Backcountry Guides

In a trailblazing move for an American ski resort, we opened the gates on the perimeter of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in winter 1999, allowing skiers and snowboarders to explore the thousands of acres of backcountry skiing that lie just beyond the boundaries.

With the Tetons as your powder playground, our Backcountry Guides offer you the ultimate out-of-bounds mountain experience, including expert instruction on boundless terrain and an insider introduction to the backcountry touring community. Not only do our guides show you the way, but they teach you how to travel safely in the backcountry.


Backcountry Guides welcome advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to learn to travel in uncontrolled terrain and discover untracked slopes, secret runs and the best snow conditions in Jackson Hole. A personalized experience, a day with a guide may include touring, hiking, snow science, mountaineering and downhill riding.

At Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School, we pride ourselves on teaching safe backcountry travel, line selection and snow science education, all the while skiing or riding some of the best snow in Jackson Hole. As guides, we employ some of the world’s strongest backcountry skiers/snowboarders and educators, all of whom are experts in the art of guiding and teaching. Cumulatively, we have skied and climbed all over the world from pioneering first descents in Alaska to the steeps of the Grand Teton. If you are eager to ski out of bounds, let us show you how; attend one of the Backcountry Camps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I good enough to ski the backcountry at Jackson Hole? Are you comfortable skiing in variable terrain, trees, and traversing slopes? If yes, then you are good enough to go backcountry.

2. Can I bring my children? Kids must be 10 or older, able to ski all mountain conditions, and accompanied by an adult.

3. Do I need touring equipment? Not necessary, but touring equipment can add to your experience and options.

4. What is the terrain like? We offer a wide variety of terrain, including bowls, steeps, chutes and alpine peaks.

5. What shape do I need to be in to do this? The better shape you are in, the more you will get out of your backcountry experience. If you can spend 30 minutes on a stationary bike or run 2 miles, you are in shape to go into the backcountry. Doing some form of aerobic exercise 3 times a week is recommended to improve your experience.

6. Where can I practice using a transceiver? Beacon Basin, at the base of Rendezvous Bowl, is a designated area where you can search for pre-buried signals.

Reservations & Cancellation Policy
Reservations are required for private backcountry guides. A credit card is required to secure the booking. Reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the lesson, a $100 cancellation fee is charged. For more information, call 1-800-450-0477 or 307-739-2779 or e-mail mountainsports@jacksonhole.com.

When venturing into the backcountry, be prepared.
Always check the Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring
Skiers/snowboarders crossing our resort boundaries do so at their own risk. Read the posted signs at the designated access gates before proceeding.