Backcountry Skiing in Northern New Mexico

What you get in this adventure:

• • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Half-day or full-day guided backcountry skiing tour
    • Introduction to backcountry skiing (3-4 hours)
    • Beginner backcountry ski tour (6-7 hours)
    • Intermediate backcountry ski tour (6-7 hours)
    • Advanced backcountry ski tour (7-8 hours)
  • Backcountry permits
  • Avalanche safety equipment

What’s not included:

• • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment (possible to rent)
  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Food and snacks
  • Accommodations

To enjoy these backcountry adventures in Northern New Mexico, you’ll need to have a decent fitness level. You’ll be skiing on varied terrain for at several hours (if you choose the intro tour) or 6-7 hours (if you choose any of the other tours). While backcountry skiing is a full-body workout and it can be strenuous, your guide will help you choose the right terrain for your experience and fitness level.

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

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

• • Backcountry skis and skins (can be rented)
  • Backcountry boots boots and poles (can be rented)
  • Avalanche safety equipment — beacon, probe, and shovel (if you do not have it, your guides will provide you with it free of charge)

For personal items, we recommend bringing:

• • Backcountry skis, boots, poles, and skins
  • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  • Helmet
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles
  • 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
  • Two pairs of waterproof gloves
  • Hat or a beanie
  • Buff
  • Water bottle and 1L of water
  • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  • Lunch and food you can eat on-the-go
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera — optional

If you need backcountry skis, skins, or boots, you can contact Alain and Peggy at Le Ski Mastery in the Taos Ski Valley. Make sure to reserve them in advance, be fitted, and pick them up the day before your trip.

Group sizes and pricing:

• • For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. With the advanced backcountry ski tour, the maximum is set at 3 participants.
  • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family. 

Ski touring in Northern New Mexico 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.
  • For the intro and beginner backcountry skiing tour, the minimum age requirement is 10 years old.
  • For the intermediate and advanced tours, the minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
  • If your group has minors over the age of 10, they need to be in the presence of a legal guardian.

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

To get to backcountry skiing in Northern New Mexico, most people fly into Taos Regional Airport, which is 40 minutes away from your meeting location. There’s also the possibility of flying into Albuquerque International Sunport, a 3-hour drive from your meeting point.

You’re going to meet your guide at the Bavarian Lodge parking lot, 100 Kachina Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, United States.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!