SouthWest Adventure Guides • Durango CO • 800-642-5389 or [email protected]  

Backcountry Skiing in the San Juan Mountains

Private Backcountry Ski Guiding | Intro to BC Skiing Course | Ski the Peaks

2009 Dates & Costs

  • December - April
  • Cost: $325/day for 1:1, $125/day for each additional person
  • Client-to-Guide Raito: 3:1 maximum
  • We have A/T and Telemark equipment available to rent at our shop!

General Information

The San Juan Mountains host some of the finest backcountry terrain in Colorado. Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain passes allow us to access the best ski tours at, and above, 10,000 feet where pristine powder skiing is just waiting to be had. Our programs are designed to accomodate a wide range of experience levels and skiing background. Whether you're a perrenial resort skier looking to venture into the untracked powder of the backcountry, or an experienced backcountry enthusiast who wants to hit the best tours the area has to offer, we have what it takes to put it together for you.

Our backcountry ski tours are offered on a private basis, and can be tailored to your needs or desires. We also offer instruction in the following techniques for the first time backcoutnry traveller:

  • Avalanche Awareness
  • Avalanche Beacon Use
  • Route-finding and planning
  • Team travel protocol
  • Misc. Backcountry Equipment
  • Ascension Techniques

Our high-country tours will impress on any backcountry skier the grand terrain to be found in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Classic tours include:

  • Deer Creek
  • The Python
  • Sam's/Chattanooga
  • Coal Creek
  • N. Face Bear Mountain (12,657 ft.)
  • The Pumphouse
  • U.S. Basin / MacMillan Peak
  • West Face of Red #3

Prerequisites: Prior basic skiing and/or snowboarding experience is required. Participants should also be in excellent physical condition. We recommend that participants arrive in Durango atleast 1 full day prior to travelling with us in the San Juan high country.

Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction. Avalanche probe, shovel, and beacon, boots, skis, and climbing skins are available for rent from our shop for an additional cost.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing, skiing, or camping equipment, or gratuities.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit as early as possible prior to the trip date. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.

 
 



(Corporate Partner)


Operating under special use permit in the Rio Grande - San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa - Uncompahgre National Forest - Wrangell St. Elias National Park - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Indian Creek BLM. Southwest Adventure Guides LLC provides services and employment opportunities regardless of an individual's ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap.