Are you interested in backcountry skiing, but don’t know where to start? Hesitant to invest in gear and training before you try it out? If you aspire to “earn your turns” up a quiet skin track, make perfect kick turns and enjoy untouched snow back down, here’s your answer!

This new ski program is the perfect opportunity to learn how to have a great day in the backcountry. We will focus on how to use modern A/T (Alpine/Touring) equipment, touch upon the basic principles of avalanche safety, terrain management, backcountry travel & preparedness, and how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. We will spend most of our time skiing and skinning outside on the snow. This program is perfect for those who have always wanted to see what it’s like to ski on their own outside of the resort!

Please note: These are not official avalanche safety courses and provide just an introduction to safety in the backcountry.

Dates Offered:

Sunday, January 31

Sunday, February 7

Sunday, February 21

Sunday, February 28

Sunday, March 7

Sunday, March 21

Sunday, March 28

Duration

The program begins at 8:30 am and ends around 2-3 pm. The round trip distance is about 3-4 miles. We can spend more/less time/distance in the backcountry if the group wants to! Terrain difficulty and tour length will be determined by group consensus.

Optional Pre-Tour Check-In

We offer many options for lodging & meals during your visit. *dinner not included in tour price. Check out our lodging options by clicking here.

Meeting Place

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center

Price

$149 per person

Ages

13 and up

Ski Ability

Comfortable skiing intermediate groomed runs. Average fitness level or above.

Equipment Provided 

Complete A/T backcountry setup includes:
Dynafit Dhualagiri skis with Dynafit TLT Radical ST 2.0 tech bindings and Dynafit Speedskins
Dynafit TLT7 A/T Boots
Poles
Beacon (BCA Tracker 2)
Shovel
Probe
Boxed Lunch
YMCA Trail Pass

Registration

Click here to register, or contact the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center at (970) 887-2152 x 4173, SNordicCenter@ymcarockies.org.

Guest should provide their own day pack, ski helmet, warm clothes, snacks and water. Please see our FAQ for additional information.

Be sure to download our trails app! Just scan this QR code, or search for Snow Mountain Ranch trails in the app store.