2020 Silverton Splitfest
9th Annual Silverton Splitfest
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"The San Juan Mountain landscape around Silverton is defined by avalanche terrain. The 550 corridor between Ouray and Coal Bank Pass is arguably the most avalanche prone highway in North America. Silverton is the town that first comes to mind when considering avalanche risk potential to motorists, maintenance workers, (some) residents and back country recreationists."
Don Bachman,
Avalanche Expert & Snow Science Pioneer
Silverton is oft considered the center of the avalanche and backcountry shred universe. And this reputation is well-earned! Ride sick lines, make new friends, learn new backcountry skills, and demo the latest splitboard gear at the 9th annual gathering of the tribe in Silverton, Colorado!
Register Now for Silverton Splitfest
2020 Silverton Splitfest Clinics with Silverton Avalanche School
Silverton Splitfest continues to raise the bar for what grassroots, backcountry snowboarding festivals can be. Each successive gathering of the tribe generates rad ideas and solicits rider feedback for future clinics and events. In 2020, we’re excited to add new experiences to an already solid, annual line up of clinics and events
Avy Rescue Class- April 16th 8:00- 4:00
Silverton Avalanche School’s one-day Avalanche Rescue course is a must for every splitboarder who rides in the backcountry. Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, stand-alone course that is intended to be re-taken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue tools, technology and techniques. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course. Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the Recreational Level 2 and Pro 1 courses. Participants will be trained to an international standard (which meets and exceeds all other instruction currently offered in the US) and receive certification through the International Commission for Alpine Rescue. This course fills with a waiting list each year- Do not delay, sign up today!
Splitboarding Basics Clinic- April 16th 8:00- 4:00
In order to make the awesomeness of Silverton Splitfest more inclusive to those newer to splitboarding, we are offering a full day of guiding and instruction on basic splitboard skills and riding techniques.
Based on past participant feedback, we’ve moved this year’s Splitboarding Basics clinic to the first day of the festival. You will end the day feeling empowered and ready to maximize your remaining days at Silverton Splitfest! Who should take this course:
-Riders who want to try splitboarding -Riders who ride the struggle bus when on a tour with their skier friends -Splitboarders who want to better their technique in both modes -Splitboarders who want to boost their confidence -Newer splitboarders who want to experience Splitfest but are unfamiliar with the
backcountry terrain around Silverton Topics will include:
-How to use the splitboard and backcountry gear properly -How to develop efficient transitions -How to read terrain as a rider -Setting a proper skin track and down track -Splitboarding hacks -Riding techniques in variable conditions -Basic avalanche awareness
This course is capped at six participants to create the ideal small learning environment for beginners. Spots fill quickly- Register today!
All-Women’s Split Clinic- April 17th 8:00- 4:00
Hey Ladies!
You spoke; we listened.
Designed for competent, female resort riders who would like to stretch their legs (and adventures) off-piste and/or the developing backcountry rider who is looking to expand her knowledge, skill set and experience in the mountains. This all-day clinic couples
Silverton Avalanche School’s world renown instruction with ample inspiration from some of the best female shredders in the US.
Join splitboarding mountain guide/avalanche educator Sarah Mac and professional big mountain slayer/backcountry athlete Laura Hadar, for this exclusive, all-women’s clinic.
Participants must be capable of hiking uphill 1500’/day and be strong intermediate to advanced in-bounds riders to participate. Whether you’re new to splitboarding or looking to spend the day refining your systems and route selection with top pros, this clinic is sure to sell-out quickly.
Expert Split Clinic- April 18th 8:00- 5:00
Who should take this course:
Strong riders, confident in their ability, equipment and fitness, who have recently (post 2017) completed a one-day avalanche rescue course.
In the Expert Splitboarding Clinic, participants will work together to execute a complex and robust, day tour in challenging terrain at altitude. Riders should competent and comfortable logging 3,500ft+ of elevation gain and descending steep slopes in all conditions.
Topics we'll cover include:
· trip & tour planning resources and considerations
· complex micro/macro route finding
· hazard awareness, analysis and mitigation
· steep skinning and advanced climbing techniques
· efficient transitioning and equipment management
· ascending/descending coaching and feedback
Intermediate/Advance Split Clinic- April 18th 8:00- 5:00
Who should take this course:
This clinic is appropriate for riders with prior splitboarding experience and avalanche awareness skills. Participants should be competent and comfortable logging 2,500ft+ of elevation gain and descending backcountry terrain in mixed conditions.
Topics we'll cover include:
· trip & tour planning resources and considerations
· challenging micro/macro route finding
· hazard awareness and analysis
· skinning and climbing techniques
· efficient transitioning and equipment management
· ascending/descending coaching and feedback
Unsure which clinic is right for you? Let us help- info@avyschool.org
SPLITFEST 2020 Guides & Instructors
3/18- SILVERTON SPLITFEST CANCELED- In response to concerns about COVID-19 and community spread, San Juan County has issued a public health order prohibiting all events larger than 30 people until April 30, 2020. As a result, this year's Silverton Splitfest will be cancelled. We are of course disappointed, but understand the importance of these precautionary measures in keeping both our community and visitors to Silverton safe.
All registrations for Silverton Splitfest 2020 will be refunded in full. Please allow up to 2 weeks for a credit to appear in your account.
We look forward to hosting Silverton Splitfest again in 2021, and will be in touch as planning for next year's event begins.