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Lift Assisted Backcountry Ski Touring

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World-Class Certified Guides
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Our expert guides aim to find the safest and highest-quality snow conditions.
Lift-Assisted Access
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Just outside Telluride Ski Resort's backcountry gates are some of North America's best “side-country" skiing, with wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and long tree runs.
Fresh Lines, Big Terrain
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Experience off-piste terrain, without marathon uphill effort. Get ready for big turns in wild terrain you won’t find inside the resort.
Small Group Setting
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Personalized, Safer Experience

Description

Step beyond the resort boundaries and discover the thrill of Telluride’s legendary backcountry terrain. This lift-assisted ski touring adventure gives you the freedom to ride untracked lines without the grind of a full uphill approach. Using the chairlifts, you’ll quickly reach Telluride Ski Resort’s designated backcountry gates, where wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and hidden powder stashes await.

Your day unfolds in true off-piste fashion. Professional guides lead the way into pristine terrain, tailoring the route to snow conditions, avalanche safety, and your group’s ability. Expect a mix of high-alpine descents, playful tree runs, and untouched powder turns far from the lift lines. Each lap feels like a secret earned — with the effort of skinning dramatically reduced by the lift assist.

This tour is ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders eager to expand beyond the resort and explore Telluride’s wild side. Safety remains paramount, and every guest is equipped with avalanche gear and instruction on proper use before venturing out. By the end of the day, you’ll have a new perspective on the San Juan Mountains — one defined by fresh tracks, rugged beauty, and the exhilaration of skiing beyond the boundaries. Reserve today—limited slots for premium backcountry terrain.

Backcountry Ski Zones Accessed by Telluride Ski Resort

  • Alta Lakes —Drop in from Prospect Chair 12 into the Alta Lakes Basin and enter uncontrolled avalanche terrain directly from Telluride Ski Resort.
  • Bear Creek - Higher consequence avalanche terrain with bigger lines for the adventurous and more experienced backcountry skier.
  • Multi-Day—We offer multi-day backcountry trips and avalanche safety courses.

Upon confirming your reservation, we will inquire further to ascertain your abilities and interests, ensuring a rewarding backcountry skiing experience in Telluride. Need a ski touring set-up? We have rental packages available, including boots, skis, splitboards, skins, and float packs.


What's Included

Avalanche Rescue Equipment (Beacon, Shovel & Probe)
Certified Ski Guide
Avalanche safety instruction
Side-country access
Personal Ski Clothing
Ski Touring Equipment (available for rent)
Backpack or Avalanche Air Pack (available for rent)
Food
Gratuities
Telluride Ski Resort Lift Ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Backcountry Ski Touring?

Backcountry Ski Touring involves skiing or snowboarding outside resort boundaries, on variable snow surfaces like deep powder, wind crust, icy patches, and untracked snow. Skiers use gear like bindings with adjustable heels and skins to ascend, while snowboarders use splitboards that split into skis for uphill travel and reassemble for downhill. This style offers greater freedom, a closer connection with nature, and encourages mindfulness, unlike resort skiing.

Does Avalanche Danger Exist?
Anytime you are outside the boundaries of a confined ski area, there is potential risk for avalanches. With that said, we methodically select the terrain for that day based on current conditions, avalanche forecasts, and observations. We prioritize your safety and avoid exposure to avalanche prone areas.
How much backcountry experience do I need to have?

You need basic backcountry equipment like a splitboard or skis with skins and be comfortable skiing. No experience is required; guides help introduce newcomers safely. Pros are welcome and can be guided to top local spots.

What equipment do I need vs. what do you provide?
We provide beacon, shovel and probe. Apart from that, you need all the typical equipment to stay warm, fed, hydrated and be able to tour up and down mountains in the backcountry.
How much skiing experience do I need?

An advanced level of skiing, comfort with ungroomed terrain, and a good fitness level are necessary for this tour. Prior backcountry experience is not required. 

What terrain is covered?

Side-country zones accessed via Telluride Ski Resort’s boundary gates.

When is the best season?

Prime access runs January through early April, depending on conditions.


Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Upon confirming your reservation, we will inquire further to ascertain your abilities and interests, ensuring a rewarding backcountry skiing experience in Telluride.
The best time of year for backcountry skiing is January through early April. However, the snowpack can vary year to year, and avalanche dangers exist at all times of the season.
This is a private excursion. Pricing is based on a client-to-guide ratio. Rates are per person depending on how many people are in your group.
Times are subject to change based on time of the year, weather, snow conditions, and daily operations. The meeting time will be confirmed during your conversation with the lead guide
Your tour costs are refundable if canceled 7 days before the tour departure. No refunds available for cancellations inside of 7 days. If booking using the Book Now, Pay Later option, the 5% deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Quick Facts

City
Telluride

Duration
6h 00min

Four or More Riders Rate
$259

Three Riders Rate
$289

Two Riders Rate
$369

Single Rider Rate
$569


Itinerary • 6h 00min • 5 activities

Meet your guide, review avalanche gear, and cover the day’s safety plan.

Duration
30 minutes

Ride the resort chairlifts to quickly reach backcountry gate access points.

Duration
30 minutes

Hike, skin, or traverse short distances from gates into untracked terrain.

Duration
30 minutes

Ski wide bowls, trees, or chutes depending on conditions and ability.

Duration
2 hours

Return to downtown Telluride or skin back to the resort.

Duration
30 minutes