SILVERTHORNE SKI FIELD GUIDE
Two Days of Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering — Master Technical Gear and Steep Terrain from a Silverthorne Base
An intensive 2-day course for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders to learn ropework, ice-axe and crampon techniques, and steep-terrain travel with Colorado Adventure Guides.
Two Days of Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering — Master Technical Gear and Steep Terrain from a Silverthorne Base.
Set out from Silverthorne with Colorado Adventure Guides for an intensive, hands-on two-day mountaineering course that drills technical gear, ropework, ice-axe and crampon skills, and steep-terrain travel for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ropework, Ice-Axe and Crampon Proficiency
The course focuses on technical tools used in ski mountaineering: knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, rappelling, self-arrest and climbing techniques with ice axes, plus crampon use—delivered through classroom overview and field application.
Steep Skinning, Bootpacking and Steep Riding
Students practice advanced movement: steep skinning, bootpacking, climbing and riding couloirs, and steep-line technique to build confidence on exposed, technical slopes.
Silverthorne Basecamp and Guided Field Objectives
Operating from a Silverthorne base, guides choose appropriate local terrain and conditions to apply skills in real objectives, with rental touring skis and splitboards available from the basecamp.
What the day feels like
What it Feels Like on the Snow
Two concentrated days blend instructor-led gear overview and knots/ropework drills with on-snow practice: day one establishes hard skills and gear technique at the guide headquarters and in the field; day two attempts an objective so students can apply belays, crampon and axe work while skiing or riding steeper lines under guided supervision.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Ropework, Ice-Axe and Crampon Proficiency
The course focuses on technical tools used in ski mountaineering: knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, rappelling, self-arrest and climbing techniques with ice axes, plus crampon use—delivered through classroom overview and field application.
STEEP TERRAIN
Steep Skinning, Bootpacking and Steep Riding
Students practice advanced movement: steep skinning, bootpacking, climbing and riding couloirs, and steep-line technique to build confidence on exposed, technical slopes.
LOCAL ACCESS
Silverthorne Basecamp and Guided Field Objectives
Operating from a Silverthorne base, guides choose appropriate local terrain and conditions to apply skills in real objectives, with rental touring skis and splitboards available from the basecamp.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should wait until they have more experience.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two-day, intensive course.
Meet in Central Colorado; day-one meeting takes place at the Colorado Adventure Guides headquarters before traveling into the field.
Bring appropriate touring or splitboard equipment for travel on snow; the course covers technical gear and techniques, and touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from the Silverthorne basecamp.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course is a two-day program.
Where do participants meet?
Participants meet in Central Colorado; the first day begins at the Colorado Adventure Guides headquarters.
What experience do I need to join?
Students must have at least three seasons of backcountry touring experience and completion of a Level 1 avalanche course (Level 2 recommended) plus an Avalanche Rescue course within the past two seasons.
Do I need to be a strong resort skier or rider?
Yes—students should be comfortable on all resort terrain and be at least a double-black diamond skier or equivalent rider.
Will I learn ropework and self-arrest techniques?
Yes—the curriculum includes ropework (knots, tie-ins, belays, anchors, rappelling), ice-axe self-arrest and climbing techniques, and crampon use.
Can I rent touring skis or a splitboard?
Touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from the Silverthorne, CO basecamp.