Crested Butte Backcountry / Telemark Skiing

Backcountry skiing can be exhilarating, beautiful, and dangerous all at the same time. Crested Butte, Colorado is surrounded by a backcountry skier heaven. These powdery slopes are easily accessible from town or by a short drive and offer a variety of terrain and slope angles. If you venture into the backcountry, be prepared for any emergency and be confident in the skills of yourself and friends you go with.

Skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers, and snowmobilers are all users of the Crested Butte backcountry. Although some groups may seek completely different terrain, they are all sharing the magic and beauty that it has to offer. Here is a list of items you will not want to leave behind when venturing into the backcountry: skis or split board and poles, climbing skins, backpack, beacon, shovel, probe, extra clothing and gloves, food and water, goggles and sunglasses, sunscreen.

There are a couple local guide services that offer anything from day to multi-day to hut trips for skiers and boarders that are either unfamiliar with the terrain that surrounds Crested Butte or who want to gain more backcountry skills from a professional guide. Consider taking an avalanche course even before going on a guided trip into the backcountry.