The Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering course was developed to teach skills and decision making for traveling through technical terrain with your skis or splitboard. This 2-day course covers a wide array of topics with emphasis on traveling through intermediate to advanced terrain
The Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering course was developed to teach skills and decision making for traveling through technical terrain with your skis or snowboard/splitboard. We will cover a wide array of topics with an emphasis on traveling through intermediate and advanced terrain. During the course, we will learn and work on many “hard-skills” including crampon use, ice axe use, and rope management skills. Another component is a focus on trip and route planning, communication, and emergency response to prepare ourselves for our decided objective.
Our ski and splitboard mountaineering course will be a hut-based course which includes hut fees and breakfasts/dinners at the hut. What better way to get out and hone in your mountain skills then immersing yourself into the backcountry! Stay tuned for our 2025 dates!
Standard Course: 2 Days
Hut-Based: 3 Days
Standard Course: April 12th-13th, 2025
Hut-Based: Stay tuned for 2025 dates
*Contact us for private course dates
Standard: $499/person
Hut Based: $895/person
3 or 4 Students: 1 Instructor
The standard course will be held in or around the Central Colorado area. Exact locations will be chosen based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions.
Silverthorne Basecamp:
204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498
The hut-based course will be run out of the Ravens Nest Hut
Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly from their guide no later than 2 weeks before course start to discuss trip details.
Day One – Meet at office. Short Gear overview and classroom session and then head into the field for hard-skills.
Day Two – Attempt an objective to climb and ski/ride to practice some of the newly learned skills. Travel out of field.
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Ice axe, crampons and harness
Backcountry Pack
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet
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
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.
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.
Local qualified and professional Instructors
3:1 maximum client:guide ratio
Discounted use of ORTOVOX beacon, shovel and probe (if needed)
Discounted Demo Gear including crampons, ice axe, ect
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 instructors/guides will contact you no later than 2 weeks prior to course start to discuss meeting time and location details.
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 Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering courses have limited capacity and tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.