Group on 25 Short
Blanketed by deep powder snow from mid-November through April, the mountains of northwest Wyoming offer some of the finest backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the world.
Exum offers group and private ski and snowboard tours to an incredible variety of terrain from the southern Tetons to the most remote northern peaks.
Every outing is more than just a skiing experience. You'll also improve your skiing and snowboarding technique, learn safe travel habits, develop basic avalanche awareness, and practice the use of avalanche rescue transceivers.
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Backcountry skiing and snowboarding, "backcountry glisse" for short, is a broad term meaning any sliding on snow that is done away from chairlifts and civilization. Some backcountry glisse involves ski touring over gentle rolling terrain. Some backcountry glisse involves hiking or "skinning" (skiing uphill with grabby straps attached to the ski bottoms) up a mountain, then linking turns through powder or corn back to the base. If the snow is good and people have ample energy, we sometimes make more than one run, known as "yoyoing." Other backcountry glisse involves long treks through the mountains, somewhat like backpacking, but using skis for your mode of travel.
Perhaps the most skills-intensive form of backcountry glisse is ski and snowboard mountaineering, which requires special techniques for the ascent and descent of a peak. Sometimes these include roped climbing and skiing over steep and icy terrain requiring rock, snow, or ice anchors. For more on ski and snowboard mountaineering, see our Peak Skiing and Snowboarding page or our Ski and Snowboard Mountaineering Courses.
In all cases, people pursue backcountry glisse for physical exercise, the exploration of beautiful mountain terrain, the challenge of mastering equipment and technique, and of course the thrill of sliding back down and letting gravity whisk you back to the car. There are no lift lines and no one to beat to that hidden powder stash, just untracked snow and unlimited terrain in a serene alpine atmosphere!
We'll help you choose the type of trip and terrain appropriate for your ability, experience, and physical conditioning. A low ratio of between one to four clients per guide increases safety and flexibility during travel over snow. The options in the Teton area are endless, so please contact Exum Headquarters to arrange your trip itinerary. Here are just a few ideas:
Scheduled Programs:
Backcountry Primer...
5-Day Backcountry Odyssey...
Private Trips:
One-Day Non-Technical Backcountry Trips:
MAIL CABIN CANYON: This two-forked drainage encompasses numerous bowls and ridges of untracked powder perfect for yoyoing. A two-mile approach along a good summer road keeps the area clear of the crowds, but gives skiers a good warm-up before making several 1,000-foot runs on moderately angled slopes. Wide-open bowls, scenic ridges, and glades abound in this skier's paradise. Price: $255 for one, $155 each for two, $115 each for three, $100 each for four to six.
MOUNT OLIVER: A moderate climb through the forest leads to wonderful sloping meadows and open bowls of deep powder. Options abound, including a quick trip to the summit. The day finishes with a nearly 3,000-foot powder run from the summit back to the highway, making turns the entire way! Price: $255 for one, $155 each for two, $115 each for three, $100 each for four to six.
The next four peaks are located in Grand Teton National Park and provide an outstanding opportunity to get views of the range's highest peaks. These are all-day endeavors that include avalanche training and instruction in snowboard and fixed- or free-heel ski technique. These tours require that you are experienced in skiing powder snow and variable conditions.
TWENTY-FIVE SHORT: A three to five-hour ascent rewards skiers with astonishing views of Buck Mountain, Mount Wister, South Teton, and the Grand Teton. The prize is a gentle 3,300-foot gladed ski descent. Price: $280 for one, $185 each for two
MAVERICK RIDGE: A little steeper than 25 Short, this vast slope is famous for uninterrupted 3,000 foot runs through deep powder. Price: $280 for one, $185 each for two
WIMPY'S KNOB: For the more expert powder skier, this popular run offers 3,600 vertical of steep powder skiing with fantastic views of nearby peaks. Price: $280 for one, $185 each for two
ALBRIGHT PEAK: Expert skiers relish the 40-degree slopes and 4,000 vertical feet of perfect fall-line skiing on this classic Teton backcountry tour. The summit knob on Albright Peak may require the use of a rope and ice axes, making it the most accessible mini-ski mountaineering adventure in the range. Price: $280 for one, $185 each for two
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