The 5 Best Outdoor Adventure Companies Around Summit County

In Summit County, adventure is more than recreation — it’s a way of life. Between roaring rivers, alpine ridgelines, and backcountry trails, outdoor enthusiasts can find an endless variety of ways to test their limits and reconnect with nature. The Best of Summit celebrates the outdoor adventure companies that help locals and visitors alike experience the Colorado high country at its wildest. From rafting outfitters to backcountry educators, these businesses turn the mountains into classrooms, playgrounds, and lifelong memories.

Performance Tours Rafting

For nearly four decades, Performance Tours Rafting has been guiding guests down Colorado’s most iconic waterways. Founded in Breckenridge in 1986, this family-owned company has built a reputation for professionalism, safety, and personalized adventure. Their experienced guides lead trips on the Arkansas, Blue, and Colorado rivers, offering options that range from thrilling whitewater runs to scenic family floats. With deep local knowledge and a passion for the outdoors, Performance Tours brings together the best of adventure and hospitality — a combination that has made them a trusted name in Summit County rafting.

Colorado Adventure Guides/Colorado Rafting Co.

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Co. embody the spirit of year-round mountain adventure. Based in Silverthorne, this full-service outfitter leads everything from summer rafting and rock climbing to winter avalanche education and backcountry tours. The company’s team of certified guides focuses on safety and skill-building while encouraging participants to push their comfort zones in the outdoors. Whether it’s tackling whitewater or earning fresh powder turns, Colorado Adventure Guides provides the expertise and enthusiasm that make every outing unforgettable.

VNTRbirds

VNTRbirds stands out as a women-led outdoor education collective that empowers female and nonbinary adventurers through skiing, snowboarding, biking, and backcountry safety programs. Founded in Breckenridge, the organization blends technical training with mentorship, creating an inclusive space where participants can grow both skills and confidence. VNTRbirds hosts workshops, clinics, and retreats designed to build community and inspire more people to explore the outdoors. Their mission goes beyond adventure — it’s about making outdoor recreation accessible and empowering for all.

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