Backcountry Skiing in Colorado

Discover the best of backcountry skiing in Colorado with all-inclusive trips for all skill levels, led by experienced local guides who know the terrain. Our hassle-free planning lets you focus on adventure while we handle the details. Get ready for pristine powder and unforgettable mountain views!

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All adventures
Guided Adventures
Avalanche Education
Intro to Backcountry
Rocky Mountain NP
Summit County/Vail

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Deep powder, endless lines: Why Colorado is a Backcountry mecca

Colorado is a backcountry skier’s paradise—a vast, powder-laden playground stretching from the iconic bowls of Vail and Aspen to the rugged, remote expanses of Rocky Mountain National Park. For skiers who crave deep lines, untouched terrain, and the thrill of earning every turn, Colorado delivers unrivaled options.

Beyond the bustling resorts, the state is threaded with skin tracks leading to serene alpine bowls, hidden glades, and high ridges, each offering a unique backcountry experience. With endless opportunities to drop in on fresh powder, Colorado is a bucket-list destination for those in search of true alpine adventure.

From first tracks to summit goals: Backcountry adventures for all levels

Our Colorado backcountry trips are crafted for skiers of every skill level, offering a range of experiences from introductory courses to advanced ski mountaineering. Beginners can start with courses that cover essential backcountry skills, from skinning technique to avalanche safety, while experienced adventurers can dive into multi-day tours across rugged alpine terrain or tackle challenging ski-mountaineering objectives.

With expert guidance, every skier—whether new to the backcountry or a seasoned powder hunter—will find an adventure perfectly suited to their goals and skill set. Here, each trip is an invitation to explore Colorado’s wild side safely and confidently.

Go local: Discover the backcountry through the eyes of Colorado’s guides

Our trips are led by experienced local guides who bring Colorado’s backcountry to life with their deep knowledge of the terrain, snowpack, and hidden powder stashes. These guides are more than experts on route finding and avalanche safety—they’re passionate ambassadors for the landscapes they call home.

Their insider knowledge and local connections allow us to deliver truly authentic experiences, from skiing secret glades to learning the history and ecology of each mountain range. When you venture into the Colorado backcountry with a local guide, you gain an intimate understanding of the landscape and a genuine connection to the region’s culture.

Leave the details to us: A seamless backcountry skiing experience

Our all-inclusive backcountry skiing trips in Colorado let you focus on adventure, not logistics. From transportation and meals to top-of-the-line gear and accommodations, every detail is seamlessly handled so you can enjoy a worry-free experience.

We take care of lift tickets, safety equipment, and on-mountain support, ensuring you have everything needed for an unforgettable trip. With all logistics expertly managed, you’re free to soak in the thrill of fresh powder and breathtaking scenery, while we handle the rest.

What do people think of Backcountry Skiing in Colorado?

Dylan B.

about AIARE Level 1 Course in Summit County

Justin and Sunshine at Colorado Adventure Guides were great! My partner and I took the AIARE 1 course with CAG in early December 2019. Both instructors were professional, friendly, knowledgeable and fun to be around. We took the 3 day course; day 1 was a classroom day with the next two as field days. Safety started before even being at the trailhead. Both Justin and Sunshine were able to give us concise comments when practicing in the event of a burial. When searching on the AIARE website, CAG appeared to be the most affordable provider. Overall, great instructors with great attitudes. 10/10 would recommend!

Dante Ferrante

about Intro to Ski Mountaineering in Rocky Mountain NP

Go ski with Ben! I have taken both an avalanche education course and a ski mountaineering course. For the avalanche course I learned avalanche safety in the real world – how to ski great powder and minimize risk – not the kind of stuff you can learn in a book. In the ski mountaineering course we learned how to use ropes in ski situations on day one and skied an epic couloir on day two. Again GO SKI WITH BEN!

Andrew D.

about Cross-Country Skiing in Crested Butte

Irwin does it right. They have top-notch accommodations, excellent terrain, extremely knowledgeable guides, and incredibly friendly staff. Billy, Jake, Sidney, and Dave were amazing on the mountain, and Tim, Juniper, Neil, and the rest of the support staff were great. My buddy broke a binding early in the day and Tim buzzed up, picked him up, gave him Irwin skis and he was back with the group on the next lap. Throw in being lucky enough to catch the best powder day of 2018 and you have a day we will never forget. I highly recommend Irwin for their professionalism, knowledge, and first-rate accommodations. I can’t wait to get back and ski with my new friends. Can’t say enough about this great outfit.

Elijah S.

about Ski Hut Trip in the San Juan Mountains

I had an amazing backcountry skiing trip with my guide Fischer. He was super nice and taught me a lot about avalanche safety, using skins, and living in telluride. He and everyone at Mountain Trip communicated with me a lot and helped me to prepare for our trip. Renting gear was no problem and they even lent me extra stuff that wasn’t up for rent. Overall super friendly and super helpful. The trip was amazing and I recommend it to anyone that loves skiing and wants to learn about and experience the backcountry!

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Frequently asked questions about backcountry skiing in Colorado

Absolutely, beginners can get their feet wet in Colorado’s backcountry—just know it’s a different beast from the groomed resort runs. But that’s what makes it so exciting.

With the right guidance, anyone can experience the magic of untouched powder and the freedom of open terrain. I always recommend starting with a solid intro course that covers the basics—skinning, route finding, and, most importantly, avalanche safety. Colorado offers plenty of terrain that’s friendly to newcomers, and with an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll learn fast and safely. The key is taking it slow, respecting the mountain, and knowing when to push your limits.
If you’re looking for the best backcountry skiing in Colorado, you’re spoiled for choice.

Let’s start with the classics: Vail’s back bowls are legendary, offering endless powder and diverse terrain for every level of skier. Aspen has some incredible lines too, especially in the Maroon Bells—one of the most iconic and rugged areas in the state.

For a more remote experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is a gem, with alpine terrain that offers steep descents and pristine snow but demands respect and preparation. Then there’s Breckenridge, with accessible yet challenging terrain that includes everything from open bowls to tree skiing.

If you’re looking for something a bit more off the radar, the San Juan Mountains near Telluride are steep, wild, and rarely crowded—perfect for adventurous souls seeking untracked lines. Each of these spots has its own character and challenges, but they all share that undeniable Colorado allure—wild, beautiful, and filled with powder.
The best season for backcountry skiing in Colorado? That’s easy—mid-winter to early spring, generally from late December through March.

This is when you’ll find Colorado’s snowpack at its peak: deep, dry powder with a solid base. January and February can be prime, especially after a good storm cycle, with fresh snow covering all the stashes and offering the kind of conditions we dream about. March is a sweet spot too—days are longer, the sun’s a little warmer, and the snow has had time to settle, making avalanche conditions a bit more stable while still offering plenty of fresh tracks.

That said, be mindful of the weather and avalanche reports. Colorado can throw curveballs, so always keep an eye on snowpack conditions. But if you time it right, the season delivers some of the best backcountry skiing you’ll find anywhere.
When it comes to backcountry skiing in Colorado, the rules are pretty straightforward—but they’re all about safety and respect for the terrain. First and foremost, know the avalanche risks and always check the daily avalanche forecast. Never assume the snow is stable just because it looks good—conditions can change quickly, and the mountains are unforgiving.

Get the right gear—beacon, probe, shovel, and a backpack—this isn’t negotiable. Your beacon is your lifeline if something goes wrong, and you should know how to use it like second nature. If you’re new to the backcountry, taking an avalanche safety course is essential.

Stay aware of your group’s skills and pace yourself—backcountry skiing isn’t a race, and you don’t want to end up over your head. Always respect closures and private land; some areas are off-limits for a reason, whether it’s wildlife protection, avalanche risk, or just local management. And don’t forget, be prepared to make the hike: backcountry skiing is about earning your turns, so skinning up is part of the journey.

Lastly, leave no trace—whether it’s snow, trash, or tracks, make sure you’re respecting the environment and preserving it for the next group of skiers. The mountain doesn’t owe you anything, so treat it with the care it deserves. Follow these rules, and you’ll stay safe, have fun, and earn some of the best turns of your life.