Introduction to Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding Course - Summit County, CO

Ready to take your first steps beyond the resort? This one-day introductory course is designed to give you the confidence and foundational skills to start exploring Colorado’s backcountry safely and efficiently. Led by professional guides and educators, this hands-on course turns the mountains into your classroom—covering everything from touring gear and transitions to avalanche awareness and terrain management.

Whether you’re a skier or splitboarder, you’ll spend a full day in the field learning uphill travel techniques, backcountry navigation, and how to use your avalanche safety equipment. It’s the perfect stepping stone for anyone curious about backcountry travel and an excellent way to gain experience before taking an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. With guidance tailored to your pace and ability, you’ll leave feeling confident, capable, and inspired to explore beyond the lifts.

Intro to Backcountry Learning Objectives

1. Intro and overview of touring gear
   
2. Proper and efficient transitions
   
3. Intro to avalanche safety gear
   

1. Intro to trip planning and backcountry navigation
   
2. Intro to hazard management
   
3. Introduction to avalanche awareness
   

1. Use of uphill climbing skins
   
2. Intro to track setting
   
3. Intro to using kick turns
   

Duration

Location / Where to Meet

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum Age: 16 years old
   
2. Ability Level: Participants must be confident skiing or riding advanced blue to black terrain at a resort. Experience on ungroomed or variable snow is recommended.
   
3. Fitness Level: This is a physically demanding full-day course that includes uphill travel on touring equipment and extended time outdoors. Participants should have a moderate to high fitness level.
   
4. Equipment: Alpine touring skis or splitboard setup with skins, avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe are required. Rentals are available at our Silverthorne basecamp.
   

What's Included

• Local experienced and professional Instructors/Guides
  
• 8-hour course with a 6:1 maximum instructor to student ratio
  
• Discounted demo gear if needed – 20% off
  
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the Trailhead
  

Not Included

• Avalanche Safety Gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack) (rentals available)
  
• Lodging
  
• Clothing and gear (See FAQs)
  
• Backcountry skis, splitboards, or snowshoes (rentals available)
  
• Food
  
• Transportation to designated meeting place
  
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
  
• Instructor gratuity
  

Required Equipment

• Avalanche Beacon 
  
• Avalanche Probe 
  
• Avalanche Shovel 
  
• Medium (40L) sized backpack 
  
• Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard 
  
• Climbing Skins 
  
• Goggles
  
• Helmet 
  

What to Bring / Wear

• 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