Avalanche talks, field courses, and the backcountry community.
Free clinics · November–February
Varies — Summit, Grand and Front Range venues
Free introductory backcountry clinics run through the winter by Colorado’s largest avalanche-course provider — a low-commitment way to start before an AIARE course. Dates post to their calendar.
Multiple course dates · winter
Classroom in Silverthorne, Dumont or Winter Park; field days on passes from Berthoud to Vail
AIARE 1 (including a hut-based option), Avalanche Rescue, AIARE 2, refreshers, and intro-to-backcountry — multiple set dates each winter with field days within about 30 minutes of Summit County.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Daily winter forecast · free awareness talks
The state avalanche center publishes a free daily backcountry forecast through the winter, with Vail & Summit County as its own forecast zone, and its staff give free awareness presentations listed on the CAIC events calendar. Forecasts and talks are free to everyone.
Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Free awareness presentations · winter
Varies (Summit County & statewide)
CAIC staff give free avalanche awareness presentations around the state through the winter. Individual dates are posted on the CAIC events calendar rather than on a fixed schedule.