Gain essential avalanche safety skills tailored for splitboarders with this 3-day AIARE Level 1 course in Silverthorne. Explore winter backcountry safely with expert guides.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness with the ability to hike uphill on snow-covered terrain for several hours per day.
Wildlife
History
Summit County has a rich mining history, with many trails originally used by miners exploring Colorado’s mountainous terrain.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on fragile alpine ecosystems during backcountry travel.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Gain essential avalanche safety skills tailored for splitboarders with this 3-day AIARE Level 1 course in Silverthorne. Explore winter backcountry safely with expert guides.
Colorado Adventure Guides is a Silverthorne, Colorado–based outfitter offering guided outdoor adventures across Summit County and the Upper Colorado River corridor. The company organizes half-day and multi-day experiences including beginner Clear Creek rafting, overnight Colorado River rafting with riverside or Rancho Del Rio campground stays, Boots to Boats multi-day packages, guided backcountry skiing from Carner's Cabin, and youth mountain biking camp.
Safety and education are central: programs include AIARE Avalanche Rescue and AIARE Level 1 courses, Wilderness First Aid training, and ORTOVOX safety sessions focused on avalanche danger and tour planning. A guided mentorship day supports individualized skill building in trip planning, route selection, and snow-safety techniques. Guides lead trips on Clear Creek, the Colorado River, and lift-accessed terrain at Winter Park Ski Resort where applicable. Overnight trips provide guided camping, meals prepared by guides, and wilderness navigation through canyon and high-country scenery. Family-friendly options and beginner trips accommodate newcomers, while technical courses and multi-day hut trips support progression for experienced participants. Youth programming emphasizes skill development, trail safety, and confidence building on local mountain-bike terrain. Based in Silverthorne, the outfitter serves Denver-area guests seeking accessible rafting and snow-safety training within easy driving distance. Bookings typically specify trip length, group size, and chosen itinerary to match ability and goals. Colorado Adventure Guides presents a broad mix of recreation and education in the Colorado outdoors, combining guided river runs, backcountry instruction, and residential hut experiences to create memorable, skill-building adventures.
Reservations are available year-round with flexible group and date options online.
Base Location
Silverthorne, CO
Gateway to Summit County adventures
Tours Offered
11 Experiences
Rafting, courses, biking, skiing
Near Denver
45 min to Clear Creek
Accessible day trips from Denver
Safety Training
AIARE & WFA Offered
Avalanche and wilderness medicine courses
Reserve rafting trips, overnight river trips, avalanche courses, or youth camps — dates fill quickly.
Always Carry Avalanche Rescue Gear
Bring a beacon, probe, and shovel, and ensure you know how to use them before heading into the backcountry.
Dress in Moisture-Wicking Layers
Layering with moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers helps regulate body temperature during intense activity.
Check the Weather Daily
Avalanche conditions change rapidly with weather; monitor forecasts closely throughout the course.
Practice Snowpack Assessment Techniques
Use course time to refine snowpit tests and observe different snowpack layers for better hazard recognition.
Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)
Crucial for locating buried avalanche victims quickly during rescue drills.
winter
Splitboard or Snowboard with Climbing Skins
Necessary for practical training on uphill snow travel specific to splitboarding.
winter
Insulated Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you warm and dry while spending long periods in cold mountain conditions.
winter
Snow Shovel
Used for digging snow pits and rescue training during avalanche drills.
winter