Backcountry Skiing in Telluride

For anyone looking to expand their skiing expertise, backcountry skiing is the next hurdle. Backcountry skiing in Telluride is a completely different animal than skiing at the ski resort, but there's a reason so many people flock to town to try it. 

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Backcountry skiing can be extremely rewarding and absolutely dreamy, but it can also be dangerous. Telluride is known for its steep terrain and is very prone to avalanches, so it is recommended that all backcountry adventurers are comfortable skiing black diamonds. If you want to try it out but aren't sure about doing it on your own, hire a guide! Our Hotel Columbia concierge can direct you to the best ones in town to guarantee a safe and fabulous backcountry skiing experience. 

Places we like to backcountry ski:

• Bear Creek - technically the "sidecountry", this area is accessed from the Telluride Ski Resort. It is prone to avalanches, so please be wary of conditions before venturing in this area. 
• Alta Lakes - Skiing is extremely diverse in this area and can be accessed from the Telluride Ski Resort's Prospect/Black Iron Bowl ridge. 
• Ophir - This is a popular spot for locals and requires skinning up the mountain to gain access to the epic runs.