Motorized/ Hybrid Access Avalanche Training: Sled & Shred

Snowmobile + Ski/ Splitboard AIARE LEVEL 1

Colorado Adventure Guides and Powder Pro Lab have partnered to offer an AIARE 1 avalanche training course specifically designed for motorized and hybrid access backcountry skiers and riders. The Sled & Shred AIARE 1 Hybrid Access course combines Powder Pro Lab’s motorized AIARE avalanche safety expertise with the long-standing avalanche safety professionals at Colorado Adventure Guides.

Avalanche training for backcountry skiers with snowmobiles.

  • Progress your motorized skills with snowmobile-specific AIARE training

  • Includes Ortovox Avalanche Rescue Kit

  • E-Learning Materials + Online Sessions OR 1 Classroom Day + 2 Backcountry Field Days

Sled and Shred, hybrid access motorized avalanche education for backcountry skiers in Colorado

2025 Schedule

AIARE Sled & Shred

Hybrid Access Avalanche Training AIARE Level 1 with Colorado Adventure Guides

Course Venues:

Leadville, CO: Chalk Creek - Fremont Pass

Buena Vista, CO: Cottonwood Pass

1 Classroom + 2 Field Days

$650 for 3-day course

Course + Snowmobile Rental

$750 for 3-day course

Hybrid Access Avalanche Training AIARE Level 1

Join Powder Pro Labs and Colorado Adventure Guides for a motorized/hybrid access AIARE 1 avalanche course. This course incorporates a hybrid model of motorized (snowmobile) and touring access, deepening the learning outcomes related to various travel methods. By including key insights specific to both motorized and human-powered backcountry travel, this format enhances discussions and exercises for planning and moving through avalanche terrain using snowmobiles and human-powered equipment in a group setting.

Sled & Shred

The "Sled and Shred" experience is a unique offering combining the thrill of snowmobiling with the adventure of backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Participants use snowmobiles to access pristine backcountry terrains for skiing or riding.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop skills in group planning and creating achievable objectives

  • Understand the basics of accessing your preferred backcountry skiing or snowboarding zones using motorized equipment.

  • Gain knowledge about the elements of ascending and descending facilitated by a snowmobile.

  • Learn how to navigate your group and machines through the terrain with well-planned trips that cover moto-specific areas, ski/splitboard routes, designated safe zones for group check-ins, and emergency scenarios.

Critical Backcountry Safety Training

  • Trip Planning

    Understand the fundamentals of choosing routes and managing terrain in relation to both motorized and human-powered travel. Learn how to plan and prepare for backcountry trips.

  • Rescue Gear

    Review the pre-trip equipment checklist including snowmobile gear, backcountry touring gear, and emergency gear. We recommend taking the course with your personal avalanche gear but participants have access to use one of our complete avalanche rescue kits.

  • Understand Current Conditions

    Understand the conditions and mountain snowpack. Learn how to read and understand the daily avalanche forecast, look at weather conditions, and identify different types of avalanches.

  • Rescue Techniques

    Learn how to identify potentially dangerous conditions, and how to handle risk and make informed decisions. Understand the impact and influence of human factors and learn techniques for rescuing companions.

Motorized/ Hybrid Access AIARE 1 Course Outline

  • Digital learning resources and the AIARE Level 1 Student Manual will be sent in advance of the.course

  • Feb (virtual): Zoom-based classroom sessions, two sessions, 6-9pm

    Mar (in-person): Full-day in-person classroom day in Leadville, CO

  • 7:30am - 3:30pm: Companion rescue practice and observations.

    Feb: Chalk Creek, Leadville, CO

    Mar: Tincup Pass/ Cottonwood Pass, Buena Vista, CO

  • 7:30am - 4pm: Student-led tour and course close

 Sled & Shred / Motorized Hybrid Access Avalanche Training

FAQs

  • February 27-28 session will have two online sessions the week prior (Feb 20 & 21) with 2 field days in the Chalk Creek backcountry area near Leadville, CO

    March 22-24 session will have 1 classroom day at Powder Pro Lab HQ at 115 Elm St in Leadville, CO, followed by 2 backcountry field days at Cottonwood Pass/ Tincup Pass backcountry areas near Buena Visa, CO.

  • The Sled & Shred Hybrid Access AIARE 1 Avalanche Training 3-day course is $650.

    The cost includes:

    Local AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructors

    24-hour course with a 6:1 maximum instructor-to-student ratio

    Student manual and weather-proof AIARE field book

    Use of beacon, shovel, and probe (if needed)

  • 6 students: 1 instructor in each course.

  • Avalanche Beacon

    Avalanche Probe

    Avalanche Shovel

    Medium-sized backpack (approx. 30L+)

    Snowmobile

    Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard

    Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)

    Goggles

    Helmet

  • Hard or softshell pants

    Synthetic or merino wool base layer

    Softshell jacket (optional)

    Down or synthetic insulated jacket

    Hardshell or water/wind-resistant jacket

    Light gloves for uphill travel

    Warm gloves

    A brimmed hat or visor

    Sunglasses

    Neck gaiter or buff

  • All students in this hybrid/motorized access course must have their own snowmobile and touring equipment and be competent in the use of both modes of travel. Snowmobile rentals are offered, subject to availability.

Questions?

Contact Powder Pro Lab

Email
admin@powderprolab.com

Phone
(720) 591-5352