Master Avalanche Safety and Understand Colorado’s Snowpack in One Hour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, suitable for all levels
Overview
Take just one hour to immerse yourself in avalanche safety and current snow conditions in Colorado’s Rockies. This clinic offers practical tools for safer winter backcountry travel around Silverthorne.
Avy Safety 101 & State of the Snowpack Clinic
Learn About Avalanche Risk and Local Snowpacks
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join our engaging Avy 101 Clinic to discover the thrilling world of avalanche awareness without the heavy science. In just one hour, learn about avalanche dynamics, essential gear, and smart backcountry decision-making. Complement your experience with insights from the State of the Snowpack, tracking winter weather and its impact on snow conditions.
Avy 101 & State of the Snowpack Clinics
Our Avy 101 Clinic is a free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize. In one hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches. You'll also learn about the resources used to make smart decisions in the backcountry. We will talk about the gear, using the forecast, and avenues for backcountry education.
Our State of the Snowpack tracks the weather since the beginning of winter and explores its effect on the snowpack for the purposes of traveling and recreating in the backcountry. While this is also not a science-based talk, we will discuss the reasons that we track storms and analyze the snowpack regularly. Attendees will learn about the state of the current snowpack, how it got to where it is, and what this means as we welcome more snow to the area.
2025-2026 Season Dates
- 1/7/2026: Bentgate Mountaineering, Golden, CO 6PM
- 1/20/2026: RMU, Breckenridge, CO 6PM
- 1/27/2026: Hideaway Park Brewery, Winter Park, CO 6PM
- 2/10/2026: The Block, Silverthorne, CO 6PM
Adventure Tips
Check Avalanche Forecasts Daily
Always review the local avalanche forecast before heading out to understand current risks.
Carry Essential Safety Gear
Bring a beacon, probe, and shovel regardless of terrain—avalanche conditions can be unpredictable.
Learn to Spot Avalanche Terrain
Familiarize yourself with signs of avalanche-prone slopes such as steepness, terrain traps, and recent slide activity.
Practice Decision-Making Skills
Use the clinic’s frameworks to evaluate conditions and make conservative choices in the backcountry.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Mountain chickadee
History
Silverthorne developed as a mountain town in the 1960s, growing with Colorado’s ski industry and outdoor recreation boom.
Conservation
Local agencies emphasize minimizing human impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem, promoting Leave No Trace principles and responsible backcountry travel.
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Adventure Hotspots in Silverthorne
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Avalanche Beacon
Crucial for locating buried individuals in an avalanche emergency.
winter specific
Avalanche Probe
Used for pinpointing the location of a buried person beneath the snow.
winter specific
Shovel
Essential for quick snow removal during avalanche rescue.
winter specific
Winter Clothing Layers
Dress in moisture-wicking and insulating layers to stay warm and dry in cold conditions.
winter specific