Adventure for all
Bringing ASL Education to the Backcountry
Playing in Colorado’s backcountry is all about freedom, adventure, and connecting with the mountains. Whether you’re backcountry skiing, splitboarding, snowsnoeing or getting after it on a snowmobile, getting outside and doing what we love bring us inspiration, fulfillment and happiness.
As Colorado’s largest AIARE avalanche education provider, we definitely have seen the value backcountry education brings to our friends, family and others in our community. Knowing how to recreate safely and responsibly in the backcountry is integral to having a good time and making sure us and our friends all make it home.
But not everyone has had equal access to the vital education that helps keep us all safe in the backcountry. Our guide Aaron Rose is changing that.
Learning together in ASL
In partnership with Aaron Rose, we’re stoked to present select backcountry education courses in American Sign Language (ASL). These sessions make avalanche education and backcountry skills accessible to Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and signing travelers. We also welcome friends, family, and interpreters to learn alongside them for full support.
ASL Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard
Date: February 8, 2026
Step into the backcountry with confidence. This session covers the basics of gear, travel, and safety—all taught in ASL. No experience? No problem.
This one-day winter adventure is all about getting you intro the backcountry. Whether you’re on skis or a splitboard, you’ll get hands-on experience with touring gear, transitions, and avalanche safety equipment. We’ll also cover the basics of trip planning, navigation, and moving efficiently uphill.
Led by friendly and knowledgable local guides, we keep the group small- 6 students to 1 guide- so learning is easy, fun and easy to understand.
We’ve got you covered with discounted rental gear and transportation to the trailhead. It’s a low-pressure, fun way to start your backcountry journey and gain the confidence to explore more.
AIARE Level 1 (ASL Pod of 6)
Dates: March 20–22, 2026
Take your backcountry skills to the next level with this three-day avalanche course, designed for small-group ASL instruction. You’ll learn, ask questions, and feel supported every step of the way in a space built for clear communication and confidence in the mountains. Everyone is welcome—Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or friends and family signing along.
The course blends online learning, classroom sessions, and two full field days led by certified instructors with deep local knowledge. You’ll get hands-on experience with:
- Equipment: Using your beacon, shovel, and probe efficiently, plus what survival gear to pack.
- Weather & Snowpack: How to interpret avalanche forecasts and understand Colorado’s tricky snow conditions.
- Trip Planning: Choosing routes, planning objectives, and managing your group in real terrain.
- Hazards & Rescue: Recognizing warning signs, managing risk, and performing a companion rescue.
All students get complimentary use of Ortovox avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack), plus a course manual, field book, and certificate of completion.
Meet your guide: Aaron Rose
These ASL courses are led by Aaron Rose, a passionate advocate for accessibility in mountain sports. Aaron grew up in North Carolina, chasing big swells in the Outer Banks and Cape Fear region during fall and winter. After moving to Colorado to be a teacher, he discovered snowboarding and has spent over a decade exploring Colorado’s backcountry as a Deaf splitboarder.
Aaron is WFR certified, an AIARE avalanche instructor, and a winter backcountry splitboard guide. He teaches backcountry education courses in American Sign Language for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, making backcountry education truly accessible. When he’s not chasing pow or spending time with his family, Aaron works on marketing and outreach for nonprofits and serves as president of the US Deaf Ski and Snowboard Association.
Join the adventure
“Having our guide Aaron teach these ASL-accessible sessions is an important step toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive backcountry community,” said Justin Ibarra, co-owner and lead guide.
“Everyone deserves access to quality avalanche education.”
Special booking links are available through Aaron Rose’s Instagram profile @deafsplitboarder, or through email info@coloradoadventureguides.com to connect with customer service. Space is limited.
