Intro to the Backcountry

New to backcountry skiing and splitboarding?

You’re in the right place! There’s nothing better than untracked powder and backcountry exploration. But there’s a lot to learn—and it can be a steep learning curve.

Let Big Sky Backcountry Guides show you the introductory skills that will make your first days in the backcountry safe, efficient, and a lot more fun.

We’ll go over how to adjust and use your new gear; skinning techniques that save you energy; how to transition effectively between uphill and downhill modes; how to stay warm, dry and comfortable in any conditions; and basic avalanche awareness. Plus we’ll ski as much powder as possible!

There’s no reason to suffer. With BSBG, you can jumpstart your backcountry career and enjoy the entire experience from day one!

Tour Information:

Whether it’s your first day skinning, or you’re looking for some tips and tricks to make your experience, easier, safer, and more fun, this Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding day tour is a great way to check out the backcountry safely, and flatten your learning curve. Plus, we’ll get some awesome powder turns, and experience wild Yellowstone National Park—not a bad first impression!

    • No backcountry experience necessary; intermediate to advanced downhill ski ability and good fitness required for AT/Telemark/Splitboard trips.

    • Tours last 6-8 hours

    • Meeting time is generally 8am in Big Sky

    • Transportation to and from the trailhead is not included, and not available from BSBG.

    • You will need:

    • You will have a private guide—we do not run mixed group tours, as it is difficult to match experience, ability, and fitness.

    • All BSBG guides are members of the American Avalanche Association, possess current Wilderness First Responder/EMT certification, and Level 3/Pro2/Pro1 avalanche certification. Lead guides are also AMGA trained/certified with decades of local experience. Meet your guides HERE!

    • If you are skiing multiple days with BSBG, every effort will be made to match you with the same guide each day for continuity.

    • Avalanche rescue equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe) from our industry partners Ortovox and BCA, if necessary.

    • A quality ski-specific backpack from our industry partner Mystery Ranch, if necessary.

  • Our goals for your first day or days in the backcountry arer simple. We want you to smile a lot, ski some great snow, and learn the fundamentals of touring for efficiency and comfort, including:

    • Basic gear usage and adjustment

    • Skinning techniques and strategies

    • Efficient transitions from tour mode to downhill mode and back

    • Pacing for success

    • Basic avalanche awareness

    • POWDER!!

  • Prices are per person, per day with a maximum 5:1 guide ratio.

    All reservations include avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe, and pack) for those who do not have their own.

    The advertised price is what you pay—no fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout.

    • 1 Person           $559

    • 2 People           $330/person

    • 3 People           $263/person

    • 4 People           $225/person

    • 5 people           $199/person

    • More than 5 requires a second guide at the same rates.

    NOTE: Please make reservations well in advance--we are a small company with limited guides on staff. To ensure availability, reserve early!

Click HERE for a packing and planning resource and FAQ

Important Payment and Booking Info

  • The advertised price is what you pay—no fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout.

  • Courses and camps require full payment at time of booking.

  • Courses are non refundable, unless your position in the class can be filled. An $80 administrative fee will be assessed to all refunds.

  • Payments may be made via credit card. Rates do not include guide gratuity.

  • Complete payment and cancellation info HERE.

  • Booking any BSBG experience is an explicit acknowledgement and acceptance of all BSBG policies and procedures.