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Colorado Adventure Guides is thrilled to offer our Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding course in Colorado. We have designed this as an introductory course to help you learn the foundational skills necessary start recreating in the Colorado backcountry.
A stepping stone to get off the resort and explore Colorado’s pristine backcountry. No backcountry experience necessary and backcountry touring gear can be rented at our basecamp. We strongly suggest taking this course prior to taking a Level 1 Avalanche course for those who are new to backcountry skiing.
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding can be a daunting undertaking as it’s not just as easy as grabbing your gear and heading to the ski lift. But with the crowds at the ski resorts these days more and more people are starting to explore the backcountry.
There are many variables to think about while skiing and riding in the backcountry and there is a natural progression of courses to help you with your journey. We have designed this course to help you with your first steps in the field.
Intro and overview of touring gear
Proper and efficient transitions
Intro to avalanche safety gear
Sponsored by Weston Backcountry, we are excited to continue with our Splitboard Specific and Women’s Specific Intro to Backcountry courses for the 2024/2025 season! Why not take a course with likeminded individuals and meet some new touring partners!
Partnering with the North London Mill Preservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit who’s aim is to preserve Colorado’s mining heritage and develop an alternative model for outdoor recreation, minimizing impact on land and resources, while remaining responsive and responsible to surrounding communities. Join CAG with this Intro to Backcountry with an emphasis on the history of the North London Mill site and a tour of the 1883 NoLo Office. The NoLo hut is also now open, click HERE for more info!
Take your backcountry education to the next level with a two night adventure to one of Colorado’s enchanting backcountry huts! Join us on this 3 day course to learn the ins and outs of backcountry travel in the winter and how to properly execute a winter hut trip. Over the span of this course you will be taught the basics of traveling into the winter backcountry via skis or splitboard, and will also spend time learning the proper etiquette of using a backcountry hut. Students and instructors will work together to execute meal plans, gather water, keep the fire going, etc. Grab some friends, pick a date, and our guides will handle everything else!
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding can be a daunting undertaking as it’s not just as easy as grabbing your gear and heading to the ski lift. But with the crowds at the ski resorts these days more and more people are starting to explore the backcountry.
There are many variables to think about while skiing and riding in the backcountry and there is a natural progression of courses to help you with your journey. We have designed this course to help you with your first steps in the field.
We will be back this season operating a full backcountry demo shop out of our basecamp in Silverthorne, CO with over 100 different items. We have what you need including a/t touring and splitboard setups from Weston, DPS, ATK,Spark Icelantic and RMU. Snowshoes, ice climbing gear, avalanche rescue gear from ORTOVOX, and more. Discounted options are available for those who book a course or trip with us!
Full Day (8 Hours)
2024/2025 Course Dates are as follows;
$200/person. 3 person min. needed to run this course
6 Students:1 Instructor
We run our courses in a variety of locations in the Central Colorado region. Our instructors are able to choose the best field location based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions. Typically these courses are operated within Summit County, Clear Creek County, or Grand County.
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Medium sized backpack (approx. 30L +)
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet (optional)
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
Neck gaitor or buff
Backcountry gear can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp.
Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or click the button below for 10% off your stay!
Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to course start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. This allows us the time to contact those who have been put on the wait-list.
All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund. Operator, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed.
Our courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.
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 bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.
Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons 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 complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. If you are interested, please let us know!
Your instructor will contact you with more details at least 2 weeks prior to course start date. For field based days students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
Your 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 and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
Our Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding courses tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.
