SOUTH FORK— For the sixth year in a row, Mountain Skillz has been using their winter expertise to teach courses on safe outdoor winter practices to the South Fork area and beyond.

Located in South Fork, the company works hard to serve outdoor enthusiast and works to keep them safe in the winter months. “We do instructional-based winter workshops to teach people how to safely ride and enjoy our beautiful area. We work with people regardless of experience; people come to us with years of riding experience or they come to us with no experience at all,” said owner Matt Entz.

Entz grew up in the Monte Vista area and after deciding that he wanted to be closer to the mountains, moved his family to the South Fork area and opened Mountain Skillz. “I wanted to be in the mountains full time and open a business that would help teach people how to respectfully and safely enjoy what we have in the area,” said Entz. “I have been riding for years and I noticed that there were people that needed help learning snowmobile specific winter safety training and avalanche training, and I wanted to share my experience with them.”

According to the course description, “Preparation is a key element to a successful day of snowmobiling. All students are required to carry proper avalanche gear (properly functioning beacon and wear a backpack containing a metal shovel and probe) which we can provide at no cost for daily use. Guests will evaluate snow conditions and terrain throughout each day with an emphasis on safe travel management.”

“Our focus on improving your riding skills and technique is based on your individual ability and experience. Through our skill assessments, you will have the opportunity to learn and apply proper technique to a wide variety of mountain riding disciplines including getting and riding a sled on edge, downhill descent, side hilling, tree navigation, breaking trail, powder turns, climbing, turning out, jumping, getting unstuck, and much more. With improved ‘Mountain Skillz,’ you will have a new-found confidence in your preparation, decision making, awareness and riding abilities resulting in a safe and awesome mountain snowmobiling future.”

In addition to the winter courses, Mountain Skillz now offers summer tours of the back country surrounding South Fork. “We are the only company that has two special use permits through the Divide Ranger District that allows us access to the forest in specific areas, where other vehicles are not allowed. It offers a unique experience to our customers that do a tour with us,” said Entz. The summer tours began last year and have been very successful.

“We have our last course for avalanche training coming up on March 8 through 10, which is a three-day course. We recently brought in equipment and other merchandise for people to buy at our shop in South Fork. We can provide the needed equipment for no charge while people do courses with us, or they can purchase it for later use. It really is a unique and fun experience,” finished Entz.

For more information or to book a tour or safety course, visit www.mountainskillz.com. Course sizes are limited.