About Your Course

So, Colorado’s pristine backcountry has been calling but you, but you still haven’t taken that first step? This is it. This is the winter. Let’s go! This adventure is the perfect introduction to the skills necessary to confidently take those first steps and venture into the backcountry. This class is a stepping stone to get out of the resort and explore the backcountry. Not only is it an excellent full-day adventure for those new to backcountry skiing, but it is also a great way to gather experience prior to taking an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course. The AIARE Level 1 course curriculum does not include the use of touring equipment or touring technique, but this trip does. This one-day adventure is customized for both skiers and splitboarders. Grab some friends, pick a date, and our guides will handle everything else!

What You Will Learn:

Equipment

• Intro and overview of touring gear
• Proper and efficient transitions
• Intro to avalanche safety gear

Awareness

• Intro to trip planning and backcountry navigation
• Intro to hazard management
• Introduction to avalanche awareness

Movement

• Use of uphill climbing skins
• Intro to track setting
• Intro to using kick turns

2025/2026 Course Dates

• December 7th
• December 21st
• January 4th
• Jan 16th-18th (3-day Hut Based @ Carners Cabin)
• February 1st
• February 15th
• February 25th-27th (3-day Hut Based @ Broome Hut)
• March 1st
• March 15th

Itinerary

We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up and head to the field. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the backcountry into an experiential classroom where you will learn and hone your winter backcountry skills.

• Meet at Trailhead or at CAG Silverthorne Adventure Center, 204 Ryan Gulch Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498
• Full day of Avy Education, Trip Planning and Terrain Management
• Return to offices

Trip Package Includes

• Local experienced and professional Instructors/Guides
• 8-hour course with a 6:1 maximum instructor to student ratio
• Discounted demo gear if needed – 20% off
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the Trailhead

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Avalanche Safety Gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack) (rentals available)
• Lodging on non-hut based courses
• Clothing and gear (See FAQs)
• Backcountry skis, splitboards, or snowshoes (rentals available)
• Food on non-hut based courses
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Instructor gratuity

Area Info

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Summit County Area, Colorado

Summit County is the heart of our operation with access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and valleys. Summit County's high altitude makes for great snow conditions all season long and provides a wide variety of backcountry accessibility for all levels of backcountry splitboarders. With over 3,500 permitted acres in the Dillon and six surrounding Ranger Districts, we always have the terrain and conditions needed to meet the learning objectives of the courses we offer. We always plan to use a variety of zones to ensure our clients experience the best snow conditions available for the planned course days.

About Your Guides

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

FAQ’s

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How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To TakeThis Course?

Our courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp. Students on skis or boards 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 bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.

Required Equipment

• Avalanche Beacon (available in our rental shop)
• Avalanche Probe (available in our rental shop) - Avalanche Shovel (available in our rental shop)
• Medium (40L) sized backpack (available in our rental shop)
• Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard (available in our rental shop)
• Climbing Skins (available in our rental shop)
• Goggles
• Helmet (optional)

Recommended Clothing

• 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
• Neck gaiter or buff

Do You Offer a Private Group Course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Course?

You will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field-based days, students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and 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%.