
Back Country Tours is a mountain guide service and ski and mountaineering school recognized by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Tom Masterson, the owner and principal instructor, is a PSIA-certified cross-country ski instructor and mountain tour guide with thirty-five years' experience teaching mountaineering, skiing, and wilderness survival skills.
Courses and Tours
Tom has also taught the High Altitude Mountaineering section of the Colorado Mountain Club, the Lake Eldora Ski Area, the University of British Columbia Mountaineering Club, University of Wisconsin Hoofers, and Deutscher Alpenverein in Germany.
In the winter, Tom teaches cross country, back country, telemark, mountain leadership, and avalanche courses. In the summer, he teaches climbing and mountaineering, and guides expeditions world-wide.
Contact Tom for more information about courses and tours.
Photo Essay


Trekking in Nepal
May 1-22, 2008 (tentative dates). Hiking through the awesome beauty of the world’s highest mountains.
This is a hike of a lifetime. Requirements: Spirit of adventure and excellent physical condition. Mountaineering skills not required.






Through the spectacular Bhote Koshi valley to Thame monastery and the beautiful, remote village of Lundgren, home of some of the world’s most renowned Sherpas.

Then up a seldom-traveled trail past gorgeous lakes to Renjo Pass (~5350m). Last time I was on this trail I saw no one for the entire day!

Day trips to the sacred lakes around Gokyo, including majestic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and an optional climb of Gokyo Ri (5366m).


Up Khumbu to Loboche & Gorak Shep, with an optional climb of Kalapatar Peak (~5500m), with incredible views of Pumori & Everest.


Trek into Everest base camp at the base of the incredible Khumbu icefall, back to Lobouche, over to Dukla, across the soul-searching moraine to Dingboche, the town with the stone walls.


Optional climbs of Chhukung Ri Peak (5500m) and Chhukung Peak (5800m). Optional climb of Island Peak 6118m (20,072ft) — this is the only peak on this tour that requires any snow/glacier experience; all others can be done in tennis shoes!



Then through the Rhododendron forest back to Namche with its Sherpa museum, busy market, and bustling tourist shops. Trek out to Lukla, flight to Kathmandu, a day or two of great shopping + good restaurants in Kathmandu before flight home.
Contact Tom for more information.