Backcountry Skiing in Vail Pass

Things to know

• COVID-19 measures in Colorado

  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 Vail, Colorado, please refer to the Town of Vail website.

  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’s included?

  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:

  • • Transportation
    • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Trip insurance
• How fit do I need to be?

  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 Vail, you will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

  For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with blue 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.

• What about required equipment and rentals?

  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
  • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from your guide, or through Mountain Outfitters in Breckenridge and Wilderness Sports in Dillon, 701 E Anemone Trail.
  • Splitboards can be rented from Alpine Quest in Edwards.

  Ski rental locations are in Dillon, Edwards and Breckenridge, 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.

  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
    • Harness for glacier travel

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-tex recommended)
  • Ski pants (Gore-tex recommended)
  • Helmet
  • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
  • Down jacket or vest
  • Gloves and hat
  • 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
  • The food you can eat on-the-go
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-45L bag)
  • Camera — optional
• Group sizes and age requirements

  Groups and pricing:

  For this adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 4:1. Advanced ski and mountaineering tours may run at reduced numbers depending on the skill level and objective of your group.

  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to backcountry ski with friends and family.
  • Ski touring in Vail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this backcountry skiing adventure.
  • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get directly to Vail, you can fly directly into Eagle County Regional Airport. From there, rent a car or take a Epic Mountain Express shuttle for around 30 minutes to Vail. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver International Airport. From there, it’s a four-hour drive by rental car or Epic Mountain Express shuttle to Vail.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Vail.