Tours

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

      
   Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
   40 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   John McGee 
 
 
 
 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hung Lieu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Schmitz 
 
 
 
 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jenni Hanley 
 
 
 
 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Connor Myers 
 
 
 
 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Bryce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben 
 
 
 
 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Hunnewell 
 
 
 
 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sig Newt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elliott Wright 
 
 
 
 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.