THE RESPECT THE SEND CHALLENGE

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all young people not only participate but thrive in the motorized backcountry community.

This contest is enthusiastically open to and encourages entries from boys and girls, young men and young women, between the ages of 10 and 20.

We believe this competition is a celebration of skill, courage, and technical riding for every talented young person looking to push their limits and showcase their passion on the mountain. We look forward to seeing the submissions from riders across this age group!

Don't wait. Film the line. Sign the waiver. Respect the Send.

To be crowned a Master, Sharpener, or Starter, your video must be more than a highlight reel, it must be a story of Technical Mastery and Terrain/Mountain Respect. Our judges are looking for cinematic quality that proves you are a complete rider.

All submissions will be featured in the Respect The Send feature film!

A huge thanks to our sponsors and donors!

Throttle Starters (Ages 10–13):

Forget the video games. This is real life. Your age bracket is about proving you can handle your machine with confidence, safety, and control. Show the world the future of riding is in safe hands—your hands. Film those clean turns, perfect your standing posture, and start building the foundation for a lifetime of deep lines. The "Respect" pillar starts here with your pre-ride mechanical checks and mastering the fundamentals of your safety gear. All filming for this bracket must be conducted in low-consequence, non-complex terrain where safety remains the absolute priority. Go master the machine!

Line Sharpeners (Ages 14–16):

You're not kids anymore. You're bridging the gap between a meadow-basher and a true backcountry threat. We want to see you push beyond the tracked-out trails, stick that drop, and start owning the sidehill. This is your most critical moment for progression. Nail the safety check, send that feature, and prove you’re ready for the mountain's toughest lessons. "Respecting the Send" in this bracket means demonstrating active partner communication and a seamless beacon-check routine. All submissions must be filmed in a controlled, safe environment with an unwavering focus on risk management.

Deep Line Masters (Ages 17–20):

This is the main event. The judges expect the impossible. We're looking for creativity, massive commitment, and the technical savvy of a veteran. If you think you're ready for the big air, the steep climb, and the ultimate responsibility, then show us the detailed planning and send us your deepest line. To "Respect the Send" at this level, you must showcase advanced terrain assessment and the professional mindset required to lead a group safely through complex mountains. The MAST 1 (Motorized Avalanche Safety Training) course prize is your ticket to the next level of the sport. Every line filmed must prioritize rider safety and snowpack awareness above all else.

No Mountains? No Problem. The Respect the Send Challenge is a North American search for the complete rider. We know that some of the most technical wood-riding and precision carving happens far from the mountain peaks. Whether you’re navigating frozen lakes, grazing reserves, or tight farm-country timber, we want to see your skill.

If you are not riding in avalanche-prone terrain, your "Mountain IQ" is judged on Technical Discipline and Mechanical Preparedness.

1. THE SEND (Precision & Control)

On flat ground or small hills, the judges are looking for machine mastery.

• Show us: Technical side-hilling on embankments, controlled carving in deep meadow snow, or navigating tight "mellow tree" lines without losing momentum.
• Pro-Tip: We value a perfectly executed technical turn over a high-speed wide-open run. Show us you can put that sled exactly where you want it.

2. THE LINE (Terrain Choice & Creativity)

Even without 2,000 feet of vertical, you can show elite line choice.

• Show us: How you use the natural landscape—wind drifts, creek beds (if safe), or timber spacing—to create a flowing, creative "line."
• Avoid: Do not film near public roads, fences, or livestock. Respect for the land is part of the score.

3. THE RESPECT (Mandatory Safety & Readiness)

Since avalanche gear may not be required for your terrain, your safety score is based on your Professional Routine. To be eligible, your video must show:

• The Mechanical Check: A quick clip of you checking your track tension, ski bolts, or fluid levels. A pro never leaves the yard on a machine they haven't inspected.
• Personal Safety: Proper helmet fit, clean goggles, and most importantly, your tether attached to your person before starting the engine.
• The Essentials: Show the judges what’s in your tunnel bag or backpack. We want to see a tow strap, a basic tool kit, and extra layers.
• Communication: Mention your "Ride Plan"—who knows where you are and when you’ll be back?

Disqualification Rules for Flatlands

To keep our sport alive and respected, the following will result in an immediate DQ:

• Riding on unsafe ice or near open water.
• Jumping over/near roads or public infrastructure.
• Trespassing on marked private property or harassing wildlife/livestock.
• Riding without a helmet or safety tether.
• The terrain might be flat, but the standard is high. Show us your discipline.

To enter, simply capture your best backcountry snowmobiling footage that demonstrates skill and, most importantly, proof of safety awareness (as detailed in the rules). Once your video is edited and ready, fill out the official submission form on this site.

You must confirm your age bracket and complete the mandatory Release of Liability and Waiver Agreement (parent/guardian signature required if under 18).

NO WAIVER, NO ELIGIBILITY. Submissions open January 1st, 2026 and close March 15th, 2026. Good luck, and show us you Respect the Send!

The Respect the Send Challenge is the only contest in North America that puts skill, aggression, and mountain awareness on the same podium. It’s your shot to prove you're the complete rider—the one who goes huge and leads with safety.

Starting December 1st, we’re opening the floodgates for submissions. Our panel of pro judges, motorized avalanche safety experts, and parents—including Chase Masson, Landon Pavan, Shena Thomas, AJ Massaro, Cody Schmidt, Alexander Hutton, and Jeremy Hanke —are watching, ready to crown the next generation of riders who redefine the sport.

We’re looking for mastery of the three pillars:

THE SEND: The commitment. The throttle. The aggression.

THE LINE: The precision. The technical skill. The perfect terrain choice.

THE RESPECT: The safety. The planning. The essential mountain awareness.

The Respect the Send Challenge is structured to showcase skill and progression across three distinct developmental levels. Compete only against riders in your own peer group to claim the title of Master, Sharpener, or Starter.

Safety is paramount: All contestants are required to film in environments appropriate for their skill level, where risk management and safety protocols remain the primary focus.

Ages 18 – 20: Deep Line Masters High-level execution, complex mountain terrain, and verified technical risk management. To "Respect the Send" at this level, you must demonstrate the advanced terrain assessment and group leadership of a veteran rider.

Ages 14 – 17: Line Sharpeners Technical progression, committing to larger features, and mastering fundamental mountain awareness. For Sharpeners, "Respecting the Send" means proving you have a disciplined safety routine, including partner beacon checks and clear communication.

Ages 10 – 13: Throttle Starters Foundational riding skills, safe machine handling, and the formation of lifelong safety habits. In this bracket, "Respecting the Send" is about showing the judges your control, proper gear fit, and your commitment to a thorough pre-ride mechanical check.

The mountain is calling. The judges are watching. The Respect the Send Challenge is your chance to turn footage into fame, and passion into progression.

This is more than a trophy. This is your chance to prove you’re the complete rider and earn your spot in the lineage.

1. Judge Your Skills Against the Pros

This is a launchpad. Your submissions are reviewed, scored, and deliberated by the riders you grew up watching.

• Elite Panel: Get your work seen by the biggest names in the backcountry, including Chase Masson, Landon Pavan, Shena Thomas, Cody Schmidt, and more.
• Real Feedback: The judges are looking for raw talent, technical excellence, and the crucial commitment to Mountain Respect.

2. The Only Contest Where Safety Pays

We believe the biggest sends are built on the best planning. This contest is the only one that makes safety mandatory for winning.

• The Ultimate Prize: The top winners in the 17–20 Deep Line Masters category receive fully-paid enrollment in a North American Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 1 or equivalent course.
• Brand Alignment: Earn recognition from our sponsors (Polaris/Ski-Doo and others) who are investing directly in the future of safety-minded riders.

3. Claim Your Title. Earn Your Gear.

You're not just competing; you're climbing the ranks toward mastery, with prizes tailored to your skill level.

Click here for a complete listing of prizes!

Throttle Starters (Ages 10–13)

• Top-tier Gear, Vouchers & Cash

Line Sharpeners (Ages 14–16)

• High-Value Accessory Packs & Cash

Deep Line Masters (Ages 17–20)

• Motorized AST 1 Course Tuition & Cash

Sponsor Awards for:

• Safety/Guardianship
• Leadership
• Story Telling
• Cinematic Quality

I. Throttle Starters (Ages 10–13)The goal is Foundational Skill and demonstrating Safety Habit Formation. Submissions must be filmed in low-consequence, non-complex terrain (e.g., meadows, trails, small hills) where rider safety is the absolute priority.

• THE SEND (Foundational): Clean, controlled cornering; basic hill climbs; safe, controlled stops; smooth throttle control. "Show us your control." Film your best, safest controlled turn or a fun, clean climb on a small hill.
• THE LINE (Skill Building): Navigating technical snow while standing properly; maintaining balance through bumps and old tracks. "Show us your focus." How well do you stay focused and smooth while navigating a tracked-out area?
• THE RESPECT (Mandatory Safety): Pre-Ride Check: A quick video showing the mandatory pre-ride check (fuel, oil, skis, track tension) and proper helmet fit. "Safety is your start." Show us how you and your family prepare your sled, focusing on mechanical safety before the ride begins.

II. Line Sharpeners (Ages 14–17)Demonstrate Technical Progression and Active Awareness. Submissions should include moderate complexity, but high-risk exposure, large cornices, or reckless drops are strictly prohibited.

• THE SEND (Commitment): Small to medium drops; moderate technical climbs; controlled powder turns; controlled side-hilling. "Show us your commitment." Send a technical feature and show a clean, stable landing with total machine control.
• THE LINE (Technical Focus): Picking a clean path through light trees; demonstrating weight transfer in deep snow; linking smooth, aggressive turns. "Show us your finesse." How do you choose your line to connect a series of features smoothly?
• THE RESPECT (Mandatory Safety): Gear Check & Go: A quick video showing the rider wearing a full beacon and pack, performing a partner beacon check (transmit/receive). "Safety is your routine." Show us the communication and gear check you do with your riding buddy before leaving the trailhead.

III. Deep Line Masters (Ages 18–20)The focus is on Advanced Skill, Terrain Management, and Verified Professional Standards. Submissions should showcase mastery of complex mountain terrain while prioritizing safety and snowpack awareness above all else.

• THE SEND (Aggression/Style): Technical drops, steep and complex climbs, and extreme side-hilling. "Show us your mastery." Film your most challenging line—the cleaner and more controlled, the better.
• THE LINE (Terrain Management): Creative, technical line choice through dense trees; demonstrating snowpack assessment (e.g., a brief shovel compression test shot). "Show us your planning." How do you assess the snow and plan your exit route before dropping into a technical area?
• THE RESPECT (Mandatory Safety): Run Planning & Beacon Practice: A video clip of the rider referencing a map/phone app for terrain selection and a clip showing advanced beacon practice (e.g., bracketing a deep burial). "Safety is non-negotiable." Prove you know the terrain and possess the recovery skills of a backcountry professional.