Yes. Our guides are professionally trained and hold relevant certifications in their discipline. Learn more about our guides here.
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Silverthorne, Colorado
(970) 893-8007
info@coloradoadventureguides.com
Yes. Our guides are professionally trained and hold relevant certifications in their discipline. Learn more about our guides here.
Absolutely! Kids love ice climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, hiking, and more—our adventures are a great way for the whole family to get outside and have fun together.
We offer private and custom experiences for families, groups, corporate outings, and special objectives. Contact us to start planning!
We’re a four-season guiding service operating year-round in the Central Colorado mountains — offering hiking, biking, climbing, backcountry skiing/snowboarding, avalanche education, rafting adventures and much more!
Most Summit County tours and courses meet at our Basecamp in Silverthorne, Colorado — also home to our Blue River rafting operations in summer.
We also operate two additional boathouses for rafting:
Please refer to your confirmation email for the exact meeting location and check-in time for your booking.
When you booked your activity, you should have received a confirmation email from Colorado Adventure Guides. If you can’t locate it, please call us at 970-893-8007 – our team will be happy to assist you.
Refunds for courses
An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations. Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 days prior to a course or a camp start time. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment less a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, you will be charged the full amount.
Rescheduling Policy
An administrative fee of 10% will apply for all rescheduling. Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to any course or trip start date. If you need to reschedule within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will reschedule your booking with a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, we will be unable to reschedule our booking.
No-shows will be charged the full price.
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.
We welcome children ages 5 and up on our beginner rafting trips during the summer season. Age requirements vary for other activities – please check the specific activity or call 970-893-8007 for more information.
Summer:
Wetsuits and booties are available to rent at all rafting locations.
Winter:
Our Backcountry Demo Center provides backcountry gear rentals in Silverthorne:
Explore all rental options here.
Colorado Adventure Guides is a locally owned company offering year-round guided adventures and backcountry education. As Colorado’s premier avalanche education provider, we are dedicated to safety and learning in the mountains.
From rafting three of Colorado’s iconic rivers to hiking, climbing, and peak ascents, our passionate team creates safe, unforgettable experiences in every season. Adventure is calling—let’s go!
Our 3-Day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course combines online learning, classroom sessions, and two full days in the field.
Led by AIARE-certified instructors with deep local knowledge, this course teaches you to recognize, manage, and reduce avalanche risk while traveling in Colorado’s complex mountain snowpack.
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, all students can use complimentary Ortovox gear (beacon, shovel, probe, and pack).
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is a requirement that participants are familiar with their touring gear and have experience on their setup prior to taking this course. 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.
3 days.
Standard courses utilize our CAG Headquarters in Silverthorne or our Dumont Basecamp or other locations for the classrom day. For hut based courses all days are held in or around the hut/cabin. In either option, the classroom day location is determined by the course you book. Your Course Leader will be in contact with you 1 month prior to the course start date with details such as meeting location and time. For field based days, students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
16 with a parent.
We operate in enough areas that we’ll always find a zone to get out to. In the event of any conditions or weather that the guide feels is unsuitable to get out in, the first thing we’ll try to do is move you to another date. If we cannot move you to another date we will cancel and issue a full refund.
The course location will be chosen by the guide based on where conditions are best on the day of. Field days are typically 30 minutes or less from the designated meeting/classroom location.
Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
Much of the day is dedicated to education. We will have time to ski but it won’t be the focus of the course.
Before your backcountry skiing trip make sure that you are comfortable skiing on the ski resort and are ready for a day skiing in unmaintained terrain. You will want to make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to the day and get a good nights rest. It is always smart to pack the night before to make sure that you have everything needed for the next day. Get a good stretch in the morning and make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the day.
What to bring
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
Goggles
Helmet
Sunscreen
Neck gaiter or buff
Snacks, water, food
Equipment available to rent
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
Medium-sized backpack
Alpine touring skis with climbing skins, boots + poles, or equivalent splitboard set up
Check upcoming dates and book your AIARE Level 1 Course here.
This 3-day course provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 course, and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. All students must have taken an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have one season of practical experience after taking the AIARE 1 course.
The AIARE 2 students describe and discuss weather, snowpack, and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
3 days.
Standard courses utilize our CAG Headquarters in Silverthorne or our Dumont Basecamp or other locations for the classrom day. For hut based courses all days are held in or around the hut/cabin. In either option, the classroom day location is determined by the course you book. Your Course Leader will be in contact with you 1 month prior to the course start date with details such as meeting location and time. For field based days, students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
16 with a parent.
We operate in enough areas that we’ll always find a zone to get out to. In the event of any conditions or weather that the guide feels is unsuitable to get out in, the first thing we’ll try to do is move you to another date. If we cannot move you to another date we will cancel and issue a full refund.
AIARE Level 2 is held in Grand County, Colorado.
Before your backcountry skiing trip make sure that you are comfortable skiing on the ski resort and are ready for a day skiing in unmaintained terrain. You will want to make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to the day and get a good nights rest. It is always smart to pack the night before to make sure that you have everything needed for the next day. Get a good stretch in the morning and make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the day.
What to bring
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
Goggles
Helmet
Sunscreen
Neck gaiter or buff
Snacks, water, food
Equipment available to rent
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
Medium-sized backpack
Alpine touring skis with climbing skins, boots + poles, or equivalent splitboard set up
Check upcoming dates and book your AIARE Level 2 Course here.
This one-day (8-hour) course is ideal for new and experienced backcountry travelers, as well as aspiring avalanche professionals. New participants learn companion rescue, while returning students refine skills with advanced topics and realistic scenarios. AIARE recommends refreshing your rescue skills at least every other year.
Professional coaching, hands-on practice, and a certificate of completion are included. Completion of this course is required before taking AIARE 2 or Pro 1 courses.
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, participants get complimentary use of Ortovox gear—including a Diract Voice beacon, Beast shovel, ALU probe, and backpack.
No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.
1 day.
Standard courses utilize our CAG Headquarters in Silverthorne or our Dumont Basecamp or other locations for the classrom day. For hut based courses all days are held in or around the hut/cabin. In either option, the classroom day location is determined by the course you book. Your Course Leader will be in contact with you 1 month prior to the course start date with details such as meeting location and time. For field based days, students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
16 with a parent.
We operate in enough areas that we’ll always find a zone to get out to. In the event of any conditions or weather that the guide feels is unsuitable to get out in, the first thing we’ll try to do is move you to another date. If we cannot move you to another date we will cancel and issue a full refund.
The course location will be chosen by the guide based on where conditions are best on the day of. Field days are typically 30 minutes or less from the designated meeting/classroom location.
Before your backcountry skiing trip make sure that you are comfortable skiing on the ski resort and are ready for a day skiing in unmaintained terrain. You will want to make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to the day and get a good nights rest. It is always smart to pack the night before to make sure that you have everything needed for the next day. Get a good stretch in the morning and make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the day.
What to bring
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
Goggles
Helmet
Sunscreen
Neck gaiter or buff
Snacks, water, food
Equipment available to rent
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
Medium-sized backpack
Alpine touring skis with climbing skins, boots + poles, or equivalent splitboard set up
Check upcoming dates and book your AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course here.
Formal avalanche training isn’t required. Your guide will manage route planning and safety while teaching practical backcountry travel and decision-making throughout the day.
Yes – if you’re a strong resort skier who is comfortable on ungroomed blue to black terrain. This tour is a great introduction to backcountry skiing with professional guidance.
Uphill travel varies depending on terrain, snow conditions, and group goals. Your guide will choose a pace and route that matches your fitness level and desired experience.
Our guides continuously assess weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions and may adjust terrain or objectives to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.
Absolutely. Tours are fully customized—whether you want to focus on powder turns, efficient uphill travel, terrain selection, or avalanche awareness.
For a full-day backcountry ski tour, being properly prepared makes the experience safer and more enjoyable. You’ll want to bring appropriate clothing layers (base, insulation, and waterproof shell), warm gloves, hat, goggles or sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack avalanche safety gear like a beacon, probe, and shovel if you have them (or rent from us), plus snacks and 2–3 liters of water to keep your energy up on the mountain. A backpack sized for a day trip is essential to carry your layers and supplies. For a more detailed recommended packing list — including specific gear suggestions and tips — check out our winter backcountry packing list.
No prior ice climbing experience is required. Both the ice climbing tour and course are suitable for beginners. The ice climbing course is ideal for first-timers who want structured instruction and skill development, while ice climbing tours can be tailored for beginners through advanced climbers based on experience and goals.
An ice climbing course focuses on instruction and skill-building, progressing through a curriculum that includes movement techniques, belaying, knots, rappelling, and safety systems. An ice climbing tour is more experience-focused, designed to maximize time on the ice while still providing instruction and guidance tailored to your ability level.
All technical climbing equipment is provided with our courses/tours, including a helmet, harness, crampons, and ice tools. You’ll need to bring appropriate winter clothing (layers, gloves, and waterproof outerwear), sturdy winter boots, food, snacks, and water. Instructor gratuity and trip insurance are not included.
Ice climbing tours are offered as half- or full-day, while courses are full-day only. Trips typically meet at the CAG basecamp or a designated trailhead, with final details confirmed by your guide 48 hours in advance.
Safety is our top priority. Trips are led by professionally trained and certified climbing guides with a maximum 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio. Guides select appropriate climbing zones based on conditions, manage risk throughout the day, and provide instruction on proper technique, communication, and avalanche awareness to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
This course is designed for skiers and splitboarders who are new to the backcountry and want a hands-on introduction to touring equipment, movement, and basic avalanche awareness. It’s ideal for first-timers and a great stepping stone before taking AIARE Level 1.
This is a full-day, active course that involves uphill travel and time spent outdoors in winter conditions. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes – participants must be comfortable skiing or riding steep blue to black terrain at the resort. You should be confident traveling on ungroomed, off-trail terrain and have experience controlling your skis or board in variable snow.
You’ll need backcountry skis or a splitboard, boots, skins, and a pack, as well as avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe). Rental gear is available, including discounted touring setups and avalanche equipment. Technical instruction and guidance are included.
We’ll meet at the Colorado Adventure Guides Basecamp in Silverthorne or another designated rendezvous point. From there, we’ll gear up and travel to the field for a full day of hands-on instruction covering touring skills, avalanche awareness, trip planning, and terrain management before returning to basecamp at the end of the day.
Snowshoeing is very intuitive—if you can walk or hike, you can snowshoe. Your guide will show you the basics and set a comfortable pace.
Dress like you’re going for a winter hike. Warm, layered clothing and waterproof outer layers are key, waterproof hiking boots are great!
Our half-day tours typically last around 3–4 hours, including instruction, breaks, and time to enjoy the scenery. A full day tour will typically last 7-8 hours, including instruction, breaks and photo opportunities.
Tours are tailored to the group’s fitness level and goals. Whether you’re looking for a mellow nature walk or a more active outing, we’ll choose terrain that fits everyone’s comfort level.
Safety always comes first. Our guides monitor conditions closely and may adjust the route, terrain, or timing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
No experience is required for most trips. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced options, and our guides will teach you everything you need to know before getting on the river.
Yes! Many of our trips are family-friendly, especially on the Upper Colorado River and beginner sections of Clear Creek. Minimum age varies by river, difficulty, and water levels.
Minimum age ranges from 6–7 years old for beginner trips, 12+ for intermediate, and 16+ for advanced trips. Age requirements may change depending on river flows.
Wear quick-drying, non-cotton clothing. Bathing suits, athletic wear, and synthetic layers work best. Secure footwear is required—no flip flops or Crocs.
Yes. We provide all required safety equipment including life jackets (PFDs), helmets, paddles, and rafts. Wetsuits are complimentary when conditions call for them. Splash jackets and booties may be available for rent.
Swimming ability is recommended for all trips and required for intermediate and advanced rafting. Life jackets are worn at all times on the river.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap), a hat, and water. Leave towels and a change of clothes in your car for after the trip.
Yes. We provide shuttle transportation from our designated meeting locations to and from the river.
Gratuities are not required but are always appreciated. If you had a great experience, 15–20% is customary.