SILVERTHORNE RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Sharpening Judgment Above Tree Line: A One‑Day Avalanche Refresher in Silverthorne
AIARE‑certified instructors lead a custom one‑day refresher—an online pre‑module plus an 8‑hour field day—focused on decision‑making, companion rescue, and terrain management.
Sharpening Judgment Above Tree Line: A One‑Day Avalanche Refresher in Silverthorne.
Set in Summit County near Silverthorne, Colorado, Colorado Adventure Guides runs a private, one‑day AIARE 1 refresher that returns seasoned backcountry travelers to the snow to rehearse snowpack assessment, companion rescue, and the AIARE decision‑making framework under certified instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Revisit the AIARE Framework
This refresher reviews components of the full AIARE 1 curriculum and puts the PREPARE → PLAN → RIDE SAFELY → TEAMWORK → DEBRIEF framework into practice with instructor‑led coaching in the field.
Online Prep, Full‑Day Field Practice
The course combines an online learning component with a full day in the field so you can refresh classroom concepts and immediately apply them during guided exercises.
Rentals Available for a Complete Kit
If you need it, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, a medium backpack, and alpine touring ski or splitboard setups (skins, boots, poles) are available to rent for the day.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
After completing a short online module, you spend a focused eight hours in the field with AIARE‑qualified instructors—rotating through leadership practice, snowpack observations, companion‑rescue drills, and guided debriefs that culminate in a plan for continued learning.
THE SKILLS
Revisit the AIARE Framework
This refresher reviews components of the full AIARE 1 curriculum and puts the PREPARE → PLAN → RIDE SAFELY → TEAMWORK → DEBRIEF framework into practice with instructor‑led coaching in the field.
THE FORMAT
Online Prep, Full‑Day Field Practice
The course combines an online learning component with a full day in the field so you can refresh classroom concepts and immediately apply them during guided exercises.
THE GEAR
Rentals Available for a Complete Kit
If you need it, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, a medium backpack, and alpine touring ski or splitboard setups (skins, boots, poles) are available to rent for the day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this refresher suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring layered apparel (synthetic or merino base layer; hard or softshell pants; hardshell or water/wind‑resistant jacket; down or synthetic insulated jacket), helmet, goggles, sunglasses, light and warm gloves, brimmed hat or visor, neck gaiter or buff, sunscreen, snacks, water and food.
Avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, medium backpack, and alpine touring ski setups with climbing skins, boots and poles or an equivalent splitboard setup are available to rent.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What level should I be at to benefit from this course?
The refresher is meant for individuals or groups who have already taken an AIARE 1 or equivalent course (A3 Rec 1).
How physically fit do I need to be?
The course can be physically demanding; participants are recommended to be in good physical condition. Guides will collect a brief health history and plan operations with safety in mind.
Do I need to be a good skier or snowboarder?
Students on alpine touring skis or splitboards should be comfortable in steep blue‑to‑black resort terrain and able to travel off‑trail on ungroomed snow with appropriate equipment.
What's the minimum age to take the course?
Minimum age is 16.
Do you offer private group courses?
Private course dates can be requested throughout the season; contact Colorado Adventure Guides to arrange a private outing.
When and how do I meet my group for the course?
Instructors will reach out before the course with the meeting location and time; for field days students will be encouraged to use company vans or carpool to reduce trailhead crowding.
Should I tip my course instructor?
Gratuities aren’t expected but are appreciated; typical amounts are 15–20%.