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Backcountry Skiing in Cooke City

Once known as a snowmobiling and sledding paradise, Yellowstone’s Cooke City has now been co-opted by backcountry skiers. Powder skiing, cross country skiing, leisurely snowshoe hiking — these mountains have it all and then some. Whether you’re looking for exciting couloirs and technical descents or just wish to improve your newfound backcountry skills, you’ll find what you need in Cooke City. Also, the remoteness of the Yellowstone wilderness lends itself to an intimate backcountry atmosphere, with an abundance of indigenous wildlife and some scenic frozen waterfalls to truly make you feel at one with nature. Make the journey to Cooke City and get in touch with your wild side.

Adventure highlights

  • Conquer Cooke City’s thrillingly steep chutes and high couloirs

  • Enjoy thousands of acres of ski-only access and options for all skill levels

  • Explore Yellowstone National Park’s uncharted territory and amazing vistas

Itinerary

Make your way to Yellowstone’s backcountry and experience some of the most aesthetic and fun powder skiing in North America. Everyone is welcome here — whether you want to push your backcountry skills to the limit or just want to enjoy laps on mellower runs, your experienced guide will help you customize your tour and make sure you get the most out of your day. Head to Yellowstone, Montana, and discover why Cooke City is one of the top backcountry skiing destinations in the U.S.!

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Meet your guide

Beartooth Powder Guides
5.00
Beartooth Powder Guides
AMGA Certified Guides
Founded in 2011, Beartooth Powder Guides has sprung from the love of mountains and spending days in the snow. Their goal is to create a socially significant business that encourages people to explore the outdoors and appreciate Montana's natural beauty. BPG's experienced local guides will attune you to the beauty of Cooke City and the stunning landscape of Beartooth Mountains!
5.00 (2 reviews)
Excellent Backcountry Hosts
Tony F. (source: Trip Advisor)

I recently spent four days and three nights at the Woody Creek Cabin operated by Beartooth Powder Guides. Ben and his team took excellent care of us and ensured that all of our needs were met. Not only was their hospitality top-notch, but their snow safety was second-to-none. Lastly, and most importantly, Ben and his team absolutely came through with the goods, finding us some excellent powder and tree skiing. I would not hesitate to book a trip with Beartooth again.

These guys know where it's at...
Imaginelle (source: Trip Advisor)

We are backcountry skiers and we aren’t from the area- heck not even from the same country- so it pays to have good guides in the snow in an area you dont know. These guys know the terrain, the conditions and the stashes. Loved going up to the cabin with the zen Beau and ski touring Yellowstone amongst the wolfprints with Jesse. We will be back next year.

Things to know

  • 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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cooke City, Montana, please refer to the Montana Office of Tourism.

    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!

  • What you get in this adventure:

      • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A full day of backcountry ski touring

    What’s not included:

      • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
      • Food and snacks
      • Transportation
      • Accommodation
  • In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. While there is terrain for all skill levels in Cooke City, 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.

  • Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with challenging blue or black-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

  • For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

      • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
      • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
      • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
        • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
        • Lightweight snow shovel
        • Avalanche probe

    For personal items, we recommend bringing:

      • Helmet
      • Sunglasses or ski goggles
      • Gloves and hat
      • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Down jacket or vest
      • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
      • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
      • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
      • Water bottle and 1L of water
      • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
      • Food you can eat on-the-go
      • First aid kit
      • Sunscreen
      • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
      • Camera — optional
  • All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

      • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented from your guide
      • Helmets, alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Grizzly Outfitters in Big Sky, MT

    Ski rental locations are in Big Sky, MT, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

  • Group size and prices:

      • For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
      • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private lessons, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family.

    Ski touring in Cooke City can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

    If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Cooke City, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, where you can rent a car. From Bozeman, Montana, it’s a 3-hour drive to Cooke City. Alternatively, you can take a 1-hour drive south to Big Sky via US-191 where you can pick up your rented gear. Then, from Big Sky, it’s about 3 hours south to Cooke City.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Cooke City or a predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.

  • 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.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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