Teen Mountain Riders Skills Clinic – Turnagain
📅 Sunday, January 11, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Turnagain, Alaska (Monument Main Parking Area)
💲 $175 | 10 Student Limit | Ages 14 and up
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.
This special Teen Edition of the Mountain Riders Skills Clinic is designed for young riders ages 14 and up who are eager to learn mountain safety and technical sled skills in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you’re new to mountain riding or ready to take your skills up a notch, this hands-on clinic will help you ride with confidence, awareness, and control.
The course combines avalanche safety education with real-world riding instruction in Alaska’s incredible Turnagain Pass terrain. Teens will learn how to stay safe in avalanche conditions and develop the fundamentals needed for smart backcountry decision-making.
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
By the end of the day, participants will have the tools to safely navigate technical terrain, respond effectively in avalanche situations, and most importantly — have fun in the mountains!
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 — especially young ones — 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.
Important:
🧭 Ages 14 and up only
🧭 Parental consent is required for all teen participants. Parents or guardians must complete a waiver prior to the event.
✅ A parent or guardian is encouraged (but not required) to attend the morning safety overview.
✅ Riders must have a sled suitable for mountain riding (146” track or longer, 2”+ paddle).
✅ Required gear: beacon, probe, shovel, and full winter riding gear
Once registered, participants and their parents will receive a confirmation email with a detailed gear list, waiver forms, and meetup instructions.
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!