Private Ski Guiding

Pick Your Time, Ski Your Line

The San Juan Mountains are host to some of the finest backcountry terrain in Colorado. Red Mountain Pass, and the Highway 550 Corridor allow us to access the best ski tours at, and above, 10,000 feet where pristine powder skiing is just waiting to be had. Our programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of experience levels and skiing background. Whether you’re a perennial resort skier looking to venture into the untracked powder of the backcountry, or an experienced backcountry enthusiast who wants to hit the best tours the area has to offer, we have what it takes to put it together for you.

Our backcountry ski tours are offered on a private basis, and can be tailored to your needs or desires. There are quiet tree runs that hold powder for weeks after a storm, big open bowls with acres of untracked snow, and long faces that descend from craggy summits. The terrain is big, awe inspiring, and uncrowded. Whether you’re trying backcountry skiing or snowboarding for the first time, or if you are a seasoned pro, you just might find the run of your life here.

Custom Tailored Guiding with The Local Experts

Your course leaders for this program are both IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guides and AAA Qualified Avalanche Instructors. But we go beyond the individual certification of our guides as a guide service and also offer our participants industry leading risk management practices, unmatched local knowledge of the terrain and snowpack, and the most up-to-date gear for you to use.

Cost & Inclusions

Price Per Person

1:1 – $679
2:1 – $449 pp
3:1 – $369 pp
4:1 – $299 pp
5:1 – $249 pp
6:1 – $229 pp

Arranged on a Private Basis
December through April

INCLUDES:

Guiding and instruction with an IMFGA or AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
Ortovox avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
Discounted Pricing on Rental Touring skis, skins, boots, and poles

2025 - 2026 Dates

Book Your Custom Trip

COSTS

From $229 per person
Includes

TYPE

Skiing & Avy

LOCATION

San Juan Mountains

DURATION

1-5 Days

RATIO - CUSTOMER/GUIDE

1:1 - 6:1

DIFFICULTY

Hut Based or In Town

AIARE Level 1 Courses

Essential skills for all backcountry travellers

Hut-to-Hut-to-Hut

Million Dollar Traverse

The Uber Classic San Juan Hut Trip

Hut Trippin'

The Red 3

3 Day Ski Hut Trip on Red Mtn Pass

SAMPLE OPTIONS

Sample Private Ski Guiding Options

Unparalleled Terrain Access

Our high-country tours will impress on any backcountry skier the grand terrain to be found in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Our permit area affords us access to a wide variety of terrain – from the Sneffels Range to the North side of Red Mountain Pass, and then Red Mountain Pass all the way south to Coal Bank Pass. This gives us the ability to customize our route choices to insure we ski the best snow available.

Ski Tours

Battleship
Sam’s/Chattanooga
Commodore Basin
Anvil Mountain
Brown’s Gulch
U.S. Basin / MacMillan Peak
Red Mountain #3
and many more!

Custom Instruction

Skin Track Setting and Ascension Techniques
Downhill Powder Snow Skiing Techniques
Essential Backcountry Touring Equipment
Trip and Tour Planning
Route Finding, Planning
Team backcountry Travel Practices

EQUIPMENT

Image	Description	Guide Pick
Duffel Bag	1 - 2 Large, durable bags for organizing and transporting your gear during airline travel, etc.	Osprey Transporter Duffel Bags
Thermos	Coffee is the lifeblood of champions. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee or other hot drink on winter excursions.	18 oz. Yeti Hotshot Thermos
Water Bottles	We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. One or two 1-liter bottles is the standard for long days in the mountains.	32 oz. Nalgene Water Bottle
Personal Food	Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. Bring what you LIKE to eat and consider the length, relative difficulty, weight, and other factors when deciding what to bring in the mountains with you. A variety is always best. Don't be afraid of Mr. T.	Personal Food
Sunglasses	A good pair of wrap around sunglasses are an essential item for all of our trips. When the sun shines brightly on fresh snow in the mountains your eyes will thank you for a quality pair of shades. Looking good is important too.	Julbo Shield Sunglasses
Sunscreen	Essential for all of our programs. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Typically a 4 oz. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack.	Dermatone SPF 50
Chapstick	Chapstick is important to bring on all trips. We recommend getting chapstick with SPF 15 or higher, otherwise it won't do much good to protect you from the intense sun.	SPF Chapstick
Headlamp	A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment to have whether or not you plan to be out overnight. You don't want to be caught in the dark without light!	Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
First Aid Kit	An excellent investment for all of our programs. Our guides always carry a comprehensive medical kit but it's nice to have a small kit of your own to take care of blisters, small cuts or scrapes, and to carry any medications you anticipate needing.	Adventure Medical Kits
Socks	Synthetic or wool socks are a must for all outdoor activities. Select a pair that fits well, is warm, and is comfortable. Socks that extend above the edge of your boots will be most comfortable. Bring 2-3 pairs depending on the length of trip.	Synthetic/Wool Socks
Baselayer Top	Choosing the right baselayer really makes a difference in comfort, moisture-wicking, and the balance between cool and warm at the right time and in the right places. We recommend using a lightweight sun hoodie for most trips. A warmer wool baselayer is great for extra cold days or expeditions.	Himali Sun Hoodie
Base Layer Bottom	An insulative baselayer bottom is a must have for alpine, ski and ice climbing trips and objectives. Wool or synthetic options both work.	Ortovox Base Layer Pants
Mid Weight Top	A lightweight fleece with a gridded interior for increased wicking performance and added breathability is the perfect choice for a midlayer for anything from ski tours to alpine ascents. Hoods let you regulate temperature on the go, and slim fits allow you to wear it under additional layers.	Ortovox Fleece Grid Hooded Jacket
Hard Shell Jacket	Our Outside Magazine and Men’s Journal “Gear of the Year” award-winning storm shell is engineered for fast-and-light alpine climbs and all-day backcountry tours. You need at minimum either a soft shell jacket or hard shell jacket for local Ouray based winter courses and programs.	Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket
Hardshell Jacket	A waterproof rainshell or hardshell jacket will keep you protected from wind and rain while out in the elements climbing, skiing or hiking.	Ortovox Westalpen 3L Hardshell
Buff	Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF® headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. At its core is a moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is wind resistant and able to control odor. We recommend the BUFF for all of our programs as a multi-purpose insulation piece and trendy headgear!	Original Buff
Insulated Vest	Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. An insulated vest is an optional item on our programs but we do think vests offer excellent flexible layering options in a variety of circumstances, weather conditions, and trip types.	Outdoor Research Cathode Vest
Hand Warmers	An optional item, but nice to have on cold weather climbs and courses. Consider having a few stowed away in your pack so you can break them out if you feel you need them.	Hand Warmers
Stuff Sacks	Stuff sacks are a great way to organize your gear in your pack and help to keep things tidy in a variety of ways. A great addition to any of our programs.	Outdoor Research Stuff Sacks
Baseball Cap	A required item on the majority of our programs, a baseball cap helps to keep harmful sun off your face. The Radar Pocket cap is packable, durable, and looks great!	Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap
Lightweight Gloves	Updated for touchscreen compatibility, the StormTracker Sensor Gloves are equally at home alpine climbing, ski touring or ice climbing. Low-profile GORE® WINDSTOPPER®. Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat.	Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves
Midweight Gloves	Built to handle cold mornings on the up-track and powder turns all the way back down, these versatile gloves feature a new stretch nylon shell outer, a goat leather palm with textured fingertips, and a warm, quick-drying wool blend lining.	Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves
Ski Gloves	Bring at least 2 pairs of gloves: 1 pair warm, waterproof gloves for the downhill and 1 pair lightweight, gloves for skinning. If your hands get cold easily bring extra gloves, mittens and/or handwarmers.	Ortovox Merino Freeride Glove
Avy Transceiver	The PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Beacon is the go-to beacon for the everyday backcountry traveler, offering circular range, a smart transmitter, and three-antenna accuracy in an easy-to-use package.	PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Beacon
Touring Skis	Touring skis with touring bindings are required for all of our ski programs. We have these skis to rent an our shop in Ouray if you do not have your own. If purchasing your own skis, make sure to select a touring binding that is compatible with your boots.	La Sportiva Hi5 Ski
Ski Poles	Our classic ski touring poles with a pro-level feature set, the all-aluminum Traverse Pro poles feature FlickLock Pro adjustability and an innovative SwitchRelease wrist strap with a lockable release function.	Black Diamond Traverse Pro Ski Poles
Climbing Skins	Climbing Skins are a required item for all of our backcountry ski and avalanche programs in order to ascend uphill on your skis. We offer these to rent at our office in Ouray if you do not have your own for your skis. Please have your skins cut to fit your skis prior to arriving for your trip.	Black Diamond Climbing Skins
Ski Touring Boots	Refined for 2016, the Spectre 2.0 is now 5% stiffer while retaining the largest range of cuff rotation in its class. The patented design allows for a full 60˚ of ankle movement, while the vertebra construction provides support on downhill descents. The Spectre 2.0 now works with all tech, tr2 and step-in at bindings, for more versatility and compatibility.	La Sportiva Spectre 2.0
Avy Shovel	With a redesigned blade construction for cleaner snow study and easier stomping through hard avy debris, the Transfer is our workhorse shovel with a removable, extendable shaft for working in deep pits.	Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel
Avy Probe	Built for daily snow study, snow professionals and deeper snowpacks, the Tour Probe 320 features a durable, all-aluminum construction.	Black Diamond Quickdraw Tour Probe 320
Snow Study Kit	A snow study kit is optional for Backcountry Ski programs, but it is a great item to carry regardless. For Avalanche Courses please consider purchasing a kit to have with you on the course. Level 2 Course participants should choose the Digital Pro Kit.	Brooks Range Snow Study Kit
Ski Backpack	The Kamber ABS® compatible 22+10 give you the option to add an inflatable airbag system to a technical ski pack designed to carry everything for a full day in the backcountry. We highly recommend a specific ski touring pack for all of our backcountry ski and avalanche programs.	Osprey Kamber ABS Packs
Ski Jacket	Sweating one minute and freezing the next is only fun when you’re jumping from a hot tub into the snow and back—not while you’re skiing. If the words “ski season” make you think about moving uphill as much as downhill, the Skyward Jacket speaks your language. Air-permeable AscentShell technology keeps you cool and dry while skinning up, and keeps the speed-generated windchill out after you peel off your skins and drop in for the descent.	Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket
Ski Pants	Traverse the Rockies’ rugged ridgelines in the Trailbreaker Pants. This highly breathable soft shell pant provides the perfect amount of weather protection and breathable warmth. Pertex® Shield+ lower legs offer complete waterproof protection when you’re breaking trail in the front of the pack.	Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Pants
Ski Puffy	Perfect for aerobic climbs and ski tours, this backcountry chameleon provides the warmth of a synthetic puffy one moment and the breathability and quick-dry performance of a fleece the next, all without forcing you to add, remove or adjust your layers.	Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket
Ski Hat	Get out and get after early mornings with fresh powder. The Delegate Beanie is made with a merino wool blend and a warm micro fleece polyester earband. A chunky knit beanie with a knit-in logo, the contrast pom adds a nice funky touch.	Outdoor Research
Ski Goggles	From the sweeping peripheral in the Optimum lens, to the horizon-inspired frame structure, FARGO proves sometimes a quick stop in a small place leads to more than you would have ever expected. Goggles are mandatory on all ski programs and cold weather alpine objectives.	Zeal Fargo Ski Goggles
Ski Repair Kit	A backcountry ski repair kit is well worth the time to put together. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!	Example Ski Repair Kit

FAQ

Who is Private Ski Guiding intended for?

Custom or Private Ski Guiding trips are intended for skier and riders of all ability levels. Due to the inherent flexibility and customization options for these programs there are no specific prerequisites for these programs. Guests will have the best time if they are in good physical shape and have previously skied at ski areas, possessing a good foundation of downhill ski ability.

Can children join the Private Ski Guiding Trips?

Because guests on Private Ski Guiding Trips travel through consequential backcountry terrain, we require all participants to be able to perform a beacon rescue. Guests also need to have backcountry ski touring fitness. Please contact the office if you think minors in your family would be able to participate.

How many people will be on the trip with me?

Private and Custom Ski Guiding trips can be 1:1, with just you and your guide or be arranged for larger groups. The maximum skier to guide ratio on any given program is 6:1. Let the office know your intended group size so we can reserve guides to accommodate it.

When will I be back in town?

We typically will wrap up the day around 3 – 4 pm on the top of the pass, returning to Ouray shortly after that. It is about 30 minutes back into town from the top of the pass.

Do I have to bring everything on the Equipment list?

Yes, the equipment list is designed to be comprehensive for a multi-night stay with varied weather/objective possibilities. San Juan Mountain Guides has a wide variety of backcountry ski gear available to rent at our shop in Ouray. Make sure to reserve or request gear ahead of time so that we can plan accordingly.

Does San Juan Mountain Guides provide lunch?

Lunch or snacks are not provided on Private Ski Guiding programs. Please make sure to plan for your trail lunch or other snacks prior to heading out for days tour.

I have my own equipment, can I use it?

Yes! If you have your own gear, you are most welcome to use it! Please bring it into the office so that your guide can confirm it will be safe for backcountry travel. We also have backcountry touring gear to rent at our shop in Ouray.

What will the weather be like on Red Mountain Pass?

The temperature averages 30 to 35 degrees with highs above 40 and lows below 0. We recommend bringing layers you can shed while touring and put back on transitioning or for the descents. Don’t forget sun protection! As always, participants should be prepared for a wide variety of winter weather conditions from snowstorms to bluebird skies!

TRAVEL

OURAY, COLORADO: GETTING HERE

Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the ice climbers who flock each winter to climb in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas.

The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO, however, many airlines now offer direct flights into Montrose – especially during the summer and winter months.

It is also possible to fly into Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, or Denver CO. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of these airports.

Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.

Montrose, CO: 45 minutes
Durango, CO: 2 hours
Denver, CO: 5.5 hours

Ouray has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 970-946-0713 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!

POLICIES

PROGRAM POLICIES

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION

Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.

INCLUSIONS

Guiding & Instruction with an IFMGA or AMGA Certified Guide
Transportation to and from Red Mountain Pass and our office in Ouray
Use of latest avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel from Ortovox)
Discounted Pricing on Black Diamond Rental Touring skis, skins, boots, and poles

EXCLUSIONS

Transportation to Ouray, CO
Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
Personal Lunch food or snacks
Personal ski clothing & ski gear (rentals available)
Guide gratuity
Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

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~ Joe Jones, New Climber