MOVE BEYOND THE RESORT…

The Mountain Bureau has built a modern backcountry ski and splitboard touring package, designed for the individual. This is the first and only offering of its kind. No need to organize a group of people to go touring. Eliminate the hassle of organizing trip plans, coordinating partners, and monitoring stability forecasts. We do it all for you. Pick your days, show up, and tour! It doesn’t get any easier than that.

BUY YOUR PASS

RESERVE YOUR DATES

GO SKIING/RIDING

THREE GREAT LOCATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

 
 

SNOQUALIMIE & CRYSTAL MT. PASS

BUY SNOQUALMIE & CRYSTAL SKI PASS:

 

MT. BAKER PASS

BUY MT. BAKER SKI PASS:

 

THE VALUE

  • 4-days of guided backcountry skiing/splitboarding with a group

  • Saturday or Sunday tours are available during our 6-week pass season (January 20, 2024 - February 25, 2024)

  • The tours run even if you are the only one to show.

  • Pass holders can use a pass day to bring a friend(s)

  • Purchase additional pass days at the VIP rate of $150

  • Reserve your tour spot with as little as 48 hours notice

  • Pre-booked days can always be rescheduled.

Is the Backcountry Pass right for me?

The Mountain Bureau Backcountry Ski Pass is for human-powered backcountry ski and splitboard touring adventures. We will not be using lifts. All tours are scheduled for 6 consecutive weeks in January-February. The venue will be somewhat flexible to maximize conditions, but will concentrate at Snoqualmie Pass and the Central Cascades Backcountry. This is perfect for someone living west of the cascade crest or in the greater Seattle area.

 

A typical Backcountry Pass Tour will spend the day seeking the best snow for the day’s conditions. Tours will be planned to get away from other skiers and riders. If you are an advanced to expert skier/rider looking to maximize your turns for the day, this is your group. Touring group participants should be able to comfortably link turns and enjoy “black diamond” to “double-black” runs in various conditions including heavy powder, side slipping icy slopes, and jump turns in wind crusts. Skiers and riders should be comfortable spending all day outdoors engaged in moderate to intensive cardiovascular activity including 3,500-5,000 vertical feet of ascent in a day. Additionally, participants are expected to have some formal training with avalanche equipment (transceivers, probes, shovels).

If you are looking to get “out-of-bounds” for the first time, learning how to ski, or you are a novice this is not for you! Please look into our Intro to Backcountry Touring Course or Intro to Splitboarding Course. We want you to feel confident, appropriately challenged, and have a good time on our programs.

For those looking to freshen up on their avalanche skills, The Mountain Bureau offers 1-day AIARE Avalanche Rescue Courses to get you ready for this season.

 

PASS DETAILS

  • Each Backcountry Pass is valid for 4 days - Your purchase is good for 4 public guided backcountry skiing or splitboarding days for $699.

  • All days must be used at either the Snoqualmie Pass/Crystal Mountain Zone or the Mt. Baker Zone.

  • Meet your Mountain Bureau guide at the trailhead - Greet your guide and up to 4 other Backcountry Pass holders for a day of backcountry adventure. No planning or coordinating needed. Only one pass holder is required to show for up to run a tour day. Reserve your day and be ready to roll.

  • Punches must be used during the 6-week pass availability window - No refunds will be issued for unused days.

    • All reservations must be made before the 48-hour cutoff period - In order to plan tours the Mountain Bureau asks that all reservations be made at least 48 hours in advance. Within the 48 hour window pass holders can request a reservation via the contact link on our reservation page. Requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis until all open spaces are filled.

    • Reservations may be rebooked - prior to the 48-hour window without a fee.

    • Reservations canceled within the 48 hour window will not be rescheduled nor refunded.

  • Bring a Friend - Pass holders may extend a ski day to friends or family. Pass holders must accompany friends or family members. All friends joining pass holder groups must meet the skills requirement stated in “Is the Backcountry Pass Right for Me?”

  • Purchasing additional punches - Pass holders may purchase additional punches once all of the original pass punches have been used. Price of additional punches are at the VIP rate of $150.00. Additional days may be used in any of the available backcountry zones. All additional punches must be used during the 6 week pass availability window. No refunds will be issued for unused days.

  • The Mountain Bureau reserves the right to reschedule individual days - During the season we may experience high avalanche hazards, extremely undesirable conditions, such as rain, icy slopes, or any situation involving customer and guide safety. All days canceled by the guide will be added on to the end of the pass season calendar, according to the day of the week that was canceled.