Intro to Ski Touring
from
$499
Vacation Style
5/5
Holiday Type
Culture, Guided Tours
Activity Level
5/5
Challenging
5/8
Group Size
5/5
Per Guide
01
Intro to Ski Touring
In this 8 hour introduction to ski touring, we will cover the basic fundamental skills needed to enjoy a ski tour. Proper layering, nutrition, what equipment to bring, downhill and uphill travel techniques will all be demonstrated, discussed and practiced during our intro course. Not only will this course improve your uphill efficiency, but also introduce or reinforce winter outdoor etiquette and principles of environmental stewardship. Join us for a memorable experience in the backcountry!
Booking Info
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance due 30 days prior to your trip. If you book a trip within 30 days of the start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Once you have selected your trip dates, click “Check Availability”. You will receive an email confirming your trip dates and a link to purchase after completing the “check availability” form.
YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED UNTIL WE HAVE CONFIRMED TRIP DATES.
Curriculum/Itinerary
- Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Crag Etiquette
- Equipment Overview, Layering and Nutrition
- Equipment Management
- Uphill/Downhill Travel Techniques
- Basic Avalanche Transceiver Search Techniques
Duration
8 Hours
Minimum Age
Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian. This course is not an avalanche or avalanche rescue course. For those skills, it is recommended to participate in a AAA approved avalanche education program.
Minimum Eligible Critera
Ability to comfortably ski black diamond runs at the ski area, ability to ski uphill for 1,500 vertical feet over several miles
Included
- AMGA Trained/Certified Guide
- Group Climbing Equipment
- Ropes
- Technical Hardware
- Technical Soft goods
- Personal Climbing Equipment
- Climbing Shoes
- Helmet
- Harness
Not Included
- Transport
- Food
- Lodging
- Trip/Cancelation Insurance
- Non-technical Personal Items
- Rescue Insurance
- Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
- Guide Gratuity
- Unforseen Cost Incurred Outside of the Control of SAI
Equipment List
Clothing
Bottom
- Midweight synthetic bottom
- Synthetic underwear
- Midweight softshell or hardshell pants
Top
- Lightweight longsleeve top
- Midweight longsleeve top – with hood recommended
- Sports Bra
- Midweight softshell Jacket with hood
- Non-insulated waterproof shell jacket with hood – should fit over your softshell jacket
- Down or synthetic heavyweight insulated puffy jacket – should fit over the outside of all your layers
Head
- Wool or synthetic beanie
- Buff or Balaclava
- Face Mask (PPE) – n95 or similar
- Sunglasses – full sun protection with 100% UV protection
- Ski Goggles
Hands
- 2 pairs of mid or heavyweight water resistant ski gloves – with a leather palm
Feet
- 1 pair wool or synthetic mid-weight socks – ski socks are great
- Touring specific ski boots with a ski/walk mechanism
- E.X. Scarpa Mastraele
Technical Equipment
- Skis: 90-110mm underfoot with touring bindings (compatible with your boots) –
- Adjustable length ski poles
- Ski Helmet
- Modern, 3 antenna avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche probe – 280cm or longer
- Avalanche shovel
- (optional) snow saw
*Ski equipment can be rented from Bent Gate Mountaineering in Golden, CO
Food
- 2L of water or hot drink/water combo
- 1500-2000 calories of food – energy bars, pre-made sandwiches, fruits, etc
Personal
- Backpack – 30-35L: Ski specific with designated avalanche tools pocket
- 2L of water carrying capacity total. 1 water bottle and 1 thermos is great
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Smartphone
Location
Gallery
Reviews
John McGee
2024-05-27
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to schedule and great communication. Max was my guide and he was excellent! He knew every inch of the crag and selected routes that were perfect.
Hung Lieu
2024-01-31
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
Michael Schmitz
2023-12-18
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Completed the AiARE 1 course with Max Lure in Rocky Mountain National Park. A phenomenal experience. Would recommend to anyone who is interested in getting into the back country.
Jenni Hanley
2023-08-02
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!
Connor Myers
2023-07-22
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have not used their service, but one of their guides, Newt, got me out of a jam a few weeks ago. I took off from the Eldo park and ride without my bag, and when he saw the abandoned bag in the parking lot, he read the situation perfectly, took it with him, made a post online, and got the bag back to me day of. Newt's an honest dude with good situational awareness, great qualities for a guide (and person) to have.
Jason Bryce
2023-05-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
Ben
2023-05-13
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The SPI course offered by SAI is phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations and taught me numerous invaluable skills I will undoubtedly make repeated use of in the future in both recreational and professional climbing settings. Thank you to Eric Whewell for running such a great program!
Christopher Hunnewell
2023-03-14
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Max led my AIARE 2 course and went way above and beyond what I have experienced in previous courses. Beyond just going through he curriculum Max took personal ownership of the learning of the group and made sure to give us opportunities to implement what we had gone over. Cannot recommend a trip with Max enough!
Sig Newt
2023-02-20
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
Elliott Wright
2023-01-17
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Phenomenal AIARE1 course! Max Lurie’s expertise is second to none and his comedic edge makes a serious, information packed topic fun for everyone. Thanks SAI and Dan Hunter for putting it on.
