SILVERTHORNE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Reading the Snow: Avy Safety 101 & the State of the Snowpack in Silverthorne
A concise, free clinic that introduces avalanche dynamics, essential avalanche gear, and a seasonal briefing on the local snowpack to help you make smarter backcountry choices.
Reading the Snow: Avy Safety 101 & the State of the Snowpack in Silverthorne.
This paired clinic delivers an introduction to avalanche awareness alongside a seasonal assessment of the local snowpack. Attendees leave with a practical sense of how avalanches happen, what equipment and information matter for safe travel, and an up-to-date read on how winter weather has shaped the snowpack.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Avy 101: The essentials without the heavy science
A short, focused primer on avalanche dynamics that emphasizes the destructive power of avalanches, how and when they occur, and practical decision-making—presented without dense formulas so learners can absorb the core concepts quickly.
What matters in the backcountry
Discussion of essential avalanche gear and the resources used for smart backcountry decisions—how the forecast fits into route planning and which avenues exist for further backcountry education.
State of the Snowpack: weather tracked, implications explained
A seasonal briefing that traces winter weather since the start of the season, explains how storms have shaped the snowpack, and what the current state means as more snow arrives—presented in an accessible, non-technical format.
What the day feels like
What the clinic feels like
The clinic is a compact, instructor-led session that moves briskly from demonstration to discussion: an introductory segment on avalanche dynamics and hazard recognition, a practical conversation about gear and using the forecast, and a state-of-the-snow presentation that connects recent weather to current travel considerations.
AVALANCHE BASICS
Avy 101: The essentials without the heavy science
A short, focused primer on avalanche dynamics that emphasizes the destructive power of avalanches, how and when they occur, and practical decision-making—presented without dense formulas so learners can absorb the core concepts quickly.
GEAR & DECISIONS
What matters in the backcountry
Discussion of essential avalanche gear and the resources used for smart backcountry decisions—how the forecast fits into route planning and which avenues exist for further backcountry education.
SNOWPACK READ
State of the Snowpack: weather tracked, implications explained
A seasonal briefing that traces winter weather since the start of the season, explains how storms have shaped the snowpack, and what the current state means as more snow arrives—presented in an accessible, non-technical format.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this clinic suits—and who may want a different format.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Planned session length is 1.5 hours.
The clinic meets in Colorado (Silverthorne, CO).
This is an informational clinic; participants should expect discussion of avalanche gear and forecasting resources but do not need to bring specialized avalanche equipment for the session.
The Avy 101 Clinic is offered as a free avalanche awareness program.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the clinic?
The planned session length is 1.5 hours.
How much science is covered?
The clinic is intentionally not heavy on science—presenters focus on practical avalanche awareness rather than technical formulas.
Is there a cost to attend?
The Avy 101 Clinic is a free avalanche awareness program.
What topics are included?
Topics include avalanche dynamics and destructive power, essential avalanche gear, how to use the forecast, and a seasonal State of the Snowpack briefing that traces recent weather and its effects.
Where does the clinic meet?
The clinic meets in Colorado (Silverthorne).
Is this a field training or backcountry guide service?
No—the clinic is an educational awareness program rather than a field companion or guided backcountry tour.
Who should attend?
Anyone seeking a practical introduction to avalanche awareness, gear, and local snowpack trends—especially beginners and recreational backcountry users.