Colorado Guided Splitboarding Backcountry Tour for Snowboarders

Summary

Backcountry Splitboarding Experience in Colorado Mountains

You’ll leave the crowds behind and ride real Colorado powder with expert guides who know these mountains inside out. Learn backcountry skills, make fresh tracks, and enjoy a day that feels nothing like your usual resort lap.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at Silverthorne was how quiet it felt—no lift lines, just the crunch of snow under boots and that sharp, cold air you only get up high. Our guide, Mike from CAG, met us at their basecamp demo shop. He checked our gear and made sure everyone had what they needed. If you forget something (I did—my skins), they've got rentals right there, which saved me a headache.

We started skinning up through the trees, boards split and clipped to our boots. Mike pointed out avalanche signs—little things like recent slides or wind-loaded slopes—that I’d never have spotted on my own. He talked us through each decision: where to cross, when to space out, how to read the snowpack. It felt good knowing someone had our backs who actually lives this stuff every winter.

The climb was steady but not brutal if you’re used to black diamond runs at the resort. By late morning, we reached a powdery meadow with no tracks but ours. The sun poked through for a minute and everything sparkled—a bit cheesy to say, but it really did. Dropping in for that first run felt wild; soft turns through untouched snow, nobody else around except our small group laughing at the bottom.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Backcountry Splitboarding Adventure

• Walk up mountain with split board
• Enjoy mellow downhill turns
• Ride fresh powder in meadow
• Traverse alpine ridge to summit

Top questions

Do I need my own splitboard gear?

No worries if you don’t have your own setup—they’ve got a full rental shop at basecamp in Silverthorne with everything you need.

I’m comfortable on black diamonds at resorts—is this enough?

If you can handle black diamond terrain at the resort, you’ll be fine here physically. Just be ready for some uphill travel—it’s part of the fun!

Who leads the tour?

CAG’s professional guides lead every trip. They’re trained in avalanche safety and know these routes well.

Is this safe for beginners or people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for beginners or anyone with spinal injuries, heart issues, or if you’re pregnant. You’ll need solid fitness for uphill travel.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional guide who handles route finding and safety tips along the way. Rental gear is available onsite if you need it—just ask when booking!