Gary Olson

Manager of Oregon Trail Sports-Baker City OR
Resides in Sumpter/Baker City OR
In 2007 I took up snowmobiling and fell in love with the sport. I love taking new riders out in the Backcountry for their first ride on a snowmobile.  I took the companion rescue and the AIARE I motorized class last season and found out I didn’t know as much as I thought I did!  I would encourage anyone going out into the backcountry to take a class.  I am taking the AIARE II class this season to continue my Avalanche Awareness training.  I am proud to be an Ambassador for WAC!

Darin Helman

Baker City, Oregon

I owe it to myself and to my fellow riders of the snow, to be a responsible rider. Avalanche education is one piece of that responsibility. Every time you prepare to ride into the backcountry, you need to properly prep your equipment, yourself and your knowledge of the environment you’ll be riding in. Use the resources provided by your local avalanche centers. Know before you go!


Lorien (LC) James

Enterprise, Oregon
I have been riding snowmobiles since I was 8, I switched to snowbikes about 7 years ago.  My husband is an exceptional rider so that means we go into some pretty gnarly places and the terrain isn’t always flat.  I now travel on my own to new mountains and having taken the AAIRE Level 1 I feel more comfortable reading terrain, the conditions, looking at weather and also reading the local avy reports where ever my adventures take me.  Knowing before you go is only half of it, reading the terrain and snow conditions once there is the other half.  Safety comes first, Fun comes second.  Now I can make that educated decision and not go anywhere I am not comfortable.

Kevin Cassidy-Outdoor Enthusiast

Haines, OR
Anyone that enjoys recreating in the backcountry in uncontrolled environments should consider avalanche education as a non-negotiable skill. It is important to both yourself and those you ride with to be armed with the knowledge and skills to safely enjoy the experiences these special places offer to their fullest! Get the training, apply the knowledge, use the tools and practice your skills. Be an asset to yourself and your group – not a liability.

Linda Batterton

Milton-Freewater, OR

I find avalanche education is important to me because it gives me the knowledge that could possibly save a life, and show others the skills I have learned to encourage them to get educated.


Brandon Christensen

Richland, WA

Avalanche education is important to me because it allows me and my riding buddies an opportunity to enjoy the backcountry.  It may sound crazy but I love winter and I love snow.  That’s where avalanche awareness comes in handy.  Knowing what terrain to avoid on the crazy deep days is important, even more important is knowing how to use the avalanche forecast and avalanche equipment we ride with in case someone needs help.  I’ve lost friends to avalanches and have had other friends buried and recovered.  My hope is that through education and awareness no more friends will ever be lost.


Jamie Dunn

Arlington, OR
The knowledge and skillset you learn in these courses are your greatest tool to keep you safe in the backcountry. I want to empower women and new riders that they are capable of having and applying these skills in the backcountry.

Dustin James

Enterprise Oregon

Growing up I spent all my winters snowmobiling the back country with my family. Now I am raising my children the same way. I have not missed a season in 40 years.  I learned early on in my life that the mountain demanded respect. I enjoy pushing myself and my machines to the limits when I am out riding but nothing is more important than living to ride another day.  I have rode sleds from Utah to British Columbia to Alaska and have seen all sorts of terrain. I have triggered avalanches, been partially buried and have had friends that paid the ultimate price. It is very important to me to help other riders understand how to read the terrain, understand the snow pack and most importantly make the right decision when they are out there in the back country. The more I can spread the avalanche gospel the safer the mountains will be for all of us.


Mandy James

Enterprise Oregon

I bought my first sled in 2008 and it quickly became more than a hobby. I love the challenge of backcountry sledding, the fact that I am constantly learning and pushing myself to become better. It challenges me mentally and physically. There is always something new to learn. It is important to me to get the proper avalanche education so I can safely share my passion for snowmobiling with my family and friends. I would like to thank WAC for selecting me as a motorized ambassador so I can help share the importance of avalanche awareness.

I would also like to thank TOBE Outerwear, Extreme Realities, Off Road Vixens, EVS Sports, Outlaw Motorsports and my family for all their support.


Cody James

Enterprise Oregon

I grew up in the mountains of Oregon and I spent my winters riding snowmobiles from an early age. I have snowmobiled all around the northwest and in Canada on some amazing and unforgiving terrain. It is important to me to get the proper avalanche training and gear to help me make better decisions in the back county. I would like to thank the WAC for giving me the knowledge and choosing me as a Motorized Ambassador.