San Juan Backcountry Lodge · Silverton, Colorado
Backcountry Guide Pricing
Professional avalanche-certified guides are required for all winter backcountry access. Below you’ll find pricing and options to help plan your trip.
The San Juan Mountains receive over 400″ of snowfall annually and offer some of the most serious backcountry ski terrain in the lower 48. For everyone’s safety, professional guide services are mandatory for all winter backcountry trips departing from San Juan Backcountry Lodge. You are welcome to book with any licensed, AMGA-accredited guide service — we have provided San Juan Expeditions pricing below as a reference, as they are our primary local partner.
San Juan Expeditions — Backcountry Ski Trips
2026–2027 Winter| Trip Length | 1 Guest 1 Guide | 2–3 Guests 1 Guide | 4–5 Guests 1 Guide | 6–8 Guests 2 Guides | 9–10 Guests 3 Guides | 11–12 Guests 3 Guides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip 2 nights | $2,050 | $2,400 | $3,900 | $4,400 | $6,400 | $6,600 |
| 4-Day Trip 3 nights | $2,800 | $3,200 | $5,200 | $5,800 | $8,300 | $8,500 |
Prices shown are for guide services only. Food & hut fees are additional and billed separately. All guide prices are for the entire group, not per person. Contact San Juan Expeditions directly to book: sanjuanexpeditions.com
Other Guide Services in the Area
San Juan Expeditions is not the only option. Here are other reputable companies operating in the Silverton area.
Guide Qualifications Required by San Juan County
Per the conditions of our San Juan County permit, all guests must be accompanied by a qualified backcountry guide with adequate experience and training in avalanche safety. The guide is required to escort guests from the Town of Silverton to the lodge, remain on-site throughout the stay, supervise all outdoor recreational activities, and return guests to Silverton at the end of the trip. Individual guides must also hold a current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher medical qualification.
San Juan Expeditions
Silverton & Durango, CO
Our primary guiding partner. A four-season AMGA-accredited guide service with deep local knowledge of Silverton’s backcountry terrain, snowpack, and weather patterns. Avalanche courses also available.
Visit sanjuanexpeditions.com →Skyward Mountaineering
Ouray & Silverton, CO
AMGA accredited guide service specializing in guided backcountry skiing and splitboarding on Red Mountain Pass and in the Silverton zone. Offers day tours as well as overnight hut-based expeditions.
Visit skywardmountaineering.com →Cirque Guides
Silverton, Ouray & Telluride, CO
Private backcountry ski guiding throughout the Silverton zone, with guides meeting guests directly at their lodging in Silverton. AMGA/IFMGA licensed guides with a maximum of 5 skiers per guide. Also offer avalanche courses and rescue clinics.
Visit cirqueguides.com →