The Outdoor Dispatch

Backcountry Skiing in Fort Collins

Avalanche talks, field courses, and the backcountry community.

2 of 2
Backcountry⚠ Needs verification

Avalanche Skills Refresher

Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol

Multiple winter field sessions (Dec–Jan) near Cameron Pass

Cameron Pass national-forest terrain

PaidWinter

Six-hour field refreshers for people who already have backcountry/avy basics; several dates each early/mid-winter (e.g., the 2025–26 season ran Dec–Jan), ticketed. Funds the all-volunteer patrol.

Backcountry⚠ Needs verification

CSU AIARE Avalanche Courses

CSU Outdoor Program

Winter AIARE Level 1 & Rescue courses (per-season dates)

Cameron Pass region (via CSU Outdoor Program)

Beginner-friendlyPaidWinter

AIARE Level 1 (3-day) and Avalanche Rescue (1-day) each winter, taught with Never Summer Outdoor School; open to registered CSU students. Level 1 is the intro for new backcountry travelers.