Activity Category: Winter

Avalanche Education Courses

Avalanche Education Courses

This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of, communicating, and making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught. Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow, but there are no other prerequisites for this course.

Availability

Jan – March

Activity

Avalanche Education

Difficulty

Intermediate

Trips starting at (USD):

$595 base fee

What’s Included

  • Small class size with hands-on instruction from our knowledgeable guides
  • Avalanche Terrain Identification: Learn to assess and identify avalanche-prone areas.
  • Companion Rescue Skills: Practice beacon, probe, and shovel rescue techniques.
  • Safe Travel Practices: Master safe travel and group management in avalanche terrain.
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4 Student minimum for course to run.

Upcoming Avalanche Courses

Your most important backcountry skill will always be education.  Let the Vail Valley’s original guiding service educate you on how to safely navigate the hazards of the winter snowpack with AIARE Avalanche Courses.

Badges

what’s included

Understanding Avalanche Terrain

Learn to identify and evaluate avalanche-prone terrain, understand snowpack conditions, and apply the AIARE decision-making framework to assess risk in the backcountry.

Companion Rescue Skills

Develop essential avalanche rescue techniques, including how to use a beacon, probe, and shovel effectively to locate and recover a buried person in an emergency situation.

Route Finding and Travel Techniques

Gain practical knowledge on safe travel practices in avalanche terrain, including group management, route selection, and how to avoid triggering avalanches.

Rental Discount

Private tours receive a 15% discount on rentals. Our demo fleet of alpine touring equipment features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard.

what participants are saying

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We have been hunting for the freshest tracks for years on resorts and decided to try the Backcountry. Henry H. guided us up to the best views and deep fluffy stuff. He knew the area really well and also catered to our fitness level and equipment (my split board was a bit slower). Henry’s knowledge and tips were very helpful. He also shared some cool details and stories about the area. Our first time in the backcountry was perfect, thanks Henry. We will be back!!

Justin

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.

Winter Hut Trips

Winter Hut Trips

Now Live 25/26 Custom Hut Schedule!

Paragon Guides has been guiding the 10th Mountain Hut System since its inception in 1982. Your backcountry adventure into the 10th Mountain Division Hut System can range from 2 to 6 days, touring through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain terrain. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime and come discover the other side of Vail.

Availability

Dec – April

Activity

Winter Hut

Difficulty

Intermediate

Winter 2025-2026

Custom Trips Dates

 

  • Dec 26-27 Shrine Mtn Inn
  • Dec 28-31 Estin – Gates – Gates
  • Jan 19-22 Uncle Buds
  • Feb 3-6 Estin – Gates – Gates
  • Feb 9-13 10th (2 nights)-Buds (2 nights)
  • Feb 11-13 Mac- Margys
  • Feb 16-21 Bene 100
  • Feb 17-18 Uncle Buds
  • Mar 2-6 Jackal – Fowler – Fowler-Shrine
  • Mar 5-7 Buds-10th
  • Mar 17-20 Betty Bear (2 nights) – Skinner
  • Mar 24-27 10-Buds-Buds
  • Apr 7-9 10-10 – Sold Out
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Trip Options

Winter travel classic routes, hut date options for your group, or completely customized trips offer ways to explore the 10th Mountain Memorial Hut System.

Badges

what’s included

42 Years of Backcountry Experience

Our ski and splitboard guides are professionally trained in Avalanche Safety and Wilderness Medicine. 42+ years of shared backcountry ski guiding experience is engrained in the Paragon Guides Guide Mentorship Program.

Custom Planning

We will custom build your trip based on your group’s objectives, experience, and fitness levels.

Pre-Trip Orientation Meeting

A 2-hour meeting PRIOR to your trip’s departure to discuss logistics, gear, and expectations.

Trip meals

Meals included (with consideration of any dietary restrictions).

what participants are saying

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We have been hunting for the freshest tracks for years on resorts and decided to try the Backcountry. Henry H. guided us up to the best views and deep fluffy stuff. He knew the area really well and also catered to our fitness level and equipment (my split board was a bit slower). Henry’s knowledge and tips were very helpful. He also shared some cool details and stories about the area. Our first time in the backcountry was perfect, thanks Henry. We will be back!!

Justin

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I had a wonderful time in the Backcountry with Paragon Guides. Nick, my guide, did a wonderful job teaching, entertaining, and skiing/guiding to my level. This was my first trip into the backcountry to ski, and after this experience, I look forward to many more! If you’re looking for a great company and want to get out of the lift lines and ski untouched snow….look no further!!

Scott Fuller

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We just returned from a fabulous hut trip to Uncle Buds and then on to the 10th mountain hut. Our guides Joe and Jimbo were knowledgable guides, great communicators, excellent cooks and wonderful people which made the trip special. Having sleeping bags and other items stored at the huts saved weight which is a great idea. The Minturn shake down the day before was a great way to review and learn new important skills. We had great weather and new snow which is nice but our guides broke the trail which they made look easy. I was satisfied and impressed with everything and would recommend Paragon.

Pat Graiziger

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Imagine a quiet hike through an evergreen forest with mountain views in an alpine setting.

Our guides are well-equipped to help you explore the Colorado winter environment on snowshoes with friends or family. For some, a day off the slopes is a relaxing way to discover the ‘other side of Vail’. For others, the joys of snowshoeing can replace the thrills of skiing.

Beginner to advanced routes are available with half and full-day tours.

Availability

Nov – April

Activity

Snowshoe

Difficulty

Beginner – Intermediate

Pricing (USD):

Per person pricing

At Paragon Guides, we offer flexible backcountry skiing experiences, but the best way to fully customize your adventure is by contacting our office. We specialize in designing trips that match your unique goals.

book this trip

DAY TOUR RESERVATION / CANCELLATION POLICY
Placing a credit card on file will confirm your reservation. Your card will not be charged until after the tour is complete.
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If canceling more than 48 hours before the tour date there is no fee charged, within 48 hours you are responsible for the full tour amount.

Tour Options

We offer tours for all experience levels, from those just starting out in the backcountry to seasoned adventurers seeking more advanced routes. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for a challenge, we can create the ideal snowshoeing experience that suits your skills and goals.

What’s included

Transportation

Enjoy pick up and drop off from your hotel or lodging.

Guide Services

Our guides provide expert backcountry navigation, safety support, and local insights. Each tour is customized to your skill level, ensuring a memorable experience exploring Colorado’s unique wilderness landscapes.

Food and Hydration

Lunch and snacks are provided. If you have a personal water bottle bring it to stay hydrated throughout the day. We have reusable stainless steel bottles if needed.

Gear

We supply all essential equipment, including snowshoes, protective “overboots”, poles, backpacks, lightweight jackets and warm mittens (as needed), ensuring you have everything needed for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

what participants are saying

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My sister found Paragon Guides and our snow-shoeing adventure was the highlight of our weekend in Vail. Jim was our guide and was amazing before, during and after the trip. He called prior to the weekend to understand our hopes for the half day excursion. While I was a little hesitant about vertical climbs at 10,000+ elevation, Jim eased my worries by being very thoughtful about the path we took. Jim took care of everything. Sent a detailed email of how we should prepare for the 1/2 day, what to wear, etc. Day of, he was on time to pick us up from the hotel, brought a ton of extra supplies in case we needed extra layers, backpacks, etc. He also packed warm tea and snacks for us to enjoy during our time on the mountain. The sights were breathtaking, Jim has great stories to share, and it was an all around great day. Really earned the hot tubbing and decadent hot chocolate that happened at the hotel following snow shoeing! Thanks Jim!!! Our first time in the backcountry was perfect, thanks Henry. We will be back!!

Trip Advisor Review

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country Ski Tours

Explore the “Other Side of Vail” on a Cross-Country (XC) ski tour. Our lightweight, metal edged backcountry gear will have you “kicking and gliding” through alpine forests, meadows and trails while you explore the winter environment at your own pace. Routes and terrain are chosen to meet your skill level, fitness and timeframe. Whether you are a beginner/novice or advanced we customize the tour to provide a fun and learning experience.

LOCATIONS
Our USFS permit offers numerous areas and trails for our ski tours. Depending on group skills and goals, and weather conditions many of our preferred tours involve drive times of 15-35 minutes. Included in our permit is the recently designated Camp Hale National Monument. Learn about the history of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops from WWII while ski touring through the upper Eagle Valley.

Tours are generally 4-6 hours from pick-up to drop-off. This includes drive time. Flexible start times can be accommodated due to your schedule or weather.

Availability

Nov – April

Activity

Cross-Country Skiing

Difficulty

Beginner – Advanced

Pricing (USD):

Per Person Pricing

  • 1 person:  $460 per person
  • 2 people:  $260 per person
  • 3 people:  $220 per person
  • 4 or more $180 per person

4-6 hours, Start time variable per group

Includes cross-country skis, boots, poles, gaiters, and instruction.

book this trip

DAY TOUR RESERVATION / CANCELLATION POLICY
Placing a credit card on file will confirm your reservation. Your card will not be charged until after the tour is complete.
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If canceling more than 48 hours before the tour date there is no fee charged, within 48 hours you are responsible for the full tour amount.

What’s included

Guide Services

Our guides are experienced backcountry enthusiasts equipped with Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Training and Winter Navigation knowledge, always willing to share their passions for the winter environment. Wherever you may be on the trail there will always be time for rest breaks, snacks and enjoying the alpine scenery.

Transportation

Enjoy pick up and drop off from your hotel or lodging.

Food and Hydration

Snacks are provided and lunch can be included depending on your timeframe and goals for the day. If you have a personal water bottle bring that to stay hydrated throughout the day. We can provide reusable stainless steel water bottles if needed. 

Clothing

Cross-Country skiing tends to be a warmer activity than downhill skiing so dress in layers, particularly a moisture-wicking base layer (cotton against the skin is not recommended). A lightweight winter jacket and snow-proof pants are best, but ski jackets and pants will work fine. We provide backpacks in case you need to shed a layer. Wool or synthetic blend socks are best, winter gloves, ski hat, and sunglasses are recommended.

Gear and logistics

We supply all essential Cross-Country ski equipment; skis, boots, poles, gaiters, and backpacks.

Your guide will connect with you prior to your tour day to discuss details and logistics as well as group makeup, interests and the goals of the group.

What participants are saying

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Hello all, We cannot thank you enough for a fabulous cross-country skiing outing! We loved it! What a great organization y’all have! All in all a delightful day. Please pass this email on to our guide Steve. We hope to get back to Vail next year, and if we do we will definitely call Paragon Guides.

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.

Backcountry Skiing + Boarding

Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding

Check out our Tour Options below…

Experience the untouched beauty of Colorado’s backcountry with Paragon Guides, where adventure meets expert guidance. Whether you are looking for an introduction to ski touring or a full-day of exploration and adventure, Paragon’s custom backcountry skiing experiences offer something for every skill level. With exclusive permits in the White River National Forest, Paragon’s knowledgeable guides tailor each trip to your pace and preferences. Avalanche gear is included, and the team ensures a seamless, thrilling experience—far from the crowded resorts, all while accessing pristine powder and unforgettable vistas .

Availability

November to April

Activity

Backcountry Ski + Splitbaord

Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Trips starting at (USD):

Per Person Pricing

At Paragon Guides, we offer flexible backcountry skiing experiences. The best way to fully customize your adventure is by contacting our office. We specialize in designing trips that match your unique goals.

book this trip

Backcountry Tour Options

We offer options for all experience levels, from those just starting out in the backcountry to seasoned adventurers seeking more advanced routes. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for a challenge, we can create the ideal skiing experience that suits your skills and goals.

Badges

What’s included

Ratio

With a maximum 4:1 participant-to-guide ratio, our private tours ensure personalized attention, enhanced safety, and a tailored experience. This small group size allows guides to focus on each participant’s needs and abilities.

Guide Services

Our guides provide expert backcountry navigation, safety support, and local insights. Each tour is customized to your skill level, ensuring a memorable experience exploring Colorado’s unique wilderness landscapes.

Food and Hydration

Lunch and snacks are provided by our local partners. Please bring personal water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Gear

Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe, and ski pack) are available to borrow. Your guide will be in touch prior to your trip to ensure you have everything needed for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Alpine touring ski packages are available for rent. Private tours receive a 15% discount on rentals. Our demo fleet of alpine touring equipment features top of the line offerings from Dynafit, Faction, Black Crows, Tecnica and Blizzard. Split-boards are available for rent from local shops.

Backcountry Skiing + Snowboarding FAQs

Alpine skis are great for lift-service ski areas because of their locked down heels, wide bases and metal edges. Little to no flat terrain is encountered with this equipment.

Cross-country skis are great for moving over flat to rolling terrain because the equipment is light. Kick-and-glide or skating techniques make for efficient travel. Cross-country skis work best on groomed track or on low-angle trails. Ski bases can be waxed or come with textured ‘fish scales.’ Both offer forward glide with minimal backward slide.

Backcountry skis, whether telemark or alpine touring (AT), or randonee, are the best of both styles. They allow a skier to maneuver on flat, rolling or sloped (downhill and uphill) terrain thanks to metal edges and a free-heel climbing position. Alpine touring skis have a binding that can be released to allow for hill climbing, but then locked down for alpine-style descents.

Telemark skis have a cable binding with a fully free heel that makes for efficient climbing and a graceful ‘tele’ turn descent. Telemark skiing harkens back to Paragon’s origins of ski touring and we are happy book a telemark tour with you.  Your guides enjoying teachings this graceful style of skiing.

If you’re new to backcountry skiing, going on a custom tour with a private guide is a great way to be introduced to the skills, equipment, and terrain that make up the backcountry experience. Your guide will offer tips on efficient backcountry travel – from setting an up-track to removing skins – and will select a tour that complements your skiing ability.

General skiing basic skills such as the snow plow and alpine turn are needed to advance to backcountry skiing.

Colorado’s snowpack is notoriously unstable at times and demands your full attention and respect. The potential for avalanches is always our number one safety concern. Big lines in steep terrain in mid-winter is not what we offer. We select conservative routes that are appropriate to the condition of the snowpack, time of year, and size of group. Our guides have a minimum Level II certification from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).

Your guides check avalanche conditions specific to our tour area prior to each tour, with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).

We do require that all participants wear a beacon, and carry a shovel and probe. We provide this equipment on our custom tours and hut trips. Basic use of this safety gear will be taught with the tour.

 

The Backcountry Chair Lift! Climbing skins are used on both Telemark and Alpine Touring skis for uphill travel. Skins are simply a strip of bristled nylon or natural mohair that attaches to the base of the ski. The skin allows the ski to slide forward and grip so that you don’t slip backwards. They’re kind of magical! Once you’re ready to descend, you remove (rip!) the skins, fold and stow them until it’s time to climb again.

You have two choices: a backcountry ski with a telemark binding (and telemark boot), or a backcountry ski with an alpine touring (AT) binding (and AT boot).

Telemark set-ups allow the skier’s heel to be free both climbing and descending. If you’re new to backcountry skiing, telemark skiing can be challenging to learn without first spending time at a resort.

For this reason, alpine skiers who are new to the backcountry often prefer AT equipment, which allows for free-heel climbing and locked-heel descending. AT and telemark rental ski packages are also available at our Backcountry Center.

Yes, but with a few caveats.

It’s best that the entire group be on snowboards or split-boards, so the travel pace is consistent.  Snowboarding is slower uphill and faster downhill, but the downhills are worth the climbs!

There are a couple options, it’s best to discuss boarding with your guide prior to the tour.

  • carry the board and snowshoe the uphill portions
    • this does mean carrying the snowshoes on the downhill
  • use a split-board with climbing skins

What participants are saying

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We have been hunting for the freshest tracks for years on resorts and decided to try the Backcountry. Henry H. guided us up to the best views and deep fluffy stuff. He knew the area really well and also catered to our fitness level and equipment (my split board was a bit slower). Henry’s knowledge and tips were very helpful. He also shared some cool details and stories about the area. Our first time in the backcountry was perfect, thanks Henry. We will be back!!

Justin

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I had a wonderful time in the Backcountry with Paragon Guides. Nick, my guide, did a wonderful job teaching, entertaining, and skiing/guiding to my level. This was my first trip into the backcountry to ski, and after this experience, I look forward to many more! If you’re looking for a great company and want to get out of the lift lines and ski untouched snow….look no further!!

Scott Fuller

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.