SILVERTHORNE WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hands-on Avalanche Rescue Training at the Edge of the Colorado Backcountry
A one-day AIARE Rescue course teaching companion-rescue skills, realistic scenario practice, and professional coaching—complete with complimentary Ortovox safety gear and a certificate of completion.
Hands-on Avalanche Rescue Training at the Edge of the Colorado Backcountry.
Adventure brief
Hands-on Avalanche Rescue Training at the Edge of the Colorado Backcountry
This immersive, one-day AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is designed for both newcomers and seasoned backcountry travelers. Through professional coaching and hands-on practice, students learn companion-rescue techniques, efficient beacon/shovel/probe use, and scenario-based responses that prepare them to act under pressure.
Discover the essential skills for safe backcountry travel with the AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Silverthorne, Colorado. Offered by Colorado Adventure Guides, this private, one-day walking tour combines professional instruction with hands-on practice in a realistic mountain setting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced backcountry enthusiast, the course covers critical avalanche rescue techniques including beacon searches, probing, and safe victim extraction. Participants are equipped with high-quality Ortovox safety gear that is included in the course, providing both comfort and reliability throughout the training. This immersive experience not only enhances your avalanche safety knowledge but also builds confidence for traveling in Colorado's breathtaking yet challenging winter landscapes. By the end, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, a valuable asset for adventurers planning future excursions into the backcountry. Preparing for avalanches is a vital part of responsible winter exploration, and this course offers the perfect mix of expert coaching, practical drills, and safety gear to keep you prepared in any situation.
Route Schematic
Course Schematic
A compact sequence of briefing, skill stations, and scenario drills makes up the one-day course.
Meeting & Pre-Trip Checks
Participants meet in Central Colorado for a safety briefing and health-history check; instructors run through pre-trip gear inspections and course objectives.
Beacon, Probe & Shovel Stations
Stations focus on efficient beacon use, probe technique, and coordinated shoveling so students can build the mechanical skills central to companion rescue.
Realistic Scenario Drills
Timed, instructor-led scenarios—including multiple-burial and advanced beacon-function exercises—test search strategies and group coordination under pressure.
Debrief & Certification
Instructors lead a debrief covering lessons learned, ongoing practice plans, and issue certificates of completion to participants who meet course objectives.
This can be a physically demanding course and instructors may adjust exercises or plans based on safety considerations; participants complete a confidential health-history form before the course and should be in good physical condition.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Across a focused eight-hour day, the format blends pre-trip checks and briefing with hands-on practice: students practice beacon searches, probe lines, and efficient shoveling, then move into timed, realistic scenarios under instructor coaching. Newcomers learn companion rescue fundamentals while returning students refine advanced techniques.
THE DRILLS
Realistic Scenario Practice
The course centers on realistic field scenarios—single and multiple burial drills, rapid search strategies, and evacuation considerations—so learners can rehearse high-stakes decisions in controlled conditions.
THE GEAR
Pro-Grade Ortovox Equipment Included
As an Ortovox Safety Academy partner, the operator provides complimentary Diract Voice beacons, Beast shovels, ALU probes, and backpacks for the course—letting students focus on skill acquisition without gear barriers.
THE OUTCOME
Certificate and a Path Forward
Successful participants receive a certificate of completion; the course is also a prerequisite for AIARE 2 or Pro 1 and is designed to set a foundation for ongoing practice and professional progression.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an eight-hour, one-day course.
Meeting location is in Central Colorado; confirm details with the operator when booking.
The operator provides complimentary Ortovox Diract Voice beacons, Beast shovels, ALU probes, and backpacks; participants may use alpine touring skis, splitboards, or snowshoes and should be comfortable on their chosen setup prior to the course.
Private group courses are available by booking directly with the operator (call to check availability).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How physically fit do I need to be to take this course?
This can be a physically demanding course. Instructors assess safety and you will complete a confidential health-history form; being in good physical condition is recommended.
Do I need to be a good skier or snowboarder to take this course?
No—this course can be taken on alpine touring skis, snowshoes, or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required, though participants using touring gear should be comfortable on their setup and in steep blue to black resort terrain.
What's the minimum age to take this course?
The minimum age to enroll is 16.
Do you offer an AIARE Avalanche Rescue as a private group course?
Yes—private group courses may be booked; call the operator at 970-893-8007 for availability.
Should I tip my course instructor?
Gratuities aren’t expected but are appreciated. Typical tips range from 15–20%.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-11-04T01:17:25.681Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.