Ask anyone to name a classic backcountry skiing destination, and chances are, Aspen will be at the top of the list. The town’s situated in a sweet spot within the Elk Mountains and the Sawatch Range and is home to four world-famous resorts and their stunning backcountry terrain. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass boast spacious and approachable slopes covered with light and fluffy champagne powder guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding backcountry connoisseurs. The terrain variety is spectacular—from Buttermilk Mountain’s relaxing low-angle cruises to Mount Sopris’ steep and challenging couloirs, Aspen touring accommodates beginners and seasoned skiers alike. To top it all off, the views you’ll experience while riding Colorado’s boundless snow-capped wilderness are sure to knock you off your feet. If you’re in search of bigger terrain with rewarding challenges, you’ve come to the land of 14,000-feet peaks. Let the best Aspen alpine & ski guides introduce you to the area and find out why Aspen is one of the best places to go backcountry skiing in Colorado.
We were steered toward Aspen Expeditions through a friend who had taken Avy classes with the principal owner Amos. When it came time to plan a trip to Japan, the choice was a no brainer- Amos is a pinned IAMFG / AMGA guide, one of the first in the states. Unlike many Japan ski trips, Aspen Expeditions avoids the crowded spots in favor of SNOW. The trip consisted of equal parts back country, lift-assisted back country, and side-country. Each day ended with an Onsen (hot springs) and a meal fit for a king. On top of that, Amos had the foresight to hire a Japanese guide- clutch move to unlock next-level secret stashes of both food and snow. I would tell you to go, but I may be filling these spots every year that they are offered…
If you’re looking for a mountain guide to bring you out climbing, mountaineering, skiing or an all around alpine mentor, Jayson is the one. I’ve traveled the world with Jayson and other mountain guides and can confidently say he is the best in the business! A great teacher and a fun person to spend time with in the mountains.
For the past 10 years I have skied and climbed with Jayson all over the world. I can say without hesitation my relationship with Jayson as a friend, educator, mentor, and guide is one of the most positive in my life. He has pushed me to be a better climbing, skier, and person and I’m forever grateful.
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
To enjoy these backcountry adventures, you need to be in good physical shape. You will be on your feet for 5-7 hours. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
To participate in the lift-accessed tours, you don’t need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. However, for the full-day of skiing with a guide, most of the tours are suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. You will be skiing on glaciated terrain for around 7 hours. Your friendly Aspen guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Ski rental locations are in Aspen Highlands Village.If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Groups and pricing:
Ski touring in Aspen can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Aspen airport (ASE) is minutes to any of the four mountains in the area. You can hire a rental car, arrange a shuttle with your hotel, or take tne of the free city buses with all of your ski gear.
Alternatively, Denver International Airport is a four-hour drive and rental cars are available. Keep in mind, weather is unpredictable in the winter and the Vail Pass can be closed during snow storms. Check the weather and plan for mountain driving.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the guide shop in Aspen Highlands Village. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Aspen, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
We were steered toward Aspen Expeditions through a friend who had taken Avy classes with the principal owner Amos. When it came time to plan a trip to Japan, the choice was a no brainer- Amos is a pinned IAMFG / AMGA guide, one of the first in the states. Unlike many Japan ski trips, Aspen Expeditions avoids the crowded spots in favor of SNOW. The trip consisted of equal parts back country, lift-assisted back country, and side-country. Each day ended with an Onsen (hot springs) and a meal fit for a king. On top of that, Amos had the foresight to hire a Japanese guide- clutch move to unlock next-level secret stashes of both food and snow. I would tell you to go, but I may be filling these spots every year that they are offered…