JC's Backcountry Riding

A novice rider has experience riding a snowmobile, whether it be on or off-trail. However, they lack the skills and confidence to choose wise lines, confidently sidehill, and use proper throttle or braking. Oftentimes this rider struggles navigating in deep snow and lacks the confidence to stray far from meadows or trails. Additionally, novice riders have little or no avalanche education. Our Novice Backcountry Ride Clinic will bring your riding to the next level, instilling technique, confidence and leaving you with the regiment needed to progress in more advanced terrain.

Novice riders will focus on, but not be limited to:

• Backcountry snowmobiling basics
• What and how to pack/bring
• Why to Take an Avalanche Course
• Tips and tricks
• Sled set up
• Body position
• Throttle and brake control
• Backcountry terrain navigation
• General maintenance
• Self-reliance when stuck

An intermediate rider has experience riding off-trail and is comfortable navigating meadows, open pitches and low angle trees however do not have the confidence in steeper deeper terrain. They understand mountain riding techniques such as side-hilling, proper body positioning, and throttle/brake control, but lack the ability to consistently display these techniques in more advanced terrain. Intermediate riders often have the skills to get themselves into more advanced terrain yet find themselves unable to confidently apply the proper techniques when pushed out of their comfort zone and end up off-line, or stuck. Additionally, an intermediate rider has some avalanche knowledge and has practiced using their own equipment. This level of rider sits on the cusp of breaking through to their true potential in advanced terrain using less energy and enjoying longer, more fun-filled days. These breakthroughs can be achieved with proper coaching, technique modification, and skill implementation drills all in one fun-filled Intermediate Backcountry Riding Clinic.

Intermediate riders will focus on but not be limited to:

• Side hilling and finding your sleds balance point
• Line choice
• Confidence and awareness
• Flat, downhill, and uphill turns
• Hill climbing and controlled descents
• Advanced terrain navigation

Advanced riders have developed proper techniques, that when coupled with confidence allow them to navigate most backcountry mountain terrain. They are looking to develop specific technical skills such as hop-overs, bow ties, jumps, and drops. They possess the ability to confidently select their line while identifying and avoiding riding hazards. This level of rider is comfortable in steep, deep mountain terrain and is looking to hone their skills to be the rider that everyone on the mountain wants to be. Our Advanced Backcountry Riding Clinic will provide you with the proper coaching, skill development, and terrain that will push your level of riding to obtain goals beyond your expectations. We recommend private clinics for advanced riders to allow us to access terrain suited to your unique ability level.

Advanced riders will focus on:

• Hop-over and bowtie maneuvers in technical terrain
• Jumps and drops
• Advanced riding techniques in steep terrain
• Backcountry muff pot cuisine