Motorized Avalanche Classes

Overview of Motorized Avalanche Classes

For Winter 2023, SAC is offering Level 1, Rescue, and Level 2 avalanche classes for motorized users. It is recommended that classes be taken in that order. Skiers and snowboarders who use snowmobiles for access purposes, but whose exposure to avalanches occurs primarily on skis or a snowboard, should consider taking a class from one of the region's many non-motorized providers.

All SAC classes follow the guidelines established by the American Avalanche Association, so they are recognized throughout the U.S. and are compatible with classes offered by other educational providers. Our classes are free to the public but require advanced registration. Classes fill very quickly, so please read all the following information carefully and be prepared to register on the date and time specified for each class. No spaces can be reserved prior to registration. There is a maximum enrollment of the following:

Level 1: 10 people per class
Rescue: 12 people per class
Level 2: 8 people per class

Participants must be 18 or older, or 16-17 with a parent or guardian also registered. To register, please download and complete the participant agreement and participant info documents in advance. Once registration opens, a link will appear at the very bottom of this page (if there are no links, there are no open classes). Follow the link to the specific class you're interested in, where you'll be prompted to enter your information and upload your completed documents. Some classes will run midweek, so check your calendar carefully before enrolling.

Level 1 Classes

Level 1 classes provide an introduction to recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users. These classes are free, thanks to funding from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. For details on Level 1 classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:

Have the ability to ride off-trail in variable conditions. Participants who struggle to ride off-trail in variable conditions may jeopardize the experience of others - please do not overestimate your riding ability.
Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in tunnel bag. An extra shovel in tunnel bag is recommended.
Wear a DOT or similarly approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.
Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.
Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.
Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

Classes run each day from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Level 1 dates, locations, and registration times are the following:

1/20-22 out of South Tahoe (Women's Specific) - opens for registration on 12/12 at 8am
1/23-25 out of North Tahoe - opens for registration on 12/12 at 8am
1/27-29 out of North Tahoe - opens for registration on 12/19 at 8am
2/3-5 out of Bear Valley - opens for registration on 12/26 at 8am
2/10-12 out of South Tahoe - opens for registration on 1/2 at 8am
2/17-19 out of South Tahoe - opens for registration on 1/9 at 8am

Motorized Avalanche Rescue

These classes are free to the public, funded directly by SAC and not by the CA OHV Commission.

Rescue classes provide avalanche rescue practice for motorized users, and can be taken every few seasons to refresh. If you've taken an Avalanche Rescue class recently, please allow some time after registration opens before you attempt to register for another class. Because avalanche avoidance skills should be prioritized over avalanche rescue skills, it is strongly recommended - but not required - that only graduates of a Level 1 register for this class (the Level 1 can be motorized or non-motorized). If riding ability prevents participation in a Level 1, the Rescue class may be a good starting point until riding ability improves. For details on Rescue classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:

Have the ability to ride off-trail in variable conditions. Riding ability is less important on Rescue classes than on Level 1 and Level 2 classes, but participants still need to be able to ride off-trail in variable conditions.
Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in tunnel bag. An extra shovel in tunnel bag is recommended.
Wear a DOT or similarly approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.
Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.
Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.
Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

Field sessions run from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Avalanche Rescue dates, locations, and registration times are the following:

1/5 MOVED TO LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT DUE TO WEATHER
1/6 out of Mt Rose Meadows (AKA Tahoe Meadows) - opens for registration on 11/28 at 8am
1/7 out of Mt Rose Meadows (AKA Tahoe Meadows) - opens for registration on 11/28 at 8am
1/8 MOVED TO LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT DUE TO WEATHER

Level 2 Classes

These classes present advanced concepts of recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users. Level 2 classes are free, thanks to funding from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. For details on Level 2 classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:

Take a Level 1 and Rescue class prior to attending. The Level 1 class should have been taken prior to the 2022/23 season. The Rescue class can be taken just before the Level 2, and 2023 SAC Rescue classes are scheduled with this in mind. Previous classes don't need to be motorized-specific. Check here for regional providers who offer non-motorized classes.
Be an advanced rider - comfortable with extended side-hilling to both sides while making adjustments around obstacles, and able to self-extricate from basic stucks. Most people take several seasons of regular riding to reach this level. Riding ability is much more important on the Level 2 compared to Level 1 and Rescue classes - please do not overestimate your riding ability.
Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in tunnel bag. An extra shovel in tunnel bag is recommended.
Wear a DOT or similarly approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.
Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.
Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding
Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

Classes run each day from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Level 2 dates, locations, and registration times are the following: