Easily accessible from I-70, Steven's Gulch offers mellow skinning to the base of both they Grays and Torreys. Although two of the most popular 14ers to climb in the summertime, surprisingly these mountains receive very little traffic during winter and early spring months. A host of slopes and couloirs cater to skiers of all abilities, and Stevens Gulch likewise provides a relaxing egress back to the parking lot and cold beer at the end of a day. Depending on seasonal weather and avalanche conditions possible descents include the moderate north slopes of Grays Peak, the labyrinth-like north-west Diamond Face of Torreys, or the mandatory line for any aspiring extreme skier, Torreys Dead Dog couloir, which reaches a pitch of nearly 50 degrees. Additionally, countless alternate descent routes and traverse possibilities make these peaks ideal for family or larger group outings. 

Skiers or snowboarders wishing to complete one of the most famed descents in Colorado should look no further than to central couloir of the Holy Cross, situated in a remote wilderness area just south of Vail. This technical ski-tour can be completed in either a long, strenuous day or as an overnight trip while camping at the majestic Bowl of Tears Lake. Nestled deep within the Holy Cross Wilderness area, the Cross Couloir offers consistent 43 degree turns with a comfortable width of 10 meters. Beginning in March, ski descents become possible by accessing the Half Moon Campground Trailhead via snowmobiles. However, given the remote location and length of the adventure, clients may need to be flexible if weather and avalanche conditions are not appropriate. Regardless of logistics, the Cross Couloir should be on the checklist for any extreme skier!

A ski descent of Mt. of the Holy Cross requires an additional Special Use Permit from the National Forest Service and the cost of hiring a guide for a ski descent of this nature is $350, plus an additional $150 per extra client. Also, given the advanced nature and duration of this ski tour, client to guide ratios may not exceed 3:1.

One of the most classic ski adventures Northern Colorado has to offer is an all day backcountry tour on the East side of Lenawee Mountain, hidden behind the steeps of Arapahoe Basin. Leaving from near the ski resort, clients will first embark on a 45-minute ridge climb that gains the top of the Chihuahua Cirque, before descending nearly 1,000 feet to the valley floor through either steep couloirs or moderate bowls. Then, after a quick snack, clients will be guided up an 800 foot climb to the true summit of Lenawee Mountain. From an elevation of 13,204 feet the group will then descend into Marjories Bowl via either Hyme's, Klien's or the I-70 couloir. After stopping in the basin to gaze at the Black Mountain massif, we will descend mellow glades and return to the cars with ease. While a standard Chihuahua-Marjories tour is generally resevered for more advanced skiers, countless variations exists whereby skiers and snowboarders of any ability can make turns through Thurman Gulch, the Crab Claw Cirque or the North Shore Basin, which offer a lifetime worth of skiing.

A day of guided skiing in the Chihuahua Valley, that includes up to 4 ski or snowboard descents, costs $200 for the first client and $100 more for each additional group member. Additionally, a lift pass for Arapahoe Basin is necessary for access to the Chihuahua zone. Ski-tours within in drainage are generally reserved for intermediate to advanced riders, but options for less experienced skiers and snowboarders do exist.

Feel free to call David at 970-406-1075 for more information.

Any aspiring skier who has ever spent a day at the Arapahoe Basin ski resort has undoubtedly gazed across the basin at the narrow Shit For Brain's couloir, slicing the west face of Black Mountain (13,197 feet). Tightly woven within the dark rock massif are some of the most narrow, steep and challenging couloirs that Summit County has to offer. Lines like The Trench, Dog-Leg, Dog-Shit, Shit For Brains and the North Shore cirque all require trusted familiarity of Black's ridge in order to reach the starting zones. Often using either crampons or a rope, Tour Further will guide advanced skiers through technical ridge traverses and open lines with cliff-walls nearly one-hundred feet in height. The average pitch of the West Face couloirs is 42-44 degrees and several chokes of 2-3 meters exist. Black Mountain is perfect playground for advanced to expert skiers wishing to experience one of Colorado's most spectacular and accessible peaks, with the absolute assurance only professional guides can offer.

Guided day tours on Black Mountain, including the Shit For Brains Couloir, costs $200 for the first person and $100 more for each additional group member. The descents that Black offers are some of the most advanced and steepest lines that Tour Further offers access to. Thus, expert ski abilities are a must and 1 day of guided skiing, prior to a Black Mountain descent, may be necessary. Tour Further considers technical challenges of this nature a privilege, and our guides prefer to develop a functional relationship with each client before venturing into terrain such as this.

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Departing from the quiet, quirky and remote town of Montezuma, located 10 miles from Keystone, both Tip-Top and Morgan Peak offer amazing backcountry terrain for beginning to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Backcountry adventures begin from the desolate town and make a casual ascent of Santa Fe Road, gaining tree-line just below 12,000 feet. More so, ski tours in the Montezuma area offer ideal powder runs through a network of north facing terrain filled with cold snow and quality turns. In addition to aesthetic views of the famed Gray's and Torrey's fourteen-thousand foot peaks, clients will be awarded with over 2,000 feet of fall-line skiing down to Peru Creek and a casual egress back to the parking lot. Montezuma is a backcountry destination for any ski enthusiast and participating in a guided excursion ensures limited risk, intimate terrain knowledge and hours of laughter.

A full day of guided skiing near the town of Montezuma costs $150 for the first client and $100 for each additional participant. Included with the thousands of powder turns that clients will enjoy are the comforts of precise route-finding, constant humor and guide security that all Tour Further programs offer. 

Upon entering Summit County the dome shaped massif of Buffalo Mountain, or "Colorado's Skull" dominates the landscape. The easy access that Buffalo offers, three-hundred and sixty degree skiing and snowboarding and over 3000 feet of fall-line descents makes Buffalo a challenging backcountry tour for all abilities. Gaining Buffalo's summit is an aesthetic four hour ski tour whereby views of Summit County, nearly a dozen 14ers and the Gore Range are some of the best in the state. Descent options include the seldom skied South Couloir, the steep Salt Lick Gulch Crater or the 35 degree Silver Couloir that Low Dawson calls "one of the best ski descents in Colorado"