Denver area backcountry skiers

I just switched to skiing from snowboarding and I want to get out to the backcountry. Would be delighted to trade beer for knowledge (both skiing in general and backcountry touring specifically), I have an AT setup, skins, and a deeply ingrained love of suffering that I assume is necessary for skinning up things.

I have 1/30 to 2/4 off from work, and after that weekend I may or may not have weekends free.

Also, Has anyone done the CMS basic backcountry class? Did you like it?