Finding The Right Trip: Ability Levels and What to Expect
Being prepared both ability wise and having the proper fitness and equipment is paramount when joining PowderQuest.
To get a better understanding of what levels are required, please read carefully below. Reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Most tours can be adjusted to accommodate a harder or easier level when booked as a private group departure.
Note to beginners and low intermediates
We do not offer guided trips for beginners and low level intermediates. Consider booking one of our self-guided ski resort packages and take advantage of the ski resort`s professional ski school instructors.
Note to experts
Experts frequently join our trips. Each trip features 2 guides so we are often able to split the group if needed. However, this does not completely guarantee experts will not find themselves occasionally waiting. If this is a concern, please reach out to us or consider booking a private group on one of our available dates.
guided all mountain resort tours
Ideal for Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Designed for skiers and snowboarders looking to discover the best snow and terrain inside the ski resort boundaries; including groomed runs, ungroomed slopes, and our guide’s secret spots. Trips are led by local guides skilled at finding the best conditions at each resort we visit.
Are PowderQuest’s Guided All-Mountain Tours for me?
- You can confidently ski or snowboard in variable conditions, including powder and firm snow.
- You are comfortable on most ungroomed terrain and can confidently navigate off-groomed trails (Level 5+).
- Snowboarders must be able to hold both heelside and toeside edges on long traverses for efficient movement around resorts.
Backcountry Tours
Backcountry Discovery, Lift Assisted, Backcountry Touring Series
Backcountry trips are designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders, physically fit and keen on adventure. We offer 3 series of adventures based on your touring experience and expectations; Backcountry Discovery, Lift-Assisted Touring, and Backcountry Touring.
You will be required to have proper touring equipment (skis with touring bindings / splitboards for snowboarders) to walk uphill. You will also be riding with a backpack carrying snow safety equipment, snacks, water and other essentials. See our packing lists for more details.
What if I’ve never toured before?
We welcome novice tourers on our new Backcountry Discovery trips and some of our Lift-Assisted trips. As long as you ski/ride at an advanced level in all snow conditions and terrain and are in good physical shape, we can set you up for success.
Please contact us us before booking. Need a trip suggestion? Contact us to chat.
Backcountry Discovery and Lift-Assisted Backcountry Trips
Advanced and Expert
Both our Backcountry Discovery and Lift Assisted trips are dependent on snow conditions and group objectives as to the amount of ski touring that takes place. If fresh snow is in abundance, we may opt to ski the resorts for a few laps, or ski backcountry areas within close striking distance to resorts.
If there are extended periods of high pressure and little in the way of powder snow in or near the ski resorts, our objectives tend to shift towards getting to areas where we can ski powder/better snow and get away from the crowds. During these times, we have to push out a little further and tour longer.
How Much Uphill Touring Can I Expect?
While it will vary based on what we just described, daily vertical climbing may range between:
- 400-700 meters (1300 to 2300 ft) on our Backcountry Discovery trips.
- 500-1000 meters (1600 to 3300 ft) on our Lift-assisted Touring trips. On occasion, big days could range between 1200-1500 meters (4000 to 4950 ft).
We understand that long days touring may not always be for everyone. When we have more than 3 guests, having 2 guides means that we can at times, accommodate 2 different programs if guests wish to do different things (ie. long tours vs short tours, staying within resort vs touring).
Our ultimate goal is always to get our guests the best untracked skiing conditions that are available, wherever that may be.
Ability level and experience – Backcountry Discovery and Lift-Assisted Trips
Please read the required ability/fitness levels below. Be aware that the guide reserves the right to direct you to leave the guided group and ski alone at the nearby resort (for some or all of the ski day) if they determine that your level isn’t appropriate for the terrain or conditions.
- Confidently ride untracked powder or crud in most types of terrain including bowls, some chutes and depending on the trip, tree skiing.
- Willing to put in the effort and tour uphill (see individual trip itineraries for estimated amount of climbing per day).
- Up for the challenge of skiing/riding and hiking/touring with a fully loaded backpack for multiple days in a row.
- Aerobic fitness is good, with at least regular aerobic activities of 30-60 minutes, multiple times per week (if not, you are willing to commit to getting in shape before your tour).
Trip specific notes
The heart of our Japan Ski Tours is chasing backcountry powder. If you are not comfortable riding knee to waist deep powder and in trees (tight at times), these trips are not for you.
Bariloche Backcountry Tour in Argentina combines lift-assisted days with more remote ski touring adventures. On remote days, there are no ski lifts or resorts where you can take a break. However, there are times where you can sit out a lap and rest at a hut or sheltered area until regrouping with the guides.
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING TRIPS
Advanced and Expert
From Norway, Japan and Patagonia, these are our most challenging adventures geared towards experienced ski tourers and advanced split boarders.
Ability level and experience
- Moderate to considerable backcountry touring experience, comfortable riding and touring in variable snow conditions and terrain.
- Proficient at kick turns in steeper terrain.
- No problems skiing/riding and hiking/touring for multiple days in a row with a fully loaded backpack.
- You should be comfortable climbing 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) per day in multiple ascents, with the ability to handle up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
- Aerobic fitness is strong with +60 minute workouts multiple times per week.
Trip specific notes
For the Women’s backcountry camp you can be new to ski touring, but you do need to be in good physical shape, up for a challenge, and a strong intermediate to advanced level skier. Be prepared for plenty of positive encouragement from the guide, coach and other guests!