Avalanche course Requirement

[Beartoothclimb]

Love it, hate it, argue, criticize, bash, praise this post but let me know what you think.

How would people feel if they had to take an avalanche course in order to ride their snowmobile. Im not talking all areas. This question is more geared towards just montana. You would need to show your course certificate in order to register your snowmobile in MT, get a nonresident snowmobile permit or to rent a sled.

I don't know how long the course would be. Maybe a 10, 15 or 20 hour awareness class for the minimum.

Shout out your thoughts......

 

[cobbycat]

Love it, hate it, argue, criticize, bash, praise this post but let me know what you think.

How would people feel if they had to take an avalanche course in order to ride their snowmobile. Im not talking all areas. This question is more geared towards just montana. You would need to show your course certificate in order to register your snowmobile in MT, get a nonresident snowmobile permit or to rent a sled.

I don't know how long the course would be. Maybe a 10, 15 or 20 hour awareness class for the minimum.

Shout out your thoughts......

first, I think it is a good start!

second, why just Montana, others do ride mountains too.

 

[maxwellzx]

i think its a good idea.

so what if you have to take one weekend out of your life to educate yourself.

i think beacon training is the main thing people need to learn.

i think when you buy your trail pass to go up the mountain you should be required to have a beacon and training.

i always get frustrated when i ask someone if they have there beacon on.

" oh no ill just play it safe today "

what do you think everyone else has been doing?

beacon training is important. having it is just the first step but knowing how to not run around wiht your head cut off when the time comes is more important

 

[Beartoothclimb]

first, I think it is a good start!

second, why just Montana, others do ride mountains too.

Just a simple start. Didn't want a bunch of people stating that their riding area is flat and has no hills therefore they shouldn't take it. Most areas i can think of in MT have at least a few slide paths in them. I think whatever area you are from you should at least comment on it.

 

[pancake]

Stongly disagree. People have to regulate themselves, thats how we learn stuff. Yes people should take avy courses. But leave it up to the individual. Our governments have enough to do allready.

 

[Ex-Member]

The thought's there... but really, the last thing the snowmobile community needs is more rules and regulations to follow. Then there's the cost of classes and enforcement.

People just need to open their eyes to the danger and understand what they're getting into, especially if they don't have equipment.

I think that you stand a better chance of surviving if you have the right equipment and no training vs. training and no equipment.

 

[cobbycat]

Just a simple start. Didn't want a bunch of people stating that their riding area is flat and has no hills therefore they shouldn't take it. Most areas i can think of in MT have at least a few slide paths in them. I think whatever area you are from you should at least comment on it.

Good call! But I don't think there is many sledders out there that don't have any hill riding experience. I think there should be a snomobile safety course that covers ALL dangers in snowmobiling, from flatlands to mountains. Personaly, I don't know what to look out for in the flatlands as I almost allways ride mountains. Never hurts to learn about things we don't know.

 

[cobbycat]

The thought's there... but really, the last thing the snowmobile community needs is more rules and regulations to follow. Then there's the cost of classes and enforcement.

People just need to open their eyes to the danger and understand what they're getting into, especially if they don't have equipment.

I think that you stand a better chance of surviving if you have the right equipment and no training vs. training and no equipment.

what good is the equipment if you don't know how to use it?

WE NEED BOTH TO SURVIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS!!

 

[mcgyver]

you get the government involved and where does it stop?

I could see them trying to regulate where and when we can ride based on government science$$$$$$$$$

oh, wait,they already do that...... if anything, I think the dealers could be more proactive and maybe offer some courses with the purchase of a sled

 

[Beartoothclimb]

People just need to open their eyes to the danger and understand what they're getting into, especially if they don't have equipment.

It's tough to open your eyes to something that you do not understand or don't even know about.

 

[Beartoothclimb]

you get the government involved and where does it stop?

I could see them trying to regulate where and when we can ride based on government science$$$$$$$$$

oh, wait,they already do that...... if anything, I think the dealers could be more proactive and maybe offer some courses with the purchase of a sled

Great answer, i can see how people wouldn't like government influence.

I don't know the numbers but seems to me, more sleds are sold used and privately than new/used from a dealer.

 

[bungeeguy]

Unfortuantely this is the same mind set as most Liberals: "the government should protect people from themselves"
freedom is constantly being given away to "protect" someone or something. Is this what you really want? More government is coming no matter what under "dear leader" but don't beg for even more.
Good intention but bad, bad, bad idea.

 

[CATCRAZY]

I agree with you 100%, but there are a lot of people out there (from Montana) that have had the proper training. I ride with guys that have ridden in the mountains for 15 years and have not taken a safety class, when you ask them to go to a class they come up with some B.S. to get out of going. When they climb I stay back and watch. I will be honest I used to climb a lot, then I took an Avalanche course. The course opened my eyes to what can slide, even when your not expecting it. Evan if they have had the training you are not going to stop them from climbing the steep stuff. How many people on Friday and Saturday with the proper training climbed on Crown Butte before it slid. By the looks of the pictures that hill had a lot of tracks on it. I guess what I am getting at, if you have had the proper training and you know the Avalanche danger is high, just stay off the hills. Play in the trees and the meadows. You are still riding your sled aren't you??

 

[Beartoothclimb]

Unfortuantely this is the same mind set as most Liberals: "the government should protect people from themselves"
freedom is constantly being given away to "protect" someone or something. Is this what you really want? More government is coming no matter what under "dear leader" but don't beg for even more.
Good intention but bad, bad, bad idea.

But if there is enough support from the people in one small area(say MT) to get something passed on a state level is this really the government imposing or the people speaking out for something. I know that it wouldn't be 100% percent accepted by everyone so some people's rights would be imposed upon. Besides having more laws/rules, what bad would come from this?

 

[krazytrain]

I vote NOOO! no fricken way, Government...?????? why don't you just slap your self now.........

 

[80 ponies]

What about something from the Manufacture. Kinda like when you buy a 4-wheeler if you take their class they give you $50.00 or something like that.

 

[DOOMAN]

i would have to say it is a good idea, not just for montana I'd say anywhere with avalanche dangers.I'm sure it could keep the hills allot safer if everyone was properly trained

 

[Steamboat-RN]

But if there is enough support from the people in one small area(say MT) to get something passed on a state level is this really the government imposing or the people speaking out for something. I know that it wouldn't be 100% percent accepted by everyone so some people's rights would be imposed upon. Besides having more laws/rules, what bad would come from this?

The bottom line is that you can't fix stupid. Period. You can't force common sense on those determined to ignore dangers.
Where do these benign regulations end? Must wear a helmet? Must ride with a partner? Must file a ride plan with the new government agency created to enforce the new rules? No climbing hills over 20 degrees unless "certified" safe buy government inspectors?
The thought is good but the iplimentation would be difficult, costly and ineffective.
The upside is that it would create new jobs.
The downside is that it would further dilute the gene pool.

Those who would give away freedom for protection deserve neither.

 

[sledcaddie]

The intent of this idea is good, but implementing would be a problem. We already have these issues in areas other than snowmobiles. Most anyone can go rent a sled in the mountains and not have a clue about anything. Most anyone can buy a "crotch-rocket" that does 180mph and not have a clue. (Now, this next one is touchy to some.) Most anyone (seniors) can go buy a huge $400,000+ motor home and barrel through traffic and not have a clue. Do we need government to intercede in these situations? I would hope not. Things like alcohol, tobacco, and driver's licenses merely have age restrictions. Education is a great thing for all the above, but we all know we can lead a horse to water........

 

[Ex-Member]

what good is the equipment if you don't know how to use it?

WE NEED BOTH TO SURVIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS!!

Agree with you on that, but I'd rather have someone searching for me that has a few tools rather than just knowledge.

Best scientist in the world can't do much without a lab, but 3rd graders can figure out if they mix vinegar and baking soda they get a reaction.