Beginner
- Has never ridden a snowmobile
- Has little to no experience in the backcountry during the winter
- Likely has no other power sports experience.
- Not a problem we will teach you from the basics!
Novice
- Has some experience riding a snowmobile on a groomed trail
- Has limited experience in changing snow conditions
- Has spent some time on a backcountry snowmobile
- Has limited experience in the backcountry during the winter and assessing avalanche terrain
- Could have other power sports experience such as a quad or dirt bike (this is very helpful)
Intermediate
- Has driven a snowmobile more than a few times
- Can drive down a trail at a good pace while feeling comfortable
- Starting to understand the basics of off trail riding in soft snow.
- Understands about counter steering to turn the sled in powder
- Can get self unstuck without too much trouble
- Has some understanding of assessing hazards and avalanche terrain but could use some coaching
- Has extensive power sports experience (outside of snowmobiles)
Advanced
- Has significant experience riding snowmobiles
- Can carve and control the snowmobile in deep snow without issue.
- Can break trail and has some experience route finding
- Capable of riding more technical terrain, climb and descend open hills with no problem
- Capable of putting the sled on edge
- Counter steering is natural, strong throttle and brake control skills
- Has the ability to self-extract if stuck in deep powder
- Comfortable assessing hazards and avalanche terrain
Expert
- Ride sleds for 15+ days per year and typically own their own snowmobile
- Can ride all day in steep, technical and treed terrain in all conditions
- Able to hold a side hill indefinitely even when the terrain or snow conditions get more challenging
- Has complete control over the snowmobile.
- Can self-extract their sled if they are stuck
- Strong ability to understand and assess terrain and avalanche hazards