Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course

Lesson

Dillon • Breckenridge • Silverthorne

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Features

Small Group Sizes

Instant Book

Locally Owned

$499 Person

(Price/Person - Select # in Your Group)

$820 Larger Groups

(Price/Person, select # in group)

$0 Waiting List

Description

Summit County Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course

Join like-minded enthusiasts and take your splitboarding or skiing to a higher level! This course is for passionate winter athletes with a strong foundation of backcountry snow skills and avalanche education, who are ready to put in the work, and who want to learn how to travel through technical terrain with splitboards or skis.

In this 3-day course we will focus on learning the ins and outs of technical gear, and techniques, and we'll work on the practical application of skills for steep terrain. Learn about equipment like ice axes and crampons, rope-work in the ski mountaineering world, advanced terrain management, and more. (This course is also offered as a hut-based course, which includes 3 days and 2 nights in the hut with professional guides. See separate item. We also offer customizable, private group mountaineering courses.)

What you will Learn

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

Who is this Course Designed For?

Those who have a strong foundation of backcountry skills, have taken a Level 1 recreational avalanche course, and a rescue course. (Level 2 recommended)

Those who have at least 40 days experience riding in the backcountry (double black/ungroomed in resort).

Those who are willing to put in the work.

Students should be able to travel off-trail on exposed, ungroomed or unmaintained terrain for extended periods of time and should bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.

Itinerary

Pre-trip – The guides will contact you two weeks before the course to discuss trip details. Often there is a group Zoom call before class.

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

Day Two - Travel into the field, set up camp, and then do an afternoon tour to assess conditions.

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

What’s Included

Qualified and professional Instructors

3:1 maximum student : instructor ratio

Technical gear if needed

What’s Not Included

Transportation to designated meeting place

Food for lunch/snacks (in the field)

Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)

Guide gratuities

Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Location

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.

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

Rock Climbing

Mountaineering

Hiking/Peak Accents

Mountain Biking

Whitewater Rafting/SUPing

Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry Splitboarding

Snowshoeing

Ice Climbing

AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.

Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to course start date. 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.

FAQs

What Equipment is Required for this Course?

Avalanche Beacon, probe, shovel

Ice axe, crampons, and harness

Overnight-sized backpack

Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard

Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)

Goggles and helmet

Much of the above is available for use or rent at CAG’s HQ

What Clothing is Recommended for this Course?

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

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%.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Colorado Adventure Guides

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.

Availability

April 2025

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There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

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Location

Address

204 Ryan Gulch Rd.

Silverthorne, CO, 80498

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