Join like-minded enthusiasts and take your splitboarding or skiing to a higher level! This course is for passionate winter athletes with a strong foundation of backcountry snow skills and avalanche education, who are ready to put in the work, and who want to learn how to travel through technical terrain with splitboards or skis.

In this 2-day course we will focus on learning the ins and outs of technical gear, and techniques, and we'll work on the practical application of skills for steep terrain. Learn about equipment like ice axes and crampons, rope-work in the ski mountaineering world, advanced terrain management, and more. We also offer customizable, private group mountaineering courses.

What you will Learn

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Equipment

• Introduction and overview of technical gear
• Ropework: knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, and rappelling
• Ice axe: self-arrest, belay, and climbing techniques
• Crampon usage

Trip Preparation

• Advanced trip planning and route selection
• Rescue and emergency preparation

Techniques

• Techniques for traveling through technical terrain
• Steep skinning and bootpacking techniques
• Climbing and snowboarding couloirs
• Steep riding

Who is this Course Designed For?

Students are required to have at least 3 seasons of backcountry touring experience including completion of a Level 1 (Level 2 recommended) avalanche course as well as an Avalanche Rescue course within the past 2 seasons.

Students must be comfortable skiing and riding all terrain on a ski resort (double black diamond skier at minimum). Students should be able to travel off-trail on exposed, ungroomed or unmaintained terrain for extended periods of time and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. Touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.

Itinerary

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Pre-trip – The guides will contact you two weeks before the course to discuss trip details.

Day One – Meet at CAG office. Gear overview and then travel into the field for gear use and hard skills.

Day Two - Attempt an objective to climb and ski/ride to practice our newly-learned skills. Travel out of the field.

What’s Included

• Qualified and professional Instructors
• 3-4:1 maximum student : instructor ratio
• Technical gear if needed

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Food for lunch/snacks (in the field)
• Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
• Guide gratuities
• Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Location

This course will be held in or around the Summit County Area. Exact locations will be chosen based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions.

About Your Guides

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. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Ascents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

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!

FAQs

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What Equipment is Required for this Course?

• Avalanche Beacon, probe, shovel
• Ice axe, crampons, and harness
• Backcountry backpack
• Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
• Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
• Ski crampons strongly recommended
• Goggles and helmet
• Much of the above is available for use or rent at CAG’s HQ

What Clothing is Recommended for this Course?

• Hard or softshell pants
• Synthetic or merino wool base layer
• Softshell jacket (optional)
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
• Light gloves for uphill travel
• Warm gloves
• Brimmed hat or visor
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Neck gaitor or buff

When and how do I meet up with our instructor?

Your instructor will contact you at least two weeks prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

Should we tip our instructors?

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%.