Gain life-saving avalanche rescue skills just outside Silverthorne, Colorado with a hands-on, one-day course. Learn from experts, practice realistic scenarios, and get geared up with Ortovox safety equipment.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to walk over uneven snowy terrain and engage in hands-on rescue exercises.
Wildlife
History
Silverthorne was originally a mining town and now serves as a gateway to extensive outdoor adventures in Summit County.
Conservation
The area emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile alpine environment and maintain safe backcountry conditions.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Gain life-saving avalanche rescue skills just outside Silverthorne, Colorado with a hands-on, one-day course. Learn from experts, practice realistic scenarios, and get geared up with Ortovox safety equipment.
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 your beacon
Avalanche transceivers are crucial; double-check that everyone in your group is equipped and knows how to use theirs.
Dress in layers
Colorado’s mountain weather can change rapidly; wear moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outer shells.
Stay hydrated
Even in cold weather, dehydration is a risk—bring water and drink regularly throughout the course.
Practice your skills regularly
After the course, review and practice beacon searches and probe usage to maintain readiness for backcountry travel.
Avalanche Beacon (Transceiver)
Critical for locating buried victims during avalanche rescue exercises.
winter
Waterproof Hiking Boots or Snow Boots
Provide traction and keep your feet dry and warm in snowy terrain.
winter
Thermal Base Layers
Maintain warmth during cold weather training sessions.
winter
Water Bottle or Hydration Reservoir
Stay hydrated throughout the physically demanding course.