Private Off-Road Training in the Sierra Nevada

This training is designed for anyone who wants to become a more confident, capable, and self-reliant driver in their own AWD or 4WD vehicle. Whether you're new to off-roading, preparing for off-grid adventure travel, or looking to refine your skills, you'll receive practical, personalized instruction tailored to your experience level, your vehicle, and the types of adventures you want to pursue.

Some of the most beautiful—and often least visited—places in the backcountry require the right skills and knowledge 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. Our goal is to help each driver build the skills, confidence, and self-reliance needed to travel farther, handle challenging terrain, and explore more of the backcountry safely.

You'll learn how to understand your own AWD or 4WD vehicle, its capabilities, limitations, and current setup in a safe, controlled environment, including:

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

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

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

• Proper braking and throttle techniques to maximize traction and maintain control on challenging terrain.

• How to assess a stuck vehicle and perform a safe self-recovery, including understanding what recovery equipment is truly necessary.

• How to safely and effectively use recovery equipment, including traction boards, recovery straps, and winches when applicable.

• What to carry for remote travel, including practical tools, emergency supplies, and essential off-road equipment.

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

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 to learn four-wheel-drive fundamentals, prepare for overland or off-grid travel, build confidence on mountain roads, or practice vehicle recovery techniques, your training is tailored to your needs and experience level. We progress at your pace and never beyond your comfort level.

• $775 includes 6 hours of private, one-on-one instruction in the field. Trainings generally run from 10 AM–4 PM and are available any day of the week. Because your training is private, we can adjust the schedule when needed. One additional passenger may attend for $100.

• Training takes place throughout Tuolumne County in the Sierra Nevada. We typically meet near Twain Harte, California, but the exact meeting location varies based on the season, trail conditions, your goals, and the type of training you'll be doing.

• Trainings run rain or shine, including winter weather, except during active lightning storms or when conditions make training unsafe.

• Once your date and time are confirmed and payment has been processed, the training fee is non-refundable. If you cannot attend your scheduled training, your payment can be transferred to another available date that works for everyone.

Your vehicle must be reliable, street-legal in California, and in good working condition, with no significant mechanical issues or fluid leaks. Because training takes place on real backcountry roads and variable terrain, your vehicle needs to be properly maintained and ready for off-road use.

• Drivetrain: AWD or 4WD

• Ground clearance: Minimum 8 inches at the lowest point

• Tires: All-terrain (AT), rugged-terrain (RT), or mud-terrain (MT) tires with a minimum 6/32-inch tread depth. Tire condition and tread depth will be verified before training.

• Spare tire: Full-size spare tire required; no temporary "donut" spares

• Seat belts: Working seat belts required for all passengers

Our Private Off-Road Training is led by Courtney Risdon, whose decades of off-road driving, backcountry exploration, and instructional experience form the foundation of every training session.

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 racing, 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 communication, education, and creating engaging outdoor learning experiences.

• Extensive knowledge of Sierra Nevada backroads, forest ecology, and local history, developed through decades of exploration and continued 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.

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

The idea for the training took shape during COVID, when I began teaching free winter-driving classes for neighbors who owned capable AWD and 4WD vehicles but lacked confidence driving in snow. Watching them leave with practical skills—and a new level of confidence—confirmed something I had already come to believe: most people don't need a different vehicle. They need the knowledge and experience to use the vehicle they already have.

Since then, I've helped private clients, friends, and family safely explore the Sierra Nevada backcountry in their own vehicles. Along the way, I realized there were very few training programs focused on teaching people how to safely and confidently use 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, four-wheel-drive, and low-traction driving skills they can use for backcountry travel, camping, exploration, and everyday driving.

— Courtney

How to Sign Up for Training

Ready to get started? Call, text, or email us to discuss your goals, check available dates, and make sure your vehicle meets our training requirements.

• Choose your date: We'll find a training date and time that works for you.

• Confirm your vehicle: We'll verify that your AWD or 4WD vehicle meets the requirements for training.

• Book and pay: Complete your booking and payment through our website.

• Get ready: We'll provide any additional information you need to prepare for your training day.

Then it's time to hit the trail and put your skills to work.

Click here for our → CA Liability Waiver