Guided Backcountry Skiing Telluride: San Juan Mountains

Your guide teaches avalanche safety and backcountry technique while you ski untouched terrain.

Guided backcountry skiing in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado, where you ski powder-filled glades and alpine bowls with an AMGA-certified guide who customizes the day to your ability. The guide provides avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and teaches backcountry techniques and terrain navigation as you go. Mountain Trip has guided this terrain since 1973.

The experience

The guide meets you and tailors the day to your skill level, whether you're starting backcountry skiing for the first time or you've skied steep descents before. You'll ski powder-filled glades, alpine bowls, and steep terrain in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride. Along the way, the guide teaches you backcountry techniques, how to read avalanche terrain, and how to navigate safely: skills that stick with you on every trip after this one. The avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is provided. You bring your own clothing and decide whether to rent or bring your own ski touring gear (skis, boots, skins, poles).

The full day runs 8 hours. Pickup is included. The guide speaks English and is certified or trained by the American Mountain Guiding Association, which means the instruction and decision-making on terrain are held to a standard, not every backcountry guide carries that credential. Mountain Trip has been running these trips since 1973, so the local knowledge of where the snow is good, where the terrain suits your level, and how the mountains change through the season is built into every day.

What’s included

• Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe).
• AMGA-certified or trained guide.
• pickup.
• instruction in backcountry techniques, avalanche safety, and terrain navigation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mountain Trip

Is this one for you?You ski the terrain yourself with the guide leading and teaching. This is not a lesson on a groomed slope, but real backcountry skiing in untracked powder and alpine terrain. Choose this if you want to learn the skills and safety knowledge to ski backcountry confidently, or if you're already experienced and want expert local guidance on the best terrain near Telluride.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the guide teach during a backcountry skiing trip?

The guide teaches backcountry techniques, avalanche safety protocols, and terrain navigation. You learn how to use the avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and how to read the mountain so you can make sound decisions about where and how to ski.

Do I need to own skis and boots to go backcountry skiing near Telluride?

You can rent ski touring gear (skis, boots, skins, poles) or bring your own. That's your choice at checkout. The guide and avalanche safety equipment are always included.

How does the guide customize the day to different skill levels?

The guide tailors the itinerary and terrain to your ability, whether you're a first-time backcountry skier or experienced. The mountains near Telluride offer powder glades, alpine bowls, and steeper descents, so the guide chooses which terrain and how much vertical suits you.

What makes Mountain Trip's guides different?

Mountain Trip guides are AMGA certified or trained by the American Mountain Guiding Association. The company has guided backcountry skiers in the San Juan Mountains since 1973, which means decades of local knowledge about snow conditions, terrain, and safe decision-making on the mountain.

What's included in the 8-hour trip?

The guide, avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe), and pickup are included. Bring your own clothing. Lunch is not included. Ski touring gear can be rented or you can bring your own.