Prepare yourself for safe backcountry travel with a three-day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course at Winter Park Resort. Learn essential avalanche safety skills on lift-accessed terrain led by expert instructors.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to handle uphill and downhill travel in snow, carrying equipment over multiple hours.
Wildlife
History
Winter Park Resort was established in the 1940s and has become one of Colorado's oldest and most accessible ski destinations, with a rich history of guiding outdoor adventurers safely.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and collaborate with Winter Park Resort to minimize environmental impact while promoting avalanche education.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Prepare yourself for safe backcountry travel with a three-day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course at Winter Park Resort. Learn essential avalanche safety skills on lift-accessed terrain led by expert instructors.
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.
Practice Beacon Searches Regularly
Repetition of beacon search drills during the course is crucial to improve speed and accuracy in real rescue scenarios.
Layer Your Clothing
Wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers to stay dry and warm throughout long field sessions in winter conditions.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Often
Cold weather can disguise dehydration, so drink water frequently and eat high-energy snacks to maintain stamina.
Respect Weather and Avalanche Conditions
Monitor local avalanche forecasts and weather updates daily; conditions can change rapidly in Colorado’s backcountry.
Avalanche Beacon (Transceiver)
Critical for practicing search and rescue drills during the course.
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Snowshoes or Skis
Needed to efficiently travel over snow-covered terrain during field training.
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Insulated, Waterproof Outerwear
Protects against harsh winter weather and keeps you dry throughout day-long sessions.
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Backpack with Hydration System
Useful for carrying gear, layers, snacks, and water during field exercises.
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