top of page
Skier on glacier in winter landscape

Discover Montana’s Premier Backcountry Skiing — From Cooke City’s Cold Smoke to Red Lodge’s Alpine Classics

Escape the crowds and dive into the purest powder skiing in the Lower 48.
Whether you and your crew want the remote magic of Cooke City backcountry skiing or the big alpine terrain of Red Lodge, our professional guides craft an unforgettable, safe, and deeply rewarding adventure.

For Those Who Know the Best Turns
Aren’t on the Map

Step into the quieter corners of Montana’s backcountry and explore terrain revealed through Beartooth Mountain Guides’ deep local knowledge and instinct for crafting memorable days. Whether you’re gathering a few close friends or planning a special winter escape, places like Cooke City and Red Lodge become even more remarkable with a team that knows how to bring out the best they offer. With untracked powder, thoughtful pacing, and days shaped around what matters most to your group, our seasoned guides ensures the experience feels elevated, natural, and seamlessly tailored—exactly the way a Montana ski adventure should.

The Best Backcountry Skiing in the Lower 48

Cooke City — The Cold Smoke Capital of North America

  • Remote mountain town cut off from roads in winter

  • Snowmobile-only access

  • Exceptionally light “cold smoke” powder

  • Ski-from-your-door terrain

  • Yellowstone vistas and untouched alpine bowls

  • The most snowfall in Montana

  • Authentic, quiet, wild, exclusive

skier in deep powder
group of skiers going uphill in winter mountain landscape

Red Lodge — Alpine Classics in the Beartooths

  • Big peaks, ridgelines, and iconic couloirs

  • Excellent 1-2 day itineraries for advanced groups

  • Easy access from Billings or Bozeman

  • Wild and scenic descents with fewer crowds

European Ski Touring — The Pinnacle of Global Backcountry Adventure

Our European ski touring adventures bring you into the birthplace of backcountry skiing — dramatic granite peaks, high-alpine glaciers, and historic mountain huts linked by spectacular ski descents.

​

Imagine:

  • Waking up in a cozy hut high above the valley

  • Skinning into a sunrise that hits the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif

  • Dropping into perfect snow with thousands of feet of continuous fall line

  • Ending the day with alpine comfort, wine, and great food

    From the Haute Route to hidden gems only locals know, these trips redefine what backcountry skiing can be.

two skiers walking on a sunny day with dramatic snowy mountains in the background

Montana Holds the Adventure. You Bring the Curiosity. We Guide the Way.

Montana’s backcountry offers endless possibilities—deep Cooke City powder, quiet Red Lodge couloirs, and vast terrain that rewards those who know where to look. But the best experiences rarely happen by accident. The snowpack shifts, access points change, and the most memorable lines often sit hidden behind layers of local knowledge. Groups arrive hoping for effortless powder laps, smooth logistics, and terrain that matches everyone’s abilities. And while the mountains don’t always make that easy, the right guidance transforms a weekend into something exceptional—untracked snow, confident decision-making, and a trip that feels perfectly curated from start to finish.

Trusted mountain expertise since 1994

​Beartooth Mountain Guides brings the professional expertise that elevates the trip you’ve envisioned for your group. Led with oversight from IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide Akio Joy, our team offers deep local knowledge of Cooke City, Red Lodge, and the surrounding Montana backcountry—knowledge that transforms good ski days into exceptional ones. Each guide’s focus is understanding the experience you want and shaping every day to match it, creating a trip that feels seamless, safe, and truly memorable. With BMG, you and your friends can relax into the adventure, knowing every turn is supported by seasoned professionals.

akio.jpg

Akio Joy, IFMGA Mountain Guide

Attach0_edited.jpg

Ty Guarino, IFMGA Mountain Guide

Taylor Lais.png

Taylor Lais, IFMGA Mountain Guide

three skiers smiling into the camera in cooke city

“The best guided ski experience in Montana. Our guide knew every safe stash near Cooke City — unforgettable turns”

-- Bob H., Bozeman

two skiers walking on a glacier in Italy

“We had an unforgettable experience with Akio and Anju from Beartooth Mountain Guides. I highly recommend them if you're looking for expert guidance tailored to your skill level.”

- Hana M, California

skier in front of italian hut on a glacier

Book Your Premium Backcountry Ski Experience

1. Pick Your Location:

- Cooke City

- Red Lodge 

- European Alps

2. Choose Your

Custom Dates

3. Ski world-class terrain

Frequently asked questions

Want to join one of our group trips?

IFMGA certified mountain guide badge

All programs are directed by IFMGA/American Mountain Guide Akio Joy.

© 2024 Beartooth Mountain Guides. All rights reserved

Phone: + 1 406 446 1407
Email: info@beartoothguides.com

Monthly news about trips, courses, conditions, route updates and internal happenings.

Custer‑Gallatin National Forest permit badge

We are operating under permits with the Custer-Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests.

Beartooth Mountain Guides is an equal opportunity provider.

bottom of page