Backcountry Ski / Snowboard

Backcountry Ski / Snowboard

Colorado backcountry can be a great place to enjoy solitude and fresh lines, but a basic skill set is important to have before heading out on your own. Let us teach you the basics so that you can start to earn your turns. Both Ski and Splitboard options available.

2024 Course List

Intro to Backcountry / AIARE Prep

* Weston Sponsored *

Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

Must be competent skier or rider on blue terrain. Minimum age 14 years old

Course Description

Learn what it takes to begin venturing into the backcountry including the basics about avalanche hazards, weather observations, and trip planning.  Overview of all equipment, including beacon, shovel and probe.  Then head out to the trail for a basic tour through the woods.  This is a great prep course for AIARE Level 1.

Time

8:30 am – 4 pm

Cost

$200/person

Equipment 

ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing.  Lunch NOT included

Skis and Splitboards from Weston Backcountry.  Limited models and sizes so please reserve early. All gear compatible with downhill boots.

2024 Group Courses

January 20    February 3    March 2

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Backcountry Terrain Selection

2024 Group Courses

January 21    February 4

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Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

Must be competent skier or rider on black diamond terrain.  Participation in Intro course is preferred. Minimum age 14 years old.

Course Description

Start the day with weather observations and basic map reading and route planning.  Then we head out into the field to practice safe travel through our selected zone.  We will also dig a snowpit and analyze the stability with three simple tests.  And of course we plan to have fun and make some great turns!

Time

8:30 am – 4 pm

Cost

$200/person

Equipment

ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing.  Lunch NOT included

Skis and Splitboards from Weston Backcountry.  Limited models and sizes so please reserve early. All gear compatible with downhill boots.

Pow Surfing

Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

No experience necessary.  Ability to hike short distances at high altitude.

Course Description

This niche winter activity is incredibly fun and casual.  And we have access to incredible terrain on Monarch Pass that lends itself well to riding multiple laps through deep pow in mellow, gladed trees.  Our full day course starts with an introduction to the activity and equipment.  Then we head out to search for the epic waves of pow!  Some coaching on technique will be offered during the descent.

Half Day

9 am – 1pm

Cost

$275/1 person, $350/2 people, $125/person for groups of 3+

Equipment

ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing.  Lunch NOT included. Any snow boot that is shin high should work fine.  Downhill snowboard boots work as well.

Route Finding and Mapping

Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

Intro to Backcountry/AIARE Prep and basic computer skills

Course Description

Quality route finding is the best way to avoid hazards and get the best turns!  This course starts in the classroom where we will work on computer programs and mobile devices to map uphill routes and possible ski routes in our designated zone.  Next we head to the backcountry to put our work to use on the skin track.

Time

8:30 am – 4 pm

Cost

$450/1 person, $525/2 people, $200/person for groups of 3+

Equipment

ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing.  Lunch NOT included. All gear compatible with downhill boots.

Splitboard Techniques

Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 5 – April 30

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Prerequisite

Must be a competent rider on black diamond terrain. Minimum age 14 years old

Course Description

Learn to shred lines in the backcountry with fellow sideways riders.  We will talk about board specific challenges and how to adapt.  Also learn some tricks for keeping up with your two planked friends.

Time

8:30am-4pm

Cost

$450/1 person, $525/2 people, $200/person for groups of 3+

Equipment

ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing.  Lunch NOT included

Splitboards from Weston Backcountry.  Limited models and sizes so please reserve early. All gear compatible with downhill boots.

Course taught by Weston sponsored Guide

Splitboard Rentals

24 Hour Rentals

Cost for board package

$75/day

Equipment Included: Splitboard, Bindings, Skins, and Poles – Weston boards NOW available!

Cost for rescue package

$50/day

Equipment Included: Transceiver, Shovel, Probe, backpack

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