Backcountry Skiing

Quick Info

Duration Typical day is 8am-4pm

Group Size Ski touring 6:1 max Ski Mountaineering 4:1 max

Season January- May

Skill Level Beginner to advanced

Difficulty You choose!

Overview of a custom Backcountry Ski Day

Skiing embodies joy, freedom, and exploration, and there’s no better way to experience this than by skiing in the backcountry. Whether you're seeking to escape the crowds of the resorts or are drawn to the allure of powder turns, a backcountry adventure is worth trying. Let our experienced guides introduce you to the backcountry and help you make the most of it.

A custom skiing day with Vertex Mountain Guides is tailored specifically to your goals and desires. We meet you where you are and adjust the experience to fit your previous skiing experience, goals, and desired learning outcomes.

Booking a custom day with Vertex Mountain Guides offers more than just a day on the slopes. Your guide will reach out in advance to understand your preferences and begin crafting a personalized experience. Every aspect of the day is customizable, whether it’s starting later, choosing a specific skiing venue, or adding another lap.

Our goal is to build lasting partnerships, and we are committed to providing follow-up support to assist you on your journey in the mountains.

What Makes Backcountry Skiing Unique?

Compared to skiing at a resort, you have more freedom when skiing backcountry. While the trails can be more challenging, you discover beautiful and untouched landscapes with backcountry skiing. Unlike a ski resort, you choose your path and escape the hustle and bustle. Think of backcountry skiing as your tranquil escape. By learning ski techniques and hiring skilled guides, backcountry skiing shouldn't be challenging.

Go backcountry skiing to explore a wide area of snow-covered mountains outside heavily patrolled boundaries. If you're confident with challenging slopes in a ski resort, it may be time to go backcountry skiing.

Who Can Go Backcountry Skiing?

Remember that you're outside a ski-patrolled zone when backcountry skiing, so you must be an experienced resort skier. Having the right gear and training is also crucial for your safety. You may be ready for backcountry skiing if you have the proper tools and knowledge to rescue yourself and a partner in an emergency. It helps to research the area first and hire experienced guides for safer backcountry skiing.

It may help to take an avalanche course before trying backcountry skiing so you're better prepared. You must hone essential skills such as snowpack assessments, uphill techniques, and route finding. However, having mentors who can guide you and help you learn better is helpful. This is where we come in.

Why Choose Vertex Mountain Guides?

We're certified through the American Mountain Guides Association, so our team is fully trained to minimize risk and ensure clients get the best possible experience when climbing or skiing. Our guides can assess snow conditions and know the best backcountry skiing routes. We can help improve your ski skills and provide a complete gear list to ensure a safe and enjoyable ski trip in the backcountry.

We also offer rock climbing programs and a Mount Washington climb. You can book your trip 6 months in advance with us, and we offer affordable rates for five or more people. Let us know your fitness levels so we can start training to ensure you're ready for the backcountry course. If you still have questions, please get in touch with us today.

Booking Details

  • Guiding and instruction with an IFMGA or AMGA Certified/Trained Guide

    We have a small selection of ski touring kit. We will be in touch about borrowing our gear or pointing you in the direction for rentals.

    Pre ski check in and post ski follow ups

  • CLICK HERE for a detailed list of what you are responsible for bringing for a day of backcountry skiing.

  • Our default timeframe is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are happy to work with you and decide on a time frame to meet your needs.

    Some objectives may necessitate an earlier start time- we will work that out with you ahead of time.

  • We often ski around Mount Washington, but there are many areas to explore in New Hampshire. If we decide there is a better location to suit your goals, then we will arrange to meet and ski where that is.

  • CLICK HERE to view our cancelation and weather polices.

  • CLICK HERE to view answers to frequently asked questions.