challenging
2–3 days
Participants should be in good physical condition with endurance to handle strenuous climbing and rescue scenarios over multiple days.
Elevate your climbing safety with hands-on rescue training in Colorado’s Silverthorne, a hub for rugged alpine adventures. Learn vital self and partner rescue skills to handle emergencies confidently in the Rockies.
Learn how to get out of a jam using a variety of rescue methods and systems
Enhance your climbing skills with this advanced rescue course, perfect for experienced climbers. Under expert guidance, you'll master essential techniques like belay escapes, advanced anchors, and rescue protocols in a hands-on outdoor setting. Transform the backcountry into your classroom and gain confidence in critical companion rescue skills for your next vertical adventure.
This course is designed for climbers with previous rock climbing experience and previous work with gear and anchors is required. If you spend any length of time in the vertical world, it is absolutely imperative that you and your partners have a solid foundation of companion rescue skills. We begin with basic belay escapes and then move into more complex raising and lowering systems. We’ll cover ascending to your partner; a variety of rappelling options, knot passes, and advanced rope work. Site management will also be a key topic covered.
3 person minimum needed to run the course
Participants will learn rescue protocols under the guidance of experienced and supportive instructors.
We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up, and head to the field. Meeting time is 8AM. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the backcountry into an experiential classroom where you will learn and practice your new climbing skills.
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 for courses. Typically we confirm our destinations about two weeks before the actual course to make sure we have the most appropriate terrain for the course. This course will take place in Summit County.
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 spanning Summit and Eagle Counties to the Denver Front Range. Our all-season, guided operations include:
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!
You should be an intermediate or advanced climber.
Your instructor will contact you at least 48 hours prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.
We supply all climbing gear. You should bring water, food, snacks, closed toed shoes, sunglasses, pants or long shorts, synthetic materials shirt, and an extra insulating or waterproof layer.
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%.
Proper footwear ensures grip and safety when practicing rescue techniques on rocky terrain.
Hydration is key during physically demanding rescue drills often conducted in sunny, dry conditions.
Familiarity with climbing knots speeds up learning and execution during the course.
Mountain weather can change rapidly; plan your sessions to avoid storms or extreme cold.
Silverthorne grew as a hub for mining before expanding into an outdoor recreation center near major ski resorts and climbing areas.
The course emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, encouraging responsible climbing and minimal environmental impact on sensitive alpine ecosystems.
Protects your head during climbing and rescue drills on rocky terrain.
A necessary gear for practicing rope techniques and rescues.
Helps protect hands during rope handling in rescue practice.
Provides support and traction on rugged trails and climbing approach routes.