Ski Tours

Custom backcountry ski tours

Backcountry skiing in the Upper Peninsula can be excellent, but it depends heavily on weather, snow, terrain, and group ability. Unlike hiking, a successful ski tour requires the perfect alignment of snow stability, participant skill level, and specialized equipment.

Because of this variability, I currently do not offer packaged ski tours. Instead, every winter tour is a custom-built mission designed around the current snowpack and your specific goals.

How it Works

  1. The Request: Fill out the inquiry form using the “Request Booking” button. Tell me about your experience level (backcountry beginner vs. seasoned telemark downhill skier), your gear setup (Nordic Backcountry, Telemark Touring, Alpine Touring, Splitboard, etc.), and your preferred dates.

  2. The Consult: We will hop on a brief call to discuss the current and predicted snow conditions. We’ll talk about objectives, whether you’re looking for a "How to Backcountry 101" introduction, mellow glades, or technical downhill.

  3. The Decision: 24–48 hours before your date, I make the final "Go/No-Go" call based on weather and safety. If the conditions aren't right for your skill level, we don't go. Safety is our #1 priority.

What We Offer

  • Backcountry 101: An intro to uphill movement, transitions, and navigating the U.P. forest on skis.

  • Signature Glade Tours: Accessing beautiful UP landscapes through stashes of Lake Effect powder.

  • Elevation Expeditions: Technical tours for experienced skiers looking for the North Country’s most dramatic vertical.

Inquiry Requirements

To ensure a productive conversation, please note:

  • Equipment: All participants must have dedicated touring equipment (Nordic backcountry/telemark touring/alpine touring/splitboard bindings/climbing skins).

  • Fitness: You should be comfortable moving across variable landscape for 2–4 hours and skiing in un-groomed forest conditions.

  • Safety: gear requirements vary by objective and will be discussed during our consult.

Request Booking
Two people cross-country skiing on a snow-covered lake surrounded by pine trees in winter.
Snow-covered shoreline with trees, icy rocks, and a calm body of water under a partly cloudy sky.
A person cross-country skiing on a snow-covered trail through a forest of trees with snow-laden branches.
Snow-covered landscape with a frozen lake, silhouette of trees lining the horizon, and a vibrant sunset with orange and yellow hues in the sky.
Snow-covered landscape at dusk with a trail of footprints and ski tracks, a silhouette of a person, trees on the left, a frozen body of water or snowdrift on the right, dark clouds, and a colorful sunset on the horizon.
Person skiing in snowy forest wearing green jacket, black pants, and a blue hat with 'POL' written on it, carrying a backpack and equipment.
Four people skiing in a snow-covered forested area during winter, with leafless trees on either side and an overcast sky above.
Snow-covered forest scene with trees, a frozen creek, and a rock formation, under a partly cloudy sky.
A person standing in a snowy landscape with a dog, surrounded by tall pine trees and large rocks under a clear blue sky.
Ski poles pointed towards a snow-covered forest trail with trees on either side and a foggy background.
Snow-covered landscape with a small creek, leafless trees, and an overcast sky.