What certifications do your guides hold?

Our lead guide, Blake Votilla, holds the highest level of ski guiding certification in the United States listed below. When appropriate, we partner with local IFMGA guides or specialized tail guides to provide additional expertise and support

• American Mountain Guides Association - Certified Ski Guide

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR (updated bi-annually)

• Professional Level 2 Avalanche

• PSIA - Level 1 Ski Instructor

Do you work with local outfitters?

When guiding internationally, we work closely with local partners and always follow the regulations and customs of each destination. Our priority is making sure your trip is not only safe, but also smooth and memorable from start to finish. Depending on where we’re headed, this might mean securing special permits for certain objectives, teaming up with experienced local guides, or arranging unique logistics like huts, boats, or private transportation — whatever it takes to make the adventure happen.

In the U.S., all guided trips on public lands are conducted under the permits of authorized outfitters, in compliance with federal regulations.

Do you offer pre-set trips or published prices?

We don’t offer pre-set trips or fixed prices — every BV Ski Guides trip is fully custom, built around your goals, experience level, and dream destinations. This way, you get a trip that’s truly your own rather than joining a one-size-fits-all itinerary.

That said, if you contact us, we can let you know if there are any upcoming trips with available spots that might be a good fit. We also specialize in certain locations and trip styles, and we’d be happy to give you suggestions for itineraries we love and return to year after year.

Some of our favorites include:

• Arctic Norway — sail-to-ski, snowmobile-accessed, and lodge-based trips in remote coastal destinations

• The European Alps — classic village-to-village traverses, luxury accommodations, and lift-assisted backcountry skiing

• Canada — hut trips and day skiing

• Local expertise in the Tetons — powder skiing, ski mountaineering, and big objectives right in our backyard

• Other Locations - such as: Iceland, Svalbard, South America, Japan, Central Asia, and more

• Activities: backcountry skiing, trekking, mountain biking, adventure travel

We can accommodate groups from one to five guests per guide, and for larger groups we can bring in additional guides to keep the experience safe, smooth, and personalized.

Pricing varies depending on location, group size, trip length, and logistics, and we’re happy to provide a detailed quote once we know what kind of adventure you’re looking for.

What experience do I need, and do you offer rental equipment?

We regularly work with people of all ages and experience levels, and every trip is tailored to fit you. Whether you’re a first-time backcountry skier heading out with your family or an experienced skier in search of your next remote ski mountaineering objective or high peak, we’ll design an itinerary that matches your goals and comfort level.

We don’t currently offer our own rental equipment, but we may be able to lend specialty items such as ice axes, crampons, or avalanche transceivers. Your guide will bring all the technical gear needed for the trip — such as ropes and protection — and we can happily arrange any additional rental equipment you need through trusted local outfitters.

How do I get started?

Contact us here!