Backcountry Skiing: Rocky Mountain National Park
Overview
Colorado is well known for its high snowy peaks and expansive views. Rocky Mountain National Park defines high alpine in a state known for mountains. The broad peaks and crags lining the continental divide above Estes Park offer easy access to incredible terrain.
It takes years and years to become familiar with the range and knowing multiple options and tours for all conditions and weather and this is something that we truly pride our self on. We offer custom trips for novice to expert skiers and riders and will help you select objectives in line with your ability and enthusiasm. Join one of our experienced guides for a day of untracked powder, solitude and exercise.
Our guides live for backcountry skiing and riding the Rocky Mountains. They have intimate knowledge of the terrain, snow pack and weather to guide you to the perfect snow. We work in these mountains year round and know how to avoid the crowds.
Our backcountry tours span from gladed tree skiing during low visibility days to scenic summits and high mountain traverses and everything in between. Get a group together or join us for a private day out for some of the most beautiful backcountry touring terrain in the states!
Backcountry Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado
A Premium Front Range Backcountry Experience—Without the Lifts or the Crowds
Arguably one of the best values in the Colorado Front Range, our Private Backcountry Skiing days pair you with one of the most experienced backcountry ski guides in the industry—no lift lines, no $100 tickets, and no I‑70 traffic required.
These private tours are designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and riders seeking a personalized, high-quality day in Rocky Mountain National Park. With flexible objectives, expert route selection, and professional oversight, you’ll experience some of the park’s most classic terrain at your own pace.
Trip Overview
Private Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Format: Private, guide-led day tour
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Vertical Gain: Approximately 2,000–5,000 feet
- Group Size: Private group
Trips begin early in Estes Park with a thorough gear check and avalanche beacon refresher before entering the park and transitioning quickly into touring mode.
Terrain & Objectives
Rocky Mountain National Park offers an exceptional range of backcountry ski terrain suitable for progression and challenge.
Depending on conditions, experience level, and goals, objectives may include:
- Introductory Terrain: Banana Bowl, Hidden Valley
- Advanced Objectives: Dream Chutes, South Face of Hallett, Tyndall Gorge
Your guide will tailor the day to snowpack, weather, and group ability—maximizing quality skiing while managing risk.
Who This Trip Is For
This experience is ideal for:
- Intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders
- Riders looking for a private, customized touring day
- Backcountry travelers seeking mentorship and local expertise
- Guests wanting to avoid resort crowds while skiing high-quality terrain
Participants should already have backcountry travel experience and be comfortable touring in variable mountain conditions.
What to Expect
On a private backcountry ski day, you can expect:
- Professional guide leadership and decision-making
- Route selection based on conditions and group goals
- A personalized pace and terrain progression
- Avalanche awareness integrated throughout the day
- A full-value mountain day in one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes
Ski some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s famous couloirs and plush descents, such as the prominent on Dragon’s Tail or the Dead Elk to name a couple. These tours are for advanced skiers and riders only. Expect to get in 3500-65000 vertical feet. You can also expect these days to run about 7-9 hours in total beginning early in the morning. Because of scheduling, these trips cannot be booked directly online.
Please click here to inquire about specific dates for your adventure.
Full Day Tour: $525 private; $335 pp for 2; $275pp for 3+
Ski Mountaineering: $695 private; $450pp for 2
Private trips cannot be booked directly online based on scheduling, please click here to inquire about specific dates for a private trip.
Please read through our policies by visiting this page.
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve: Mid weight backcountry oriented top Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody
- Mid weight insulated Jacket Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Access Down Hoody
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Base Layer
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Pant
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Black Diamond Legend Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Black Diamond Jet Force Pro 35 Airbag Pack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp Guides Pick: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 R Rechargeable
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis: Guide Pick: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
- Splitboard: Guides Pick: Black Diamond X Cardiff Co-Lab
- Climbing Skins: Guides Pick: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins ( must trip to fit skis)
- Ski Poles: Guides Pick: Traverse Compactor Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)