aterpster
I believe you to be correct at ASE. The airport is in a "box canyon" so to speak. There are two instrument approaches into the single runway:
1. A LOC/DME-E direct in approach.
2. A VOR/DME or GPS-C direct in approach that requires dual VHF navigational receivers.
There is a Roaring Fork Visual RWY15 for day use only with cloud deck and visual minimums.
There are four departures, three use the so called "Back Course":
1. LINDZ SIX requires a climb rate of 465 ft per NM to 10,000 and a left turn to intercept the 300° back course.
2. PITKIN TWO (RNAV) (same route as above)
3. SARDD ONE (OBSTACLE) requires a climb out to 9100 ft, a climbing turn to 270° to intercept the 300° back course. This is used to commence a holding pattern at LINDZ from which one can then proceed east or north when released by ATC.
The fourth departure is a straight out visual departure with cloud deck and visual minimums and can not be used at night.
The so called Back Course is used for missed approaches by turning right and intercepting the 300° back course. It is the only safe way out of the canyon as you are landing into the mountains with mountains on both sides at an elevation of 7820 feet.
At this time of the year you can never count on arriving or departing when you want to due to snow and gusty winds (white-out conditions), it is a very tricky airport.
As for the debate on the "Back Course" terminology, I leave that to the experts.
Turbine D