Backcountry Skiing Clinics

A skier turns in a steep couloir.

Intro To Ski Alpinism

Skyward Mountaineering offers guided backcountry skiing clinics in the San Juan mountains of Colorado. Our access to this incredible backcountry skiing terrain combined with our decades of experience recreating and guiding in the mountains provide the backbone for all of our clinics. Skyward’s backcountry skiing clinics are customized to provide skiers with the unique skillset necessary to ski and snowboard safely in mountainous and diverse conditions.

  • Skyward Mountaineering is an AMGA Accredited Business, that means we’ve gone through rigorous third party auditing to ensure the highest quality risk management, customer service, ethical business practices, and professionally trained guides.

  • Our guides are expert skiers and climbers with extensive training and personal experience on challenging ascents and descents around the world.

  • We are a small guide service offering customized programs based on decades of guiding and instructional experience.

  • Unparalleled logistics support from start to finish. Our office staff are skiers, climbers and mountain guides so when you call or email us we’ll give you honest and helpful information to increase the success and enjoyment of your trip.

Based on a 3-day itinerary with a minimum of 2 participants:

$990/per skier

Includes:

  • 3 days of instructional skiing with an AMGA certified Ski Guide

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, rock/snow protection and anchor material)

  • Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) provided upon request

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Travel to/from trailhead

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity

The best skiing in the San Juan mountains is from mid January through mid May.

Clinics can be customized for different ability skiers, but all participants must be competent intermediate skiers/boarders. Clinic participants should expect full days of uphill and downhill travel.

Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is no rideshare service but you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving).

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants and the town hot springs for an aprés-ski relaxation.

Skiers/boarders are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and backcountry skiing/splitboarding equipment.