This Winter, Run to the Hills

Not the Ski Resort Kind… the Backcountry Kind with RMOC

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are a true winter wonderland. With plenty of powder to enjoy a backcountry ski or a splitboard tour, the cold mountain temperatures and diverse landscapes also make ice climbing and fat biking trips possible for a variety of abilities. 

We offer several trips and certification courses that take advantage of everything Colorado’s winter months have to offer. With access to a variety of zones within the massive Sawatch mountain range, we cater to a wide range of abilities and interests. 

In addition to its incredible location and access to backcountry terrain, RMOC has also partnered with Weston Backcountry, an award-winning ski, snowboard, and splitboard company. Many of RMOC’s winter backcountry trips are sponsored by Weston. So not only do you get first-rate education from the best in the business, but you also get the privilege of using Weston gear.

Colorado’s 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. Our roster of backcountry courses is perfect for getting you started and keeping you safe.

Begin with Intro to Backcountry, where you’ll learn about avalanche hazards, weather observations, and trip planning. You’ll also receive an overview of all required equipment before heading out to the trail for a basic tour through the woods.  

Follow up with Touring in Avalanche Terrain and spend the day learning to travel safely and efficiently through the backcountry. Instruction includes uphill travel techniques and how to quickly change over from climb to shred mode. You’ll also learn how to analyze a snowpit with three simple tests before having fun making great turns. 

Our guides are experts at determining a route based on ability and snow and weather conditions. They understand that shorter pitches with gladed trees are great for first timer backcountry skiers and intermediate shredders who want a casual day of powder turns, while steeper alpine bowls provide a high mountain experience for advanced riders. The natural snow surface can create challenging conditions, even on mellow terrain, so all participants should be confident navigating black diamond slopes at a ski area.

Want to give splitboarding a try? RMOC is the place to do it. As a stepping stone to getting off the resort and into the backcountry, our Splitboarding Course teaches technical skills necessary for backcountry touring. Topics include proper and efficient transitions, use of uphill climbing skins, and more. You’ll also discuss specific challenges and how to adapt while also learning some tricks for keeping up with your two planked friends.

For those more serious about backcountry adventure, we offer avalanche certification courses—AIARE Level 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue. Receive an introduction to using decision-making tools to manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain or learn new skills while keeping your existing skills sharp.

Get off the slopes and discover a new passion this winter with our Intro to Ice Climbing. Learn how to swing an axe and climb up a frozen waterfall. This is an amazing experience and is actually much easier than you think. This course covers climbing techniques, anchor building, and dry tooling. All hard goods are included, such as boots, crampons, and axes, so there’s no need to stock up prior to participating. 

If you’re a mountain biker and don’t love the winter because it limits your ability to hit the trails, why not try fat biking? Fat biking is growing in popularity, and we’re ready to offer you the opportunity to hit snow-packed trails with our fleet of fat bikes and fat bike tours. Beginner and intermediate tours are available. Please note that although this is a super fun activity, it can be strenuous at times.

Want to give the gift of backcountry adventure to someone special in your life? Check out the Adventure Pass. These extremely popular passes offer year-round access to beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses offered in a variety of activities. Your recipient can use the pass to sign up for any 10 RMOC courses he or she wants for a full year!