Ortovox Safety Sessions in Silverthorne, Colorado
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a basic level of fitness to engage in both classroom and light outdoor activities comfortably.
Overview
Master avalanche risk and tour planning in this hands-on clinic in Silverthorne, Colorado. Learn essential safety skills with interactive scenarios and expert guidance.
ORTOVOX SAFETY SESSIONS – Avalanche Danger & Tour Planning
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join our interactive “Risk Management in Avalanche Terrain and Tour Planning” Clinic, where you'll engage with the innovative SAM3D model to explore avalanche risks hands-on. Perfect for all skill levels, this course bridges theory and practice, allowing participants to simulate real-world scenarios and enhance their snow-safety knowledge.
As an ORTOVOX Safety Academy Partner we are pleased to introduce our new “Risk Management in Avalanche Terrain and Tour Planning” Clinic, an in-person, interactive snow-safety course.
We will be using the (SAM3D) model, a hands-on, interactive learning tool to graphically demonstrate risk management and tour planning. The SAM3D helps to clearly illustrate and better explain avalanche risk factors and their complex causality to beginners and advanced ski tourers alike. This clever mountain model fills the gap between theory and reality in the mountains and simulates the complexity of risk management and tour planning. The SAM3D educational tool can be used to playfully learn the basics of tour planning, focusing on risk identification and avalanche assessment. Groups of participants can practice a variety of scenarios. Information from an avalanche bulletin can be weighed against factors such as slope steepness, slope aspect, and relevant danger areas plotted by participants on the 3D mountain model.
Clinic Dates:
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November 7, 2024: Bentgate, Golden CO 6 pm
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November 20, 2024: The Pad, Silverthorne, CO 6 pm
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Date Updated: Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024: Hideaway Park Brewery, Winter Park, CO 6 pm
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Date Updated: Friday, Dec 6, 2024: Cripple Creek Backcountry @ Monolith Brewery, Denver, 6 pm
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January 21, 2025: Full Cycle, Boulder, CO 6 pm
Adventure Tips
Understand Avalanche Basics
Familiarize yourself with avalanche terminology and trigger factors before attending to maximize learning.
Dress for Variable Weather
Temperatures can fluctuate sharply; wear moisture-wicking layers and waterproof outerwear.
Bring a Notebook
Taking notes during sessions helps retain safety techniques and tour planning strategies.
Practice With the SAM3D Model
Engage actively with the SAM3D interactive tool to better understand terrain and risk assessment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Red fox
History
Silverthorne grew as a railway town and now serves as a gateway to some of Colorado’s best backcountry skiing areas.
Conservation
The area emphasizes Leave No Trace ethics and sustainable practices to protect its fragile mountain ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Denver
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm Layered Clothing
Keep warm during outdoor sessions with moisture-wicking and insulating layers.
winter specific
Avalanche Beacon (If Available)
Practice with your own beacon enhances realistic training and comfort.
winter specific
Notebook and Pen
Take notes to reinforce learning and refer back to safety strategies.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the session, especially at altitude.