Best Backcountry Skiing Guides in United States
United States has 42 notable backcountry skiing guides for 2026. 22 guides hold IFMGA certification, the highest international standard. Rates range from $495 to $14397 per day. Benegas Brothers Expeditions ranks highest based on credentials and client reviews.
Top Backcountry Skiing Guides in United States
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IFMGA-certified; 5.0-star rating from 10 reviews.
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IFMGA-certified; 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews; operates in Salt Lake City and Wasatch Mountains.
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- 39.$1199–$14397/day
ACMG Ski Guide certified; 5.0-star rating from 30 reviews; operates in Hot Springs and Greenland.
ACMG Ski GuideISA Surf Instructor - 40.
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Backcountry Skiing Guide Comparison — United States 2026
| Guide | Certifications | Rating | Price/Day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benegas Brothers Expeditions | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (10) | — | Sandy, UT |
| Adventure Spirit Guides | IFMGA, Mountain Guide, AMGA | 5.0 (8) | — | Burlington, VT |
| The Mountain Guides | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (4) | — | |
| The Mountain Guides Colorado | AMGA, IFMGA, Guide Agency | 5.0 (1) | — | CO |
| SWS Mountain Guides | IFMGA, AMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.8 (29) | — | Mount Shasta, CA |
| Mike Poborsky | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | AL |
| Emilie Drinkwater | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Brian Smith | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Jackson Hole, WY |
| Alpine Ascents International | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Seattle, WA |
| Steve Banks | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Crested Butte, CO |
| Silas Rossi | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | New Paltz, NY |
| Mountain Madness | Mountain Guide, IFMGA, AMGA | — | — | WA |
| Ice Axe Expeditions | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Truckee |
| Mikheil Nadiradze | IFMGA, GMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.9 (85) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Giorgi Gomiashvili | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.8 (6) | — | Stepantsminda, GA |
| Ilia Berulava Guiding Team | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.5 (60) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Beka Phajishvili | IFMGA, GMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.3 (6) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Shalva Margiani | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Mestia, GA |
| Saba Samadashvili | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Willie Benegas | IFMGA, AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide | 5.0 (4) | $495–$995 | Sandy, UT |
| Snow Vigil LLC | IFMGA, Guide Agency | 5.0 (1) | — | Oni, GA |
| Tornike Matsaberidze | IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Jim Moore | Ski Guide, AMGA Certified Ski Guide, AMGA | 5.0 (14) | — | Carnelian Bay, CA |
| Matt Schonwald | Ski Guide, AMGA Certified Ski Guide, AMGA | 2.0 (1) | — | Seattle, WA |
| Utah Mountain Adventures | AMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (5) | — | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Sierra Mountaineering International | AMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (1) | — | Bishop, CA |
| Wind River Climbing Guides | AMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (1) | — | Lander |
| Glenn Douglass | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | CA |
| Jonathan Zaugg | Mountain Guide, AMGA | — | — | |
| Matthew Maxley | Mountain Guide, AMGA | — | — | MN |
| Mimi Vadasz | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Truckee |
| Eat Sleep Surf | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Los Angeles |
| Brian Houle | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | WA |
| Abigail Morrissey | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Ashland |
| NW Mountain Guides | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Sedro-Woolley, WA |
| Colorado Backcountry | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | CO |
| Rob Coppolillo | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | CO |
| Killington Mountain guides | AMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | |
| Matt | ACMG Ski Guide, ISA Surf Instructor | 5.0 (30) | $1199–$14397 | Hot Springs, NC |
| Shako Margiani | GMGA, Ski Guide | 5.0 (2) | — | Mestia, GA |
| Iva Tsiklauri | GMGA, Ski Guide | — | — | Gudauri, GA |
| Michael Burk | Mountain Guide | — | — | Hackettstown, NJ |
Browse Backcountry Skiing Guides by State
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How to Choose a Backcountry Skiing Guide in United States
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Check certifications. IFMGA is the highest international standard. AMGA certification indicates a guide has passed rigorous assessments. Both ensure your guide meets professional safety and skill benchmarks.
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Match the guide to your skill level. Some guides specialize in introductory programs while others focus on advanced objectives. Read their profiles and contact them directly.
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Consider group size and format. Private guiding offers more flexibility but costs more per person. Small group programs are cost-effective and let you meet other participants.
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Verify local expertise. Guides with years of experience in United States know the terrain, weather patterns, and best zones for current conditions.
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Book early for peak dates. The best guides fill up months in advance, especially for holidays and prime conditions windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many backcountry skiing guides are in United States?
There are 42 backcountry skiing guides listed in United States. Certifications among these guides include AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide, Guide Agency, GMGA, AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide, Ski Guide, AMGA Certified Ski Guide, ACMG Ski Guide, ISA Surf Instructor.
How much does a backcountry skiing guide cost in United States?
Backcountry Skiing guide rates in United States typically range from $495 to $14397 per day, depending on the guide, group size, and specific program.
What certifications do United States backcountry skiing guides have?
United States backcountry skiing guides hold certifications including AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide, Guide Agency, GMGA, AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide, Ski Guide, AMGA Certified Ski Guide, ACMG Ski Guide, ISA Surf Instructor. IFMGA is the highest international standard for mountain guides.
What is the best time of year for backcountry skiing in United States?
The primary season for backcountry skiing in United States runs from December through April, with peak conditions typically in January through March. Spring conditions may extend into May or June at higher elevations.
How far in advance should I book a backcountry skiing guide in United States?
Popular guides in United States book up 2-6 months in advance, especially for peak season dates. For the best availability, contact guides at least 3 months before your preferred dates.