Which Adventure Should You Gift Your Friends and Family This Holiday Season?

(A.K.A. “Tell Me Your Friend’s Vibe and I’ll Tell You Their Perfect Colorado Wilderness Experience”)

Forget mugs and socks. This year we’re gifting full-send memories, alpine air, and brag-worthy experiences. Here’s the official “What Adventure Should I Buy Them?” guide — built entirely around your friend’s chaotic little personality traits.

❄️ 1. The Friend Who Wants to Get Into the Backcountry (But Needs to Learn How to Not Die): AIARE Avalanche Course

Whether they’re brand new to backcountry skiing, curious about avalanche safety, or dreaming of venturing beyond resort boundaries, an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course in Colorado is the ultimate empowerment gift. It’s three days of expert instruction, hands-on snowpack education, safe terrain travel, and real rescue practice. No experience required — just curiosity and winter stoke.

You should gift this if: You're concerned they're going to winter adventure without being avalanche-safe.

🎿 2. The New Colorado Transplant Trying to “Become Outdoorsy”

Gift them Intro to Backcountry Skiing — the gentle push into mountain life they’re too scared to sign up for alone. Backcountry Skiing is a quintessential Colorado experience, and immediately levels up your "outdoorsy" vibe. Dive straight into some pow!

You should gift this if: They forgot to buy an Ikon Pass or have already Googled “what is skinning.”

🧗 3. The Overachiever Who Needs a New Hobby (Like… Today)

Gift them Guided Rock Climbing. They’ll be fluent in knots and yelling “on belay?” in days. Projecting a new route or trying out a multi-pitch for the first (or 100th) time can give this person something else to focus on outside of their corporate job.

You should gift this if: Their personality is 40% ambition, 60% iced coffee.

🌊 4. The Friend Who Needs a Vacation From Their Brain

Send them on a Scenic River Float on the Upper Colorado: sunshine, serenity, zero decisions to make. Calm water, canyon walls, wildlife sightings — it’s one of the most memorable and approachable adventures we offer.

You should gift this if: Their group chat messages start with “I’m so tired.” They crave downtime and fresh air.

🚵 6. The Adrenaline Sponge

Get them a Guided Mountain Bike Day — the fun kind, not the “I broke my derailleur” kind. A Mountain Biking Tour in the Boulder and Front Range area offers flowy trails, confidence-building coaching, and incredible views. Whether they’re new to mountain biking or leveling up, our guides tailor the experience to their skill level.

You should gift this if: They send you Strava screenshots unprompted.

📸 7. The Friend Who Loves Golden Hour

A Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike = instant aesthetic payoff. A Guided Hiking Tour in Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park offers safe navigation, stunning views, and golden-hour magic — perfect for beginners or those who want a stress-free way to enjoy Colorado’s most scenic trails.

You should gift this if: They’ve said “wait, the light is perfect” at least once in the last 48 hours or have a curated Instagram feed.

❄️ 8. The Family That Wants a Hallmark-Movie Day

Give them Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park — gorgeous, cozy, beginner-friendly magic. A Guided Snowshoeing Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park is accessible, safe, and an absolute winter highlight. Soft snow, quiet forests, mountain scenery — it’s the most magical low-impact winter adventure in Colorado.

You should gift this if: They want “winter wonderland vibes” without breaking a sweat. They’re hosting family during the holidays and want something easy, scenic, and suitable for all ages.

🎁 BONUS ROUND: The “I Don’t Actually Know This Person That Well” Option

A Colorado Wilderness Gift Certificate: Perfect for coworkers, partners, in-laws, or literally anyone whose interests you can’t keep straight.

🎄 Bottom Line

If it’s on this list, it’s unforgettable. If it’s from Colorado Wilderness, it’s safe, guided, and full of “OMG this is amazing” moments. Go forth and gift adventure.