AIARE Companion Rescue Motorized

Recreational

AIARE Rescue Motorized

Avalanche Education For Snowmobilers

This immersive training blends short classroom sessions with extensive field practice. Participants spend most of the day in the backcountry performing realistic rescue scenarios using sleds to simulate emergency response.

You’ll learn efficient single and multiple burial search strategies, group coordination, and effective use of rescue gear — all within the context of motorized avalanche travel.

Location: Leadville, CO and San Isabel National Forest

Course Length: 1 day

Cost: $300 per person

AIARE Companion Rescue Motorized Avalanche Course

Learn to “send it” farther and safer in Colorado’s winter backcountry.

The AIARE Companion Rescue Motorized Course from Powder Pro Lab is a one-day, hands-on avalanche rescue training built for snowmobilers and snowbikers.

As an A3 Recognized Provider and certified AIARE Motorized Provider, Powder Pro Lab’s courses meet the American Avalanche Association’s national standards for avalanche education and instructor excellence.

This 8-hour field-intensive course teaches the tools, techniques, and decision-making skills needed to perform an effective avalanche rescue using your snowmobile in real backcountry conditions.

  • By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to perform efficient, organized avalanche rescues using your snowmobile. You’ll practice realistic rescue drills, master beacon–probe–shovel techniques, coordinate group communication, and respond effectively to complex scenarios in real backcountry conditions.

  • This course is ideal for snowmobilers, snowbikers, and backcountry riders who have completed AIARE Level 1 and want to strengthen their avalanche rescue skills. It’s also open to new riders with no prior rescue training, as long as participants are comfortable operating their sled in variable backcountry terrain.

Badge with a dark blue background, white border, and a red and white logo. It reads "Recognized American Avalanche Association Provider Rescue" with a stylized mountain icon at the top.
  • Two snowmobilers pose next to three snowmobiles below a rugged mountain slope in Colorado during an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 course provided by Powder Pro Lab in Central Colorado.

    Amazing ! I’ve been a backcountry split boarder and snow sports enthusiast for most of my life ! I’m 5 th generation born and raised Colorado! Still learning about snow and how to manage its risks ! This makes me just a little wiser in life and in the backcountry! Thanks Keith and PRO POWDER LABS !!

    Matt G. .January 2024

  • Snowmobile tracks in the snow beneath a mountainside in COlorado on a bluebird sunny day. Captured during an AIARE Avalanche level 1 course near Leadville, CO.

    Great class good Group And knowledgeable instructors highly recommend

    Michael D. January 2024

  • Two snowmobilers stop to pose next to their sleds. One rider kneels in the snow and the other poses on top of the machine during a Level 1 AIARE Avalanche Course in Collorado with Powder Pro Lab

    The companion rescue course was excellent!!! The course instruction, scenarios and feedback were top notch! Keith is such a personable individual with an incredibly important skillset. He does an amazing job at teaching this skillset to anyone with novice to professional level experience. The training area was breathtaking! We had such an incredible day! Powder Pro Lab is my go-to for all things backcountry…give them a call and get your class booked!

    Brennen G. .March 2024

 Snowmobile Avalanche Training

Motorized AIARE Rescue FAQs

READ ALL POWDER PRO LAB FAQs HERE

  • This course is ideal for snowmobilers, snowbikers, and backcountry riders who travel in avalanche terrain and want to improve their rescue response. It’s also great for those who have completed AIARE Level 1 and want to refresh or build on their skills.

  • No — AIARE Level 1 is not required, but it’s highly recommended. Level 1 teaches decision-making in avalanche terrain, while the Companion Rescue course focuses on hands-on emergency response. Most riders take both to round out their avalanche safety foundation.

  • Yes. The motorized version focuses on sled-based movement, positioning, and group coordination. You’ll learn how to use your snowmobile effectively during a rescue and operate safely around machines in avalanche terrain.

  • Being an A3 Recognized Provider means Powder Pro Lab meets the national standards set by the American Avalanche Association (A3) for avalanche education. This includes verified curriculum content, qualified instructors, proper land-use permits, and risk management best practices. Our recognition ensures every course we teach — including AIARE Motorized Avalanche Rescue, Level 1, and Level 2 — aligns with A3’s industry-wide standards for quality and consistency.

  • Essential safety gear is provided, including beacon, shovel, and probe. Participants will need to provide their own personal gear, including snowmobiles (unless booking a rental sled for the course) and appropriate winter clothing. Some equipment, including snowmobiles, may be available for course-specific use with an additional equipment fee—please contact us for details and availability.

  • AIARE recommends taking the Companion Rescue course every few years to keep your rescue skills sharp and up to date with the latest industry techniques.

  • The next step is the AIARE Level 2 Motorized Course, which expands on your Level 1 and rescue training to develop advanced snowpack assessment, leadership, and decision-making skills.