GET the GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how how to use them.
GET the TRAINING: Take an avalanche class.
GET the FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
GET the PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity, unstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath steep slopes is dangerous.
GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY: Don’t go to help your stuck friend. One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t group up in runout zones.
- AIARE
- How to Practice Avalanche Rescue Snowmobile Edition: https://youtu.be/2ML499MMDfM
- AK Sled Shed Motorized Learning:
- Intro: https://youtu.be/aoagKHfGkxs
- Personal Electronics in Avalanche Terrain: https://youtu.be/2Vz9S0OEyFk
- Snowmobile Macgyver Tool Kit: https://youtu.be/4WBNu_t6Bbk
- Head and Face Protection: https://youtu.be/jIzW89wOyZI
- Pre-season prep: https://youtu.be/zJmrb8cZlR4
- My Transceiver: https://youtu.be/yblaDWP7Jf8
- BCA Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers
- How to Fix Common Snowmobile Problems in the Field: https://youtu.be/g9fiTxEvuFk
- Sleducation: Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/EWFOd_9DYb8
- Intro to Avalanche Transceivers for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/6ZLSBmsceog
- Avalanche Transceiver Trailhead Test for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/rWoXbadFBsY
- Avalanche Transceiver Searching Use Snowmobiles: https://youtu.be/w1ucyI6LMXM
When you go riding, leave a trip plan with someone you trust (click on a template to the left)
K. Sobek photo
UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
- Dates Coming Soon!
If you are interested in scheduling a program, let us know. email: [email protected]
Thank you to HybridColor Productions WINTER PROJECT. The Valdez showing raised $725 for the Mike O’Leary Avalanche Education Scholarship. This benefits rural riders who need financial assistance in taking their avalanche course.
Check out THROTTLE DECISIONS: a video series for riding safety.
- A Life Saved – video about a rider in Utah
- Rider spotlight: Jeremy Hanke almost died in an avalanche
- Interesting article on riding mentors; Snowriders online.
- Give the gift of a lifetime, sign you and yours up for an avalanche class. Gain knowledge and skills that will help you LIVE TO RIDE ANOTHER DAY.
- North Road Productions and Peninsula Snowmachine shops are teaming with avalanche educators for 2014-2015 bringing riding safety information to Kenai
- What about Snow-bikes? A new and different way to play in the mountains.
- New Studies on snowmobile culture: How Mountain Snowmobilers Adjust Their Riding Preferences in Response to Avalanche Hazard Information Available at Different Stages of Backcountry TripsOpportunities for Snowmobile Avalanche Education and The Roots of Avalanche Fatality Rates; An exploration of the differences between skiers and snowmobilers
- AAIC supports Alaska Snow Rider Snowmobile Safety Education
- Snowmachine and Avalanche Safety Instructors needed! Alaska needs riders who share responsible mountain travel habits…become an instructor and help Alaskans LIVE TO RIDE ANOTHER DAY!
- New research on how skiers and snowmobiles stress the snowpack
Quick Links for Snowmachiners
- Alaska Avalanche Courses
- Alaska State Parks Trails Program
- Snowrider Magazine
- SnoWest Forum Site active with AK riders
- ZacsTracs Canadian Snowmobile Specific Avalanche Skills Training
- Soul Rides Avalanche Education
- Forest Service Avalanche Awareness
- Sledding Safety – CAA
- What’s Next Snowmobile Specific Avalanche Education? – AAIC
- Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers
- Valdez Snowmachine Club
- Fairbanks Snow Travelers
- Anchorage Snowmobile Club
- Check out AAIC instructors‘ article in Snowmobile Storm
- Read results from 2010’s Avalanche Training for Sledders Survey
Register for a snowmachine specific avalanche course near you!
Snowmachines have the ability to cover significantly more terrain than other backcountry travelers. As a result, snowmachiners have the potential to expose themselves to much more avalanche terrain. Good routes and travel habits can reduce the risk of getting caught in a slide.
Do you have the avalanche skills to live to ride another day?
Think about your group…do they have the skills to dig you out?
The Alaska Avalanche Information Center is working with AIARE to assist in the development of curriculum for snowmobile specific avalanche education in the US. We have been working towards this goal for several years, making headway towards the development and implementation of pertinent and effective avalanche education designed specifically for snowmobilers. If you have ideas or want to schedule a snowmachine specific class for your riding group or club, please contact us.
Past Events
- Nov. 4, 2017 - SnowFest - Community backcountry safety and avalanche awareness - Anchorage, AAIC
- Dec. 9 – Backcountry Rider Workshop – Eureka Lodge – AAIC Sponsored by the Alaska Department of Public Safety – Learn More / Register
- Dec. 10 – Snow Riders workshop – Eureka Lodge – AAIC course Sponsored by AARP Alaska – Learn More / Register
- Jan. 27-28, 2018 - Snowmachine Backcountry Safety Fundamentals - Petersville, AAIC - AIARE based course - Register Here
- Feb. 10-11 – Level 1 Snowmachine – Alaska Avalanche School
- March 1 – AAIC – DPS – Backcountry Safety – Anchorage Snowmobile Club
- March 10 – Safe Backcountry Riders Workshop Level 2 – Anchorage Snowmobile Club
- March 10-12 - Level 2 Snowmachine Alaska Avalanche School
- March 17 – Safe Backcountry Riders Workshop Level 1 – Anchorage Snowmobile Club
- March 15-April 15 - Thompson Pass Mountain Safety Clinics - Learn more and register here
- April 11-14 – AAIC – DPS – Backcountry Riding workshops at Arctic Man - Learn more and register here
- (Dates to be announced) Mountain Man Hill Climb – Thompson Pass Valdez
- Feb.11, 2017 Snowmachine Recognition of Avalanche Hazard & Fundamentals of Avalanche Safety – Girdwood, Alaska Avalanche School
- Feb. 12, 2017 Snowmachine Core Concepts in Avalanche Safety: Travel in Avalanche Terrain – Turnagain Pass, Alaska Avalanche School
- March 3-5, 2017 Snowmachine Avalanche Skills 1 – Trapper Creek, Alaska Avalanche School
- March 17-19, 2017 Advanced Sledders Level 1 Training, Thompson Pass
- Thanks to Rich Loftin, Joe Rowe, Kyle Sobek and other Valdez Snowmachine Club members for making the Avalanche and Backcountry Riding Safety class at Thompson Pass a success December 17, 2016.
- Thanks for the FULL HOUSE turn out November 7, 2016 Avalanche and Backcountry Safety at Eagle River Polaris Arctic Cat. Special thanks to Paul Hughes for hosting.