Ski-Doo Announced Annual Avalanche Safety Seminars
The manufacturer has launched its 18th year of free safety training for snowmobilers in the U.S. and Canada.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Motocycles
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Would you attend a free avalanche awareness seminar before your next backcountry snowmobile trip?
Ski-Doo has officially announced the eighteenth annual series of its free avalanche awareness seminars. The program, which includes over 35 sessions across the United States and Canada, aims to prepare riders for potential backcountry emergencies.
Why it matters
Avalanche safety relies on the ability of riding groups to act as first responders during an incident. By providing education on route planning and rescue techniques, the initiative ensures that all members of a party can identify and mitigate mountain risks.
The seminar program has run for 18 years, attracting more than 30,000 attendees to date. Backcountry Access is returning for its ninth consecutive year to provide safety equipment for the upcoming series of 35 events.
The players
Ski-Doo
Ski-Doo is a prominent snowmobile brand owned by the Canadian powersports company BRP.
Backcountry Access
Backcountry Access is a manufacturer of avalanche safety equipment that supports training programs.
Marshall Dempster
Marshall Dempster is a professional avalanche forecaster who will lead the seminars held in Canada.
Mike Duffy
Mike Duffy is an experienced avalanche educator who will lead the seminars held in the United States.
The details
The seminars provide instruction on essential safety topics, including avalanche awareness, route planning, and life-saving rescue techniques. Participants receive hands-on training using specialized equipment like transceivers, probes, and shovels, with local host dealers managing registration for the events.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Ski-Doo announced the 18th year of avalanche seminars.
Roadmap
This program reflects a broader trend among powersports manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety education in increasingly technical off-road markets. It follows the long-standing precedent of the Ski-Doo avalanche safety seminar program to integrate preventative training into the sport.
Snowmobilers can improve their emergency readiness by contacting local host dealers to secure a spot in an upcoming session. Attending these seminars allows riders to gain hands-on experience with rescue gear, which is critical for safety in unpredictable backcountry environments.
The takeaway
Effective backcountry safety requires every member of a riding group to be proficient in rescue techniques. Enthusiasts should prioritize this training to ensure they are prepared to serve as first responders for their riding partners.
Further reading
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Would you attend a free avalanche awareness seminar before your next backcountry snowmobile trip?
