This training is designed for anyone with an adventurous spirit who wants to build confidence and capability behind the wheel of their own vehicle. Whether you're new to off-roading, preparing for off grid adventure travel, or looking to refine your skills in a safe, controlled environment, you'll receive practical, personalized instruction tailored to your experience level and your vehicle's capabilities.

The most beautiful—and often least visited—places in the backcountry usually require a little extra skill and know-how to reach safely. Over the years, we've trained backcountry hikers, winter sports enthusiasts, nature photographers, dispersed campers, weekend explorers, as well as law enforcement and emergency response personnel, helping each gain the confidence to travel farther with greater safety and self-reliance.

• The capabilities and limitations of your vehicle and current setup in a safe, controlled environment.

• How and why to choose the right driving line and how terrain, obstacles, and changing weather conditions can significantly affect that choice.

• When and how to use 4WD, low-range gearing, traction control, locking differentials, and drive modes (if applicable).

• When momentum helps—and when it works against you.

• How to use proper braking and throttle techniques to maximize traction and maintain control in any situation.

• The correct way to assess stuck vehicle situations, perform safe self-recoveries, and understand what recovery equipment is truly needed and essential.

• How to safely and effectively use recovery gear such as traction boards, recovery straps, and winches (if applicable).

• What is actually needed to build a practical off-road kit and the tools, equipment, and emergency supplies you should carry for remote travel.

• Responsible trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles to help protect public and private lands and their access for future generations.

This school grew from a lifetime of competitive driving, backcountry exploration, and living in the Sierra Nevada. From racing go-karts and autocross to years of exploring remote forest roads in my 2WD Toyota 4Runner, I learned that preparation, sound judgment, and knowing your vehicle matter more than expensive modifications.

The idea became reality during COVID after I taught free winter driving classes for neighbors who owned capable AWD and 4WD vehicles but lacked confidence driving in snow. Watching them leave with real skills—and confidence—showed me that most people don't need a different vehicle; they simply need practical instruction.

Since then, I've helped private clients, friends, and family safely explore the Sierra backcountry in their own vehicles and realized there were very few schools focused on teaching people in the SUV or truck they actually drive.

My mission is simple: to help people become safer, more confident, and more capable drivers by teaching practical off-road and low-traction driving skills in the vehicle they'll actually use for adventure, travel, and everyday life.

Courtney

Our Private Off-Road Training is led by Courtney Risdon, whose decades of all terrain driving, backcountry exploration, and instructional experience form the foundation of every course.

Why train with Courtney?

• 40+ years of off-road, backcountry, camping, and hiking experience throughout the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

• 20+ years of competitive driving experience, including go-karts, drag, and autocross.

• Graduate of multiple professional driving programs, including Porsche, Richard Petty, and other performance driving schools.

• Thousands of guided outdoor experiences led, including off-road, photography, and mushroom tours.

• Certified Interpretive Guide (2024) through the National Association for Interpretation, with specialized training in effective communication, education, and creating engaging outdoor learning experiences.

• Deep knowledge of Sierra Nevada backroads, forest ecology, and local history, developed through a lifetime of exploration and continual learning.

• CPR and First Aid Certified, with a safety-first approach to every training session.

Every lesson is tailored to your experience level, your goals, and—most importantly—the vehicle you actually drive.

• Reliable, CA Street-Legal vehicle in excellent working condition (no fluid leaks, major issues etc.)

• Drivetrain: AWD or 4WD

• Clearance: 8”+ at lowest point

• Tire Type and Tread Depth:

  All terrain (AT), Rugged Terrain (RT), or Mud Terrain (MT) tires, with a minimum tread depth of 6/32” (will verify)

• Full-size spare tire (No Donuts)

• Working seat belts for all passengers

• Every training day is different. Before we hit the trail, we'll discuss your experience, your vehicle, and what you want to accomplish. Whether your goal is learning basic four-wheel-drive operation, preparing for overland travel, building confidence on mountain roads, or practicing vehicle recovery techniques, the day is tailored to your needs. We progress at your pace, never beyond your comfort level.

• Trainings are $775 for 6 hours of private one-on-one instruction in the field, and generally run from 10am-4p any day of the week. Up to one additional person (passenger) is $100. Since they are private tours, hours can be adjusted if desired.

• The meeting location is usually near beautiful Twain Harte, CA. The training will take place within beautiful Tuolumne County. The actual meetup location will depend on the season and the specifics of your situation and learning desires.

• Other than active lightning storms, trainings run rain or shine in any weather.

• No refunds will be given once dates and times have been confirmed and payment has been processed. If you are unable to make your scheduled training, we will transfer that credit to another date that works for everyone involved.

• Call, text, or email us to check date availability, and verify that your vehicle safely qualifies to join our training.

• Sign up and pay via website

• Get prepared for an awesome adventure!

Click here for our → CA Liability Waiver