I absolutely agree! Anytime someone is going to pay for a service with their hard earned money, they should be confident with the experience and qualifications of their instructor(s)/guides. Especially with an educational service such as avalanche safety! That being said, I would like to introduce our team of instructors for the Mountain Skillz with Matt Entz Snowmobiler Intro to Avalanche Safety Courses with the Wolf Creek Avalanche School......
Sandy Kobrock-HEAD INSTRUCTOR & owner of the Wolf Creek Avalanche School(information courtesy of
www.avalancheschool.us)
Sandy is recognized by the American Avalanche Association as a Certified Instructor, has been an Instructor Trainer for AIARE, is an AIARE Level 1 & Level 2 Instructor, and is a current Wilderness First Responder.
Her experience as ski patrol Supervisor at Squaw Valley USA and as the Patrol Director and snow safety supervisor at Wolf Creek Ski Area, and 20 seasons in the South San Juan mountains adds up to 27 years of professional avalanche work. In addition to being the Lead Instructor for the Wolf Creek Avalanche School, Sandy has taught Level 1 & 2 courses for the Silverton Avalanche School, AIARE, Telluride Avalanche School, NOLS Winter Instructor Training, CDOT, and Babes in the Backcountry.
Sandy's expertise includes 20 years working with corporations improving decision-making, accountability, personal awareness, and intentional communication.
Matt Entz-assistant instructor
I have been mountain snowmobiling for 27 years, professionally for 5 appearing in several movies and representing many of the top companirs in the snowmobile industry. Along the way I often found myself helping others with riding tips and improving their technique and riding skills. Naturally enjoying the company of others and helping them enjoy snowmobiling, I wanted to start my own business focusing on just that:challenging, teaching, and helping snowmobilers improve their riding skills and reach their potential. But something was missing.......
Then a few years ago while riding in Utah I was invved in an avalanche that resulted in me being buried all except for a hand. Thankfully, the group I was with was prepared and trained and they had me dug out in less than 10 minutes. I learned a lot from that experience and immediately knew that avalanche safety and awareness was the missing ingredient for my business. Last winter Mountain Skillz with Matt Entz was started specializing in personalized mountain riding instruction and avalanche safety. I believe that there is a huge void in the industry regarding avalanche safety and awareness training. Especially with the extent of technical riding that so many riders are doing and the terrain we are exploring. Aside from our designated courses, we practice avalanche safety with every instructional workshop focusing on gear familiarity and ALL clients are required to wear a beacon and backpack containing a shovel and probe. We provide all necessary items at no cost.
I am currently certified in general first aid and CPR and have an AIARE level 1 certification. This will be the 4th winter working with and assisting the Wolf Creek Avalanche School regarding motorized training. I plan to obtain my AIARE level 2 certification when I am eligible this winter and become a certified AIARE instructor within the next 3 years.
Brian Lundstedt-assistant instructor(founder of Tyler's Backcountry Awareness)
Brian started riding every weekend with his bothers and dad shortly after moving to Colorado in '93. “Sleds in those days were a lot different; I remember when we were some of the first of our friends to get ‘long tracks’ in '96. Since then, I have never looked back.” Brian has had the privilege to call the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado and southern Wyoming his playground for most of his life.
Since he was young, his father always made Brian and his brothers attend annual ‘refresher’ backcountry survival and avalanche courses. “Those classes are something that now, I can look back at my life and remember the good times. My brothers and I always looked forward to a couple hours in class just before season started. It was a teaser of that snow was coming, and solidified that our season was about to begin. Now, I am very excited to be able to share my life of experiences with everyone.”
Brian dedicates endless hours to learning more about avalanches. “My education continues with every class I attend or put on”, he admits, “There is always more to learn when it comes to making sure you get home”. Brian has been working very closely with the experts of snow at the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education [AIRE], to develop a motorized-user program that addresses both the style and the vast expanse of terrain that we, as motorized users, traverse each day.
“My trusty steed is a 2011 Skidoo Summit 800 equipped with an Aerocharger turbo and plenty of track. My choice of terrain? Well, that is easy, steep and deep! I prefer tight trees to open meadows, and feeling as if I was hit by a truck at the end of every day. If you aren’t stuck at least once you weren't riding. I enjoy riding with Calvin Felker, Jordan Lundstedt, Steve Marlenee and most recently Matt Entz. When we get together, I know it’s going to be a rough day and that means the most fun.”
This riding style means that Brian has to practice what he preaches; when he is on the snow Brian asserts that he performs stability tests and keeps an eye out for ‘red flags’. "It is imperative that I pay attention to the conditions and check the bulletin before I ride."
The diverse backgrounds and experience of our group of instructors is very beneficial to our program. We are able to provide information from a very broad spectrum. My personal experience with avalanche education has been that the more I learn, the less I know and this is a never-ending educational process. We encourage all students to continue their education far beyond our intro course. I am more than happy to answer any questions about our courses here, via email
matt@mountainskillz.com , or on the phone 719-849-3168. Have a great safe winter!
Thanks! Matt Entz
