moderate
3 days
Participants should be in good physical shape, capable of moderate hiking in snow and carrying gear over varied terrain.
Learn vital avalanche safety skills over three days with expert guides in Colorado’s Silverthorne area. Hands-on training and complimentary gear prepare you for safe backcountry adventures.
Embark on a three-day immersive journey with Colorado Adventure Guides as you take the AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course in Silverthorne, Colorado. This comprehensive course combines expert-led classroom instruction with hands-on field training along the breathtaking continental divide, offering an unmatched learning experience for those eager to explore Colorado’s backcountry safely. You’ll gain crucial avalanche knowledge, from understanding snowpack layers to mastering rescue techniques, in real-world scenarios designed to build confidence and competence. Throughout the course, participants receive complimentary Ortovox safety gear, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped for practical application and future adventures. Whether you’re a backcountry skier, snowboarder, or hiker, this course empowers you to recognize avalanche terrain, make safer travel decisions, and execute emergency protocols effectively. The mix of indoor educational sessions and outdoor fieldwork gives a balance of theory and practice set amidst the stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. By the end, you’ll have not only valuable skills but also the peace of mind to explore winter wilderness responsibly. The course location near Silverthorne, with its accessible proximity to Denver and other resort towns, makes for an ideal setting for adventure travelers wanting expert avalanche training in an inspiring environment.
Before heading out, review daily avalanche bulletins specific to the Front Range to understand current snow conditions.
Frequent practice with avalanche transceivers improves your speed and efficiency in real rescue scenarios.
Wear breathable base layers to stay comfortable during both classroom sessions and active fieldwork.
Good physical and mental preparation enhances learning and safety during demanding outdoor portions of the course.
Silverthorne developed originally as a railroad town during Colorado’s mining era and now serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain outdoor activities.
The area benefits from ongoing conservation efforts focused on protecting alpine habitats and maintaining safe backcountry access through responsible education.
Crucial for locating buried individuals during avalanche rescue practice.
winter specific
Helps traverse deep snow during field exercises comfortably and safely.
winter specific
Keeps you warm during cold outdoor sessions and variable mountain weather.
winter specific
Staying hydrated is important, especially when exerting energy in cold or dry mountain conditions.