Ready to explore Colorado’s backcountry with confidence? This beginner-friendly skiing and splitboarding course focuses on avalanche safety and essential gear skills for an unforgettable winter day in Silverthorne.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness with some experience in skiing or snowboarding to comfortably handle uphill travel and extended physical activity.
Wildlife
History
The Silverthorne area was originally developed as a mining community before growing into a hub for winter sports enthusiasts.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate alpine environment and reduce human impact on the wilderness.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Ready to explore Colorado’s backcountry with confidence? This beginner-friendly skiing and splitboarding course focuses on avalanche safety and essential gear skills for an unforgettable winter day in Silverthorne.
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.
Check Avalanche Forecasts
Always review the local avalanche report before heading out to stay informed on current conditions.
Layer Appropriately
Wear moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outer layers to stay warm and dry throughout the day.
Hydrate Regularly
Cold weather can mask dehydration, so drink water frequently even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Practice Transitions Ahead
Familiarize yourself with ski-splitboard transition techniques before your trip to improve efficiency on the mountain.
Avalanche Beacon
Crucial for locating buried individuals during avalanche emergencies.
winter
Backcountry Ski Boots or Snowboard Boots
Designed for comfortable uphill climbing and downhill performance.
winter
Poles with Adjustable Length
Aid in stability and propulsion during uphill travel.
winter
Insulated Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you warm and dry in harsh mountain conditions.
winter