Learn essential winter backcountry skills while experiencing the solitude of off-grid huts in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This three-day guided course offers avalanche safety training and hands-on adventures near Silverthorne.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Good physical condition required; expect sustained moderate exertion with altitude and snow travel.
Wildlife
History
Silverthorne’s mining roots date to the late 1800s, but winter backcountry exploration here has grown since the early 2000s with hut networks fostering conservation.
Conservation
The program emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and sustainable hut use to protect fragile alpine ecosystems during winter recreation.
Colorado Adventure Guides
Learn essential winter backcountry skills while experiencing the solitude of off-grid huts in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This three-day guided course offers avalanche safety training and hands-on adventures near 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.
Layer for fluctuating mountain temperatures
Start early with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulation, and bring a waterproof shell to adjust as conditions change.
Practice beacon use daily
Familiarity with avalanche transceivers is a must; practice before heading into deeper backcountry to build confidence.
Respect hut etiquette
Keep noise low, help with chores, and conserve resources to maintain a positive group experience.
Hydrate frequently despite cold
Cold weather can mask dehydration; drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Essential safety gear for avalanche search and rescue training on this backcountry trip.
winter
Insulated, waterproof boots
Keeps feet warm and dry in snowy terrain over multiple days.
winter
Layered clothing system
Allows adaptation to changing temperatures and activity levels during backcountry travel.
winter
Headlamp with extra batteries
Necessary for early starts and evenings in huts with limited lighting.
winter