Backcountry Skiing
Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado are surrounded by some of the most
beautiful and pristine mountains in the world. The terrain in the
winter offers steeps to deep powder bowls, and everything in
between. One can access the backcountry by snowshoeing, or
cross-country skiing, but the sport of telemark skiing is the most pure
form. Nothing can compare with setting off under your own power
from one of the many trailheads toward a snow-covered crag with visions
of first tracks. With the proper equipment, a bit of hiking will
deliver you to an alpine peak or couloir filled with untouched powder.
However, this is not a decision to take lightly, as the terrain can be
dangerous if you are unprepared. Backcountry skiing is no walk in
the park. The wilderness areas located around the Vail and Beaver
Creek areas are known for snow pack instability. One should
always expect the unexpected, from potential avalanche danger to hard
elevation gains to suddenly broken trails.
Aalta Sports
We love the Sport, we want you to also. Superior service, skis and snowboards. 2 great locations If you ski 5-14 days a year… it is more cost effectiv
(970) 845-7627
American Ski Exchange & Rntls
The American Ski Exchange is your family's full service ski shop, offering Vail's best service, equipment, price, and location (Just steps from the Vi
(970) 476-1477
Charter Sports
Established in 1988, Charter Sports is owned and operated by Colorado's ultimate ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Featuring skiing, snowboarding, mounta
(970) 476-7517
Mountain Quest Sports
We offer a full range of outdoor equipment. So if you like to ski, kayak, camp, climb, hike or do anything outside you will find everything you need .
(970) 926-3867
Paragon Guides
Paragon Guides is one of Colorado's premier guide services. Since 1978, we have been providing quality outdoor adventures throughout the central Rock
(970) 926-5299
Ski & Snowboard Club Vail
Founded in 1962 to provide training and competition programs for aspiring young ski racers, SSCV is the Vail Valley's first and oldest non-profit. Tod
(970) 477-1082
Trail Wise Guides
Trailwise Guides provides guided hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birdwatching and wildlife viewing tours in Vail, Colorado
(970) 827-5363
Vail Ski Tech
We are conveniently located on the Lionshead Mall just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. For the last 17 years we have been Vail's leader in qua
(970) 476-2021
Venture Sports
Nestled between Vail & Beaver Creek Ski areas, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Venture Sports offers year-round rentals and service for winter an
Similar to cross-country skiing, telemark skiing requires more of an
alpine ski and boot. This type of skiing offers the gentle
gliding over flat terrain of cross-country skiing, as well as the
ability to navigate steep snowy hillsides. Telemark skiing
originated from Norway, from the Telemark region, where skiing was a
natural mode of travel due to the long winters. Sondre Norheim,
of Morgedal, Telemark first demonstrated the telemark turn in 1868,
later called the Christiana turn.
Telemark skis are shorted, stiffer and a little wider than
cross-country skis and offer more control especially when traversing
down a steep hill. While ski resorts see lots of telemark skiers
intermingle with alpine skiers on the hill, most telemark skiers search
out the solitude of the quiet winter backcountry for miles of untracked
powder.
The terrain surrounding the Vail and Beaver Creek resorts in Colorado
can also be explored with a guide. For first timers and for
people not familiar with the Colorado wilderness areas, a guide will
offer knowledge on backcountry routes and instruction on backcountry
skiing techniques. Snowcat operations and professional guide
services also provide great access to Ptarmigan Pass, Resolution Bowl
and some of the famous 10th Mountain Division training grounds for
skiers and snowboarders.
41F