Touring Skis and Skins
Backcountry ski guide
Backcountry Ski Tours
Come explore some of the best backcountry skiing in Southern New England. We will be traveling uphill so we can then ski back down! We will cover the following topics:
- Safety in the backcountry
- Putting skins on your skis
- Skinning technique
- Making turns going uphill
- Transitioning from uphill mode to downhill mode
- Removing, folding and storing your skins
- Backcountry skiing technique
This is not a learn to ski class; you should already know how to ski on intermediate trails that are not groomed. The terrain we will ski down on can include beginner, intermediate, or expert terrain depending on our location and group abilities. One of the exciting parts of backcountry skiing is the variety of conditions and terrain. You’ll gain an appreciation for many different snow conditions.
If you have never experienced alpine touring before we highly recommend a lesson in alpine touring at Berkshire East before taking a backcountry tour.
TOURING SKIS:
We are the only shop in Western Mass with ski touring setups for rent! Ski rental is included in the price of your AT tour. This is a great way to try an AT setup before you buy.
We have a fleet of Fischer Transalp alpine touring skis in our gear inventory! The Transalp’s construction provides a lightweight touring ski with just the right amount of stiffness for turning in all the wonderful snow conditions found in New England’s backcountry and slackcountry. If you’ve ever considered touring as an alternative to busy resorts, you can now explore alpine touring with Adventure East before investing in your own equipment.
Experience Location
Dates
Times
Single Class Sign Up
Stump Sprouts
*Beginner Focus* Stump Sprouts is a cross country ski area in Hawley with trails appropriate for learning backcountry touring. While these dates will have a beginner focus for backcountry skiing, it is still good to have intermediate alpine skiing abilities.
Dates: Jan 18, 26, Feb 9, 15
Times: 9a
Jan 18, 26, Feb 9, 15
9a
Beartown State Forest
Beartown Backcountry exists as a partnership between WMass Backcountry Alliance (WMBA) and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This unique winter recreation area, located entirely within the Beartown State Forest, returns skiers once again to the north facing slopes of the former Beartown Ski Resort in South Lee. BONUS: Ski with some of the founders of WMBA!
Dates: Feb 8
Times: 9a
Feb 8
9a
Berkshire Snow Basin
Berkshire Snow Basin was originally founded by Stan and Ruth Brown in 1949 and served the community with the warmth of a family operation until it's final operating season in 1989. Bryant State Forest was established shortly afterwards with the area encompassing the former ski trails now managed as a wildlife habitat area. BONUS: Ski with some of the founders of WMBA!
Dates: Jan 19
Times: 9a
Jan 19
9a
Mt. Ascutney
Nestled in Windsor, VT, Ascutney is home to some of the most challenging and exciting skiing in the region. Quickly gaining popularity as an accessible backcountry destination for backcountry skiers and snow shoe adventure, the upper slopes of the former Mount Ascutney Ski Area offer un-groomed snow and powder when conditions allow.
Dates: Jan 25
Times: 9a
Jan 25
9a
Petersburg Pass
Petersburg Pass is an old ski area on the NY/MA border on RT 2 with nearly 700' vert on steep, gladed terrain.
Dates: Feb 1
Times: 9a
Feb 1
9a
Thunderbolt Trail
The Thunderbolt Trail run from the summit of Mt. Greylock - the highest point in Massachusetts - boasts picturesque views and is one of the most beloved trails in the area.
*Thunderbolt is for advanced skiers, and you should be experienced skiing in steep narrow terrain with variable snow conditions.
Dates: Feb 22
Times: 9a
Feb 22
9a
Additional information regarding this experience
What's Included?
What to Bring
Your Alpine Ski Boots
Winter clothing appropriate for temperatures. Layering is important as you will be hot while traveling uphill and then need additional layers to keep warm going down.
Backpack to carry your skins, extra layers, water, snacks, etc.
Other Notes:
Ticket at Mt Ascutney is not included
Email us for private lessons and guiding.
- Price:
- $95
- Age:
- 16 and up
- Fitness Level:
- Fit
- Skill Level:
- Advanced
- Waiver:
- Each participant, or their guardian, must sign a waiver to participate in an Adventure East experience. Following payment of your online booking, your reservation confirmation will include a link to e-sign the waiver. Due to insurance requirements, we are unable to accommodate guests who do not sign a waiver.
