Welcome to Sawatch Backcountry

Sawatch Backcountry is an independent, full service outdoor shop located in historic downtown Leadville specializing in telemark, alpine touring, cross country skiing, and backpacking. We offer a great selection of quality brands you can rely on, and an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff to make sure you get what you need. And if you just need to rent some equipment for a backcountry adventure we have the best rates for AT (Alpine Touring) and telemark gear, avalanche tools, splitboards, and snowshoes.

Leadville is perched at the head of the broad Arkansas Valley with the spectacular Sawatch Range spread out before it. From the famous fourteen thousand foot peaks that dominate this vista, to the hundreds of peaks over 12’000 feet, and the countless alpine lakes cradled between them, this range offers year round recreation for all abilities.

So give us a call or drop in, anytime! We’ll be happy to help you plan your trip. We’ll dial you in with maps, help you pick the appropriate gear and get you headed in the right direction.

Along with our new equipment and clothing we also sell used items in our consignment shop.  So, whatever you're looking for, there's a better chance that we have something to fit your needs at the right price.  If you're looking to finance your next big backcountry purchase, bring in your old stuff, and we'll do our best to help you sell it.  Whether your equipment is new or used, we just want to help you get out there and enjoy mountains like we do.






Got a Hut Trip Coming Up This Spring? We've Got Everything You Need!

We Rent:
Alpine Touring Gear with Dynafit or Fritschi Bindings
Telemark Gear with O1's, Hammerheads and Axl's
Cross Country Gear from skinny to fat!
Splitboards, Voile and Prior...all prefit with Bent Metal Bindings to save you time getting out the door!
Accessories...Beacons, crampons, snowshoes...you name it!  Check out our rental page.

Sawatch Backcountry is conveniently located near the trailheads for Skinner, Jackal, 10th Mountain, Continental Divide, Uncle Bud's, Sangree Froelicher, Shrine Mountain, Fowler Hilliard and Eiseman Huts; as well as Janet's Cabin, Vance's Cabin and the Leadville Backcountry Yurts.