Backcountry Ski Tour

  • Nothing beats the solitude and beauty of a backcountry ski tour.  It is common for our clients to ski high quality untracked snow many weeks after our last storm. Within 20 minutes from downtown Aspen, we can easily access amazing introductory to advanced backcountry ski-touring.  Your private AMGA trained/certified backcountry ski guide will plan the appropriate day for you and your party based on your experience, abilities and best conditions.  Whether you are brand new to the sport or a seasoned backcountry user, there is a lifetime of high quality uncrowded backcountry skiing options surrounding Aspen.  We supply the required alpine touring and avalanche safety equipment complimentary.  

    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.

     


    The ski resorts are skied out, but we are still skiing amazing untracked powder! Come on out!

    Posted by Aspen Expeditions on Thursday, January 14, 2016
  • Duration: Day Tour - Approximately 8:30am - 3:30pm

    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, complimentary Alpine Touring / Splitboard gear, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge

    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:

    • Touring skis and boots or splitboard (we do not carry snowboard boots)
    • Climbing Skins
    • 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
    Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
  • Participants will travel through the winter backcountry 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.



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