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Silverthorne, Colorado
(970) 893-8007
info@coloradoadventureguides.com
As Colorado’s largest AIARE-accredited provider, we deliver expert-led, hands-on avalanche education for every level — from first-time backcountry travelers to seasoned pros — using proven, high-quality AIARE curriculum.
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is a 3-day introduction to managing avalanche hazard where you will learn a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. Students will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of conditions, communicating, making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learning rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
A3 sets the national standards for avalanche education in the United States. As an A3-recognized provider, we deliver training that is consistent, credible, and aligned with best practices across the country.
Our AIARE Level 1 courses are a full 3-day, 24-hour experience designed to give you the foundation for safe backcountry travel. The course blends required eLearning, focused classroom sessions, and immersive field instruction so you can understand – and apply – the principles of traveling in avalanche terrain.
We don’t rush the process or cut corners. You get the full instructional time you need to build real decision-making skills, not just check a box.
We offer multiple course formats and access to a wide range of terrain across Summit County and the Front Range, including Loveland and Berthoud Pass. Options include standard courses, hut-based programs in five different huts, lift-accessed courses in partnership with Winter Park Resort, splitboard-specific courses, and women’s-specific courses.
Wherever and however you train, the goal is the same: confident, informed backcountry travel.
Standard pricing above applies to all AIARE 1 formats except hut trips.
Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
Pre-trip equipment check
Survival gear checklist
Basics of route selection and terrain management
Trip planning and preparation
Rescue and emergency preparation
Group management
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain is a three-part program for individuals who enjoy winter recreation in the backcountry. The entire Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program includes seven days of classroom, field, and self-paced online training. The curriculum is typically delivered in the following parts: the AIARE 1 (3 days), Avalanche Rescue (1 day), and the AIARE 2 (3 days)
Imagine spending the weekend with avalanche professionals in the backcountry, learning about snow safety while sipping tea in front of a crackling wood stove. Backcountry skiing or snowboarding right to the hut to enjoy a cold beer while debriefing the day. Students will practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of conditions, communicating, making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learning rescue techniques, and how to execute a winter backcountry hut trip!
Back again for this season we have partnered up with Winter Park Ski Resort to offer lift-accessed AIARE 1 courses! These courses will be ran in the traditional 3-day format as other courses, but the field days will be based out of the resort where the team will use lifts to access out of bounds terrain. These courses will still have touring components outside of the resort boundaries and so touring gear is still required. Lift passes not included.
Colorado Adventure Guides is proud to be one of the original splitboard specific course developers and providers in the country! With the support of Weston Backcountry, we will be offering splitboard specific AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses this again this season. Join like-minded individuals to pursue your avalanche and backcountry snowboarding education. Want more? Check out out Splitboard Progression Program!
Learn avalanche safety while snowshoeing in Colorado with our 3-Day AIARE 1 Snowshoe course. This hands-on program combines classroom and on-snow instruction to teach you how to recognize avalanche terrain, manage risk, and perform companion rescues—perfect for snowshoers exploring the backcountry safely.
Our 3-Day AIARE Level 1 Course builds a strong foundation in avalanche safety through a mix of classroom learning and on-snow instruction. You’ll learn to recognize avalanche terrain, manage risk, make informed travel decisions, and perform companion rescues for safer backcountry travel. This course includes an ASL-designated pod (up to 6 students) and is open to everyone, including those with hearing loss—ASL interpreters provided, with friends and family welcome. Instruction is led by Aaron Rose, course date March 20-22, 2026.
The Gore Range Gravity Alliance is teaming up with Colorado Adventure Guides to offer a women’s AIARE 1 course open to women and non-binary folks. The first day will be in CAG’s classroom in Silverthorne, and days 2 and 3 will be on snow with one day likely on Vail Pass.
This AIARE level 1 is a 3-day introduction to managing avalanche hazard where you will learn a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. Students will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of conditions, communicating, making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learning rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught. Our Level 1 course will include 24 hours of course work at a minimum. We want to make sure that you get the education that you need and don’t cut corners in delivering the best product so that we can maximize your commitment!
E-Learning materials and Student Manual for AIARE Level 1 are sent one month prior to course
8:00am–4:00pm : Classroom Presentations and Trip Planning Lesson
7:30am – 3:30pm : Companion Rescue and Making Relevant Observations.
7:30am – 4:00pm : Student Led Tour and Course Close
3 days (24+ hrs)
6 Students:1 Instructor
We run our avalanche courses out of a variety of field locations across Central Colorado and exact locations will vary based on course format.
CAG Avalanche Course Equipment List – PDF
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, Splitboard or Snowshoes
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet (optional)
Hard or softshell pants
Synthetic or merino wool base layer
Softshell jacket (optional)
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
Light gloves for uphill travel
Warm gloves
Brimmed hat or visor
Sunglasses
Neck gaitor or buff
Backcountry gear necessary for AIARE Level 1 can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp. Please visit our rentals page or contact us for details.
Backcountry gear necessary for AIARE Level 1 can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp. Please visit our rentals page or contact us for details.
An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations. Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment less a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, you will be charged the full amount. Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
Rescheduling
An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. Rescheduling will be honored 48 HOURS PRIOR to guided adventures and 14 DAYS PRIOR to any course or camp start date. If you need to reschedule within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will reschedule your booking with a 10% fee. If we cannot fill your spot, we will be unable to reschedule our booking.
No-shows will be charged the full price.
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is a requirement that participants are familiar with their touring gear and have experience on their setup prior to taking this course. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.
Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.
Don’t know how to use your touring gear yet? Sign up for one of our 1-day Intro to Backcountry Ski or Splitboard Courses!
Because we show the total price upfront.
Many outfitters advertise a base rate and add booking fees, processing fees, or other charges at checkout. We don’t.
What you see is the total you’ll pay- clear, transparent, and all-in from the start.
Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
It is recommended that you are familiar with your backcountry equipment and possess the skiing/snowboarding ability to comfortably ride steep blue and black runs at a resort to take AIARE 1.
For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested between December 1 through the end of April, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!
It is recommended that you are familiar with your backcountry equipment and possess the skiing/snowboarding ability to comfortably ride steep blue and black runs at a resort to take AIARE 1.
Your Course Leader will be in contact with you 1 month prior to the course start date with details such as meeting location and time. For field based days students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is developed for new to intermediate backcountry users or for those looking to formalize their education. This course is for experienced resort skiers/riders that have a base knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment. Not quite there yet? Check out our 1-day Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is part 1 of the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program. The Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program is a recreational program that consists of 3 courses spanning a total of 7 days. While there is no actual certification after taking the courses you will obtain course completions. With that being said, the AIARE 1 course is a prerequisite to the AIARE 2 course and so you must attend the AIARE 1 course to continue with the program.
The Rec AIARE 1 Avalanche Course comes with a course completion rather than a certification. It is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.
Colorado Adventure Guides offers AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses based out of Central Colorado. AIARE 1 courses will be split between the classroom curriculum and in the field at various locations in Central Colorado including Summit County, Eagle County, Clear Creek County, Lake County, and Grand County. We also offer hut-based and lift-accessed courses.
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche courses have limited capacity and tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.
