Intro to Backountry Ski and Splitboard Class Colorado

Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring in Colorado

Make the Transition from Resort Riding to the Backcountry—With Confidence

If you’re a strong resort skier or snowboarder ready to explore beyond the lifts, this Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring course with The Mountain Guides Colorado is the perfect first step. Designed as a one-day camp, this course demystifies backcountry travel and makes the transition from frontcountry to backcountry approachable, efficient, and fun.

Through a mix of short classroom sessions and hands-on field instruction, our guides teach the fundamental skills you need to participate safely and confidently in future backcountry tours—whether guided or with trusted partners.

Course Overview

Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring

• Duration: 1 full day
• Format: Classroom instruction + field-based learning
• Location: Colorado backcountry
• Discipline: Backcountry skiing and splitboarding

This course focuses on the how of backcountry travel—gear use, efficiency, and mountain systems—rather than avalanche forecasting. It’s the ideal foundation before enrolling in formal avalanche education.

Who This Course Is For

This camp is ideal for:

• Resort skiers and snowboarders transitioning to the backcountry
• Skiers new to touring equipment and uphill travel
• Riders looking to build confidence before guided or partner-led tours
• Students preparing for an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course

No prior backcountry experience is required.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the day, participants will be introduced to the essential skills required for backcountry touring, including:

• Efficient uphill travel and pacing
• Basic use of touring and splitboard equipment
• Packing systems and gear organization
• Layering strategies for changing mountain conditions
• Navigation fundamentals and route awareness
• Emergency planning and backcountry preparedness

Instruction also adapts to conditions and opportunities in the field, allowing guides to address teachable moments as they arise.

Physical Ability & Skill Requirements

Participants must:

• Be strong intermediate to advanced skiers or snowboarders
• Be comfortable skiing or riding ungroomed and treed terrain
• Be capable of hiking up to 3,000 vertical feet in a day

This course emphasizes movement efficiency and stamina in real backcountry environments.

How This Course Fits Your Avalanche Education Path

This one-day camp is ideal preparation for an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. Students who complete this course arrive at AIARE 1 with greater comfort using their equipment, allowing them to focus more fully on avalanche decision-making and terrain assessment.

Why Learn with The Mountain Guides Colorado

• Experienced, professional backcountry guides
• Supportive instruction tailored to first-time backcountry travelers
• Real-world terrain and practical learning
• Small group sizes for individualized coaching

Take Your First Step Beyond the Lifts

The Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring in Colorado course gives you the skills and confidence to begin your backcountry journey the right way.