Learn. Practice. Stay Alive.

Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision making. Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world, and people come from all across the globe to study the snowpack here. Our local team of AIARE-certified leaders and instructors have an intimate relationship with the local terrain and snowpack conditions where we operate & will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and to reduce risks. Avalanche Safety education is the core of our winter operations, and we are pleased to offer education in six Colorado Counties, including ski resort-based and hut-based courses.

Colorado Adventure Guides is proud to be one of the original splitboard specific course developers and providers in the country, supported by Weston Backcountry. Want more? Check out our Splitboard Progression Program! To take this class, students must be familiar with their touring setups and be able to ride at a steep blue or black level on resort. If you are not yet at this level, please check out our 1-Day Intro to Splitboarding Courses!

We offer AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day courses in a traditional in-person format that combine advance e-learning, classroom, and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. All Level 1 courses include a minimum 24 hours of coursework, and two days on snow.

As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, our AIARE courses include the complimentary use of Ortovox avalanche safety equipment like their Diract Voice beacon, a shovel like their Beast, an ALU probe, and an Ortovox backpack designed to hold them for easy access.

We want to make sure that you get the education that you need and don’t cut corners in delivering the best product to maximize your benefit!

What You'll Learn:

• Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
• Pre-trip equipment check
• Survival gear checklist
• Weather
• Understanding a mountain snowpack
• Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast
• Classifications of avalanches
• Characteristics of different types of avalanches

Trip Preparation

• Basics of route selection and terrain management
• Trip planning and preparation
• Rescue and emergency preparation
• Group management

Hazards/Rescue

• Recognizing hazardous conditions
• Managing risk and decision making
• Human factors and influence
• Companion rescue techniques

2026 Course Dates & Options:

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• January 9th-11th 2026

Itinerary

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One Month Prior: E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent. Students submit questions relating to E-Learning or Student Manual to prepare for the Classroom portion of the course. Day One: Classroom Presentations, activities, and tour planning Day Two- on snow: Companion Rescue and Making Relevant Observations Day Three- on snow: Student-led tour and course close

Trip Package Includes

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor(s) (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
• AIARE Course Manual and waterproof Field Book
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
• CAG professional splitboard guide
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
• Clothing and gear
• Backcountry splitboards and skins (available for rent)
• Snacks, lunch, water
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Instructor gratuity

Area Info

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Summit County Area, Colorado

Summit County is the heart of our operation with access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and valleys. Summit County's high altitude makes for great snow conditions all season long and provides a wide variety of backcountry accessibility for all levels of backcountry splitboarders. With over 3,500 permitted acres in the Dillon and six surrounding Ranger Districts, we always have the terrain and conditions needed to meet the learning objectives of the courses we offer. We always plan to use a variety of zones to ensure our clients experience the best snow conditions available for the planned course days.

About Your Guides

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Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Ascents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQ’s

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How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do I Need To Be A Good Snowboarder To TakeThis Course?

It is highly recommended that participants have experience on their touring setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.

Do You Offer an AIARE 1 As A Private Group Course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Private groups may select a traditional classroom or Zoom for their classroom component. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Course?

For classroom-based courses you will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field-based days, students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

When Should I Take My AIARE 1?

The AIARE 1 course is developed for new to intermediate backcountry users, or for those looking to formalize their education. This course is for experienced resort skiers/riders that have knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment. Not quite there yet? Check out our 1-day Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses.

Can Skip the AIARE 1 Course?

The AIARE 1 course is part 1 of the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program. The Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program is a recreational program that consists of 3 courses spanning a total of 7 days. While there is no actual certification after taking all the courses, you will obtain course completions. With that said, the AIARE 1 course is a prerequisite to the AIARE 2 course, and so you must attend the AIARE 1 course to continue with the program.

Does the AIARE 1 Certificate Expire?

The AIARE 1 certificate does not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher and Rescue Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%