TEXT (719) 849-3168

Snowmobile Workshops

Head Instructor
Instructors
  • Jen MacPherson
  • Cole Wilford

About Our Workshops

Each workshop consists of three primary focus areas:

Avalanche Safety:  An offering of advice and practice based on our own experience and training. This is NOT an avalanche class. Click here for Avalanche Safety Classes.

Riding Instruction: Safely advance your personal skills and ride your sled to its potential. Individualized training and experience in specific situations teach technique and build confidence.

Mountain Safety and Awareness: Become better prepared for a safe day of riding! Learn and practice safe snowmobiling in the mountains.

Required Equipment & Releases

In order for you and us to have the best experience with Mountain Skillz, there are a few things we ask of you. Please bring a modern mountain snowmobile that is in good operating condition. We also have a fleet of new 2023 Polaris Matryx RMK’s available for rent! It’s strongly recommended that you arrive in good physical shape. Please inform us of any medical conditions ahead of time. This information will remain confidential.

All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or submit approved documentation from a legal guardian prior to arrival. All guests will sign a PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT including a LIABILITY RELEASE and INDEMNIFICATION verifying that they have read, understand, and agree to ALL terms.

Necessary equipment for all guests:

  • adequate clothing (base layer, mid layer, boots, pants, jacket, helmet, 2 pairs of goggles, stocking hat, and multiple pairs of gloves). We stock a full line of Klim gear at our store and are happy to order any specialty items.
  • properly functioning beacon with good batteries to be worn on your body
  • backpack with storage for shovel and probe
  • shovel with metal blade
  • avalanche probe
  • safety equipment (such as knee/shin pads or braces and protective vest).
  • you are responsible for food & drinks

We can provide a beacon, airbag, shovel, and probe for you to use while you are on the snow with us at no charge.

2 Day Workshop

2 Day Workshop

Group size is limited in all workshops. If you have a larger group, we are happy to create a special event for you.
Learn More

3 Day Workshop

3 Day Workshop

Group size is limited in all workshops. If you have a larger group, we are happy to create a special event for you.
Learn More

Ladies Clinic

Ladies Clinic

Group size is limited. Fun, no pressure learning environment. Catered towards beginner to intermediate skill/experience levels.
Learn More

Riding Workshop Pricing

  • Applicable fees not included
  • Lodging is separate

Sled Rentals

Sign Up For Course

Course Dates

2 Day Riding Workshop

  • December 27-28
  • January 3 - 4
  • January 6 - 7
  • January 8 - 9
  • January 24 - 25
  • January 31 - February 1
  • February 8 - 9
  • February 14 -15
  • February 24 - 25
  • February 26 - 27
  • March 10 - 11
  • March 12 - 13
  • March 18 - 19
  • March 21 - 22
  • March 24 - 25

3 Day Riding Workshop

  • January 21 - 23
  • February 11 - 13
  • March 6 - 8

Ladies Clinic

With Jen McPherson
Standard
  • January 14 - 15
  • March 1 - 2
Advanced
  • February 17 - 18
Avalanche
  • February 19 - 21

Motorized Avalanche Safety Course Dates

View Prices

Level 1

  • December 17 -19
  • December 21 - 23
  • February 19 - 21 (LADIES ONLY)
  • January 11 - 13
  • March 15 - 17
Refresher New
  • December 20
  • December 26
  • Febuary 3

Level 2

  • *Rescue course is required prerequisite
  • January 28 - 30 (advanced riders only)

Rescue

  • December 16
  • January 27

Special Events

Couples Clinic

With Jen McPherson
  • March 3 & 4
  • $2500/couple includes 2 nights of lodging

1 Day Backcountry First Aid

  • Dates Coming Soon
  • Details Coming Soon

Cancellation Policy

We prefer not to cancel any trips, but realize that life happens. Please contact Matt to try and reschedule. All deposits are non-refundable and there are NO cancellations within 7 days of scheduled trip. Prior to 7 days from scheduled trip the cancellation fee is 25% or payment can be used to reschedule for any available dates within 2020-2021 operating season.

Need a place to stay?

Check Out Baxterville Lodge

Need Snowmobile?

Contact Matt for Rental Info

Contact Us

Mountain Skillz is an equal opportunity service provider operating under a Special Use Permit throughout the Divide Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest. 

Links

© 2023 Matt Entz, LLC DBA Mountain Skillz, South Fork, CO

Site By: CandyHourWeb

Meet Matt Entz

Matt has been on snowmobiles for 25 years. Growing up in southern Colorado provided the opportunity to ride and learn in some of the best mountain snowmobiling and conditions in the western United States. Matt’s grandpa and uncle owned and operated a snowmobile dealership in their local area in the 70’s so you can say snowmobiling runs in the blood of the Entz family.

Matt’s dad introduced him to riding at a very young age and continued to take him riding over the years helping him learn how to work on sleds, ride, and understand being in the mountains. “I’ve always loved spending time in the mountains as well as everything snowmobile related. I have to thank my dad for starting me down this road!”

Buying his first sled in 2001, Matt began riding every chance he had. “I started riding with a great group of locals every weekend throughout the winter. All I could think about during the week was our next ride.” Along the way, opportunities to ride with pro riders came up and Matt knew that is what he wanted to pursue. Chris Burandt, Chris Brown, Dan Gardiner, Jay Quinlan, and Dan Adams were the initial influencial riders Matt looked up to and based his riding style off of. Of course there have been many more along the way with the rise of exposure for freeride mountain snowmobiling.

As snowmobiles and riding styles have progressed, so has the importance of safety and education. “We have capabilities to ride such awesome terrain. I feel it is extremely important for everyone that wants to ride these areas to understand the dangers and be educated and prepared for all situations.” Since 20__, he has been riding professionally representing numerous aftermarket companies and starring in the BOONDOCKERS snowmobiling movie series. Matt also rides with THE CREW. His riding style can best be grouped together and described as ‘technical boondocking’. While best known for riding tight technical tree lines and droping big cliffs, Matt’s true passion in snowmobiling is sharing his SKILLZ and educating other enthusiasts. “Snowmobiling is very unique in that there are so many aspects to enjoy the sport. The opportunity to help and teach others to safely enjoy mountain riding is a blessing and dream come true!”

Matt Entz is a professional member with the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and a certified motorized Level 1 course provider through the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).

Family is a very important priority in Matt’s life. “My wife Jesse and our daughters Elly and Ashley have brought a different joy and happiness that I never could have imagined. Jesse has always been very supportive and instrumental in me setting and achieving goals. It’s an honor to have her as a business partner as well. Elly and Ashley will be pitching in on the family business in a few years!”

2 Day Workshop

$950/person (Less than 6 people) • $850/person (More than 6 people)
  • Lodging Separate
  • Private Groups Available

Please contact Matt for available dates and information. All dates are snow dependent.

Each workshop consists of three primary focus areas: avalanche safety, riding instruction, and mountain safety and awareness.

AVALANCHE SAFETY – This is NOT an avalanche class. It is an offering of advice and practice based on our own experience and training. Click here for Avalanche Safety Classes.

  • Check and Understand Daily Avalanche Forecast & Bulletin
  • Overview of Proper Safety Gear and Storage
  • Practice Efficient Gear Assembly
  • Safe Travel Management
  • Evaluate Snow Layers and Stability
  • Terrain Recognition
  • Measure Slope Angle
  • Learn from Visual Observations
  • Mock Rescue

RIDING INSTRUCTION/EXPLORATION – Learn from and ride with an experienced professional in his ‘backyard’! We are here to help you safely advance your riding skills on a personal level and ride your sled to its potential. We will help you in the areas that you want to improve. Our instructors specialize in relating to you on a personal level by evaluating your riding and offering hands on instruction. You will be put in specific situations intended to force you to execute proper technique. You will be challenged and gain confidence as you successfully apply the techniques you acquire. By teaching proper technique and building confidence in your abilities and equipment, you will be on track for a bright future of mountain snowmobiling with your MOUNTAIN SKILLZ! You can expect a full day of adventurous mountain snowmobiling as our instructors work with you to safely become a better rider while having fun. Riding instruction will be catered to your personal ability and goals in the specific disciplines of:

  • Safe Travel Management
  • Balance
  • Throttle Application
  • Braking To Enhance Sled Control
  • Deep Snow ‘Breaking Trail”
  • Powder Turns
  • Establishing Position
  • Wrong Foot Forward
  • Sidehilling
  • Controlled Descent
  • Turning Back Uphill
  • Directional Changes Around Obstacles
  • Tree Navigation
  • Visualizing Where You CAN Go
  • Jumping Safety
  • Climbing
  • Turning Out
  • Getting Unstuck
  • Leading a Group
  • Tracking Your Riding Partners

MOUNTAIN SAFETY AND AWARENESS – Whether this is your first trip to ride in the mountains or you only ride in the mountains, we are going to help you be better prepared for a safe day of riding.

  • Check Daily Forecast
  • Recent Weather Activity
  • Preparation
  • Clothing
  • Food & Drink
  • Safety Equipment & Tools
  • Understanding Riding Area Terrain
  • Survival Essentials
  • Communication
  • Choosing Riding Partners/Group
  • Safe Travel Management

3 Day Workshop

$1,350/person
  • Lodging Separate
  • Private Groups Available

Please contact Matt for available dates and information. All dates are snow dependent.

Each workshop consists of three primary focus areas: avalanche safety, riding instruction, and mountain safety and awareness.

AVALANCHE SAFETY – This is NOT an avalanche class. It is an offering of advice and practice based on our own experience and training. Click here for Avalanche Safety Classes.

  • Check and Understand Daily Avalanche Forecast & Bulletin
  • Overview of Proper Safety Gear and Storage
  • Practice Efficient Gear Assembly
  • Safe Travel Management
  • Evaluate Snow Layers and Stability
  • Terrain Recognition
  • Measure Slope Angle
  • Learn from Visual Observations
  • Mock Rescue

RIDING INSTRUCTION/EXPLORATION – Learn from and ride with an experienced professional in his ‘backyard’! We are here to help you safely advance your riding skills on a personal level and ride your sled to its potential. We will help you in the areas that you want to improve. Our instructors specialize in relating to you on a personal level by evaluating your riding and offering hands on instruction. You will be put in specific situations intended to force you to execute proper technique. You will be challenged and gain confidence as you successfully apply the techniques you acquire. By teaching proper technique and building confidence in your abilities and equipment, you will be on track for a bright future of mountain snowmobiling with your MOUNTAIN SKILLZ! You can expect a full day of adventurous mountain snowmobiling as our instructors work with you to safely become a better rider while having fun. Riding instruction will be catered to your personal ability and goals in the specific disciplines of:

  • Safe Travel Management
  • Balance
  • Throttle Application
  • Braking To Enhance Sled Control
  • Deep Snow ‘Breaking Trail”
  • Powder Turns
  • Establishing Position
  • Wrong Foot Forward
  • Sidehilling
  • Controlled Descent
  • Turning Back Uphill
  • Directional Changes Around Obstacles
  • Tree Navigation
  • Visualizing Where You CAN Go
  • Jumping Safety
  • Climbing
  • Turning Out
  • Getting Unstuck
  • Leading a Group
  • Tracking Your Riding Partners

MOUNTAIN SAFETY AND AWARENESS – Whether this is your first trip to ride in the mountains or you only ride in the mountains, we are going to help you be better prepared for a safe day of riding.

  • Check Daily Forecast
  • Recent Weather Activity
  • Preparation
  • Clothing
  • Food & Drink
  • Safety Equipment & Tools
  • Understanding Riding Area Terrain
  • Survival Essentials
  • Communication
  • Choosing Riding Partners/Group
  • Safe Travel Management

Ladies Clinic

With Jen MacPherson

  • 2 Days
  • Lodging Separate
  • January 14 &15
  • March 1 & 2
  • 2 Days
  • Lodging Separate
  • February 17 & 18

Ladies Avalanche Course

With Margaret Wheeler

  • 3 Days
  • Lodging Separate
  • February 19 & 21

*Applicable fees not included