Guided Splitboarding Backcountry Adventure in Colorado

Experience the Colorado Backcountry on a Guided Splitboarding Tour
Starting in Silverthorne, Colorado, this guided splitboarding adventure offers a chance to step beyond crowded ski resorts and carve turns in pristine powder. For $302.50 per person, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring Colorado’s rugged and snow-covered terrain with a professional guide, usually Forest, whose expertise and local knowledge shine. Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a strong resort rider, this tour emphasizes safety, technique, and the joy of riding untouched snow.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized attention — it’s a private tour, so the focus stays on your group’s skill level and interests — and the chance to ride powder in solitude, far from the crowds. Plus, the guides are adept at finding the best conditions, making every uphill effort worthwhile with fresh, deep snow.

A possible consideration is that participants need to be in good physical shape, as the tour involves significant uphill effort and navigating potentially challenging terrain. Rental gear is available, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer to travel light.

This adventure suits adventurous snowboarders eager to extend their season into the backcountry, those who want to learn more about avalanche safety and backcountry techniques, or anyone craving a unique winter experience where solitude and stunning views are guaranteed.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Professional, knowledgeable guides ensure safety and maximize fun.
• All-Inclusive Options: Rental packages are available, reducing stress and hassle.
• Authentic Backcountry Experience: Ride powder away from crowded resorts, with chances to traverse alpine ridgelines and find pristine snow.
• Safety Focus: Guides scout conditions and assess avalanche risks, teaching decision-making skills.
• Private Tour: Customized experience with your group for a more personalized adventure.
• Beautiful Locations: The tour starts and ends in Silverthorne, with potential for spectacular mountain views and remote snowfields.

Exploring the Details of the Splitboarding Backcountry Tour

Setting the Scene in Silverthorne

The tour begins at Colorado Adventure Guides’ basecamp in Silverthorne, a convenient hub nestled in the Colorado Rockies. The meeting point at 204 Ryan Gulch Rd sets the stage for an adventure that promises fresh powder and breathtaking scenery. The 8:00 am start ensures you’re on the mountain early, catching the best light and snow conditions before the crowds arrive.

The Itinerary: From Uphill to Untracked Powder

While the tour doesn’t follow a rigid schedule, the core flow involves climbing with splitboards, then skiing or riding back down in some of Colorado’s most scenic and unspoiled terrain. Guides will scout the conditions in advance, making sure the group hits the best spots — whether that’s a mellow meadow for laydown turns or a ridge line leading to a snow-covered summit.

Participants will learn uphill and downhill splitboard techniques, which are essential for gaining elevation efficiently. These skills are invaluable for anyone serious about backcountry riding. The guides are trained to educate on avalanche safety, including how to use beacons, shovels, and probes, although these items are not included in the tour price. They also assess avalanche danger, ensuring you only venture into safe areas — a critical aspect often overlooked in beginner backcountry trips.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The emphasis on personalized instruction means that whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, the guide will tailor the experience, focusing on your comfort level and goals. As one reviewer noted, Forest’s professionalism and knowledge made the experience “amazing,” especially his ability to find the best powder around Vail, demonstrating how top guides can elevate your trip.

The Ride and the Views

Once at the top, the thrill of riding untouched snow is unlike any resort run. Imagine laying the first line down a powder-filled meadow or traversing a high alpine ridge with panoramic mountain views. These moments of solitude amid Colorado’s rugged landscape are what make backcountry splitboarding so special.

Safety and Equipment Considerations

While you may bring your own gear, the tour offers rental packages, which include splitboards, skins, and avalanche safety equipment if needed. This is a huge plus for travelers who don’t want to fuss with gear logistics — especially during tight travel schedules. Keep in mind, proper physical fitness is essential; the tour involves considerable uphill effort, and guides will be focused on risk management and safe decision-making throughout.

The Authentic Experience

Beyond the physical challenge, this adventure offers a chance to enjoy Colorado’s remote winter landscapes, away from bustling resorts. The feeling of earning your turns and riding snow that few others have touched is genuinely rewarding. Participants on the tour have praised the knowledge and professionalism of the guides, with one saying they found the best powder in the Vail area, making the uphill efforts well worth it.

Price and Value

While $302.50 might seem steep at first glance, think of it as paying for expert guidance, safety assurance, and an unforgettable experience. The value lies in accessing terrain usually reserved for locals, with experienced guides ensuring you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun. Plus, discounts are available when booking a guided tour or course, making it a more accessible option for serious snow enthusiasts.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to adventurous snowboarders confident in their riding skills but eager to explore the backcountry with guidance. It’s ideal if you’re looking to extend your season into untouched snow, learn about avalanche safety and backcountry techniques, or simply want to escape the crowds and ride in solitude. Since the tour is private, it offers a more tailored experience that can accommodate specific skill levels and interests, making it perfect for groups of friends or dedicated riders.

Participants should be physically fit and comfortable with skiing or snowboarding in challenging terrain. If you’re new to backcountry tech, this is a great way to learn in a safe environment, but beginners should have solid resort riding skills first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do I need my own gear?
  You can bring your own splitboard and safety equipment, but rentals are available at the basecamp, often with discounts, which makes logistics easier especially if you’re traveling light.

• How physically demanding is this tour?
  It involves uphill travel on skis or splitboards, so a good level of physical fitness is recommended. If you’re used to resort skiing or snowboarding, you’ll likely manage well.

• Are avalanche safety tools provided?
  Not included in the tour price but Guides will teach safety techniques. You can rent beacons, shovels, and probes at the basecamp if needed.

• What if I want to cancel?
  Cancellation is free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance, allowing full refunds. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

• Is this a group or private tour?
  It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, providing a customized experience.

• What skill level is required?
  Participants should be strong snowboarders comfortable on black diamond terrain, with an excellent physical fitness level.

This guided splitboarding adventure offers a compelling mix of challenge, scenery, and education, perfect for those ready to take their snowboarding beyond the resort. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll discover Colorado’s rugged backcountry, riding powder in a tranquil, pristine setting. Whether you’re seeking a new skill, a solo ride, or an unforgettable group experience, this tour delivers a legitimate taste of Colorado’s winter wilderness.