OURAY SKI FIELD GUIDE
Backcountry Lines Above Ouray: Day Ski and Splitboard Tours from Red Mountain Pass to Cement Creek
A compact, guided backcountry ski and splitboard day in the San Juan Mountains — from beginner tours through historic mining claims to advanced routes up Red 3.
Backcountry Lines Above Ouray: Day Ski and Splitboard Tours from Red Mountain Pass to Cement Creek.
Adventure brief
Backcountry Lines Above Ouray: Day Ski and Splitboard Tours from Red Mountain Pass to Cement Creek
Experience backcountry skiing and riding in the high San Juan Mountains around Ouray: a day of guided touring that threads through old mining claims near Red Mountain Pass, offers beginner-friendly runs, and — for stronger parties — routes to the summit of Red 3 that connect into expansive Cement Creek terrain.
Ouray, a picturesque mountain town tucked within Colorado’s rugged San Juan Range, offers some of the most exhilarating backcountry skiing and splitboarding experiences in the Rockies. The Colorado Climbing Company specializes in guiding adventurous souls through pristine snowfields, historic mining landscapes, and challenging summits that promise both adrenaline and breathtaking views. Whether you're a beginner eager to carve gentle slopes or a seasoned skier craving steep ascents, their tours seamlessly blend safety, expertise, and rugged wilderness.
The San Juan mountains feature diverse terrain, from rolling powder meadows to steep, snow-laden peaks. One of their popular routes explores areas near historic mining claims, where early 20th-century relics peek through fresh snow—a perfect blend of history and snow. For more challenging pursuits, guides lead clients to Red 3’s summit, offering panoramic vistas of vast, snow-blanketed wilderness. The terrain is complex, requiring good fitness and basic technical skills, but even first-timers find confidence under expert guidance.
What sets Colorado Climbing Company apart is their deep local knowledge and focus on safety. They take pride in minimizing environmental impact, practicing sustainable guiding techniques that preserve the region’s pristine terrain. Their trips are designed for a range of skill levels—making this a fantastic option for families, groups, or solo adventurers.
This adventure embodies Colorado’s winter spirit—crisp air, endless snow, and stunning mountain scenery. It’s a standout experience in Ouray, a town renowned for its rugged beauty and outdoor ethos. Whether tackling easy scenic tours or chasing icy ridges, guests leave with stories and skills to last a lifetime.
With guided winter tours readily accessible, Colorado Climbing Company helps adventurers embrace the mountain’s wild heart. It’s more than just a ski trip—it’s an immersion into Colorado’s legendary backcountry scenes, suitable for all who seek a taste of true winter challenge.
Route Schematic
Day route schematic
Stops describe the common flow of a day tour in the Red Mountain Pass and Cement Creek area.
Historic mining slopes at Red Mountain Pass
Touring often begins among the old mining claims around Red Mountain Pass where beginner-friendly lines and local approaches are found.
Guided beginner routes
Progressive, lower-angle tours suitable for learning backcountry techniques take place on accessible terrain within the mining-area slopes.
Advanced approach to Red 3 and Cement Creek
For capable parties the route can extend to the summit of Red 3 and continue across into the broader terrain on the Cement Creek side.
Routes and objectives vary by conditions and group ability; participants should expect the guide to adapt the day’s route accordingly and be prepared for a 5–7 hour outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
San Juan drama around Red Mountain Pass
The touring terrain centers on the historic mining slopes around Red Mountain Pass, where the landscape frames approachable lines for learning backcountry travel and more committing routes for advanced parties.
Beginner-friendly options and guided progression
The area includes several opportunities tailored to those new to backcountry skiing and splitboarding, with guided tours on gentler terrain among old mining claims before moving to more complex objectives.
Summit approaches and Cement Creek links
For experienced tourers the program includes advanced routes up Red 3 with the option to link into broader Cement Creek terrain, expanding line choices and terrain variety on a single day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A guided day that can read like a skills clinic or a full-on objective: small-group tours move from parking and skin tracks through relic mining ground for easy-to-moderate laps, or extend into steeper, longer ascents to Red 3 and beyond into Cement Creek for a more sustained outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour fits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a backcountry touring setup (skis or splitboard with touring bindings, skins, and backcountry boots), personal clothing and footwear, snacks and water, and trip insurance. Also budget for transportation to climbing sites or lodging, guide gratuities, and any other costs not provided by the operator.
Participants are expected to provide their own transportation to the meeting site and lodging as needed; plan accordingly for a guided day in the field.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical day?
A typical guided day lasts approximately 5–7 hours.
Where is the meeting location?
The meeting location varies depending on the day and route.
What ages are accepted?
Participants aged 8 and older are accepted on this program.
How large are groups?
Group size is limited to up to eight people.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Bring a complete backcountry touring setup (skis or splitboard with touring bindings, skins, and backcountry boots), appropriate personal clothing and footwear, snacks and water, and trip insurance; also allow for transportation, gratuities, and other personal costs.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-17T22:12:02.588Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.