Testimonials

"Amber is an amazing teacher. I learned about all aspects of the sport - from basic riding to backing a trailer. All her teachings came together one day when I was side-hilling across a slope that I wouldn't even climb before attending her clinic!!"
Thank you again,
~ Kristy Bond

"I highly recommend taking Ambers classes or private lessons as I consider them. I was not quite sure what to expect when I signed up, but figured if I came out of class with learning one new thing it would be well worth it. I was stuck at a level of riding not being able to advance myself, which was frustrating.
Well let me tell you, I not only learned more than one thing I have so much more confidence in going off trail, side hilling, downhill, uphill, turning out and counter steering. Which I never knew what counter steering was. My son tried to teach it to me but it never clicked until Amber’s class. Not only did I learn how to ride better with much more confidence, Amber taught maintenance and up keep of my machine along with all the differences between Ski Doo, Polaris and Arctic Cat, the pros and cons of each machine for the type of riding I like to do.I was even able to demo a new Arctic Cat which I never thought I would consider buying before.Ambers teaching technique is very hands on. She explains and shows you how to execute your movement, and then you practice and practice.I definitely will take a refresher class at the beginning of the new season."
Sincerely,
~Terry Stuth-Tooley

Dear Amber and to fellow riders,
I have personally had the chance to get a two day training class with one of the better riders in our snowmobile community. My mother and I this past winter hooked up with Amber Holt in McCall Idaho for a two day lesson to try to prefect our skills. My mother and I have two totally different riding styles and two different body builds. I at first did not think that it would be possible to help both of us out during the same two day session but boy was I wrong. Amber was able to pinpoint valuable things that we were doing that could use adjustment to get us both to the next level of our riding. It was not difficult to listen and take advice from Amber because she was so personable to talk to. From breakfast in the lodge to pulling back in from our ride, I felt comfortable and not one bit pushed over my ability. I would recommend Amber Holt to anyone that is looking to move up to the next level in there riding. From first time trail riders to extreme back country climbing, this woman can teach you everything! I will for sure be taking many more riding clinics from her as soon as the snow fly’s again.
~Max Tooley

“Amber Holt is a born teacher who has more passion for this sport than anyone I know. I took Backcountry Basics in 2009 and every time out on the sled I employ some tip or piece of advice I learned there. I think it would have taken me several seasons to improve my riding as much as that single class did. Amber’s classes also have a strong emphasis on rider safety and responsibility. Yes, I would recommend her to anyone.”
~Nate Blaylock

Amber,
      Diana and I wanted to drop you a note and thank you very, very much for a great clinic! I'm not sure exactly what we did expect from our four days with you, but I am absolutely sure what we received. Four days of well organized, thoroughly thought out, very professionally conducted training.
     Amber, I teach people for a living, that's what I do, and I have zero reservations telling you that you are a great instructor. Your lessons were well laid out, thorough and complete and formed in a logical order that build on each other to a great conclusion, us riding way, way better!
     And not only were the lessons great, but they were FUN!!! I wouldn't have thought that we could have enjoyed learning so much, but I truly had a blast, laughed and learned and laughed some more. I had honestly thought that I was giving up a weekend of riding to take a class, but we rode more learning than we normally do in a weekend!!
     You were funny, safe, honest, humble and very, very knowledgeable. And beyond that, you are very good at passing all that incredible knowledge along to us! You found a way to communicate to all in our group in a way that made us feel included, capable and willing. And helped each of us build our skills at our own pace, which was wonderful!! I have been out several times since our class and not only can I see a difference in my riding, but so can my long time riding buddy.... :-) Priceless!!!
     We can't wait until next year to have you back, please get us on the schedule NOW.
                                                                                                      Thank you Amber, you were great!
                                                                                                       ~Jerry and Diana Ford

My experience at Mini’s Backcountry Basics Snowmobile Clinic in February 2010 was awesome and worth every penny! I have had many instructors/coaches throughout my life and I consider Amber to be one of the best, if not the best instructor I have ever had. She is a very positive “real” person who wants you to succeed so her approach to teaching a new skill puts you at ease allowing you to learn many skills in a short time. She is very patient but also very, very persistent, she goes the extra mile to find a way for you to learn or master a skill.

    I compared pictures taken of me at the beginning of the season to pictures taken at the end of the season, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself at the beginning and be amazed at how much I had improved by the end. I know I would not have improved very much if I had not learned the basics from Amber, in fact after the clinic when I could not make the turn I wanted to make, I could hear her voice “ LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO” when I listened to that “voice” I could make that turn every time!!!!

  I have been and will continue to recommend that anyone (and I do mean anyone) who sleds no matter what level you are at to take Amber’s clinic, you can’t go wrong!!. Learning the basics and building off those basics can only lead to even more fun sledding experiences.

I had an awesome, fun season, thanks Amber!!!I I can’t wait for next season to start and for the next clinic that I am sure will be full of learning and laughter.
                                                                                                                                                                                            ~ Dianne Ethier

To all you serious sledder's out there, lighten-up, kick back and have some serious fun (that’s what you get when you participate in a Mini’s Backcountry Basics clinic).
In my experience during the clinic I found that Amber delivered nothing less than a fun, yet professional level learning experience. You couldn’t ask for a more down to earth person to hang out with for a few days of fun.
     At the beginning of the clinic I realized that I didn’t have the basic skills that are a must at any level (even after several years of sledding). Just before I took the clinic I changed to a completely different sled (comparing apples to oranges) and with it came with an unexpected set of frustrations and fears that caused me to lose confidence in myself. Lo and behold there came Amber to the rescue, she helped me rebuild my confidence and help conquer my fears by facing them head on, she knew when to reassure me when I needed it the most, however she also knew when to push me. She was always ready and willing to improvise to find a way to for me to learn the basic skills, never giving up and not allowing me to give up.
     It was one of the most fun and memorable times of my life!! My friend and I are still sharing our experiences of how helpful and totally cool it was. It was a BLAST!! It has opened my eyes to a whole new safer and better world of sledding!!!!
      I am really looking forward to the 2011 season and taking the next level in her series of clinics, I highly recommend her clinics to all sledders. Thanks again Amber for the awesome experience!!
                                                                                                                                     ~ Heidi Henke
                                                                                                                                Raw Life Photography