Escape the crowded resorts and earn your turns on a backcountry skiing adventure in Colorado’s Summit County. Backcountry skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter in Colorado. Not only does it provide the opportunity to extend your ski season but it allows you to experience something few skiers ever will, skiing powder in solitude. Enjoy some mellow turns in a fresh tree stash, lay the first line down the powder filled meadow, or even potentially traverse a high alpine ridge line to a snow-covered summit. CAG’s professionally trained guides are here to show you the way.

We scout out the best conditions and assess avalanche danger and other potentially dangerous conditions that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Not an expert skier? Never skied in the backcountry? No problem! If you can ski Vail’s back bowls, you can ski in our backcountry. Our experienced and professional guides will teach uphill and downhill skiing techniques, risk management, and talk you through decision-making in the backcountry. Bring your own gear, or take advantage of our rental packages to get fully equipped.

No Gear? No Problem.

Acquiring rentals can be stressful especially if you’re in a time crunch. Look no further. We operate a complete backcountry demo shop out of our basecamp in Silverthorne, CO. We carry full A/T touring setups from Weston or DPS with ATK Bindings, Scarpa boots, and Pomoca skins. Discounts apply when booking a guided tour or course. We also carry snowshoes, ice climbing gear, avalanche rescue gear, and more. Purchase your set up at season end if you really enjoyed the experience!

Itinerary

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Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly by their guide no later than 48 hours before the start of the trip to discuss adventure details.

Day of Tour – One full day, 8 am to 4 pm. Go to trailhead or CAG basecamp to meet your guide and then travel into the field for a full day of learning and fun.

Trip Package Includes

• CAG local, professional guide (5:1 maximum guide to participant ratio)
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead if needed
• Discounted rental of ORTOVOX beacon, shovel and probe (if needed)
• Discounted demo gear (if needed)
• A safe, fun, and educational experience

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
• AT or telemark skis, boots, skins, or avalanche gear (can be obtained or rented from CAG HQ)
• Clothing for weather conditions
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Instructor gratuity
• Transportation to the designated meeting place
• Food, water, lunch, snacks

Area Info

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Colorado Adventure Guides is permitted to operate in a variety of terrain from Summit County to several adjacent counties, which allows us to access a variety of zones. Typically we confirm our destinations before the actual tour to make sure we have the most appropriate terrain. These tours take place in Summit County and surrounding areas from December through April.

About Your Guides

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 25 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQs

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What kind of skier would enjoy this adventure?

Skiers must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort. Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain, and must bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. Touring skis are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp. Looking for more of an educational outing? Sign up for one of our 1-day Intro to Backcountry Ski Courses! Because traveling up and down hills in untracked conditions is demanding, we find most kids of at least 12 years old can enjoy this, but abilities vary.

How physically fit do I need to be to participate in this course?

Colorado Adventure Guides priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our guides and instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus we contact you before selecting a trail.

When and how do I meet up with our instructor?

Your instructor will contact you at least 48 hours prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time. We depart at 8 am.

What Equipment is Required for this Course?

• Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
• Medium-sized backpack
• Alpine touring skis with well-fitted climbing skins and boots and poles, or equivalent splitboard set up
• Goggles and helmet
• Much of the above is available for rent at CAG’s Backcountry Demo Center (BCDC) in Silverthorne.

What should I bring and wear?

We recommend you bring or wear the below or similar:

• Hard or softshell pants
• Synthetic or merino wool base layer
• Softshell jacket (optional)
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
• Light gloves for uphill travel
• Warm gloves
• Brimmed hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Snacks, water, food
• Medium backpack

Can I join a group backcountry skiing tour?

All of our guided ski tours are booked private and custom, and are priced accordingly. If you are looking for a group trip option please contact us to see if we have any group trips available on the schedule.

Should we tip our instructor?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with 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%