Chase fresh San Juan powder with AMGA-certified or trained guides on Red Mountain Pass, just above Ouray. This full-day backcountry tour blends safety instruction, tailored terrain, and rich mining-country history for a smart, unforgettable ski day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn slips over Ouray like frost on glass, and the Million Dollar Highway starts to stir. Headlights ribbon up toward Red Mountain Pass, where the San Juans flex their volcanic shoulders and the wind needles your cheeks awake. Skins whisper on cold snow, the valley quiet except for your breath, the soft tick of bindings, and a guide’s calm voice cutting through the stillness. The mountains dare you forward—powder tucked in glades, bowls yawning wide, ridgelines guarding views all the way to the Needles.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardio and leg endurance; comfortable skinning 2,000–3,500 vertical feet at 10,000–12,000 feet elevation.
Wildlife
History
Ouray’s mining boom in the 1880s pushed routes over Red Mountain Pass; the Million Dollar Highway was expanded under road-builder Otto Mears to move ore between Ouray and Silverton.
Conservation
Travel on consolidated snow to protect alpine vegetation. Give wintering wildlife wide berth, keep group noise low, and carpool to reduce roadside parking impacts on US 550.
Reserve your spot on the Guided Backcountry Skiing - Ouray today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Read the CAIC forecast with your guide
Discuss avalanche problems, aspects, and elevation bands during the morning plan to match terrain to conditions.
Layer for high-output uphill
Breathable base layers and a light midlayer keep you dry while skinning; add an insulated piece for transitions and descents.
Aim for steady pacing at altitude
Sip water often and snack every 45–60 minutes to avoid energy slumps during 2,000–3,500 feet of gain.
Winter tires for US 550
Storms hit fast on the pass; carry chains when required and allow extra time for weather or control work closures.
Touring skis or splitboard with skins
Efficient uphill travel and reliable downhill performance are essential for varied San Juan terrain.
winter
Helmet
Protects from tree branches, variable snow, and unexpected tumbles in tight glades.
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Goggles with low‑light lens
Flat-light lenses boost contrast during storm days and in shaded trees.
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Insulated water bottle or small thermos
Keeps fluids from freezing and encourages frequent hydration at altitude.
winter