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.
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.
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.