Guided Backcountry Ski Tour in Summit County, Colorado

Summary

Summit County Backcountry Skiing with Local Guides

You’ll leave the crowds behind and learn real backcountry skills from local pros. Expect hard work on the way up—but fresh powder runs and quiet forests make it unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at Silverthorne basecamp was how quiet it felt compared to the usual resort chaos. Our guide, Mike, handed out climbing skins and checked everyone’s boots—he’s been skiing these hills for years and knows every shortcut through the trees. We started early, just as the sun was warming up the snow, and you could smell pine needles crushed under our skis. The uphill climb took some effort (honestly, my legs were burning halfway up), but Mike kept us moving at a steady pace and pointed out where avalanche risk might hide—stuff I’d never have spotted on my own.

Once we reached a powdery meadow above the treeline, it was just us and the wind whistling through the branches. No lift lines, no crowds—just fresh tracks waiting. I got my first real taste of backcountry turns here; it’s nothing like resort skiing. You earn every run, but carving down untouched snow is worth every step up. Mike talked us through each section—how to read the slope, when to stop and check conditions—and even shared a story about a local who once spotted a fox darting across this same ridge. If you’ve only skied resorts before, this feels like discovering a whole new side of Colorado winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Backcountry Skiing Adventure

• Backcountry skiing in Summit County
• Use uphill climbing skins to reach fresh snow
• Enjoy skiing powder in solitude
• Practice uphill and downhill skiing techniques
• Traverse alpine ridge or ski powder-filled meadow

Top questions

Do I need my own backcountry ski gear?

No worries if you don’t have gear—we’ve got a full demo shop at our Silverthorne basecamp with rentals available for guided tours.

I’m comfortable on black diamond runs at resorts—is that enough?

If you can handle black diamonds at resorts and are in good shape, you’re set for this adventure. Just be ready for lots of uphill climbing!

How much time do we spend climbing versus skiing down?

You’ll spend about 70-80% of your time climbing uphill using skins, then enjoy 20-30% skiing down fresh powder.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional local guide who’ll teach you both uphill and downhill techniques, plus risk management tips for safe travel in Colorado’s backcountry.