Backcountry Ski / Splitboard / Ice

Backcountry Ski / Splitboard / Ice

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.

2025 Course List

Intro to Backcountry / AIARE Prep

2025 Group Courses

January 18-19   /    March 1-2

Book Now – Day 1Book Now – Day 2

Make it a 3-day course with Avalanche Rescue on January 20 for only $575

Book Now – Avalanche Rescue

Private Instruction

Available weekdays Jan. 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

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

Course Description

We are now offering this as a two-day course.  Learn what it takes to begin venturing into the backcountry including the basics about avalanche hazards, weather observations, and trip planning.  Overview of touring equipment and rescue gear.  Then head out to the trail for a basic tour through the woods with some decent turns. Day two will give students the opportunity to plan a basic tour with a group.  We will also dig a snowpit and conduct basic stability tests for observational purposes.

This is a great prep course for AIARE Level 1.

Time

9 am – 4 pm

Cost

$200/person/day

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.

Avalanche Rescue

backcountry training colorado 3

Private Instruction

Available weekdays Jan 15 – April 30

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Prerequisite

None

Course Description

Learn the basics of companion rescue with realistic scenario practice to help improve your skills.  We will cover both single and multiple victim burials, quick probing techniques, and effective shoveling.

Time

9am-4pm

Cost

$200/person

Equipment 

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

2025 Group Courses

January 20

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Intro to Ice Climbing

2025 Group Courses

TBD

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Private Instruction

Available Any Day Jan. 5 – April 30

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Prerequisite

None

Course Description

Learn how to swing that axe and climb up a frozen waterfall.  This is an amazing experience for all and is actually much easier than you think.  Our intro course will cover climbing techniques, anchor building, and even some dry tooling.

Time

9am-4pm

Cost

$200/day

Equipment 

ALL equipment included.  Lunch NOT included

Splitboard Demo Packages from WESTON BACKCOUNTRY

24 Hour Rentals

Cost for board package

ALL splitboard packages come with Spark bindings, skins and poles.

$75/day – Can be applied to board purchase

Cost for rescue package

$50/day

Equipment Included: Transceiver, Shovel, Probe, backpack

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Current Board Options

Hatchet –

Japow –

Revel –

Backwoods –

Eclipse –

Ridgeline –

Riva –

Range –

Rise –

Seeker –

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