Aspen Colorado Backcountry / Telemark Skiing

When it comes to downhill skiing in the lower 48 states, Aspen, Colorado is a unique place to visit if you’re looking for a small mountain town that sits in the middle of towering mountains that receive more than 250 inches of snow annually. Comprised of four distinct resort ski areas, Aspen’s terrain is expansive ¬– allowing for a multitude of in-bounds and backcountry skiing. Owned and operated by the Aspen Ski Company, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass all harbor some of the best terrain in the state and have a variety of outstanding topography that is suitable for all levels of skiers.

But, if waiting in line to get on a service lift or having to dodge other skiers as you make your way downhill just isn’t your idea of enjoyable skiing, than don’t worry because Aspen has some of the best and easily accessible backcountry skiing terrain available in the states. Whether you’re a downhill alpine skier with touring gear (skis and binding that allow for backcountry travel) or avid telemark skier, Aspen’s backcountry of wintry wonderland might be for you. But, skiing in the backcountry isn’t anything like skiing in-bonds at an established ski resort.

For starters, you need a transceiver and know how to use it properly, a backcountry shovel and probe and understanding of traveling in avalanche terrain. Knowing the terrain that you will be skiing in is the most important aspect for a safe and fun backcountry ski experience in and around Aspen. The best way to ensure this is to hire a professional guide who knows the terrain in which you will be traveling. Furthermore, if you don’t know, don’t go. Avalanches can be prevalent in the backcountry because slopes aren’t controlled by ski patrol like they are at resorts. It’s a natural setting and anything can happen.

Enjoying Aspen’s backcountry powder is a skiing privilege. For alpine skiers, today’s increasingly innovative technology has allowed for more advanced equipment that makes it more fun when skinning out to your destination with a free-heel set-up. Telemark skiers are already at an advantage because their heel is already free in their bindings. Telemarking, the original form of skiing, is an elegant form of skiing that developed in Europe more than 200 years ago. It’s not as easy to pick up as alpine skiing, but once you do it opens up a range of possibilities.

So, when looking to slice through some deep backcountry powder in the numerous open bowls and steep faces when you’re in Aspen, make sure you hire a guide and have the right equipment to ensure that you have the best possible experience.