The services of a professional ski guide, round-trip transportation from Boulder office or hotel, snacks and water (lunch is also included during full-day excursions), education about local and natural history (including library of Rocky Mountain flora and fauna), medical kit, personal avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel), touring ski poles (if needed), and contingency and emergency support.

Park entrance fees, $10 per person per week for Rocky Mountain National Park, payable directly to the park upon entry, ski touring equipment (AT randonee skis, boots, and skis – we can arrange rentals) and gratuities for your guide (the amount is at your discretion, but the recommended gratuity is 20%).

Special Notes: AT ski touring skis or Tele skis, skins, and boots can be rented from Crystals Ski Shop for $50 per day. When on a guided trip, we supple avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, and probe). On a side note: Crystals also rent beacon, probe, shovel for $30 per day. The whole package for all gear (ski and safety) is $65 per day for future reference. PH: 303-449-7669.

Difficulty Description: 

All our trips are custom and private and thus will be catered to the abilities and desires of the group. We can make each trip as mellow or intense as the client wishes

Moderate: D2 – D4: D2 – Angle around 25 degrees with simple topography. D3 – Perhaps slightly steeper than D2, or may include more challenging terrain features. Examples include East Face of Flat-top Peak D4 – Similar to an easier “Expert” run at a resort. Slope angles usually around 30 degrees. (For example: D2: Southeast Face, James Peak, Front Range, Colorado or D4: Lakeview Avalanche Path, Buffalo Mountain, Gore Range, Colorado (II D4 R1). Grade 2 in length or 4-6 hours and at least 1000 feet of elevation gain.

Hard: D5 – Similar to an “Expert” run at a resort, steeper (35 degree range) or more terrain obstacles than previous rating. D6 – Similar angles to previous, harder because it might have longer steep sections or complicating terrain features such as longer crux sections, dogleg turns, rollovers, trees, ridges, etc. (For example: D5: Ruby Gulch (SW Face) Grays Peak, Colorado. RMNP: Corral Couloir to Tyndall Glacier. D6: East Slopes summit ski descent, Mount Elbert, Colorado. South Face, (Pinko or Redneck Gullies) Mount Democrat, Colorado.). Grade III or 6-8 hours.

Very Hard: D7 – Change in angle category would usually occur here, to slopes probably around 40 degrees. Few terrain obstacles (e.g., steep sections not that long, no cliffs you have to work around, no runnels, easy tree skiing). RMNP Example: Lambs Slide Couloir (40 degrees and steepest short section 45 degrees.  1500’ descent from 13,300’ to 11,800’ and takes 8-10 hours).  D8 – While similar in angle to a D7, terrain, angle or long crux sections make this harder than a D7. RMNP: Notchtop Couloir. D9 – Slopes probably around 45 degrees. Crux sections are short. (For example: D7: Tuning Fork, Torreys Peak, Colorado, (via easiest entrance). The Ribbon (splits NW face), Grays Peak, Colorado (III D7 R2) D8: Silver Couloir (North Couloir), Buffalo Mountain, Gore Range, Colorado (II D8 R2). RMNP Example: South Face of Hallett Peak (2600’ from 12,700’ to 10,100’ at Lake Haiyaha. Average angle is 40 degrees. Steepest short section close to top is 45 degrees and moderate complicated terrain.). D9: North Face, Mount Democrat, Colorado.). Grade III and IV or 6-14 hours. RMNP Example: Dragon’s Tail Couloir without top 3^rd or 4^th class section or would make around D15. 1700’. Average angle is 45 degrees. Steepest short section close to top is 47 degrees and not complicated terrain.

On our full day trips we provide snacks, water and lunch ( fresh sandwich, fruit and chips).

On our multi-day adventures we take pride in providing excellent meals in remote settings. Remember, we are far from the road and trailheads, so our foods are not right out of the refrigerator. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

Mornings will consist of cereals, bagels, burritos, etc. Lunches will include meat and non-meat sandwiches, hummus, veggies, etc. Dinners will include protein and carbohydrates to recover and refuel for the next day.

The weather during the winter months in Colorado is much as it is in the summer - except a lot colder! Variable is the name of the game here. With daytime temperatures in the morning can be well below freezing but by the afternoons it can warm up considerably. The best bet is to bring bring many layers to comfortably adjust during the day.  Snowshoeing and skiing will warm you up but when you stop you will need to be ready with warm puffy jackets, hats and gloves. A good pair of waterproof boots is necessary for snowshoeing as is a warm hat and good gloves or mittens.

Even in the winter the sun can be brutal so a good pair of sunglasses and lots of sunscreen is always recommended.

An equipment list will be provided when you book your trip. Please bring only what is on this list. The less weight, the better. For snowshoeing we provide snowshoes and hiking poles if you wish.

All of our trips are designed to be accessible by almost everyone and can be adjusted due to fitness or health concerns. If you have any questions about your fitness level or recommendations/questions about a fitness program, please call us.

The best airport to fly into is Denver International Airport. Driving time between the airport and Boulder is 45 minutes to 1 hour; central Denver is 30 minutes; and Estes Park is about 2 hours.

If you are driving, we will e-mail directions to you.

Expect to be tired at the end of each day. This is normal, especially if you’re not acclimated to the altitude and exertion at altitude. You can expect living in close proximity to other trip members and guides for very full days. All trips are different because each trip is made up of different personalities, weather conditions, etc. Your guides will prepare each trip to suit the abilities and desires of the participants. You can expect a trip into Colorado’s backcountry that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.