If you are looking to hone your backcountry and steep-skiing skills, it would be hard to find a better place than Colorado’s Crested Butte. This is where a kid named Seth got his start, filming in front of a guy named Steve Winter. The mountain is also home to the granddaddy big-mountain event of them all, a comp where heroes have been anointed and careers crushed.

So it should come as no surprise that if you want to learn how the big-dogs do it, the ‘Butte is as good a venue as you can find anywhere. And learning how to do it – on lines like Body Bag – is easier than ever.

The ‘Butte has just announced that the ski resort has teamed up with Crested Butte Mountain Guides to offer a new “Adventure Guide Program” this winter. The program will combine backcountry ski skills and education with guided in-bounds and out-of-bounds skiing.

“With PSIA/AMGA Certified Guides running the program, the amazing terrain Crested Butte has to offer, and keeping it fun, this is the perfect addition to our programs,” says Nick Herrin, Ski and Ride School Director for CBMR. “Experienced guides will evaluate needs and ability to create a mountain experience you will never forget.”

In taking the opportunity to learn more about backcountry skiing and safety, clients will be supplied for the day with an Osprey backpack and other necessities needed for hiking and exploring the mountain. Backcountry Access Tracker transceivers, probes, and shovels are also available for clients interested in learning how to use the gear.

Of course, top notch education like this doesn’t come cheap. An All Day Guide program clocks in at $61o, while a morning with the program will set you back $400.

But for those looking for a true immersion into backcountry skiing, we have to recommend the 2 Day Program, Yeah, it costs a cool $1,070 but will teach you everything you need to know to get started skiing the out of bounds. And better yet, you get to venture outside the ski area’s ropes, into areas that are closed to everyone, all the time (except, of course, you and your guide).

“The Backcountry Guide offering is for people looking for an adventure outside the ski area,” adds Herrin. “The first day will be spent on the mountain learning backcountry skills and equipment usage, such as skinning, transceiver practice, and safety procedures. The second day will be an adventure exploring backcountry terrain.”

For more information, check out www.skicb.com