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 experience is required, please read carefully below. Reach out if you have any questions. 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 ski resort tours
Ideal for Strong Intermediate to Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
Resort skiing with a serious upgrade. Designed for skiers and snowboarders looking to quickly discover the best snow and terrain at Chile and Argentina`s top ski destinations; including ungroomed slopes, bowls, hidden powder filled gullies 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 Ski Resort Tours for me?
- You can confidently ski or snowboard in variable snow conditions, including powder, chopped snow, spring conditions and firm snow.
- You are comfortable skiing or riding ungroomed terrain and most advanced runs within a ski resort and on occasion a short hike or traverse to access untracked zones.
- You can maintain a steady pace and ski or ride a full day on the mountain.
- Snowboarders must be comfortable holding both heelside and toeside edges on long traverses to move efficiently around the resort.
- Best suited for strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Backcountry Tours
- Backcountry Discovery
- Backcountry Touring with Lift Access
- Backcountry Touring
You’ll need proper touring equipment (skins and skis with touring bindings, or splitboards for snowboarders) to walk uphill, plus a backpack designed for backcountry to carry your snow safety gear, 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 a few of our Backcountry Touring With Lift Access 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 Trips
Our Backcountry Discovery trips are designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to earn their turns without the pressure of keeping up with seasoned tourers.
This program offers guided backcountry adventures in incredible destinations whether you’re new to ski touring or looking for a more relaxed approach.
How much daily uphill touring can I expect?
- A total of 400-700 meters (1300 to 2300 ft) broken up into shorter climbs through the day.
- 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
Backcountry Discovery trips are perfect for:
- First-time ski tourers & splitboarders – No touring experience is required, but you should be eager to explore beyond the resort and willing to put in the effort to reach untouched terrain.
- Returning PowderQuest guests who want a different pace – If you’ve joined a trip before but felt like the uphill effort was too much or that you slowed the group down, this is for you.
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).
Backcountry Touring With Lift Access Trips
Backcountry Touring With Lift Access Trips use resort lifts to gain elevation and access the backcountry more efficiently. The lifts are simply a tool to shorten the approach and maximize time in the mountains. Once outside the resort boundaries, the day is spent ski touring — skinning, climbing, and earning descents under your own power.
A typical day is focused on backcountry skiing and riding rather than resort or sidecountry laps. Depending on snow, weather, and mountain conditions, guides may choose to use lift access, tour directly from the resort, or head to a completely separate backcountry zone in search of the best snow. If conditions temporarily limit backcountry access, the resort provides a valuable backup option while waiting for conditions to improve.
How much daily uphill touring can I expect?
Daily climbing typically ranges from 500–1,000 meters (1,600–3,300 ft), with occasional larger days reaching 1,200–1,500 meters (4,000–4,950 ft). Actual vertical will vary based on conditions, group pace, and objectives.
Ability & Fitness Requirements
This level requires more uphill endurance and backcountry experience than our Backcountry Discovery trips.
You should be:
• Comfortable skiing or riding untracked powder and variable snow conditions across a variety of terrain, including bowls, steeper pitches, and, on our Japan trips, trees.
• Comfortable skinning uphill and carrying a day pack for multiple consecutive days.
• In good aerobic condition, with the ability to sustain steady uphill travel.
• Prepared for full days in a backcountry environment where weather, snow conditions, and objectives may change throughout the day.
Guides may ask guests to ski or ride independently at the resort for part or all of a day if ability, fitness, or current conditions are not a suitable match for the group’s objectives.
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 some lift accessed days and some 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
From Norway, Japan, Georgia 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!