Backcountry Skiing in Colorado — Guided Tours & Courses in Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado Backcountry Skiing with The Mountain Guides

Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most accessible and varied backcountry skiing terrain in Colorado. From classic couloirs and alpine bowls above treeline to mellow tree skiing along the Continental Divide, RMNP delivers world-class ski touring within a two-hour drive of Denver. The Mountain Guides run all of our Colorado backcountry skiing programs out of our Estes Park / Boulder base, with AMGA-accredited guides who ski this terrain every winter. Whether you’re making your first backcountry turns or planning a ski mountaineering objective, our Colorado programs will get you there safely.

Our Colorado Skiing Programs

Backcountry Skiing: Rocky Mountain National Park: Private guided backcountry ski and splitboard tours in RMNP. Your guide selects terrain based on conditions, avalanche hazard, and your group’s ability. Full-day and multi-day options.

Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Class: A structured course for resort skiers making their first transition to the backcountry. Learn skinning, kick turns, transitions, and touring fundamentals before committing to a full backcountry day.

Ski Mountaineering Camp Colorado: A multi-day camp for advanced skiers covering rope systems, steep skiing technique, and alpine travel. Push into bigger terrain with professional guidance.

AIARE Avalanche Courses (Level 1, Level 2, Women’s): Earn your AIARE certification with field days in real RMNP avalanche terrain. Hybrid format — online learning plus hands-on field time.

When to Ski in Colorado

Colorado’s backcountry skiing season runs December through May, with the most reliable conditions in January through April. RMNP’s high-elevation terrain often holds snow well into spring, and corn season on east-facing aspects can extend touring into late May. Our Colorado office coordinates all logistics from the Front Range.