Curious about exploring beyond the ski resort or getting more out of your backcountry skiing or splitboarding? Join our professional mountain guides for a fun day chasing great snow and exploring some of the best backcountry skiing in the Cascades. Each guided ski tour is tailored to current conditions, avalanche forecasts, and your experience level—whether you’re building skills, learning a new zone, or simply looking for great turns. The goal is simple: smart terrain choices, good snow, and an unforgettable day in the mountains.

1:1 $650

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Ready to take your backcountry skiing or splitboarding to the next level? This steep skiing and ski alpinism course focuses on the skills needed to confidently tackle bigger, more technical lines in the Cascades. Learn rappelling, belayed skiing, steep entrances, rope techniques, and practical systems that add security in consequential terrain. Designed around the steep couloirs and alpine lines common throughout the North Cascades, this course builds the skills, efficiency, and confidence to take on more exciting ski-mountaineering objectives.

2-day course

1:1 $1300

2:1 $750 per person

3:1 $500 per person

4:1 $400 per person

Take your avalanche education to the next level with an AIARE Level 2 avalanche course in Washington led by one of the region’s most experienced mountain guides and avalanche educators. This three-day course in the Snoqualmie Pass backcountry develops advanced snow assessment,  terrain assessment, leadership, and decision-making skills. Learn to apply avalanche forecasts, hunt for the avalanche problem, and manage complex avalanche terrain, and make more confident decisions on bigger or remote backcountry skiing and riding objectives.

Cost $600 per person

Learn from one of the region’s most experienced and respected mountain guides and avalanche educators on an AIARE Level 1 avalanche course in Washington. Based in the Snoqualmie Pass backcountry, this course builds essential avalanche safety skills for backcountry skiing and splitboarding, including terrain-based decision making, avalanche hazard recognition, companion rescue, and effective group communication. Learn to better understand the avalanche forecast, recognize avalanche terrain, and make confident, informed decisions while traveling in the backcountry.

Cost $600 per person

A week-long Alaska Range ski mountaineering expedition is a true trip of a lifetime, combining incredible skiing with the feel of a remote mountain expedition. Surrounded by towering peaks and massive glaciers, we’ll establish camp and spend our days exploring rarely visited glaciers, climbing remote summits, and chasing long, pristine ski descents. Far from roads, crowds, and infrastructure, this is true wilderness ski touring—untracked snow, endless terrain, and the unforgettable experience of living and skiing deep in the heart of the Alaska Range.

Contact us for pricing

Take your avalanche skills to the professional level with our American Avalanche Institute Pro 1 course. Designed for aspiring avalanche professionals and highly experienced recreational backcountry travelers, this five-day program dives deep into snowpack, weather, terrain, stability assessment, professional observations, and avalanche risk management. Taught by veteran avalanche educators Ian Nicholson and Mike Soucy, Pro 1 is an incredible opportunity to sharpen your mountain judgment, build professional-level skills, and spend five days geeking out on snow.

Dates: January 11-15 2027

Cost $1849.00

The Valkyr Hut experience in the Southern Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia offers world-class backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering in one of North America’s most expansive and varied alpine zones. Operated by a family-run outfitter, Valkyr Adventures provides access to multiple remote backcountry lodges—including Valkyr Lodge, Hilda Hut, and the LQ Outpost—situated deep in the Valkyr Range near Nakusp, BC. These lodges serve as bases for guided and self-guided ski touring vacations that combine dramatic alpine terrain, treed glades, ridgelines, bowls, and powder runs with comfortable lodging and lodge life amenities.

Jan 9-16 2028

Cost $3600

The Slot Couloir on Snoqualmie Mountain is one of Washington’s most iconic steep-skiing objectives and a true Snoqualmie Pass classic. Dropping roughly 1,600 vertical feet, the Slot combines a committing 50-degree entrance with sustained fall-line skiing in a dramatic alpine setting. For experienced backcountry skiers, this Cascades classic delivers technical skiing, big mountain scenery, and one seriously fun line. Ropes are carried and may be used at the entrance depending on conditions.

1:1 $650

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Our AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is a one-day, hands-on training designed to help you respond quickly and effectively if someone in your group is caught in an avalanche. You’ll practice using your beacon, probe, and shovel, develop efficient search and excavation techniques, and work through realistic rescue scenarios. The course is appropriate for both first-time students and experienced backcountry travelers looking to refresh their skills. You’ll leave with a clearer rescue plan and valuable practice working as a team under pressure.

Cost 1-day

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Rogers Pass is one of the world’s premier backcountry ski touring destinations, with huge Selkirk terrain rising directly from the Trans-Canada Highway. Averaging roughly 10 metres (33 feet) of snow at treeline each winter, it offers deep powder, sheltered tree skiing, expansive alpine bowls, and long descents with thousands of feet of vertical. These are demanding days in serious avalanche terrain, but for strong skiers ready for the challenge, few places deliver such remarkable skiing so close to the road.

1:1 $650

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Link two of Washington’s most famous—and infamous—steep ski lines on an unforgettable Snoqualmie Pass ski-mountaineering adventure. The SNOT and Slot Couloirs combine rappels, sustained 44–50° skiing, and a spectacular 1,600-foot fall-line descent through classic North Cascades terrain. For experienced backcountry skiers, this guided linkup delivers technical skiing, big exposure, incredible scenery, and one of the most exciting steep-ski days in Washington.

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Experience the legendary powder of Japan on a guided backcountry ski trip to Myoko, Honshu. Using lifts to access the backcountry for both side-country accessed and touring access to combine some of Japan’s deepest snow with incredible tree skiing, longer tours, and thousands of vertical feet of powder. Small groups give us the flexibility to chase the best snow each day before finishing with an onsen, an incredible meal, and doing it all again the next morning. This is Japan powder skiing the way we love it: ski, soak, eat, sleep, repeat.

Jan 18-25 2027

Cost: $4750

Our one-day AIARE Refresher is designed for backcountry travelers who have completed an AIARE 1 or equivalent course and want to sharpen their avalanche safety skills. We’ll revisit trip planning, terrain selection, snowpack observations, and group decision-making, then apply those skills during a day in the field. You’ll also practice companion rescue with your beacon, probe, and shovel. It’s a great way to shake off the rust, build confidence, and identify skills to keep practicing throughout the winter.

Cost 1-day

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

With some of the best fall-line skiing of any major North Cascades ski traverse, the Isolation Traverse is a true Cascades classic. Traveling through spectacular, remote terrain deep in North Cascades National Park, this multi-day ski mountaineering adventure links long, aesthetic descents with rugged passes and complex glaciated terrain. For strong backcountry skiers, the Isolation Traverse delivers incredible skiing, huge scenery, and one of the wildest guided ski traverses in Washington.

Cost (5-day)

1:1  $3250 per person

2:1  $1875 per person

3:1  $1250 per person

4:1  $1000 per person

The Forbidden Traverse packs an incredible amount of skiing and adventure into a shorter North Cascades ski traverse. Traveling through spectacular alpine and glaciated terrain near Forbidden Peak, this guided ski mountaineering adventure offers some of the best and most consistent fall-line skiing of any Cascades traverse, plus opportunities for up to two summit ski descents depending on conditions. Choose the classic 3-day itinerary or add a fourth day for more skiing, another summit, and a more relaxed pace through one of Washington’s most beautiful alpine landscapes.

Cost (3-day)

1:1  $1950 per person

2:1  $1125 per per­son

3:1  $750 per per­son

4:1 $600 per person

The Bomber Traverse is one of Alaska’s classic backcountry ski adventures, linking spectacular alpine terrain, glaciers, and remote huts in the heart of the Talkeetna Mountains. Starting near Hatcher Pass, Alaska, this multi-day ski traverse offers incredible ski touring through rugged mountains with opportunities for memorable descents along the way. The Bomber Traverse combines adventurous backcountry skiing, glacier travel, and a true Alaska wilderness experience.

Dates: March-April 2027

Price: Contact for Custom Pricing

Skiing the Ptarmigan Traverse is one of the most iconic ski mountaineering adventures in Washington and a true North Cascades classic. This spectacular 5-day guided ski traverse links massive glaciers, remote alpine passes, rugged peaks, and long descents through the heart of the North Cascades. With incredible skiing, huge scenery, and camps in some of Washington’s wildest mountain terrain, the Ptarmigan Traverse delivers an unforgettable wilderness adventure and one of the premier multi-day ski tours in North America.

Cost (5-day)

1:1  $3250 per person

2:1  $1875 per person

3:1  $1250 per person

4:1  $1000 per person

The Chugach Mountains were made for big-mountain skiing, and few places deliver like Thompson Pass near Valdez, Alaska. With the highway topping out above treeline at 2,700 feet and massive glaciers flowing almost to the road, Thompson Pass offers incredible access to serious alpine terrain and some of the best backcountry skiing in Alaska.

Combine that access with the Chugach’s legendary snowpack and you get an almost endless playground of 4,000-foot ski descents, glaciers, couloirs, bowls, and steep alpine lines. From cruisy glacier runs to technical ski mountaineering objectives, guided skiing at Thompson Pass offers huge terrain, incredible snow, and the kind of unforgettable big-mountain days that have made Valdez famous around the world.

6-day Trip +1 Travel day (6 ski days)

Contact us for Pricing

The Watson Traverse on Mount Baker is one of Washington’s classic ski mountaineering adventures—a spectacular 2-day journey across one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the North Cascades. Starting at Heliotrope Ridge, this guided Mount Baker ski traverse climbs the Coleman–Deming Glacier to the 10,781-foot summit before dropping onto the massive Park Glacier for a long, unforgettable descent to the Mount Baker Ski Area. Big glaciers, a summit, incredible views, and thousands of feet of fall-line skiing make the Watson Traverse one of the most rewarding ski mountaineering objectives in Washington.

Rates (2 Days)

1:1 $1300

2:1 $750 per person

3:1 $500 per person

4:1 $400 per person

A 2-day ski descent of Mount Baker is one of our most popular North Cascades ski mountaineering adventures—and for good reason. Splitting the climb over two days makes the 10,781-foot summit much more achievable for most skiers, while the reward remains the same: a spectacular nearly 8,000-foot ski descent down massive glaciers with incredible views stretching all the way to the ocean. We offer guided Mount Baker ski descents via both the Easton Glacier and Coleman-Deming Glacier, delivering an unforgettable combination of summit climbing, glacier skiing, and one very long run back down.

2-Day Trip

1:1 $1300

2:1 $750 per person

3:1 $500 per person

4:1 $400 per person

Reserved for the fittest skiers—or those who simply enjoy a little suffering—a single-day ski descent of Mount Baker is one of the ultimate North Cascades ski mountaineering challenges. Climb more than 7,000 vertical feet to the 10,781-foot summit before clicking into your skis for a phenomenal nearly 8,000-foot glacier descent, with huge views stretching across the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean. Big effort, massive glaciers, an incredible summit, and one very long ski run—this is a Mount Baker adventure you won’t forget.

1 - Day 1:1 Express $1000

1 - Day 2:1 Express $550 per person

1- Day 3:1 Express $350 per person

1- Day 4:1 Express $300 per person

Whether you’re dreaming about the Ptarmigan Traverse, Forbidden Traverse, Isolation Traverse, or something a little farther off the beaten path, we have you covered. Ian has spent nearly two decades guiding, skiing, climbing, and exploring throughout the North Cascades, with extensive experience on Washington’s classic ski traverses and countless lesser-known lines along the way. That experience helps us match the right trip to your goals, skiing ability, fitness, and current conditions. Reach out and let’s find the perfect North Cascades ski mountaineering adventure for you—then go have an incredible time in the mountains.

Custom Rates per person/per day

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

The Chair Peak Circumnavigation is one of the quintessential backcountry ski tours of Snoqualmie Pass, linking rugged alpine terrain, stunning views, and outstanding descents. Traveling clockwise, we ski the north slopes of Chair Peak, descend into the Melakwa Valley, and finish through the Bryant Peak Couloir. Dozens of options along the way allow us to tailor the tour to the snow, weather, and group’s abilities. It’s a memorable day for experienced backcountry skiers looking to explore beyond the familiar terrain around the pass.

Cost

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Explore hundreds of steep couloirs, powder stashes, and classic backcountry ski lines within a day trip of Seattle. From Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain to Mount Baker and the North Cascades, we’ll chase the best snow and terrain based on your experience, goals, and current conditions. Whether you’re hunting powder, building skills, or skiing bigger alpine lines, our guided backcountry ski and splitboard tours are all about smart terrain choices, great skiing, and a seriously fun day in the Cascades.

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Join former PSIA L1 and L2 ski instructor turned Mountain Guide Ian Nicholson to work on your ski skills. For this program, we partner with Pro Guiding Service, which is the concessionaire of the summit at Snoqualmie to ride chairs and work on the mechanics of skiing in regardless of steeper and/or Off-piste Terrain

Dates: Weekdays every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Cost

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

This is designed to be part two of people’s continued education and apprenticeship in the backcountry. Designed for folks who have already taken their AIARE 1, this two-day course helps continue to help folks understand the forecast and decide how and where to go, apply the builten to the terrain, and continue to make observations in the field to feel good (or bad) about where they are going. This course is also filled with dozens of tips and tricks to make ski touring easier.

We partner with Backcountry Aventure Guides for this program so please inquire about current availability.

2-day course

1:1 $1300

2:1 $750 per person

3:1 $500 per person

4:1 $400 per person

We partner with Pro Guiding Service, who are a concessionaire of the Summit-at-Snoqualmie. Ride the lifts and explore the vast side country that Alpental has to offer. Skins are not required.

Dates: Weekdays every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Contact us for pricing options

No Crowds, lift lines, or tracks. Washington's best kept ski and snowboard secret. Washington's Premier Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding Operation. We partner with Cascade Powder Guides Cat Skiing operation for a single day, single seat ($695), single day group ($6950 for 10 people) or all-included 2-night 2-day Yurt based cat days ($18,950 for up to 8 people).

If you think you know Snoqualmiend yourself stuck doing the same old tours well these days, Pass well or fi focus on showing you the off-the-beaten-path terrain. Few people know this zone, as well as guide Ian Nicholson, who spent 5-years working for the Northwest Avalanche Center, and he offered considerable advice to Matt Schonwald’s Backcountry Skiing Snoqualmie Pass ski touring atlas.

Cost

1:1 $650 per person

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person

Likely the world’s most iconic ski tour the Haute Route has it all. Travel from one epicenter of the Alps in Chamonix and Mont Blanc to the other in Zermatt and the Matterhorn traveling over 100 miles through some of the most amazing and rugged alpine terrain imaginable. The bonus because you stay in huts every night you get to do this monumental traverse with only a 30L pack. Ian Nicholson has guided over 20 Haute Routes from Chamonix to Zermatt and knows dozens of variations to help to best cater the trip to your abilities. We partner with the Northwest Mountain School in the offering of these programs.

7-Day program

$2995 per skier (4:1 ratio)

The Berner Oberland offers some of the biggest terrain Switzerland has to offer and unlike a lot of other classic traverses in the Alps the Berner is all about finding the best snow in the best terrain rather than going from point A to point B. While this is still a hut-to-hut tour for two nights we base out of the same hut trying to summit and ski down whichever peaks we feel hold the best conditions for the group. Like the Haute route, we also partner with the Northwest Mountain School for this program.

6-days

$2495 (4:1 ratio)

Quieter than most multi-day European hut-to-hut trips, featuring better food and fantastic espresso. The Ortler is a lower-key ski-mountaineering traverse with dozens of possible glaciated and summit descents in a less traveled corner of Italy in its Northwest Corner. Run through a partnership with the Northwest Mountain school.

7-day trip

$2395 4:1

Come expereince the intensity in the splendor of Chamonix and what is arguably the epicenter of ski mountaineering in the world. With trams taking us as much as 10,0000ft above town into heavily glaciated terrain no wear on earth can match the access yo big mountain terrain. While Chamonix is rightly known for the “extreme” it is big enough with literally thousands of possible descents it offers something for everyone.