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Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course

Lesson ·

4.9

(326)

Breckenridge• Dillon• Frisco• Keystone• Silverthorne

Locally Owned

Small Group Sizes

Instant Book

Duration: 2 days

Pricing

Person

Price/Person - Select # in Your Group

$589

Description

Summit County Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course

Take your skiing or splitboarding to the next level with this intensive two-day mountaineering course designed for experienced backcountry travelers. You’ll join a small group of skilled and motivated riders to build confidence and precision in technical terrain. Over the span of two field-based days, you’ll dive deep into advanced movement skills, ropework, and snow safety, learning how to travel efficiently and safely through steep and complex mountain environments.

From mastering the use of ice axes and crampons to practicing knots, anchors, and rappelling techniques, this course blends technical instruction with real-world application. You’ll also refine your route planning, hazard evaluation, and rescue preparation skills—all under the guidance of professional instructors who live and breathe mountain travel. Whether your goals include tackling bigger lines, climbing couloirs, or preparing for larger alpine objectives, this course provides the foundation for advanced ski mountaineering pursuits.

Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering Learning Objectives

Equipment

Introduction and overview of technical gear
Ropework: knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, and rappelling
Ice axe: self-arrest, belay, and climbing techniques
Crampon usage

Trip Preparation

Advanced trip planning and route selection
Rescue and emergency preparation

Techniques

Techniques for traveling through technical terrain
Steep skinning and bootpacking techniques
Climbing and snowboarding couloirs
Steep riding

Duration

2 Full Days

Day One – Meet at CAG office. Gear overview and then travel into the field for gear use and hard skills.

Day Two - Attempt an objective to climb and ski/ride to practice our newly-learned skills. Travel out of the field

Location / Where to Meet

Colorado Adventure Guides: Silverthorne Basecamp

204 Ryan Gulch Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498

This course will be held in or around the Summit County Area. Exact locations will be chosen based on the group, weather, and snowpack conditions.

Most trips meet at our Silverthorne Basecamp, but your guide will be in touch two weeks before the start of the trip to discuss course details. At that time, an alternative meeting location may be designated.

Ages & Requirements

This is an advanced-level course designed for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders ages 18 and up. Participants must have a minimum of three seasons of backcountry touring experience, as well as an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course (Level 2 recommended) and an Avalanche Rescue Course completed within the past two seasons.

Students should be confident on double black diamond terrain at the resort and comfortable traveling in variable, off-trail snow conditions for extended periods. A solid level of physical fitness and prior familiarity with touring equipment are essential, as this course involves full field days and exposure to steep, technical terrain.

What’s Included

Qualified and professional Instructors
3-4:1 maximum student: instructor ratio
Technical gear if needed

Not Included

Transportation to designated meeting place
Food for lunch/snacks (in the field)
Clothing and gear
Guide gratuities
Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

What to Bring / Wear

Required Equipment

Avalanche Beacon, probe, shovel
Ice axe, crampons, and harness
Backcountry backpack
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Ski crampons strongly recommended
Goggles and helmet
Much of the above is available for use or rent at CAG’s HQ

Required 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 or goggles
Neck gaitor or buff

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Colorado Adventure Guides

FAQs

Who is this course designed for?

Students are required to have at least 3 seasons of backcountry touring experience including completion of a Level 1 (Level 2 recommended) avalanche course as well as an Avalanche Rescue course within the past 2 seasons.

Students must be comfortable skiing and riding all terrain on a ski resort (double black diamond skier at minimum). Students should be able to travel off-trail on exposed, ungroomed or unmaintained terrain for extended periods of time and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. Touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.

When and how do I meet up with our instructor?

Your instructor will contact you at least two weeks prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

Should we tip our instructors?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

What qualifications do the instructors have?

All instructors are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in ski and splitboard mountaineering. They hold certifications through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), and are skilled in teaching advanced backcountry travel, ropework, and technical snow skills. Each instructor is also certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or higher, ensuring that safety and high-quality instruction are at the forefront of your experience.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

Refunds for Courses - An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations. Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment less a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, you will be charged the full amount. Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.

Rescheduling Policy

An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS PRIOR to guided adventures and 14 DAYS PRIOR to any course or camp start date. If you need to reschedule within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will reschedule your booking with a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, we will be unable to reschedule our booking.

No-shows will be charged the full price.

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.