SLEDucation

December 26, 2024

The [EDGE]ucation you know and love just got motorized. Welcome to SLEDucation—a snowmobile-specific series of backcountry basics brought to you by avalanche educator Mike Duffy and BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly.

In a series of six concise, approachable videos, Duffy and Edge break down key lessons to guide and refresh your avalanche education. Learn sled-centric tips on how to use and store your avalanche gear, manage group dynamics, apply the avalanche forecast to stay out of danger, and more.

Introduction

The Gear

You know you need a beacon, shovel, probe, but do you know where to carry it? Mike Duffy breaks down the gear you need, and how to carry it on your snowmobile for quick and efficient access when you need it the most. 

What to Carry

Motorized avalanche instructor Mike Duffy breaks down exactly what he carries with him on his snowmobile. From the headlamp stored in the top of his airbag vest to the splint in his tunnel bag, Duffy walks us through pocket by pocket. 

Get The Training

“The more training you have, the better decisions you can make.” Mike Duffy underscores the importance of receiving on-snow avalanche training prior to entering the backcountry by walking us through his terrain analysis and route choices in the field. 

The Daily Routine

Mike Duffy walks us through his four-step process for beginning a day out in the backcountry. Check the avalanche forecast and discuss it with your group, along with the weather. Eliminate areas for the day based on the avalanche forecast, and conduct a full gear check before heading out. 

Group Dynamics & Observant Travel

Constant observation and group communication are key to moving safely in the backcountry. Avalanche educator Mike Duffy discusses essentials for managing group dynamics and looking for signs of instability to keep your group together and select terrain based on skill level. 

Staying Out of Danger

Motorized avalanche educator Mike Duffy gives us his five guidelines for staying out of danger in the backcountry. From riding one at a time on a hill to altering your riding based on the avalanche forecast, Duffy discusses essentials to consider when riding in the backcountry with a group in avalanche terrain. 

Stay safe out there.

#backcountryaccess