Ability Levels, What to Expect + Finding The Right Trip
Being prepared both ability wise and having the proper fitness is paramount when joining our trips. To get a better understanding of what levels are recommended, 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 departure.
A note to beginners
We do not offer guided trips for beginners and low level intermediates. Consider booking one of our non-guided ski resort packages and take advantage of their professional ski school instructors.
A note to experts
Experts frequently join our trips and are always welcome. 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 waiting at times. If this is a concern, please reach out to us or consider booking a private group on one of our available dates.
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 venturing *off-piste. Trips are led by local guides skilled at finding the best conditions at each resort we visit.
Are All Mountain trips for me?
- You are comfortable in variable snow conditions- including powder and firm snow
- You can ride most slopes and ungroomed terrain in a ski resort, although it might not always look pretty (level 5 and up)
- Snowboarders should be able to hold heelside and toeside edges on longer traverses to move around the resorts efficiently
*Off-piste is a French term used to describe any terrain that is not a marked trail (“piste”). In some cases you will find this term used to describe backcountry terrain. However for our All Mountain trips, we are considering “off-piste” as any unmarked terrain, such as trees, bowls, etc. within the ski area boundaries.
Backcountry Tours
Backcountry trips are designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders, physically fit and keen on adventure. 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 several of our Lift-Assisted trips. As long as you ski/ride at an advanced level in most snow conditions and terrain and are in good physical shape, we can set you up for success! Need a trip suggestion? Contact us to chat.
Lift-Assisted Backcountry Trips
Strong intermediate, Advanced, Expert
These 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.
While it will vary based on what we just described, daily vertical climbing may range between 500-1000 meters (1600-3300 ft). Some days may not have much climbing at all. On occasion, big days could range between 1200-1500 meters (4000-4950 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 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 – 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, even if you are just getting into it (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 deep powder and in trees (tight at times), these trips are not for you.
Bariloche Backcountry and the Coast Mountains-Whistler Backcountry combine 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.
Human Powered Touring Trips
Advanced to Expert
From Norway to 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
- Aerobic fitness is strong with +60 minute workouts multiple times per week
- Agrees to read the packing lists and purchase any equipment that may be required for the trip including such items as harnesses, lightweight ice ax, ski crampons, boot crampons, etc
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!