About the Course and Trip!

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**NOTE: A minimum of 5 and max of 8 participants (with some beds shared) is required for us to run the trip to Carner's Cabin. Please go ahead and sign up if you want to go, and if we cannot get 5, we'll fully refund your money (we'll waive the 10% cancellation fee.)

Is Colorado’s pristine backcountry calling you? This is the winter to get out and stay out for two nights - with a guide and new friends! Let’s go!

Are you looking for the ultimate backcountry skiing and/or riding experience? Escape the resort crowds by earning your turns on a backcountry skiing adventure. Backcountry skiing provides the opportunity to extend your ski season and experience something few skiers ever will: skiing powder in solitude. Sounds good? Join us on one of our fully-guided, hut-based, backcountry skiing trips.

For 3 days, your primary focus will be to relax at the hut and ski ski ski! In the evening, chill by the fire with your favorite beverage and join your guide team as we all prepare a home cooked meal with untamed views of the Colorado Rockies just outside. As in any traditional hut trip, we will work together to prep and cook meals, gather water, keep the fire going, etc.

Never done this before? This adventure is the perfect introduction to the skills necessary to confidently take those first steps and venture to a backcountry hut. We'll teach you hut etiquette and everything else you need to know to go on your own next time.

Not an expert skier? No problem! If you can ski Vail’s back bowls, you can ski in our backcountry. Our experienced and professional guides typically offer helpful hints on uphill and downhill skiing techniques as you go along. Avalanche risk mitigation is also touched upon, and they'll be talking about decision-making in the backcountry near any avalanche terrain.

Already started your backcountry journey? Just farm the pow and have a blast!

2024/2025 Course Dates

March 14 - 16, 2025 - Carner's Cabin Beds: 2 queens 2 full sized 2 twins accommodates 10 max if queens and double beds have two people each.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Meet your guide and companions at Colorado Adventure Guides' office in Silverthorne. Gear check with guide. Load food and supplies into everyone's packs. Ride in a CAG van to the cabin's parking access. Ski in to the hut. Afternoon guided skiing as time permits. Group cooks and relaxes back at the hut.

Day 2

Hone your winter backcountry skills! We'll route plan considering avalanche safety, and head out for a full day of uphills and downhills nearby. Back to the hut for another satisfying dinner and more conversation.

Day 3

Breakfast, clean up the hut, ski ski ski, and head down the trail to the van. Ride back to CAG's office, and say your goodbyes to your new friends.

Trip Package Includes

• Local experienced and professional Instructors/Guides
• a 5:1 maximum guide to student ratio
• Discounted demo gear if needed – 15% off
• Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Lodging
• Food

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Avalanche Safety Gear - beacon, shovel, probe, pack. (Rentals available at CAG's Backcountry Demo Center in Silverthorne.)
• Clothing and gear (See FAQs)
• Backcountry skis, splitboards, or snowshoes (Rentals available at CAG's Backcountry Demo Center in Silverthorne.)
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Gratuity

Area Info

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A hut setting is rustic and off-grid. Our guides will typically offer hints to help your ski skills if desired, and they are well-educated about avalanche safety. We have partnered with the Summit Huts Association & Grand Huts Association as well as other private hut properties to offer backcountry ski/splitboard and hut trip education! Our partner properties include:

• High Lonesome & Broome Huts, Grand County, Colorado
• Carner's Cabin – Near Freemont Pass, Lake County, Colorado
• Francie’s, Sister’s & Janet’s Cabins – Summit Hut Association
• Timberline Lodge at Duck Lake Ski Resort - Guanella Pass, Park County, Colorado

Our backcountry lodges are off-grid and vary from modern to rustic, each with its own personality. Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, they are typically out of sight of other habitation, making for a retreat that feels very remote, yet is easily accessible from a nearby trailhead and parking area. Most huts have PV electricity. Cabins are equipped with firewood, propane cooktop, cooking equipment like dishes and utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. As with most winter huts, snowmelt is used as a water supply.

About Your Guides

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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 Accents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Colorado's central mountains for over 30 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQ’s

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How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Trip?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our clients and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to disclose pertinent health information. Failure to do so could result in serious harm, even death, to the participant, other guests, or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would be shared only in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding trip, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To Take This Course?

Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort. Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and must bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. Our trips can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboards. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.

Required Equipment

• Avalanche Beacon (available in our Backcountry Demo Center)
• Avalanche Probe (available in our Backcountry Demo Center)
• Avalanche Shovel (available in our Backcountry Demo Center)
• Larger (45L+) sized backpack
• Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard (available in our Backcountry Demo Center)
• Climbing Skins (available in our Backcountry Demo Center)
• Goggles
• Helmet (optional)
• Sleeping needs and clothing recommendations will be specific to the trip

Do You Offer a Private Group Course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Trip?

You will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. Students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

Should I Tip My Guides?

Your guides work hard before, during, and after your trip to provide you with the best, safest, most fun experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun adventure, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.