Backcountry Skiing with Paragon Guides

Have you ever wanted to try backcountry skiing but aren't sure how to get started? Paragon Guides is the top-rated local guide company that can teach you everything you need to know to experience the backcountry on your own terms. 

Paragon Guides offers private and group backcountry tours, splitboarding classes, and gear/technique classes. Check out the excerpt from Paragon Guides' website below. 

Plus, Inn at Riverwalk Guests take 15% off their guided adventure! Simply book your stay, then call the schedule your tour with Paragon Guides. 

COVID-19 Transportation Update:

Paragon Guides can transport up to 8 participants. For groups larger than 8, we can arrange for transportation at an additional cost. 

1) Private Guided Tours

A private tour is the best way to experience the backcountry on your terms. Our professional guides will provide an experience built for your objectives, skill set and fitness level. Whether you are a beginner looking for an Intro to Backcountry Touring experience or a seasoned touring enthusiast looking to ride some of your guide’s favorite hidden gem’s, you’ll get the most out of the day with a private tour.

Pricing:

  • 1 person $430 per person
  • 2 people $260 per person
  • 3 people $230 per person
  • 4+ people $190 per person
  • Additional transportation costs may apply due to COVID-19 vehicle policies.

What you get:

  • Ratio: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 4:1 
    • Optional Additional Guide fee for groups of 4 or less: $185
  • Itinerary: 5 – 7 hours in length. While we can not guarantee perfect conditions, our guides are really good at finding the best snow possible
  • Food and hydration: Lunch is provided from one of our local vendors along with snacks. Participant is responsible for personal hydration.
  • Gear: Avalanche gear included (beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack)
  • Rental Discount: Private tours receive 15% off rentals. Our demo fleet of alpine touring equipment features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard. Full package rental with discount is $60/day.

Book a PRIVATE Backcountry Tour HERE

2) NEW…Introduction to Splitboarding Classes

This one and a half day class introduces the participant to the gear and skills needed to begin their transition from the resort to the backcountry. Topics include splitboarding gear, trip planning, transitions, avalanche equipment, and terrain management. Day 1 introduces gear and backcountry touring concepts. Day 2 is spent touring and practicing skills. Prerequisite: intermediate to advanced resort snowboarding skill level.

  • Class Dates: Jan 2-3 or Feb 27-28
  • Pricing: $300 
  • Food and Hydration: Participant is responsible for personal food and hydration
  • Gear: Avalanche gear included (beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack), if needed. If you are renting a splitboard, reserve your equipment well in advance. You will need all equipment for both days.
  • Rentals: Splitboard rentals are available locally at Alpine Quest Sports and Cripple Creek Backcountry.

Sign up for Introduction to Splitboarding Class…970-926-5299 or trips@paragonguides.com

3) Gear Tour

Are you looking for help with the backcountry learning curve? The Gear Tour is an instructional 3 hour outing designed to focus on your group’s needs. Topics can range from avalanche rescue, touring technique, equipment use and care,  to “what’s in your pack?” Tours meet at Meadow Mountain.

  • $330, up to 3 people. Add a 4th person for $70.
  • Ratio: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 4:1. 
  • Itinerary: 3 hours. 9am-12 or 1pm- 4pm.
  • Food and hydration: Snack included. Participant is responsible for personal hydration.
  • Gear: Avalanche gear included (beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack), if needed.
  • Rentals Our demo fleet of alpine touring equipment features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard. Full package rentals available for $75/day.

Book a Gear Tour…970-926-5299 or trips@paragonguides.com

4) NEW…Build Your Backcountry Team

Are you and your ski partners looking to get away from the resort this season? Here is an opportunity to build your own backcountry touring team. Work with your guide to develop and refine the skills your team will need for the season’s ultimate objective. Bonus: A 20% discount on our AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses is available for all team members (2020/21 Ski Season).

  • December 1 sign up deadline. Spaces limited.
  • $1800/team for 4 team tours, up to 4 people per team (must be same 4 people for entire season).
  • Ratio: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 4:1. 
  • Itinerary: 5-7 hour tours.
  • Food and hydration: participant is responsible for personal hydration and food. Celebratory lunch included with final tour.
  • Gear: Avalanche gear included (beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack), if needed.
  • Rentals Our demo fleet of alpine touring equipment features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard. Full package rentals available for $75/day.

Book your Backcountry Team…970-926-5299 or trips@paragonguides.com

5) Scheduled Group Tours

Pricing: $130/tour or $700 for a 6pack punch card

  • Ratio: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 5:1. Maximum group size is 8 participants. Minimum group size is 3 participants.
  • Itinerary: 5-7 hour tours. 
  • Food and hydration: participant is responsible for personal hydration and food.
  • Gear: Avalanche gear included (beacon, shovel, probe, ski pack), if needed.
  • Rentals Our demo fleet of alpine touring and telemark gear features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard. Full package rentals available for $75/day.

2020/21 Group Tour Schedule

Register for Group Tours Here

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