Are you in avalanche terrain?
Snowshoe avalanche safety in Colorado gaining awareness
Snowshoeing feels so simple. Strap in, start walking, and the mountains open up. It’s accessible, affordable, and beginner-friendly — one of the reasons it’s become such a popular way to explore Colorado in the winter.
But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: many snowshoe trails lead directly into avalanche terrain. That wide meadow you’re crossing? It might sit beneath a steep slope. That ridge you’re headed for? It may pass through avalanche paths on the way up. Even a mellow-looking forest can hide steeper pitches above.
Avalanche safety: not just for skiers
Avalanches don’t care what’s on your feet. Whether you’re skiing, splitboarding, or snowshoeing, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, the risk is the same.
That doesn’t mean snowshoeing isn’t safe or worth doing — far from it. It just means that awareness matters. Checking the avalanche forecast, carrying basic rescue gear, and learning to recognize avalanche terrain are as important for snowshoers as they are for skiers. Colorado’s snowpack is notoriously tricky, and it catches even experienced people off guard.
Snowshoe safety starts with Education
Snowshoeing can be everything it promises: peaceful, challenging, and a way to connect with winter landscapes. But like all backcountry travel, it deserves respect. A little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping your adventure exactly what you set out for: a good day in the mountains
Lately, we’ve gotten more and more requests from snowshoers who want to build that knowledge base. In response, we’ve started offering an AIARE 1 Avalanche Education course specifically designed for snowshoe travel.
What you’ll learn in AIARE 1 by Snowshoe
In this course, you’ll learn how to check your gear and efficiently use a beacon, shovel, and probe—plus what else to carry in your pack. You’ll also gain the skills to read the snow and weather by understanding avalanche forecasts and recognizing different avalanche types.
Trip planning is a key focus, including route selection, terrain management, and preparing your group before heading out. You’ll practice spotting hazards and conducting rescues, learning how to recognize warning signs, make smart decisions, and carry out companion rescue techniques.
Finally, you’ll explore the human factors of backcountry travel—how group dynamics and decision-making can influence safety. Even a basic awareness of these skills can make your snowshoe adventures safer and more enjoyable, giving you the confidence to explore beyond the groomed trails.
Gear & Support for Snowshoe Lovers
For those looking to hit the trails, we offer everything you need to snowshoe safely and comfortably:
Snowshoe rentals – boots, snowshoes, and trekking poles.
Avalanche safety gear – beacon, shovel, and probe rentals for backcountry travel.
Education & training – AIARE avalanche courses designed for snowshoers, covering terrain, hazards, and rescue skills.
What’s AIARE 1: Intro to Avalanche Safety?
AIARE 1 is a three-day introduction to avalanche hazard management, blending classroom and field time with one clear goal: learning to travel safely in avalanche terrain.
Students will build a solid foundation in preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, making informed decisions in the field, and practicing essential rescue techniques to locate and dig out a buried partner if an avalanche occurs.
Guided by AIARE-certified instructors, you’ll learn to read the snow, assess risk, and apply smart decision-making in real mountain environments. With hands-on practice using Ortovox safety gear, you’ll leave the course ready to explore the backcountry with greater safety and confidence.
