Skip to Main Content
  • Main slide 1
Trip

Colorado

Ski & Snowboard

Trip Intro to Backcountry
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590
Want to make this the winter you step away from the resort and into the backcountry? Here’s where to start.

So, Colorado’s pristine backcountry has been calling but you, but you still haven’t taken that first step? This is it. This is the winter. Let’s go! This adventure is the perfect introduction to the skills necessary to  confidently take those first steps and venture into the backcountry. This class is a stepping stone to get out of the resort and explore the backcountry. Not only is it an excellent one-day adventure for those new to backcountry skiing, but it is also a great way to gather experience prior to taking an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course. The AIARE Level 1 course curriculum does not include the use of touring equipment or touring technique, but this trip does. This one-day adventure is customized for both skiers and splitboarders. Both co-ed and women's only trips are options. Grab some friends, pick a date, and our guides will handle everything else!
 
What you’ll learn:
 
•    Equipment introduction and gear overview
•    Intro to trip planning and terrain selection
•    Use of beacons, shovels, and probes
•    Intro to risk management in the backcountry
•    Proper and efficient transitions
•    Use of uphill climbing skins
•    Track setting and kick turns
•    Intro to Avalanche Awareness


Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Itinerary
Note: Choice of location and itin­er­ary are sub­ject to change due to weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, or oth­er rea­sons beyond our con­trol and in the guide’s best judgment.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up and head to the field. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the backcountry into an experiential classroom where you will learn and hone your winter backcountry skills.
Trip Package Includes
  • CAG professional ski or splitboard guide (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the Trailhead  
  • 10% off rentals and demos at evo Denver
  • 20% off discount code to evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include
  • Air­fare
  • Accommodations
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from designated meeting place
  • Food
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information

Summit County and Beyond


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.
FAQ
FAQ
  • I need local accommodations before or after this trip. Do you have recommendations?
    Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or book online at https://thepadlife.com/silverthorne/
  • What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
    Colorado Adventure Guides has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All group activities will observe public health codes applicable to the area of operations. Current COVID-19 guidelines can be viewed here https://www.coloradoadventureguides.com/keeping-up-with-covid/
  • Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
    No prior training is necessary. This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from evo or other local shops.
  • How physically fit do I need to be for this trip?
    Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of their guests. Their guides are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to your departure 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. 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.
  • Are rentals available?
    Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Denver store for 10% off. You may also rent avalanche safety gear directly through CAG.
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    For guided adventures your guide will contact you directly at least 48 hours prior to trip date to discuss details of meeting time and location.
  • What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
    Colorado Adventure Guides guest to guide ratio is 5:1 on guided trips. All groups of 6 or more are split into smaller groups to maintain the guest to guide ratio and adhere to COVID group size protocols. Maximum total guests would be 12-18 people.
  • Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
    We will accept par­tic­i­pants 14 years or old­er, if they are accom­pa­nied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or old­er to attend a trip on your own.
  • Can I join a women's trip if I identify as female or I'm non-binary?
    Yes, this trip is welcome to anyone who identifies as female as well as non-binary folks.
  • What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
    Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to guided adventures. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. This allows us the time to contact those who have been put on the wait-list.
  • What if I need to cancel?
    evo will refer to the Colorado Adventure Guides cancellation policy. If you need to can­cel your trip, refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 days prior to guided adventure start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Testimonials
The Intro to Splitboarding course with Justin Ibarra was tailored to my needs as a new splitboarder. I learned new techniques and knowledge that I look forward to using when I get my Avy 1 certification this season. I highly recommend this course to anyone who's new to the backcountry.
Jill
Trip Guest
The whole Colorado Adventure Guides crew was knowledgeable, professional, and fun. I’m sitting at home studying the material and checking out all the great resources they shared. Excited to keep the education going! Thanks for a great experience!
Ruthie
Trip Guest
Anne and Justin were extremely informative and taught in a way that was easy to learn and applied it to real life scenarios.
Andrew
Trip Guest

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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

Las Trancas Chile

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

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

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