Moto Mountain School Will Provide You With:
- A professional / certified avalanche instructor with a depth of experience.
- Curriculum.
- Knowledge of the areas/routes you’ll be visiting during the course.
- Rescue access, coordination, and response if necessary.
You Should Plan to Bring:
Avalanche Safety Gear
- Avalanche Transceiver (should be less than 5 years old and have 3 Antennas).
- Avalanche Probe Pole (should be a minimum of 240cm and have incremental markings).
- Avalanche Shovel (should be metal, be extendable, have a blade width of 30cm, and be separate from any shovel you keep on your tunnel).
- Backpack/Vest (can house your shovel and probe inside in a separate “safety” compartment). An avalanche airbag/vest is a good idea but not required.
Other Equipment
- Snowmobile helmet (must be DOT certified).
- Goggles & sunglasses (please bring both).
- Sunscreen & lip balm (the sun can be strong when we are not riding)
- 2 Liters of water (pro-tip – fill your water bottles with HOT water in the mornings so that it is pleasant to drink later in the day). Don’t use a bladder system if it looks like its going to be cold.
- Thermos with hot beverage of choice (can be really nice when standing in snow pits).
- Lunch & snacks for the day. (pack high calorie food that will keep you well fueled and warm during long hours in the cold).
- Pencil.
- Headlamp (we bring them so we don’t have to use them).
- Extra batteries (for transceiver and headlamp).
- Personal medications
Clothing
- Synthetic or wool under layers (no cotton!)
- Synthetic or wool mid layers (fleece jacket, vest, soft shell jacket – no cotton!)
- Down or synthetic puffy jacket
- Weatherproof jacket and pants or mono suit.
- Gloves x 2 pairs (we suggest 1 lighter pair for taking notes and one warmer pair for riding.
- Beanie / Warm Hat (for when you have your helmet off).
- Buff, neck gaiter or balaclava.
- Ball cap or visor (especially for sunny days).
- Snowmobile Boots (rated to keep you going even in sub-zero temperatures).
Machine & Transport
- Snowmobile / Snowbike: Machines must be maintained in a safe operating condition including headlights, tail lights, and brake lights which are operating at all times the snowmobile is operating.
- Repair Kit: To make on-the-trail repairs. Should include spark plugs, extra belts, tow rope, tool kit, duck tape, extra light bulbs for front and rear light.
- Transport: Due to Forest Service permit regulations and parking lot / trail head congestion issues, vehicles with sled decks are HIGHLY encouraged. Our next preference is for short trailers. Most parking lots require high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles and snow / all season tires.
Recommended
Bringing a laptop or tablet is highly recommended for the classroom times, we will look at many digital weather and terrain resources during this course.
*This is only a suggested packing list; please use it as a guideline and not as an end all. There might be items that you personally require that are not on this list. If you have any questions about what to pack for your day in the backcountry don’t hesitate to contact our office.