Introduction to Backcountry Skiing

Season: Winter

Duration: 8 hours

Group size: Up to 6

Locations: Rocky Mountain National Park

Description

This one-day field course introduces skiers to safe, efficient backcountry travel in Rocky Mountain National Park. Led by an AMGA-certified guide, the session covers risk mitigation, basic ski touring techniques, and practical decision-making for Colorado alpine terrain.

Learning objectives

  • Understand core principles of avalanche risk assessment and mitigation.

  • Demonstrate effective use of avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and group companion rescue techniques.

  • Learn efficient skinning, kick-turns, and transition procedures for skis with touring bindings.

  • Practice safe route selection, travel spacing, and terrain management for varying snowpack and weather conditions.

  • Apply a simple decision-making framework (observations, forecasting, and conservative planning) to real mountain scenarios.

Safety and guide credentials

All courses are led by an AMGA-certified guide experienced in Rocky Mountain National Park terrain, snowpack, and rescue protocols. Guides carry group rescue tools and backup safety gear, and they use conservative decision-making standards appropriate to your group.

What can you expect from your day

Typical schedule

  • Morning: gear check and orientation; brief classroom on avalanche fundamentals, requipment selection, weather, and trip planning.

  • Mid-morning: move to a backcountry trailhead and discuss basic avalanche transceiver practice

  • Late morning: introduction to skins, boot/binding checks, transition practice and basic skiing techniques in the backcountry

  • Afternoon: guided uphill skin track on moderate slope; practice kick-turns and efficient pacing.

  • Late afternoon: short downhill runs focusing on movement on variable snow and managing terrain exposure; wrap-up with group debrief and next-step recommendations.

FAQ

  • We will provide a complete detailed gear list at the time of booking but some key items include:

    • Touring skis with AT or hybrid touring bindings, skins, and functioning brakes OR splitboard with bindings and skins (we have rentals available at Wildcat Mountaineering)

    • Ski poles

    • 30 L Backpack

    • Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe (required); practice units are available if needed—verify when booking.

    • Warm layers, gloves, goggles, helmet, sun hat.

    • Lunch, snacks, water, and sunscreen. Personal first-aid and any required medications.

    • Emergency communication device (PLB or satellite messenger recommended in addition to phone).

  • You will receive some rudimentary avalanche education, however we highly recommend that you take a 3-day AIARE Level 1 course to better understand with decision making in avalanche terrain. Some topics we may cover during this course include:

    • Trip planning and objective hazard reduction: reading forecasts, recognizing changing conditions, and setting conservative turn goals.

    • Avalanche problem identification: understanding slab, wind, and persistent weak layer concerns common in the Rockies.

    • Terrain management: slope angle, aspect, ridgelines, and safe travel routes to avoid avalanche-prone terrain.

    • Group management: spacing, communication, role assignment, and protocols for unexpected hazard encounters.

    • Emergency preparedness: basic self-rescue priorities, hypothermia avoidance, and when/how to call for professional rescue.

  • We would recommend this course for skiers/riders who can confidentally manage ungroomed blue runs and ski blue gladed terrain at a ski resorts. Skiers/riders should also have basic fitness for sustained uphill effort since typical outings require several hundred feet of uphill climbing

  • During this course we will review:

    • Equipment orientation: proper fit, maintenance, and configuration for touring skis, bindings, skins, and boots.

    • Efficient uphill travel: skin application/removal, kick-turns, using steeper techniques, and pacing to conserve energy.

    • Transitions: quick, safe changeovers from uphill to downhill and vice versa under varying snow conditions.

    • Downhill fundamentals for backcountry: balance, turn shape for crusty/variable snow, controlling speed on unpatrolled slopes, and using terrain features for safety.

    • Route-finding: reading slope angle, choosing skin tracks, and planning descent lines that minimize exposure.

Jesse Tembrevilla Ramos

Owner and Head Guide

Read my bio

Why Hire a Certified Guide?

  • Professional Training & Experience
    AMGA-certified guides bring world-class skills in mountain navigation, safety, and risk management — ensuring you’re in expert hands from start to finish.

  • Customized to You
    We tailor each day based on your fitness, interests, and goals. Whether you're new to hiking or looking to level up, we’ll design the perfect experience.

  • Safety & Logistics Handled
    Route planning, permits, weather assessments, gear recommendations, and emergency preparedness — it’s all taken care of.

  • Learn As You Go
    Gain valuable mountain skills, from efficient hiking techniques to trail navigation, layering systems, and altitude management.

What's Included with all BMG Trips

  • Route planning and customization

  • Safety equipment and group gear

  • Pre-trip consultation (gear, fitness, altitude)

  • Optional transportation and gear rental coordination

All trips are operated with a focus on Leave No Trace ethics, environmental stewardship, and mountain safety.