read our COVID-19 protocols

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read our COVID-19 protocols

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  • You run, you cycle, you love aerobic activities.  Then consider a +/- 4 hour backcountry fitness ski tour.  Whether you have the gear or are looking to get into it, come tour with one of our Ski Mo mountain guides such as Mike Arnold on proper techniques and use of lightweight alpine touring gear. If you want, learn race techniques and prepare to compete in the Four Mountain Ski Mo Race or Grand Traverse.

    Locales will vary depending on snow conditions and clients' specific goals, but could include places like Hunter Creek, Richmond Ridge (on the backside of Aspen Mountain), the Sugar Bowls (near Buttermilk) or up toward Independence Pass.

  • Duration: Short Day Tour -  4-5 hrs.

    Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place. If you need AT gear call 970-925-7625 to schedule a time to get setup at the backcountry center at Aspen Highlands and try the latest Dynafit AT demos.

    Maximum Guide Ratio:  4:1 

    Fitness Level: All tours are custom and suited for your physical ability and needs.

    Includes: AMGA trained/certified ski guide, if needed, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, 3% USFS land use surcharge

    Not included: personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for demo at $15 discount), lunch/snack food.

  • Prep- Your guide will contact you the day before at the voice number you give us to discuss appropriate terrain for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time.

    You will be provided with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon, if necessary.  If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up the morning of at 8:30 am at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:30 pm. (You will receive a $15 discount.) 

    The Day - Meet your guide at our shop or at a pre-determined location. Depending on the terrain chosen you will skin up for 2-3 hours followed by a descent back to the trailhead. (lunch/snacks are not included)

  • BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST

    SKI EQUIPMENT

    The following items are provided for your day tour:

    • Day-tour backpack: (airbag available, if needed)
    • Avalanche Transceiver (if needed)
    • Probe (if needed)
    • Avy shovel: metal blade is a must (if needed)

    The following Demo AT rental ski package is available for $15 discount per person ($45 pp):

    • Touring skis and boots
    • Climbing Skins: adjusted to skis
    • Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)

    CLOTHING

    • Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
    • Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
    • Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
    • Softshell pants: An unlined sofshell pant is best for skinning, hard shell will do. 
    • Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic for the descent and stops to keep warm. 
    • Hard or Soft shell jacket: lightweight, waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation. 
    • Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
    • Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
    • Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
    • Helmet (recommended)
    • Sunglasses
    • Goggles 

    OTHER ITEMS

    • Water bottle
    • Small thermos: (Optional)
    • Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
    • Headlamp
    • Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
    • Camera or Smartphone
    • Lunch/Snack food 

  • Participants will travel through the winter backcountry for field days on skis with skins. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather. 

    THE FIRST STEP

    It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.

    THE NEXT STEP

    Follow a day of lift-served backcountry ski with another ski day, a backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.

  • POLICIES

    Booking/Cancellation policy: AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. Cancellations made within 7 days of a scheduled course will be charged full price. Travel Guard insurance is available via aspenexpeditions.com website.

    Risk Management

    Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.Â