Master avalanche safety in Winter Park with a hands-on AIARE Level 1 course. Learn critical rescue skills and explore lift-accessed terrain guided by experts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to navigate varied snow terrain and carry a pack during field sessions.
Wildlife
History
Winter Park Resort opened as Colorado's first ski resort in 1940, originally serving as a railway destination.
Conservation
Ongoing efforts focus on minimizing impact on fragile alpine ecosystems during winter recreational activities.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Master avalanche safety in Winter Park with a hands-on AIARE Level 1 course. Learn critical rescue skills and explore lift-accessed terrain guided by experts.
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.
Dress in warm, layered clothing
Temperatures vary throughout the day—wear wick layers, insulated jackets, and waterproof outer shells to stay comfortable.
Bring a fully charged phone and extra batteries
Communication and electronic device reliability are vital during avalanche courses.
Arrive well-rested and hydrated
Avalanche training is mentally and physically demanding; ensure you are ready for long days outdoors.
Practice beacon use beforehand if possible
Basic familiarity with your avalanche beacon will improve your focus during practical exercises.
Avalanche beacon
Crucial for practicing rescue scenarios and understanding beacon operation.
winter
Warm, waterproof gloves
Protect your hands from cold and moisture during field exercises.
winter
Layered clothing system
Allows you to adjust for changing temperatures and activity levels throughout the day.
winter
Daypack
To carry safety gear, food, water, and extra clothing comfortably during field sessions.
winter