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Ski the varied terrain of Colorado’s Alpine Loop with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. This full-day backcountry tour near Lake City offers expansive alpine bowls, technical descents, and snowmobile options for deeper mountain access.
Ski the varied terrain of Colorado’s Alpine Loop with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. This full-day backcountry tour near Lake City offers expansive alpine bowls, technical descents, and snowmobile options for deeper mountain access.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Lake City, Colorado
The Alpine Loop corridor near Lake City, Colorado, stakes its claim as one of the state’s premier backcountry skiing destinations. The Colorado Climbing Company offers a full-day ski and splitboard touring experience here that appeals to riders of a range of skill levels looking to carve tracks far from crowded resorts. Spanning from late winter into early spring, the terrain includes extensive alpine bowls and steep descents found on peaks like Half Peak’s east face and Handies Peak’s south face. Both novice and experienced skiers will find challenges that push their limits and reward with sweeping mountain vistas.
Lake City itself sits just off the well-known Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway, a historic mining route transformed into a rugged playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding San Juan Mountains feature volcanic rock formations dotted with alpine flora, giving each turn an added layer of geological intrigue. The high-altitude environment here fosters clear, crisp air and pristine snowpack that’s essential for safe and enjoyable backcountry touring.
Colorado Climbing Company enhances this experience with guided tours led by AMGA-certified instructors who bring expertise in avalanche safety and backcountry rescue. Each participant receives individual avalanche equipment, including beacon, probe, and shovel, and climbing gear necessary for technical parts of the route. For those wanting to push deeper, snowmobile rentals provide access to more remote zones, opening up even larger areas to ski or board.
This multi-faceted approach makes the Lake City backcountry outing a standout in Colorado’s winter sport offerings. Beyond the physical thrill, it is a chance to engage with a piece of Colorado’s rugged mining heritage and wild mountain heartland. Whether you’re breaking fresh powder or honing your touring skills, the combination of terrain variety, expert guidance, and immersive mountain culture makes this adventure one to sign up for.
challenging.
8–10 hours.
Participants should have strong cardiovascular fitness and endurance to handle sustained climbs and descents at altitude.
No, the tours accommodate various skill levels, and guides provide instruction on safety and technique.
Yes, all participants receive avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, and guidance on their use.
Snowmobile rentals are available but are an additional option to enhance access to remote terrain.
The minimum age is 8 years old, making it a family-friendly option for young skiers.
Bring appropriate ski or splitboard equipment, layered clothing, snacks, water, and any personal essentials.
Tours are weather-dependent; guides monitor conditions and adjust plans to ensure safety.
The Alpine Loop follows historic mining routes from the late 19th century, connecting Lake City and surrounding ghost towns.
Tour operators prioritize Leave No Trace principles and avalanche education to minimize environmental impact.
Colorado Climbing Company runs guided climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing trips and instructional courses across Colorado and in select national parks. The company’s offerings include introductory classes like Introduction to Rock Climbing and Gym to Crag, technical courses such as Learn to Lead Sport Climb Outdoors and Learn to Lead Traditional Climbs, and advanced seminars including Steep Ice and Mixed Technique and Climbing 301 — Climbing Big Things. Trips span diverse Colorado areas and beyond, with options in Rocky Mountain National Park, Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Denver/Golden, Boulder/Estes Park, Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and San Juan ranges. Seasonal programming covers ice climbing at venues like Lake City Ice Park and guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring in Silverton and the Alpine Loop near Lake City. Offerings range from half-day guided ice climbs to multi-day alpine ascents and expedition preparation courses. Participants can choose guided experiences or technical instruction tailored to levels from beginner to advanced. Course titles and guided day trips reflect explicit instruction and guided formats, including avalanche and glacier-focused topics such as Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel and Private Custom Avalanche Instructions. Colorado Climbing Company presents a wide catalog of site-specific classic climbs, ski descents, and intensive seminars to support skill development and safe mountain travel.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company