Why Exum (Winter)

Exum Mountain Guides has operated in the Tetons for over nine decades and is AMGA‑accredited and an authorized concession of the National Park Service. In winter, Exum offers private Teton backcountry ski adventures, camps, and clinics across a wide variety of terrain—from powder glades to classic couloirs—welcoming both first‑time tourers and seasoned skiers.

Winter Offerings

Itinerary Planning (Conditions & Goals)

Every winter day is planned around the current avalanche forecast, weather, recent observations, and your goals. We begin with a clear plan and flexible options (Plan A/B/C) so we can move to the best terrain as conditions evolve.

Sample frameworks:

1 day: Powder laps or couloir sampler (≈2–4k’ vert) matched to stability and visibility.
2 days: Day 1 skills + terrain‑assessment tune‑up; Day 2 objective chosen for the conditions and your priorities.
3 days: A progression arc—storm‑day powder → intro couloir → classic steep line or high‑alpine tour when stability aligns.

Focus areas include powder touring (trees/glades), powder bowls and alpine powder, intro ski mountaineering, classic steep lines, and high peaks >12,000’. Ratios follow the offering type below.

Powder Touring — Trees & Glades

Typical ratio: 4:1
Protected storm skiing in low‑ to mid‑elevation glades, meadows, and short bowls. Expect efficient laps, good spacing, and 2–4k’ of vertical depending on conditions and fitness.
Good for: First Teton powder days, skill refreshers, and high‑quality snow when it’s storming.

Powder Bowls & Alpine Powder (conditions‑dependent)

Typical ratio: 4:1 (may shift to 2:1 with exposure)
During stable periods we step into bigger leeward bowls and open alpine faces with safe entries and clean fall lines. 3–5k’ vertical typical.
Good for: Confident backcountry skiers comfortable with larger terrain when stability allows.

Intro Ski Mountaineering — Short Bootpacks / Couloirs

Typical ratio: 4:1 (some 2:1)
Short, aesthetic couloirs and features that teach booting with a pack, simple crampon/axe use, precise transitions, and terrain assessment.
Good for: Skiers moving beyond powder laps toward steeper features. Examples include: short tree‑lined couloirs (≈30–35°), 200–400 ft bootpacks to clean runouts, and gullies with brief crampon/axe sections.

Classic Steep Lines

Typical ratio: 2:1
Sustained couloirs and technical features with consequential terrain; careful pacing, clear communication, and precise transitions. Some days may include a short rappel.
Good for: Advanced ski mountaineers seeking technical, steep skiing with tight margins. Examples include: sustained 40–45° couloirs with a mid‑line choke, hanging snowfields with a short down‑climb or rappel, and narrow fall‑line gullies requiring precise edge‑sets.

High Peaks >12,000’ (select windows)

Typical ratio: 2:1
Long alpine tours to high summits when conditions, weather, and fitness align. Prior mileage with the guide team is strongly preferred.
Good for: Very fit parties looking for full‑value, high‑alpine objectives. Examples include: summit‑face skis from 12k+ peaks in prime windows, long alpine bowls off high ridges, and linkups that combine a peak with classic powder exits.

Progression Modules (add‑on or stand‑alone)

Avalanche rescue refresh & partner comms
Crampon/axe movement for skiers
Ropework for ski mountaineering (belays, short raps, cornice strategies)
Steep‑ski movement drills (kick‑turns in no‑fall zones, sideslip/edge‑set precision)

Have a specific style of skiing you’re after? Share how you like to ski—glades, gullies, bowls, big‑vert—and we’ll tailor the day accordingly.

Camps & Clinics (Exum)

Intro to Backcountry Skiing clinic — foundational touring skills and avalanche awareness with hands‑on field time.
Ski Mountaineering Clinic — technical movement, short bootpacks, and classic Teton features for intermediate tourers.
Advanced Ski Mountaineering Clinic — three‑day progression for experienced and fit backcountry skiers.
Splitboard Mountaineering Clinic — split‑specific travel and steep‑snow techniques.
Moran Camp — a big‑mountain ski expedition style experience in the northern Tetons.
Women’s Only Backcountry Ski Week — four days of guided Teton backcountry skiing in a supportive, progression‑focused cohort.

Programs, dates, and pricing vary by season and are coordinated through Exum.

How a Winter Day Works

Pre‑trip: Conditions review, weather/avalanche forecast, and plan A/B. Gear and clothing check the night prior.
Morning meet: Transceiver/shovel/probe check, rescue refresher, radio checks, and approach plan.
Touring: Efficient uptracks, spacing, and transitions. We select lines that fit conditions and your goals.
Decision points: Clear go/no‑go criteria; we’ll adjust objectives to stay within safe margins.
Wrap‑up: Debrief skills and terrain choices; discuss next steps if you’re progressing toward bigger lines.

Ratios, Season & Fitness

Typical ratios: Powder & intro mountaineering 4:1 (some 2:1 as exposure increases); Steep & high‑peak days 2:1.
Season window: December–April (prime January–March; shoulder season as conditions allow).
Fitness: Able to tour for several hours with breaks; comfortable with variable snow. For steeper lines, expect booting with a pack, crampon/axe use, and tight technical skiing.

Equipment

Touring setup: Skis with tech bindings or splitboard; skins; poles.
Safety: Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (required). Helmet strongly recommended.
Alpine kit (as needed): Crampons, ice axe, harness; short rope/rappel kit for select lines. You’ll receive a venue‑specific packing list and rental options at booking.