Colorado Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard

Colorado
Group Course
Ability level: Beginner
Select Your Trip Package:

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Backcountry skiing and splitboarding require more than just leaving the lift behind.

This one-day introduction gives you hands-on experience with touring gear, uphill movement, and the fundamentals of traveling beyond the resort. Learn how to use skins, manage transitions, move efficiently, and build essential terrain awareness.

Designed for both skiers and splitboarders, this trip gives you hands-on experience with touring equipment and techniques—something the AIARE Level 1 course doesn’t cover. It’s an ideal full-day adventure for newcomers and a great way to gain experience before taking AIARE Level 1.

Your backcountry journey starts here.

What You Will Learn:

Equipment

  • Intro and overview of touring gear
  • Proper and efficient transitions
  • Intro to avalanche safety gear

Awareness

  • Intro to trip planning and backcountry navigation
  • Intro to hazard management
  • Introduction to avalanche awareness

Movement

  • Use of uphill climbing skins
  • Intro to track setting
  • Intro to using kick turns

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

We’ll meet at Colorado Adventure Guides Basecamp in Silverthorne or another convenient rendezvous point, gear up, and head into the field. The day will be spent in hands-on instruction, turning the backcountry into a living classroom where you’ll learn, practice, and refine essential winter backcountry skills.

  • Full day of avalanche education, trip planning, and terrain management
  • Return to our Silverthorne Basecamp at day’s end

What’s Included

  • Local, experienced and professional instructors
  • 6:1 maximum instructor to student ratio
  • Discounted rental gear if needed
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  • 20% off evo.com to help you prepare for the course (some exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Beacon, shovel, probe, pack: rentals available
  • Backcountry skis, splitboards, or snowshoes: rentals available
  • Food/snacks
  • Transportation to designated meeting place
  • Instructor gratuity

What’s Included

  • Local, experienced and professional instructors
  • 6:1 maximum instructor to student ratio
  • Discounted rental gear if needed
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  • 20% off evo.com to help you prepare for the course (some exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Beacon, shovel, probe, pack: rentals available
  • Backcountry skis, splitboards, or snowshoes: rentals available
  • Food/snacks
  • Transportation to designated meeting place
  • Instructor gratuity

Location Details

Based in Summit County, Colorado Adventure Guides (CAG) has earned access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and secret stashes for your course or trip. With ample terrain at hand,  CAG's guide team is fortunate to have so many options to share with their clients and students as they choose a nearby destination,  based on the best, most current information, conditions, and tailored to the experience level of the group and the objectives of the trip.

View the Gallery

FAQs

Is my course guaranteed to run?

Each course date requires a minimum of 4 participants required to run this course. Please wait until you receive confirmation before making travel arrangements.

Do I need to be a good skier/snowboarder to take this course?

Our courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. 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 and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.

Do you offer private group courses?

Private course dates can be requested all season long. If you are interested, please email [email protected]

When and how do I meet up with my group for the course?

You will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field-based days, students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

Should I tip my course instructor?

Your guides and instructors put in a lot of effort before, during, and after your course to ensure you have an excellent experience. While gratuities aren’t expected, they’re always appreciated—typically 15–20%.

What is the maximum group size? And what is the guest to instructor ratio?

12 people maximum, with a 6:1 guest to instructor ratio.

What is the minimum age permitted?

16 or older.

How physically fit do I need to be to take this course?

For our partners at Colorado Adventure Guides, the 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 complete a brief health history. Failure to disclose pertinent information 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.

What gear and clothing do I need to bring?

What to Bring:
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel- rentals available
Medium (40L) sized backpack- rentals available
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard with climbing skins - rentals available
Goggles
Helmet (optional)

Recommended Clothing:
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

What if I need to change course dates or cancel?

Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 14 days before your course or camp to receive a refund, minus a 10% admin fee.

Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund minus the 10% fee.

Rescheduling Policy
You can reschedule at least 14 days before your course or camp for a 10% admin fee.

Within 14 days, rescheduling is only possible if we can fill your spot. If we can, a 10% fee applies. If not, rescheduling is not available.

Trip Reviews

Travel Gear

Shop Bags & Luggage