Three Days on the Continental Divide: AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training from Silverthorne

SILVERTHORNE WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Three Days on the Continental Divide: AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training from Silverthorne

A three-day AIARE Level 1 course that pairs expert classroom instruction with hands-on field training and complimentary Ortovox safety gear—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

Three Days on the Continental Divide: AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training from Silverthorne.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Silverthorne
Operator
Colorado Adventure Guides
Category
Walking Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set against the high, wind-scoured ridges of Colorado's continental divide, this immersive three-day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course combines expert-led classroom sessions with practical field work. Students move from lectures to on-snow exercises, learning vital avalanche-safety skills and using complimentary Ortovox safety gear as they practice real‑world decision making.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MOUNTAINS

Training on the Continental Divide

The course unfolds along Colorado's continental divide, giving participants direct exposure to the terrain and conditions that make avalanche education essential.

THE TEACHING

Expert‑Led Classroom Sessions

Structured classroom instruction forms the foundation of the course, delivering the concepts and frameworks students then apply in the field.

THE GEAR

Hands‑On Field Training with Ortovox

Field days emphasize practical skills and real‑world application; the program supplies Ortovox safety gear so students can practice with industry‑standard equipment.

What the day feels like

What Three Days of AIARE 1 Feels Like

The rhythm is deliberate: classroom blocks introduce avalanche theory and decision frameworks, then students take those lessons into the field to practice companion rescue, beacon searches, and risk assessment. Over three days the curriculum moves from fundamentals to applied scenarios so participants leave with tangible, practiced skills.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course fits — and who should think twice.

1
Aspiring backcountry travelersIdeal for people eager to learn the skills needed to travel more safely in avalanche terrain; the course is described as perfect for anyone wanting to explore the backcountry safely.
2
Recreational backcountry usersA practical option for recreational users who want classroom knowledge reinforced by on‑snow practice and real‑world application.
3
Newcomers to avalanche educationAppropriate for newcomers who are motivated to learn fundamental avalanche skills through structured instruction and field exercises.
4
Those unable to participate in field sessionsNot well suited for participants who cannot take part in the hands‑on field training that is an essential element of the course.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

This is an immersive, three‑day AIARE Level 1 course.

What to Bring

The program provides complimentary Ortovox safety gear for hands‑on practice.

Logistics

The curriculum alternates classroom instruction with field work focused on real‑world application along Colorado’s continental divide.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the AIARE Level 1 course?

The course is an immersive three‑day program.

What will I learn in the course?

Participants complete classroom sessions and hands‑on field training to learn vital avalanche safety skills and practical application.

Is safety gear provided?

Yes — the course supplies complimentary Ortovox safety gear for the hands‑on portions of training.

Where does the training take place?

Training takes place along Colorado’s continental divide in the Silverthorne area, combining classroom and field locations.

Who runs the course?

The program is operated by Colorado Adventure Guides.

Is the course suitable for beginners?

Yes; the course is described as perfect for anyone eager to explore the backcountry safely and is structured to teach foundational avalanche skills.