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.
2023 Course List
Intro to Backcountry / AIARE Prep
* Weston Sponsored *
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.
2023 Group Courses
January 21, February 4, March 4
Backcountry Terrain Selection
2023 Group Courses
January 22
Private Instruction
Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30
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
2023 Group Courses
February 19
Private Instruction
Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30
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.
Time
8:30 am – 4 pm
Cost
$200/person
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.
Medical and Rescue Scenario
2023 Group Courses
February 26
Private Instruction
Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30
Prerequisite
Should be comfortable with basic uphill and downhill travel in a winter environment. Minimum age 14 years old.
Course Description
Prepare for the worst! This full day course is designed to put the participants in a full rescue scenario. We will spend the morning in the classroom reviewing some common forms of trauma and how to properly treat them, along with proper ways to package the patient. We will also cover team rescue techniques and effective communication while on scene, both within the group and outward to responding agencies.
Then we head into the field for a total immersion into a full rescue scenario, from the initial sighting to transport and handoff. This is a great course to take with your favorite group of touring partners.
Time
8:30 am – 4 pm
Cost
$200/person
Equipment
ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing. Lunch NOT included. All gear compatible with downhill boots.
Route Finding and Mapping
2023 Group Courses
March 10
Private Instruction
Available Any Day Jan. 15 – April 30
Prerequisite
Basic computer skills and the ability to ski black diamond terrain at your favorite resort.
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
$200/person
Equipment
ALL equipment included EXCEPT boots and personal clothing. Lunch NOT included. All gear compatible with downhill boots.
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
RMOC is an equal opportunity service provider. RMOC operates under special use permits from the San Isabel National Forest. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.