Intermediate backcountry skiing
Advance your skills with more challenging routes, focusing on navigating intermediate terrain, enhancing avalanche awareness, and enjoying great powder turns in pristine conditions.
Practice advanced ski touring techniques
Explore more complex terrain
Develop deeper snow safety skills
Tailored for skiers with prior backcountry experience
Am I the right fit for an intermediate backcountry trip?
Our intermediate backcountry skiing experience is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who have some off-piste experience and want to improve their skills in varied terrain. We’ll touch base with you beforehand to discuss your experience level and goals to ensure you get the most out of the trip.
Can I rent ski or splitboard equipment for this trip?
While we don’t provide skis or splitboards, we can direct you to reputable rental shops nearby. Let us know if you need recommendations, and we’ll help you find the best gear for your adventure.
What do I need to bring for the intermediate trip?
You’ll need your skis or splitboard, a backpack with what you’d normally take when skiing (such as snacks, water, and extra clothing layers), and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel). Safety gear can be rented from us if needed. Check the “To Bring” section for more details.
Why book your intermediate backcountry trip with Apex?
Our guides are dedicated professionals with a deep knowledge of the Vail and surrounding backcountry. They tailor the experience to match your skills and ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable adventure, and take a very high level of pride in providing outstanding client outcomes.
Description
All ages 12 and up
Explore beyond the crowded lift lines, skied out groomers and ski your own mountain.This private intermediate backcountry skiing course is a great way to expand on the fundamental skills you have acquired and first brought you into the backcountry.
Breathe cool Colorado mountain air and enjoy the views as we guide you into the alpine, at a pace that is enjoyable for you. Alpine forests and open slopes lay waiting for your first tracks through untouched backcountry powder.
Intermediate Backcountry Skiing is available to skiers of all ability levels, including first time skiers. If you prefer to ease into the backcountry we have Slopes for skiing range from low angle beginner to intermediate as appropriate, with an emphasis placed on ease of travel, technique overview and enjoying the day.
Possible Topics
- Introduction to equipment and its use
- Skinning (or ascension) technique
- Efficient travel techniques
- Backcountry skiing instruction
Choose a private day tour, select one of our group beginner backcountry skiing courses, or try an overnight tour to one of the remote Vail, Colorado area backcountry huts. No matter the trip, our focus is on creating an unforgettable trip, developing your technique, and taking your skills to the next level.
Apex has Vail, Colorado backcountry skiing itineraries available to clients of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. We welcome individuals, groups, families and friends.
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Intermediate Backcountry Skiing journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
Course overview:
Take your backcountry skiing to the next level with Intermediate Backcountry Skiing 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
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
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.
What are you waiting for?
