Mountain Riders Skills Clinic – Turnagain, Alaska

📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Turnagain, Alaska (Monument Main Parking Area)
💲 $175 | 10 Student Limit

Registration Notice: We’re currently fixing our registration forms to resolve recent errors. We apologize for the inconvenience and expect forms to be fully functional by the end of today (12.12.2025).  Please check back Monday to register for your Alaska Safe Riders membership and event. Thank you for your commitment to backcountry safety.

If you’re ready to take your mountain riding skills to the next level — safely and confidently — this clinic is for you!

The Mountain Riders Skills Clinic combines avalanche safety education with real-world riding instruction in Alaska’s legendary mountain terrain. The goal of this course is twofold: to give you the tools to manage mountain terrain safely, and to build the riding skills you need to stay in control and have fun in the backcountry.

Participants will:
❄️ Learn to select safe routes through avalanche terrain
❄️ Practice effective avalanche rescue techniques
❄️ Develop control and confidence on steep, technical slopes

In the technical riding portion, you’ll work on throttle and brake control, foot placement, sled balance, and reading terrain to maintain flow and control. We’ll start with basics on an open hillside before taking those skills into more challenging terrain throughout Turnagain Pass.

We’ll also cover practical topics such as:
❄️ How to get unstuck efficiently
❄️ What gear to carry in the backcountry
❄️ How to set up your sled for maximum performance

Instruction team:
This clinic will be led by Carlen Thiessen, a graduate of Chris Burandt’s Mountain Rider School. Carlen brings years of backcountry expertise and a passion for helping riders build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, and make smart decisions in mountain terrain. He will be assisted by a second instructor (to be announced closer to the event date), a certified avalanche instructor who will lead rescue skills and riding protocol components.

By the end of the day, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to safely navigate technical terrain, respond effectively in avalanche scenarios, and ride smarter, stronger, and safer.

Recommendations:
✅ Mountain sled (146” track or longer, 2”+ paddle) recommended
✅ Watch our Mountain Riding YouTube playlist before class
✅ Required gear: beacon, probe, shovel, and full winter riding gear

Once registered, you’ll receive a detailed gear list and meetup instructions via email.

Become a Member of Alaska Safe Riders

Support safer, more enjoyable riding across Alaska and enjoy member perks:

✨ ASR Basic — $25/yr: Members-only training events; networking; merch offers; automatic prize entries
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ASR Family — $50/yr: Up to 6 family members; networking with riders & champions; merch offers; prize entries
🏫 ASR Schools — $100/yr: School recognition; priority reservations for school trainings; special school offers
🏢 ASR Business — $500+/yr: Business recognition; industry networking; visibility at events/workshops; website/newsletter recognition

👉 Start your journey to safer riding today—join Alaska Safe Riders!