introduction to backcountry

Step into the world of backcountry skiing and build confidence while exploring new terrain. This introduction offers a perfect balance of adventure and education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to safely navigate off-piste environments. Learn the essentials, enhance your technique, and get ready to unlock the vast, untouched beauty of the backcountry. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking to expand your abilities, this experience opens the door to a whole new realm of outdoor exploration.

5

Learn essential navigation and terrain assessment techniques.

5

Get hands-on experience with avalanche awareness.

5

Build confidence while tackling varied terrain and conditions.

5

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts ready to transition into backcountry skiing or splitboarding.

Book Now

If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call— we can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility.

Intro to Backcountry Description

Discover Backcountry Skiing: Your First Steps Into Adventure

Unlock the excitement of backcountry skiing and gain confidence as you leave behind the crowded resort slopes for a more personal, rewarding adventure. This introduction to backcountry skiing course is designed for those eager to explore the quiet, untouched terrain of Colorado’s alpine regions while building the foundational skills needed for future explorations.

Enjoy the serene beauty of snow-covered forests and wide-open slopes as we guide you through a carefully crafted experience at a pace that works for you. Whether you’re completely new to skiing or have experience on the frontside and want to take your skills to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity to step into a new world of skiing.

During this introductory course, we’ll cover important skills and knowledge that will prepare you for more backcountry adventures, including:

Learning the essential backcountry skiing equipment and how to use it.
Developing your uphill skinning techniques to improve efficiency.
Practical instruction on ski touring and navigating varied terrain.
Insights into backcountry route planning and terrain selection.

This experience is open to individuals, groups, or families ready to explore their first backcountry adventure. Choose from a range of tailored itineraries near Vail, Colorado, and get ready to start your journey into the rewarding world of backcountry skiing.

Quick Information

Course overview:
Enjoy the best powder with an Intro To Backcountry course.

All ages 12 and up

Dates:
Available daily

Duration:
6 – 7 hours

Location:
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain)
San Juan Range

Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult

Policies

See our inclusion policy for special group requests.

What you should bring

WHAT TO BRING

Each person in your party will need.

An AT (Alpine Touring), Telemark, or Splitboarding package.
Beacon/Probe/Shovel (rental available) No Plastic Shovels Please
1-2 water bottles or thermos
Lunch, and high energy snacks such as nut bars, cookies, chocolate
Headwear – Visor or Cap, Hat or Helmet, Goggles, Sunglasses
Balaclava or neck gaiter
One pair of gloves, one pair of mittens for cold days
Synthetic or wool base layer
Mid Weight base layer fleece or sweater
Puffy Jacket
Shell Jacket
Synthetic or wool long johns
Ski pants with zippered vents OR mid weight fleece layer and shell pants
Synthetic or wool socks optimum weight for your boot fit
Sunscreen
Pack (26-30 Liters) that can accommodate, shovel, probe, skins, 1-2 water bottles or thermos, lunch, snacks, extra clothing when climbing, goggles…

ALSO CONSIDER

Hand warmers
Hot liquid
Gaiters
Liner socks
Adjustable Poles
Small day pack
Extra gloves
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Water bottle insulator
Camera

APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

Gift Cards

Wrap up excitement : give the gift of adrenaline!

See all the Gift Cards

Meet our guides

Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.

Our Guides

Reviews

    
 
 
        
   Andrew Kirchhoff 
 July 1, 2022.
 
 
  My teen sons and I had an amazing time rappelling with Bob in Vail! Apex provided everything we needed and accommodated our last minute booking. Thank you Apex!!
  
 
       
   PARTYBOMBS 
 June 29, 2022.
 
 
  Myself and my family had a awesome time repelling. Thanks to Bob we had fun while staying safe. I would recommend for anyone seeking a thrilling experience.
  
 
       
   Colin Kirchhoff 
 June 29, 2022.
 
 
  Bob was a fantastic guide! Despite never repelling before, Bob never failed to make us feel safe and confident enough to have fun. 10/10 experience. Thank you so much!
  
 
       
   Beth Ann Rosica 
 June 28, 2022.
 
 
  We had an amazing day climbing with Bob! We had 4 kids between 13 and 15, and Bob coached all of them to the top! He was patient and encouraging and kept everyone safe! I highly recommend Apex for a climbing experience! The kids are hooked on climbing and loved the adventure!
  
 
       
   Jack Saussy 
 June 27, 2022.
 
 
  My family had a great day climbing with Bob. He was very knowledgeable about the routes and equipment and turned our half day of climbing into a lesson. I plan to get my own shoes and join a gym at home because of this great experience, I highly recommend Apex Mountain School!
  
 
       
   Jamie Schmid 
 February 7, 2022.
 
 
  We had such a blast ice climbing with our guide Jesse! He was so helpful and motivating and never made us feel like we were terrible at climbing even though it was our first time haha and he was so patient with all my picture taking and getting great shots! Would 1,000% recommend!
  
 
       
   Joe Mahoney 
 January 18, 2022.
 
 
  Took my AIARE 1 through APEX. It was hard to decide with so many options out there. Look no further, APEX is exactly what you're looking for. I walked away with the exact knowledge I was hoping to get, and more. Josh V was our instructor and is extremely knowledgeable, had great answers to all of our questions and was just great to hang out with in the backcountry. Can't recommend these guys enough.
  
 
       
   Shannon M. 
 December 6, 2021.
 
 
  Recently took the Level 1 AIARE Course with Apex and had a great experience. All of the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about snow safety and answered all questions in great detail to ensure the students learned as much as possible in the 3 day course. It was a very hands on experience and we were even able to do lots of field work despite the low snow conditions right now. Will definitely come back for another course, and looking forward to more backcountry travel with all the new info learned!
  
 
       
   kurt albertson 
 November 24, 2021.
 
 
  Apex Mountain School is a wonderful outdoor educational and guide service!  Recently took the level one AIARE and Avalanche Rescue course through Apex. Our instructors Andy and Mike were highly professional, knowledgeable and very engaging instructors that were very passionate about snow safety and teaching others about best practices to enjoy their experiences safely in the backcountry.  Would highly recommend anyone regardless of experience to take a course with Apex.  Looking forward to continuing my outdoor experiences with Apex in the future via additional educational courses as well as the opportunity for private guided trips. Excellent people and a great experience!!!
  
 
       
   Tom Watson 
 November 23, 2021.
 
 
  I took the AIARE 1 course with Apex Mountain school and it was truly an amazing experience. Andy was a outstanding instructor, he fostered a culture in the group that encouraged participation, teamwork, learning and fun! The knowledge and tools learned in the course were second to none. We were fortunate to have a small group of 5, and this allowed for a lot of questions, learn by doing, and overall really fun time. I cannot recommend Apex Mountain School enough.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 56 reviews