With easy access, enjoy some great ski touring and untracked powder skiing amid the scenic winter wonderland.
All necessary avalanche safety equipment is included. Aspen Expeditions', also a backcountry center, can supply you with state-of-the-art alpine touring equipment ($15 discount).
Depending on snow conditions and specific clients' ambitions, our AMGA-certified guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind untracked adventure just for you and your group.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
Duration: Day Tour - Approx 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call 970-925-7625 to schedule a time to get setup at the backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.
Maximum Guide Ratio: 4:1
Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.
Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge
Not included: personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for demo at $15 discount), single ride lift tickets, lunch/snack food.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
Prep- Your guide will contact you the day before at the voice number you give us to discuss appropriate terrain for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time.
You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning of at 8:30 am at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:30 pm. (You will receive a $15 discount.)
The Day - Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. From there your will head out to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group. You will stop for lunch and snacks en route. (lunch/snacks are not included)
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST
SKI EQUIPMENT
The following items are provided for your day tour:
- Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
The following Demo AT rental ski package is available for $15 discount per person ($45 pp):
- Touring skis or splitboard and boots
- Climbing Skins: adjusted to skis
- Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
CLOTHING
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
- Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
- Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Small thermos: (Optional)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lunch/Snack food
-
Participants will travel through the winter backcountry for field days on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.
THE FIRST STEP
It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.
THE NEXT STEP
Follow a day of backcountry ski touring with another ski day, a lift access backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
POLICIES
Booking/Cancellation policy:
AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.
Risk Management
Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Women's Intro to Backcountry Skiing
$ 175.00
Does ‘backcountry skiing’ sound intimidating to you? Come join us for a one-day ‘Intro to Backcountry’ course and give light to what it means to ski beyond the resort boundaries....
Ski Mountaineering
$ 625.00
-
The mountains surrounding Aspen offer countless backcountry ski mountaineering options. Our AMGA trained/certified guides will not only take you into the backcountry to climb and ski/ride some of the amazing peaks of the Elk Range, but will teach you modern ski mountaineering and snow climbing skills, too. Some of our favorite areas offer untracked ski ascents/descents of as much as 4,000 vertical feet, and are truly unforgettable experiences. With relatively easy access the Elk range peaks, such as Hayden Peak or Mount Sopris, offer great ski touring and powder skiing.
- Classic technical descents include the Pearl Couloir on Cathedral Peak, The Conundrum Couloir in Montezuma Basin, and the June Couloir on Star Peak
- With select clients we offer guided ski descents of North Maroon Peak, South Maroon Peak, Snowmass and Castle Peak
-
We offer multi day winter mountaineering style climbs and descents
Depending on snow conditions and specific clients' ambitions, our AMGA-certified guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind untracked adventure just for you and your group.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
Duration: Day Tour - Approx 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call 970-925-7625 to schedule a time to get setup at the backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.
Maximum Guide Ratio: 4:1
Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.
Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge
Not included: personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for demo at $15 discount), single ride lift tickets, lunch/snack food.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
Prep- Your guide will contact you the day before at the voice number you give us to discuss appropriate terrain for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time.
You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning of at 8:30 am at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:30 pm. (You will receive a $15 discount.)
The Day - Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. From there your will head out to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group. You will stop for lunch and snacks en route. (lunch/snacks are not included)
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST
SKI EQUIPMENT
The following items are provided for your day tour:
- Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
The following Demo AT rental ski package is available for $15 discount per person ($45 pp):
- Touring skis or splitboard and boots
- Climbing Skins: adjusted to skis
- Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
CLOTHING
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
- Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
- Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
- Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
- Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Small thermos: (Optional)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lunch/Snack food
-
Participants will travel through the winter backcountry for field days on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.
THE FIRST STEP
It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.
THE NEXT STEP
Follow a day of backcountry ski touring with another ski day, a lift access backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information. -
POLICIES
Booking/Cancellation policy:
AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.
Risk Management
Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.