Movement & Technical Skills Snowmobile Clinic

MOTO 2

Movement & Technical Skills Backcountry Snowmobiling Technical Riding Course

Refine Your Movement. Improve Your Control. Ride Smarter

Movement & Technical Skills is an advanced foundational backcountry snowmobiling course designed for beginner+ to intermediate riders who are ready to move beyond the basics. This full-day, hands-on course focuses on improving rider movement, technical skills, terrain selection, and the ability to plan and execute a motorized backcountry day with intention.

Rather than riding harder, this course emphasizes riding more efficiently, using better body position, refined techniques, and smarter terrain choices to unlock confidence in more challenging terrain.

Course Details

Location: Leadville, CO + San Isabel National Forest

Course Length: 1-day (8 hours)

Experience Level: Beginner+ to Intermediate

Cost: $275 per person

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal if you:

  • Have some backcountry or off-trail riding experience

  • Feel limited by technique rather than machine capability

  • Want to improve control in steeper or more complex terrain

  • Are ready to focus on movement, balance, and technical riding skills

  • Plan to continue into avalanche education or advanced riding objectives

MOTO 2: Movement & Technical Skills Backcountry Snowmobiling Clinic

What You’ll Learn

Plan & Execute a Backcountry Day

Learn how to prepare equipment, communicate conditions, align group goals, and establish clear travel strategies before riding begins.

Terrain Selection & Management

Develop the ability to choose appropriate terrain for skill development, establish travel boundaries, set tracks intentionally, and identify safe regrouping locations.

Technical Riding & Movement Skills

Refine key riding techniques including:

  • Neutral and dynamic body positioning

  • Counter-steering techniques

  • Throttle and brake control

  • Efficient turning and balance

  • Reducing reliance on the mountain bar

Problem Solving & Extrication

Practice multiple methods for freeing a stuck machine while conserving energy and protecting equipment.

Safer Group Travel Systems

Build repeatable routines for spacing, communication, checkpoints, and safety margins that scale as terrain becomes more challenging.

  • This course is best for beginner+ to intermediate riders who are already comfortable off-trail and want to improve efficiency, control, and confidence in more challenging terrain.

  • This course emphasizes movement quality, intentional terrain use, and efficient riding systems that support safer travel and continued growth in the backcountry.

    By the end of this course, students will be able to:Plan and execute a full motorized backcountry day with clear goals and communication

    • Select appropriate terrain for skill development and changing conditions

    • Apply refined body positioning and movement techniques for improved control and efficiency

    • Demonstrate stronger throttle, brake, and counter-steering control in variable terrain

    • Manage group travel using consistent spacing, checkpoints, and safety margins

    • Identify and avoid common terrain hazards and problem areas

    • Apply effective machine extrication techniques while conserving energy

    • Evaluate personal riding strengths, limitations, and next steps for progression

  • 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.

    First season snowmobiler and am way ahead of where I would be, had I not found these guys. They really care about rider progression and safety. They keep prices so reasonable that I came back for 3 clinics and will definitely be getting my avalanche education here soon and bringing my whole crew with me.

    Melissa B. February 2025

  • 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.

    Tina was an amazing instructor! I learned so much from her. The all women crew was something I have never done before and would highly recommend. Can't wait to do another!

    Emily B. March 2025

  • Had a great trip with Kieth to cover some intermediate skills like sidehilling, uphill and downhill turns. We went to a nearby area with lots of powder and covered all the skills that I wanted to learn. I could tell that Kieth has a passion for snowmobiling, and has the patience and knowledge to help a student improve. Overall a wonderful experience!

    Brent P. February 2025

  • "Trip was awesome and fish was very knowledgeable and would recommend taking this class. This is my first snowmobile and first time off trail and highly recommend taking this class."

    Jeff December 2024

 Backcountry Snowmobile Skills Training in Colorado

Movement & Technical Skills Clinic FAQs

READ ALL POWDER PRO LAB FAQs HERE

  • This is a backcountry snowmobiling course focused on improving rider movement, technical skills, terrain management, and the ability to plan and execute a full motorized backcountry day.

  • This course is best for beginner+ to intermediate riders who are already comfortable off-trail and want to improve efficiency, control, and confidence in more challenging terrain.

  • Avalanche training is not required, but this course strongly reinforces the importance of avalanche education as riders progress into more complex terrain.

    This course provides an excellent foundation for riders who plan to take avalanche education in the future. We recommend taking an AIARE 1 Avalanche Course for Motorized Users.

  • The course takes place in simple to challenging terrain, including slopes up to 35 degrees, selected based on conditions and group ability.

  • Yes. A major focus of the course is improving movement, balance, and technique so riders rely less on brute force and throttle.

  • Most students bring their own snowmobile to build familiarity and consistency. Rentals may be available, making this a good option for riders who haven’t yet purchased a sled..

  • Our Introduction to Backcountry Snowmobiling courses focus on basic habits and fundamentals. This course emphasizes refinement, movement quality, terrain management, and execution in more complex settings.

  • Many students continue their progression with MOTO 3: Think Before You Throttle, which focuses on developing group leadership skills, trip planning, and decision-making in backcountry avalanche terrain.

    In this course, riders learn how to:

    • Lead groups through structured planning and communication

    • Collect and interpret basic snowpack and weather observations

    • Apply avalanche forecasts to real-world terrain choices and daily plans

    MOTO 3 is an ideal option for riders preparing for professional-level avalanche training and certification, as it helps preload the concepts and decision-making frameworks used in formal courses. It is also a strong choice for riders seeking an avalanche safety refresher day with their riding partners.