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Silverthorne, Colorado
(970) 893-8007
info@coloradoadventureguides.com
Iconic Descents are the lines that define spring backcountry skiing in Colorado- steep couloirs and classic routes that come into condition for a short and special window each year.
Guided by experienced professionals, these trips are built around timing, conditions, and smart decision-making to give strong skiers access to the most sought-after spring descents in the Rockies.
Spring is when Colorado’s most iconic descents come into prime condition. Longer days and a more consolidated snowpack create the ideal window to access steep, aesthetic ski lines that are often off-limits during winter. These are the descents skiers dream about all season – big lines, alpine faces, and technical couloirs that define spring backcountry skiing in the Rockies.
Our Iconic Descents trips focus on the most sought-after spring objectives in the Breckenridge, Copper, and Vail areas, as well as surrounding high-alpine zones. Depending on weather, snowpack, and group ability, objectives may include legendary lines such as Dead Dog Couloir on Torreys Peak, Lost Rat on Grays Peak, Silver Couloir on Buffalo Mountain, or similar classic Colorado descents. Each objective is carefully selected based on current conditions, allowing us to prioritize quality skiing while managing risk in complex alpine terrain.
Iconic Descents can take shape in more than one way. Some trips are guided backcountry day missions that target a single classic line in prime spring conditions. Others may be structured as multi-day experiences based from a remote backcountry hut, allowing access to multiple objectives over several days. The format is chosen to best match the terrain, conditions, and goals of the group—while always keeping the focus on skiing iconic lines at the right time.
Interested in booking a guided Iconic Descents day trip? Give us a call to talk through conditions and find the right dates for your objective.
These trips are designed for advanced skiers with prior backcountry travel experience. Participant ability is assessed in advance to ensure the group is well-matched and prepared for steep, consequential terrain. Our professionally trained guides continuously evaluate weather, snowpack, and terrain hazards, but Colorado’s snowpack can be fickle. AIARE Level 1 or equivalent avalanche education is strongly recommended. All participants must carry a beacon, shovel, and probe (rentals available).
Trips are dependent on snowpack, weather conditions, and a minimum of three participants.
Each Iconic Descents trip is built around current conditions rather than a fixed agenda. Days may involve early starts, efficient uphill travel, detailed route planning, and deliberate timing to catch lines in ideal spring snow. Whether skiing a single classic couloir in a day or linking multiple objectives over several days, the goal is the same: safe, memorable skiing on Colorado’s most iconic terrain.
Iconic descents can be completed in a day trip or hut trip format.
Hut trip dates
April 17-19, 2026
April 24-26, 2026
May 1-3, 2026
Call 970-893-8007 to book your iconic descent as a day trip.
3 day hut trip: $899
1 day trip: $515
*Prices are per person. Contact us for groups of 6 or more.
4 clients:1 guide
We operate tours all around the Central Colorado Region. Our terrain is vast and we are able to choose the best location for your trip based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions.
Our Silverthorne Basecamp is located at:
204 Ryan Gulch Rd Silverthorne, CO 80498
Pre Trip – Clients will be contacted directly from their guide no later than 48 hours before trip start to discuss trip details
Day of Tour – Time TBD: Meet at TH or CAG basecamp to meet your guide and then travel into the field for your iconic descent
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet (optional)
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 gaiter or buff
Refunds will be honored for cancellations with more than 48 Hours PRIOR notice to trip start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS prior to trip start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling.
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.
Iconic Descents trips are designed for advanced skiers and riders with prior backcountry travel experience. Participants must be comfortable skiing or riding steep, variable snow in alpine terrain. All guests will be assessed in advance to ensure the group is well-matched and prepared for the objective. Previous backcountry experience is required, and AIARE Level 1 (or equivalent avalanche education) is strongly recommended.
The cost of a backcountry skiing tour depends on the number of people in your party. Colorado Adventure Guides offers guided backcountry skiing tours based on these rates: *Prices are per person
1 person – $515
2 people – $275
3 people – $225
4 people – $185
5 people – $175
Backcountry skiing can be a physically demanding activity. 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. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
While backcountry skiing poses inherent risks, Colorado Adventure Guides number one priority is in keeping our staff, patrons and students out of harms way. Our guides and instructors have many years of experience and are professionally trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly.
All of our guided backcountry skiing trips are booked private and custom and priced accordingly. If you are looking for a group trip option please see our Backcountry Skiing Courses or contact us to see if we have any group trips available on the schedule.
Depending on conditions, group ability, and timing, objectives may include classics such as Quandary Peak, the Silver Couloir, Dead Dog Couloir, or other iconic Colorado descents. Final objectives are always chosen based on current conditions to ensure the best and safest possible experience.
Do you have a specific line you want to hit? Contact us- we’re happy to collaborate with you on your goals.
For field based trips clients will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding. Your instructor/guide will contact you with more details at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip that will include meeting time and location.
Your guides put in a lot of effort before, during, and after your trip to ensure you have an excellent experience. While gratuities are never required, they are always appreciated if you feel your guides went above and beyond. Typical tips range from 15–20%.
Spring is when Colorado’s most iconic descents come into condition. Longer days and a consolidated snowpack open a prime window for steep, aesthetic lines that define spring backcountry skiing in the Rockies. Whether you want to ski Quandary, Silver Couloir, Dead Dog Couloir, or other iconic descents spring is usually prime time.
Our backcountry skiing tours 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.
