Hybrid Access Avalanche Training: Sled & Shred
Snowmobile + Ski/ Splitboard AIARE LEVEL 1
Powder Pro Lab has pulled in our team of professionals to design a sled-access AIARE 1 & 2 avalanche training course specifically for backcountry skiers and riders accessing terrain with snowmobiles. The Sled & Shred AIARE 1 Hybrid Access course combines Powder Pro Lab’s motorized AIARE avalanche safety expertise with our team of local free-riders and freestyle athletes.
Avalanche training for backcountry freeriders 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
AIARE Sled & Shred
2026 Schedule
Hybrid Access Avalanche Training AIARE Level 1
December 29-31, 2025
January 23-25, 2026
February 13-15, 2026
March 27-29, 2026 *
*Last AIARE Hybrid Access course of the 2025/2026 winter season!
Buena Vista, CO
Cottonwood/Tincup Pass
Register Now:
AIARE 1 Hybrid Course
1 classroom day + 2 field days
Leadville, CO: Chalk Creek - Fremont Pass
Buena Vista, CO: Cottonwood/Tincup Pass
$700 for 3-day course
Need a Snowmobile Rental for the AIARE 1 Hybrid Sled & Shred course?
No problem. We have sled rentals available!
AIARE 1 Hybrid Course ($700) +
2-day Snowmobile Rental
$800
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Digital learning resources and the AIARE Level 1 Student Manual will be sent in advance of the.course
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(virtual): Zoom-based classroom sessions, two sessions, 6-9pm
(in-person): Full-day in-person classroom day in Leadville, CO
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7:30am - 3:30pm: Companion rescue practice and observations.
Venues:
Chalk Creek, Leadville, CO
Tincup Pass/ Cottonwood Pass Buena Vista, CO
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7:30am - 4pm: Student-led tour and course close
Sled & Shred / Motorized Hybrid Access Avalanche Training
FAQs
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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.
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The Sled & Shred Hybrid Access AIARE 1 Avalanche Training 3-day course is $700. The price of the course + a snowmobile rental is $800.
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)
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6 students: 1 instructor in each course.
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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
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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
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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