Backcountry Skiing

Explore the rugged, wild San Juan Mountains in a setting unlike anything you have ever experienced.

This exhilarating, airy traverse, installed by local iron-worker Chuck Kroger, has become an iconic Telluride outing and a must-do for adventurous visitors. A guided trip can help take the stress out of the outing and help mitigate the inherent risk of the route. Our guides come from a background of big mountain expedition guiding and all have extensive experience on the Via Ferrata. The route precariously traverses rock faces up to 600 feet above the forest below, exposed in sections that would be impassable without steel cables and iron rungs along the way. The Telluride Via Ferrata provides unmatched views of Bridal Veil Falls (the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado), the town of Telluride far below and the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Our guides will ensure that it is an enjoyable and memorable experience for all. Technical equipment is included with our private trips. The Via Ferrata is not suitable for those with a severe fear of heights, those shorter than 4’10”, or children younger than 10 years old. Mountain Trip is the only American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited guide service based in Telluride. We are taking reservations for private via ferrata tours of the Telluride and newly installed Ouray routes!

VIA CLASSIC

Telluride’s Via Ferrata, “Iron Way”, is truly unique. It emerged from the wild mind and unrelenting hands of a local legend. Charles Frederick “Chuck” Kroger was a pioneering climber, ultra-runner, cyclist, master craftsman, and mountain renaissance man who left this world too soon. His creation is a series of narrow hiking paths and rugged iron ladder stairs welded into a conglomerate cliff towering above the town of Telluride. Climbers secure themselves into a metal cable that runs along the face of the rock, enjoying breathtaking exposure and spectacular views.

VIA LINK-UP

If you’re a novice to beginner rock climber looking to add a little more spice to the Via Ferrata, a “Via link-up” will not disappoint. Start your day with an introduction or refresher to rock climbing safety systems and equipment. Then climb three to four pitches of 5.fun to 5.10 (depending on preference). These multi-pitch routes top out on the Via Ferrata. From there enjoy a lofty snack or lunch and continue along the classic Via Ferrata route. This is a full day of fun, stunning vistas and excitement!

Backcountry skiing in Telluride offers hundreds of miles of pristine and exciting terrain. Take a helicopter tour with Helitrax and make turns in pure, untracked powder. Really want to earn your turns? Plan a hut-to-hut ski trip with San Juan Huts and ski the scenic Mount Sneffles Wilderness Area. The tranquil vistas and spectacular views will leave you dreaming of your next trip to the backcountry.

RECOMMENDED GEAR

Ski attire: ski pants, ski coat, insulating top and bottom base layer, water repellent gloves, wool socks, beanie hat, sunscreen and chapstick.

Book today with your dedicated concierge.

Call (970) 728-7398

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Winter Activities

See all spectacular outdoor adventures awaiting all winter long! Plan your trip today.