Soul Rides Motorized Avalanche Skills Training (MAST) 1+

Thompson Pass, Alaska | April 14–15 | 14+ with guardian participation
Staging Location: Will be communicated April 13 after scouting is complete.
$100 per rider + Alaska Safe Riders Membership
This course normally costs $440 USD, but we are offering this heavily subsidized training to the Alaska riding community.
Join Alaska Safe Riders and Soul Rides for a Motorized Avalanche Skills Training (MAST) 1+ course designed specifically for snowmobilers and snow bikers who ride in avalanche terrain.
This extended, hands-on course builds real backcountry decision-making skills and rescue confidence through additional in-field practice and realistic scenarios.
Class size is limited to 16 riders.
Special Opportunity for Avalanche Instructors
If you are a certified avalanche instructor and would like to shadow this course for additional motorized-focused training, we are offering that opportunity free of charge.
Please email [email protected] to start that conversation.
Why Take MAST 1+?
If Motorized Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 is like getting your driver’s permit, MAST 1+ is the extended road test.
This course provides additional field time so you can develop muscle memory, stronger decision-making skills, and rescue confidence in real backcountry environments.
Participants will spend more time practicing:
Companion rescue
Beacon searches
Terrain evaluation
Route selection
Decision-making in changing snow and weather conditions
MAST 1+ is led by industry-leading avalanche professionals and is designed to help riders approach the backcountry like experienced professionals.
Who Should Attend
MAST 1+ is ideal for snowmobilers and snow bikers who:
Want more in-field practice beyond a standard avalanche course
Are looking to build confidence in terrain evaluation and rescue protocols
Have completed MAST 1 or equivalent avalanche training
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and truly lock in your skills, MAST 1+ delivers the hands-on experience needed to ride confidently in avalanche terrain.
What You’ll Learn
During this field-based training you will refine and reinforce key avalanche safety skills including:
Advanced Terrain Recognition
Understanding slab mechanics
Slope angle assessment
Identifying terrain traps and run-out zones
Snowpack Stability Analysis
Digging and analyzing snow pits
Interpreting layered snowpack stability in real time
Companion Rescue Mastery
Multi-responder beacon searches
Probe strategies
Coordinated shoveling techniques
Dynamic Decision Making
Risk management frameworks
Group communication
Adapting to evolving weather and snow conditions
You will also:
Practice using your transceiver, probe, and shovel
Work through realistic avalanche rescue scenarios
Learn how to respond under pressure
Cancellation Policy
Due to the limited number of seats available:
Cancellations made after April 1st are non-refundable.
Your registration fee will instead be reinvested into future Alaska Safe Riders safety programs and education opportunities.
Required Online Coursework
Participants must complete Soul Rides Intro to Motorized Avalanche Training before the field course.
Once registered, you will receive a promo code to complete the online coursework for free prior to the on-snow training.
Required Gear
- Reliable snowmachine or snowbike
- Avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Shovel
- Layered riding gear for changing conditions
- Extra warm gear
- Lunch / food for the day
- Plenty of water
Recommended Gear
- Radio
- Avy Bag
Community Commitment
We encourage riders who complete this training to consider supporting Alaska Safe Riders next season by hosting a backcountry ride or community ride event.
These rides help:
Grow Alaska Safe Riders membership
Build stronger connections in the riding community
Continue spreading avalanche education across Alaska
Details can be discussed later — we simply ask riders to consider helping us keep the safety culture growing.
⚠️ Alaska Safe Riders membership is required to participate.
We can’t wait to shred with you all and spend an unforgettable weekend riding, learning, and connecting in the mountains. 🏔️✨
✨ 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!
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors & Supporters
This program would not be possible without the support of our partners who believe in growing avalanche education in Alaska’s riding community.
Special thanks to:
- Alaska Motorsports & Equipment
- Alaska Mining & Diving Supply
- Team CC Ski-Doo
- Delta Leasing
- The Sierra Winter Way
- Uptrack Alliance
- Soul Rides
- Alaska Safe Riders leadership
Your support helps bring real motorized avalanche education to Alaska riders and continues building a stronger culture of safety in the backcountry.
