Private Uphill Tours are perfect for those who may have heard of backcountry skiing or snowboarding but aren’t really sure how to get started. Fitness-minded guests looking for an active experience will be fitted into appropriate touring gear and then head up the mountain for an introductory backcountry experience.

So what does it even mean to go UPHILL on skis? The term used for going uphill on skis is called ‘skinning’. Skinning involves using special equipment to travel up the snow-covered mountain. Skins are attached to the bottom of the skis or snowboard (splitboard) with a sticky adhesive, and the skin is designed to slide forward but not slip backward. This allows you to walk up the mountain on top of the snowpack. The bindings attach at the toe leaving your heel free to come up and walk. The boots hinge at the ankle to flex and allow ease of walking movement. Once at the top, the skins are removed and the bindings and boots are locked down so you can descend just like you normally do! The appeal is the cardio exercise along with the peaceful serenity of being in the woods and the accomplishment of making it up the mountain without a lift. This is how you earn your turns!

The tour includes rental of uphill touring skis or a splitboard (a snowboard that splits into two skis). Your guide and our rental experts will help get you fitted for gear and onto the snow for an uphill adventure. Starting in West Village, the guide will lead the group at an easy pace up through the trees on a serene, forested skintrack. During the tour, guides will provide pointers on use of equipment, uphill technique, and knowledge of the surrounding natural environment. You will then ski or snowboard down a green designation groomed trail to the base of West Village.

PRIVATE UPHILL TOUR: 

• $329 - 1 person |  $109 - additional person | Maximum 2 participants per guide.
• Prices do not include applicable tax and resort surcharge. Prices include rental equipment.
• Reservations are non-refundable within 24 hours of tour start date. A 10% cancellation fee is applied if a reservation is canceled outside of 24 hours prior to the product start date.

WHEN:

• Must book at least 7 days in advance, availability not guaranteed.
• To book your Private Uphill Tour, please email lessons@coppercolorado.com or call 970.968.3023.

ROUTE

• 2.5 Miles / 1,000 vertical feet ascent

ESTIMATED TIMELINE:

• 10:30am Meet at the Mammut store in Center Village to get fitted for rental gear and meet Guide. 
• 11:00am: Depart on Uphill route.
• 1:30pm: Reach top, snack, transition for descent (mandatory turnaround at 1:30 pm).
• 2:30pm: Arrive back at Mammut store to return gear.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be physically fit enough to ascend uphill on skis.
• 13+ to ensure proper gear fit.
• Intermediate to advanced downhill skier or rider.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Rental touring skis or splitboard, poles and helmet
• Backpacks will be provided to carry layers, water, snacks. (guests encouraged to bring their own water and snacks, as they are not included)

BE PREPARED

• Dress in layers for ascending uphill in winter weather.
• PRO TIP- You will sweat going uphill, so an extra dry baselayer, dry gloves, and a low-profile hat / helmet liner is nice to have while skiing/riding down.
• Eat a BIG breakfast before you arrive, as there will be no stop for lunch.
• Bring your own snacks and plenty of water.

Read Essential Eligibility Criteria Here