RED MOUNTAIN PASS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING

We’re all just ski bums at heart.  Sure we all want to learn all the avy things and be safe and, like, perfect our skinning techniques.  But sometimes, (wo)maaan, we just gotta go ski some pow!

These guided ski days are focused on finding the snow stashes (and if the snow is not good, finding some beautiful alpine country to shred around in).  We’ll learn a thing or two along the way, but really we just want to ski our favorite zones, with a crew of fun skiers, in an epic setting.

Red Mountain Pass is located high above the quaint mountain towns of Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. The San Juan Mountains provide unparalleled opportunities to explore the backcountry with open slopes, tree skiing, and high alpine adventures.

Skiers and Snowboarders are welcome. Participants must be solid resort skiers, able to link turns in a variety of snow conditions, and feel comfortable in the trees. Participants should have some familiarity with backcountry ski equipment.

**We’d love to have first time backcountry skiers & riders join our “Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding” course January 14, 2023!**

**This itinerary is subject to change. 

February 6:

8am: Meet @ Ouray Inn
8:30am-3pm: Ski Touring on Red Mountain Pass
3:30pm: Return to Ouray

February 7:

8am: Meet @ Ouray Inn
8:30 am-3pm: Ski Touring on Red Mountain Pass
3:30pm:Return to Ouray
4pm: Trip Wrap-Up / Hang Out and Happy Hour Location @ Ouray Inn

Included:

2 Days of Guided Skiing on Red Mountain Pass

5:1 Guest to Guide Ratio

minimum of 2; maximum of 10

Beacon, Shovel & Probe (we encourage you to bring your own)

Not Included:

Meals and Personal Snacks

Accommodations

Transportation to/from/while in Ouray

Personal Skiing Clothing

Personal Touring Equipment: skis, boots, bindings, skins, poles (Available to rent at Ridgway Adventure Sports. They DO NOT rent snowboard boots. You must bring your own.)

Guide Gratuity

Travel Insurance (highly recommended!)

Incurred costs by leaving a trip early

Incurred costs as a result force majeure

Travel Recommendations:

Closest Airports: Montrose (MTJ) & Grand Junction (GJT)

Hotel Recommendation: 

Ouray Inn

(970) 325-4445

West, 120 6th Ave. Ouray, CO 81427

IRIS guests receive a 10% discount at the Ouray Inn. After IRIS registration, guests will receive a booking code to utilize on the Ouray Inn website or while booking over the phone. A to-go breakfast will be provided if you alert the Ouray Inn a week in advance of your program start date.

**This list is a guideline. You do not need the exact layers but will need something of similar warmth. If you have questions please ask us.**

TOURING CLOTHING

Lightweight Baselayer Top (polyester, wool or silk top)

Mid-Weight Top (lightweight fleece or lightweight puffy jacket)

Lightweight Wind Shirt (very lightweight soft-shell jacket)

Waterproof Shell Jacket (Gore Tex, Pertex or similar, not insulated)

Big Puffy Coat (down or synthetic jacket to fit on top of all other layers)

Lightweight Base Layer Bottom (polyester, wool or silk long underwear bottom)

Ski Pants (non-insulated hard shell or soft shell pants).

Gloves (at least 2 pairs: a pair of heavy, waterproof, warm gloves and a pair of lighter gloves. If your hands get cold easily, bring extra gloves, mittens and/or handwarmers)

Hats (one sun hat, one warm cap)

Buff or Neck Gaiter

Sunglasses

Socks (wool/synthetic ski socks)

TOURING EQUIPMENT

*Touring Skis or Splitboard (make sure it is tuned/freshly waxed)

*Alpine Touring Ski Boots or Snowboard Boots (check that the boot works with your ski binding)

*Ski Poles (adjustable poles with powder baskets)

*Climbing Skins (they must be cut to fit your skis)

Big Day-Tour Backpack or Airbag Pack (at least 30+ liters capacity)

Goggles

Ski Helmet (recommended, optional)

BCA Link Radio (optional)

**Avalanche Transceiver (must be a 3-Antenna Transceiver with fresh batteries)

Your Beacon’s User Manual (hard copy or PDF saved to your phone)

**Avalanche Probe (must be at least 240cm long)

**Avalanche Rescue Shovel (must have a metal blade)

Water Bottle(s) (either 1 Nalgene, or 1 Nalgene and 1 small Thermos. No Camelbacks).

Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Headlamp (fresh batteries)

Lunch Food & Snacks (about 1lb/day: sandwich, Twinkies, jerky, cheese, trail mix, candy bars, nuts, salami)

*Indicates items available to rent through Ridgway Adventure Sports in Ridgway, CO: (970) 626-8500. They do not carry snowboard boots.*

**Beacon/Shovel/Probe rentals are included in course fees.**