Exploring the winter wonderland of Colorado’s backcountry has never been easier. The "Colorado: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding" course offers adventurers a chance to discover the thrill of off-piste skiing and riding in a safe and guided setting. With comprehensive instruction on essential skills and gear, participants can embark on a journey that promises breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious beginner, this program could be the key to unlocking a whole new world of snow-covered adventures.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 8-hour program for beginners in Colorado’s Summit County, covering essential backcountry skiing and splitboarding skills, including gear, avalanche safety, and navigation.
- Personalized attention with a maximum 6:1 instructor-to-student ratio, transportation provided, and flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Focus on efficient use of touring gear, safe trip planning, and confidence-building for backcountry exploration, with immersive learning in stunning winter landscapes.
- Instruction by experienced guides from Colorado Adventure Guides, with emphasis on avalanche safety gear, awareness, and essential tools for safe navigation.
- Rentals available for backcountry equipment, including skis, splitboards, and snowshoes, ensuring a cost-effective and hassle-free introduction to the sport.
Overview of the Course
The introductory course on backcountry skiing and splitboarding in Colorado’s Summit County is an 8-hour program designed for beginners and new backcountry explorers.
Priced from $220 per person, the course covers essential skills like using touring gear, avalanche safety, and navigation.
Led by experienced guides from Colorado Adventure Guides, the class maintains a maximum 6:1 instructor-to-student ratio.
Rental gear for avalanche safety and backcountry equipment is available at a 20% discount.
The course also provides transportation from a designated meeting place to the trailhead, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Silverthorne.
Location and Duration
Colorado’s Summit County serves as the setting for this introductory course on backcountry skiing and splitboarding.
The 8-hour program takes place in this renowned mountain region, providing participants with ample time to master essential skills.
During this full-day experience, aspiring backcountry enthusiasts will learn how to efficiently use touring gear, navigate avalanche terrain, and plan safe trips.
The course’s duration allows for a comprehensive introduction, ensuring students leave with the knowledge and confidence to responsibly explore the backcountry.
Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, this Summit County-based program offers an immersive learning opportunity amidst Colorado’s stunning winter landscapes.
Booking and Cancellation
For those interested in reserving their spot, the process is straightforward.
The course offers a flexible booking option, allowing participants to reserve their place without an upfront payment. This "reserve now, pay later" approach makes it easy to secure a spot.
Plus, the course provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund if plans change.
Transportation to the trailhead is included, providing a seamless experience from the designated meeting place.
With these convenient booking and cancellation policies, exploring Colorado’s backcountry has never been easier.
Skills and Focus
Designed for beginners and new backcountry explorers, this course covers the essential skills for a safe and enjoyable experience in the Colorado backcountry.
The focus is on:
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Touring gear and efficient transitions – learning how to use and move effectively with backcountry ski or splitboard equipment.
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Avalanche safety gear and awareness – understanding the importance of and how to use essential avalanche safety tools.
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Trip planning, navigation, and hazard management – developing the knowledge to plan safe routes and identify potential dangers.
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The course also provides an introduction to backcountry travel techniques and decision-making to help participants explore the mountains responsibly.
Experienced Guides
Led by experienced guides from Colorado Adventure Guides, this course provides expert instruction and support throughout the day.
With a maximum 6:1 instructor to student ratio, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance tailored to your skill level.
These knowledgeable professionals draw from years of backcountry expertise, ensuring you learn essential skills like avalanche safety, navigation, and hazard management in a safe and engaging environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate backcountry enthusiast, you can trust these certified instructors to help you develop the confidence and techniques needed to venture out into Colorado’s stunning winter landscapes.
Avalanche Safety Gear
Rentals of essential avalanche safety gear, including a beacon, shovel, probe, and pack, are available to ensure participants are properly equipped for the backcountry adventure.
These critical pieces of equipment allow skiers and splitboarders to identify buried individuals, dig them out, and probe the snowpack for potential hazards.
The guided course covers the proper use and function of this gear, empowering participants to navigate the backcountry safely.
The lineup of avalanche safety equipment includes:
- Beacon – Transmits and receives signals to locate buried individuals
- Shovel – Enables efficient snow removal for rescues
- Probe – Allows probing the snowpack to detect buried hazards
- Pack – Carries the essential safety gear during the backcountry excursion
Backcountry Equipment Rentals
Along With the essential avalanche safety gear, the guided backcountry skiing/splitboarding course also offers rentals for the primary backcountry equipment.
Participants can rent skis, splitboards, or snowshoes, depending on their preference and ability level. The rental gear is well-maintained and appropriate for the terrain and conditions.
This provides a convenient option for those who don’t own their own backcountry gear or want to try different equipment. The rental prices are included in the course fee, making it a cost-effective solution for participants.
With the necessary gear provided, attendees can focus on learning and practicing their backcountry skills during the full-day adventure.
Exclusions and Considerations
While the guided course provides the necessary avalanche safety gear and backcountry equipment rentals, there are a few additional considerations for participants.
Lodging, clothing, and personal gear aren’t included, so participants must plan and prepare accordingly. Transportation to the designated meeting place is also the responsibility of the attendees. Plus, food and snacks aren’t provided, requiring participants to bring their own sustenance. Finally, gratuity for the experienced guides isn’t included in the course price.
To ensure a successful and enjoyable backcountry experience, participants should:
- Secure necessary lodging and transportation
- Bring appropriate clothing and personal gear
- Pack sufficient food and hydration
- Budget for guide gratuity
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Course?
The average group size for this course is a maximum of 6 students per instructor. This small group ratio allows for personalized attention and hands-on learning from the experienced guides leading the program.
Do Participants Need Any Prior Backcountry Experience?
No, this course is designed for beginners and new backcountry explorers, so no prior backcountry experience is required. The maximum instructor to student ratio is 6:1, ensuring personalized guidance throughout the session.
Is There an Option to Extend the Course Duration?
The course does not appear to offer an option to extend the duration beyond the standard 8 hours. However, participants can inquire about additional private lessons or advanced courses if they wish to extend their backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience.
Can I Bring My Own Backcountry Gear Instead of Renting?
Yes, students are welcome to bring their own backcountry gear instead of renting. The course provides instruction and guidance regardless of the equipment used, as the focus is on developing essential skills for safe backcountry adventures.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Returning Participants?
Yes, the course offers a 20% discount on demo gear if participants bring their own backcountry equipment. However, there are no additional discounts available for returning participants.
Recap
The "Colorado: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding" program offers an immersive 8-hour experience for beginners eager to explore Summit County’s stunning winter landscapes. Participants receive personalized guidance from experienced Colorado Adventure Guides, learning essential skills like avalanche safety and navigation. With a 6:1 instructor-to-student ratio, this comprehensive course provides a safe and engaging introduction to backcountry travel techniques for just $220 per person.
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