SILVERTHORNE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three Days of Lift‑Accessed Avalanche Training at Winter Park: AIARE Level 1 with Ortovox Support
A three-day AIARE Level 1 course based at Winter Park Resort combining classroom sessions, lift‑accessed on‑snow training, and complimentary Ortovox avalanche gear.
Three Days of Lift‑Accessed Avalanche Training at Winter Park: AIARE Level 1 with Ortovox Support.
Set against the familiar contours of Winter Park Resort, this three‑day AIARE Level 1 course blends online preparation, classroom instruction, and two full days of lift‑accessed fieldwork to teach avalanche awareness, snowpack interpretation, rescue technique, and group decision‑making.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lift‑served field days for maximum on‑snow time
Instead of long approach tours, the course uses Winter Park’s lifts to put students immediately into varied on‑snow terrain, increasing time for practical observation, travel practice, and turns.
Hands‑on companion rescue and field observation
AIARE‑certified instructors guide students through companion rescue drills and real‑time snowpack and weather interpretation, emphasizing practical rescue proficiency and locally informed risk management.
Complimentary Ortovox avalanche equipment
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, the program provides students access to Ortovox avalanche gear so participants can practice with industry‑standard tools during the on‑snow days.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The course moves quickly from pre‑course e‑learning to a half‑day of focused classroom work, then into two full field days on lift‑accessed terrain where scenario‑based drills, companion rescue practice, and student‑led route selection reinforce classroom concepts under the guidance of AIARE‑certified instructors.
THE TERRAIN
Lift‑served field days for maximum on‑snow time
Instead of long approach tours, the course uses Winter Park’s lifts to put students immediately into varied on‑snow terrain, increasing time for practical observation, travel practice, and turns.
THE SKILLS
Hands‑on companion rescue and field observation
AIARE‑certified instructors guide students through companion rescue drills and real‑time snowpack and weather interpretation, emphasizing practical rescue proficiency and locally informed risk management.
THE GEAR
Complimentary Ortovox avalanche equipment
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, the program provides students access to Ortovox avalanche gear so participants can practice with industry‑standard tools during the on‑snow days.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Students should have any personal avalanche kit they normally use; the program also offers complimentary Ortovox avalanche gear for practice. You will need your Winter Park lift tickets to ride lifts for the on‑snow days.
Field days are conducted using Winter Park Resort lifts, so participants must have lift access via their own Winter Park lift tickets.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The AIARE Level 1 course runs three days, combining e‑learning, a classroom day, and two full field days.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location for the course is Winter Park, Colorado.
Do I need a lift ticket?
Yes — students need Winter Park lift tickets to ride lifts for the on‑snow field days.
Is avalanche gear provided?
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, the course provides complimentary Ortovox avalanche gear for students to use during training.
What skill level is required?
Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black resort terrain and able to travel off‑trail on ungroomed terrain.
Is there a special package option?
A special package option for Feb 5–7, 2027 includes lodging at the Winter Park Chalet with two meals per day and places the course at the chalet for the stay; participants can meet new companions and enjoy town evenings.