logo
Populate the side area with widgets, images, navigation links and whatever else comes to your mind.
Strömgatan 18, Stockholm, Sweden
(+46) 322.170.71
[email protected]

Follow us

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

Intro to Backcountry

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Book a Tour
Colorado Adventure Guides Logo

Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard

Colorado Adventure Guides Crossed Skis

Colorado Adventure Guides is thrilled to offer our Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding course out of Summit County, CO. 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.

Colorado Adventure Guides Crossed Ski Poles
15
Activities Offered
6000
Acres of Terrain
412
5 Star Reviews
20
Years in Business
Introduction to Backcountry
Skiing & Snowboarding

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.

Book Now

What You'll Learn

Avalanche Shovel Icon
Equipment

Intro and overview of touring gear
Proper and efficient transitions
Intro to avalanche safety gear

Awareness

Intro to trip planning and backcountry navigation
Intro to hazard management
Introduction to avalanche awareness

Movement

Use of uphill climbing skins
Intro to track setting
Intro to using kick turns

Splitboard Specific and Women's Specific Courses
Join the crew

Sponsored by Weston Backcountry, we are excited to continue with our Splitboard Specific and Women’s Specific Intro to Backcountry courses for the 2023/2024 season! Why not take a course with likeminded individuals and meet some new touring partners!

Book Now
North London Mill
Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses with some historical flare

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 scheduled to open as a backcountry hut in winter 23-24.

Dates:

2023/2024 Course dates will be posted soon

Book Now
No Gear? No Problem!
Backcountry Equipment Rentals

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, Faction, Dynafit, and Stereo. Snowshoes, ice climbing gear, avalanche rescue gear, and more. Discounted options are available for those who book a course or trip with us!

Book Rentals
Backcountry Mentorship Program
The Journey Never Stops

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.

Learn More
Intro to Backcountry Perks
Perks of Booking with CAG
  • 10% off AIARE Courses
  • Discounted Demo Gear
  • Access to all CAG snow safety videos throughout the season
  • Discount on Weston Splitboards and Skis

General Info

Course Duration

Full Day (8 Hours)

Dates

2023/2024 Course dates as follows;

  • December 9th
  • December 30th
  • January 13th
  • January 27th
  • February 10th
  • February 24th
  • March 9th
  • March 23rd
  • April 6th
Price

$200/person.  3 person min. needed to run this course

Student:Instructor Ratio

6 Students:1 Instructor

Location

Summit Country, CO and surrounding locations.

Silverthorne Basecamp:

204 Ryan Gulch Rd

Silverthorne, CO 80498

Required Equipment

Backcountry Packing List

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)

Recommended Clothing

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

Rental Gear

Backcountry gear can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp.

Local Accommodations

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!

The Pad
Reschedule/Cancellation Policy

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.

Prerequisites

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.

Price Includes
  • Local experienced and professional Instructors/Guides
  • 8-hour course with a 6:1 maximum instructor to student ratio
  • Discounted demo gear – 20% off
Price Does Not Include
  • Air­fare
  • Accommodations
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from designated meeting place
  • Food
  • Avalanche Safety Equipment – rentals available
  • Touring equipment – discounted rentals available
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
Perks of Taking Your Course with CAG
  • 10% off Desert Mountain Medicine
  • Trailhead membership to CAIC
  • 10% off AIARE 1, AIARE Rescue Courses, or a guided ski/splitboard tour
  • Discount on ORTOVOX Avalanche Equipment
  • Access to all CAG snow safety videos throughout the season

Frequently Asked Questions

How physically fit do I need to be for this course?

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.

What if I would like to book a private group course?

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!

When and how do I meet up with the group?

For classroom based courses you will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field based days students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding. Your instructor will contact you with more details at least 2 weeks prior to course start date.

Should I tip my instructor?

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%.

UPCOMING EVENTS & COURSES

01
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Dec 1-3, 2023
03
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course | Dec 3, 2023
08
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Dec 8-10, 2023
09
December 2023
Summit County, CO
Intro to Backcountry Ski/Splitboard Course
15
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Dec 15-17, 2023
17
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course | Dec 17, 2023
29
December 2023
Summit County, CO
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Dec 29-31, 2023
30
December 2023
Summit County, CO
Intro to Backcountry Ski/Splitboard Course | Dec 30, 2023
Other Winter Courses
AIARE Avalanche Companion Rescue
Companion Avalanche Rescue
AIARE Rescue
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Education Course
Avalanche Safety Course
AIARE Level 1
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Education Course
Snow stability & avalanche hazard
AIARE Level 2
Book Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Today!
Book online or call today to reserve your spot

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.

204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498

(970) 893-8007

    LOCATION

    204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498

    PHONE

    (970) 893-8007

    Call Now Button