NORA Course Catalog

2025 NORA OPEN HOUSE
March 29 & June 1, Ellenville, NY
Adventure is calling, register today.

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For stock or modified vehicles with 4-low, or select all-wheel-drive models, with front/rear recovery points.  Vehicles must be street legal, registered & insured, or rent one of our trail rigs. Training is safety focused on people, vehicle and environmental preservation.  NORA training has consistently won awards each year since 2019. For students interested in developing a solid set of off-road driving skills, NORA’s Training Programs (coming soon) offer a comprehensive series of classes and experiences in a ‘semester’ format. New for 2025, NORA’s Trail Pass Program for Alumni (coming soon) offers members discounts on classes, tours and Overland Excursions along with Trail Pass Member only offerings.

PRIVATE TRAINING AVAILABLE ALL YEAR ROUND

NORA offerings are available via Private Training with a dedicated instructor all year long, or on select days via Public Classes Apr – Dec. Contact us with any questions, our staff looks forward to training with you.

4-LOW PUBLIC DRIVING CLASSES

There are so many capable vehicles equipped with 4WD and AWD whose owners have never taken them off-road. NORA’s driving classes teach proven, safe driving techniques for drivers ranging from no experience to highly experienced. Learn how to drive your vehicle with precision control and experience a low-speed adrenaline rush. All driving classes include training and instructional trail driving with instructors outside your vehicle at all times. All drivers must have a valid drivers license, passengers ages 7 and up. Advanced registration required, rental vehicles available for use during class.

4DRV-101 Introduction To Off-Road Driving w/4-Low

Learn core 4 Wheel Drive low speed driving techniques under the guidance of NORA instructors. Includes 1-hour recorded on-line class presentation to be viewed prior to on-site class, 1-hour obstacle course training and 1-hour trail drive on easier mountain terrain. Open to any vehicle with 4-Low. NORA rental vehicles available.

4DRV-102 Vehicle Specific Intro To Off-Road Driving w/4-Low

Each class is focused on a specific vehicle model including Wrangler & Gladiator, Bronco, 4Runner & Tacoma, and Ineos Grenadier.
Learn core 4 Wheel Drive low-speed driving techniques under the guidance of NORA instructors. Includes 1-hour recorded on-line class presentation to be viewed prior to on-site class, 1-hour review of vehicle model specific features & options, 1-hour obstacle course training and 1-hour trail drive on easier mountain terrain. Open to specific listed vehicle models. NORA rental vehicles available only for the Wrangler class.

4DRV-201 Off-Road Driving Essentials w/4-Low

Learn intermediate low-speed driving techniques under the guidance of NORA instructors. Includes 1.5-hour recorded on-line class presentation to be viewed prior to on-site class. 5-hours onsite includes vehicle feature and mechanical review, obstacle course training and trail driving on moderate mountain terrain. Includes lunch on the trail from our local catering partners.

4DRV-202 Off-Road Boot Camp 2-Day w/4-Low

 
This 2-day class combines 5-hour Off Road Driving Essentials (4DRV-201) on day 1 with a 5-hour vehicle recovery class on day two. The recovery class is either ‘Getting Unstuck I: Recovery Basics’ or ‘Getting Unstuck II: Winching Skills’ based on the class date. In addition a 1-hour trail night-drive (NIT-101) is included on day-1 evening. Students are welcome to primitive camp day-1 overnight at no charge.

4DRV-301 Coach & Drive – Intermediate Terrain w/4-Low

These guided trail rides have a NORA instructor in the lead vehicle providing coaching techniques at specific trail obstacles.

4DRV-302 Coach & Drive – Advanced Terrain w/4-Low

 
This class brings you on NORA’s harder terrain including steep slopes, off camber, ledges, rock and mud. Instructors are in the lead vehicle with plenty of stops at selected locations for lessons on the trail.

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SEASONAL DRIVING CLASSES

These classes are offered at select times of the year based on trail conditions.

SNO-101 Beginner Terrain Snow Trail Driving

Experience snow-covered trail driving on our easier trails with snow depth up to 6″

SNO-102 Intermediate Terrain Snow Trail Driving

Experience snow-covered trail driving on our advanced terrain with snow depth up to 6″. Vehicle recovery is likely.

NIT-101 Night Trail Driving on Forest Trails

Experience trail driving at night on our easier trails, included with our 2-Day Boot Camp or register separately.

NIT-102 Night Trail Driving on Technical Terrain

Experience a night trail drive on more technical terrain including steep hills, off camber and ledge.

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ALL-WHEEL DRIVE CLASSES & PROGRAMS

All Wheel Drive vehicle technology continues to advance. Improved traction control algorithms, upgraded OEM suspension components and higher ground clearance permit these vehicles to handle admirably on the trails. While NORA has held private training for AWD vehicles for many years, we now also offer public trail driving and recovery classes for this capable drivetrain platform. 

Take any class individually, or take your adventure training experience to the next level with our AWD Overland Programs which offer trail driving training, workshops and a guided overland trip:

AWD Overland Program (May-Aug)

Driving: AWD-101 Intro to Trail Driving (5/3); AWD-102 Trail Driving & Recovery (6/8)
Workshops: OLND 101 Trip Planning & Gear (5/3); OLND 104 Meal Planning & Cooking (6/8);  OLND-105 GPS Systems & Operations (6/8)
Trip: OLND-AUG Mountain To Mountain for 4WD & AWD Multi-Day Overland Excursion (8/8 – 8/10)

AWD Overland Program (Aug-Oct)

Driving: AWD-101 Intro to Trail Driving (8/2); AWD-102 Trail Driving & Recovery (9/13)
Workshops: OLND 101 Trip Planning & Gear (8/2); OLND 104 Meal Planning & Cooking (9/13);  OLND-105 GPS Systems & Operations (9/13)
Trip: OLND-OCT Ghost Tour Multi-Day Overland Excursion for 4WD & AWD (10/10 – 10/12)

AWD-101 Introduction To Trail Driving with All Wheel Drive

 
Learn core All Wheel Drive low-speed driving techniques under the guidance of NORA instructors. Obstacle courses & beginner trails. For select AWD vehicles.

AWD-102 Trail Driving & Recovery with All Wheel Drive

Learn and experience taking your AWD vehicle on more technical terrain including steep hills, off camber and tight forest terrain. Obstacle courses & more technical terrain, low-speed driving. This class includes vehicle recovery topics specific to AWD vehicles.

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VEHICLE RECOVERY CLASSES

When driving off road, terrain conditions can change (dry vs. wet) and getting stuck will eventually happen. These classes help you to be prepared. Learn the skills needed to get unstuck and safely operate various types of common recovery gear before you need them.

REC-101 Getting Unstuck I: Recovery Basics

Many people who want to drive off-road have ‘stuck anxiety’, this class teaches techniques and demonstrates different gear for overcoming basic stuck scenarios with focus on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle self-recovery. NORA provides all recovery gear; however, students are welcome to bring their own equipment. Includes workshops and instructional trail driving. Rental rigs available, passengers ages 7 and up.

REC-201 Getting Unstuck II: Winching Skills

This class goes beyond the basics and includes safe winching techniques using pulley blocks and other advanced recovery techniques. Includes workshops and instructional trail driving on harder terrain. This class is a must for anyone who owns or plans to own a vehicle mounted winch. Rental rigs available, passengers ages 7 and up.

REC-301 Getting Unstuck III: Advanced Trails & Recovery Skills

Take it up a notch – this class incorporates our advanced terrain with staged areas for mountain-based recovery, including multiple ways to recover incapacitated vehicles. Includes workshops and advanced trail driving, trail modification, Hi-Lift Jack usage and having an ‘outside of the box’ mindset. Rental rigs available, passengers ages 7 and up.

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OVERLAND TRAINING & TRAVEL

Take the path less traveled! Learn the basics and build a solid foundation on the fundamentals of Overland travel in a friendly, fun and educational environment. NORA offers workshops, trail driving and guided Overland excursions through the Northeast.

OLND-101 Intro to Overlanding: Trip Planning & Gear (5/3/25, 8/2/25)

Learn the basics for trip planning, preparation and options for common gear selection. Presented live in a classroom-style and hands-on format.

OLND-102 Intro to Overlanding: Vehicle Preparation & Overland Driving Basics

Learn the basics for vehicle preparation and driving on common types of overland terrain. Presented in a classroom and hands-on format with trail driving.

OLND-103 Intro to Overlanding: Communications

Learn about different types of radio communications from, CB to Satellite, to help you keep you in-touch with friends & family during your travel. Presented in a classroom format.

OLND-104 Intro to Overlanding: Meal Planning & Cooking (6/8/25, 9/13/25)

Learn about different types of cooking systems and meal options. Presented in a classroom and hands-on format.

OLND-105 Intro to Navigation: Handheld & Vehicle Mounted GPS Systems (6/8/25, 9/13/25)

OLND-200 Northeast Overland Excursion Trips (NY, MS, VT, NH)

 
NORA’s Overland Excursions are a group driving adventure! Included are paved back roads through small towns, historic sites, dirt roads and trails. Stops along the way may include covered bridges, short hikes to waterfalls, and local places of interest. Campsite reservations are included, however if preferred you can book your own lodging. All 4 trips are open to vehicles with 4-LOW and include harder terrain. 2 trips are open to select All Wheel Drive vehicles and will include easier terrain. Trips are open to all experience levels, however it is recommended that participants with no off-road driving experience take NORA training prior to the trip. A mandatory online meeting for participants will be held around 10 days prior to each trip.

OLND-JLY – 4 Wheel Drive: “Mountain To Mountain” (harder terrain)
OLND-AUG – AWD & 4 Wheel Drive: “Mountain To Mountain” (easier terrain)
OLND-SEP – 4 Wheel Drive: “Mystery Tour” (harder terrain)
OLND-OCT – AWD & 4 Wheel Drive: Ghost Tour (easier terrain)

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PROFESSIONAL SAFETY TRAINING

NORA Professional Safety Training programs are custom designed for groups up to 25 students. Typical training includes a live classroom presentation (with exam), field training on various related 4WD topics for full size vehicles, UTV’s, ATV’s, trailer tow connection and loading. NORA has trained many organizations including volunteer fire departments, U.S. Govt agencies, utility companies and business organizations where employees work often/sometimes in low traction environments. Contact us to discuss your needs.

PRO-101 Custom Classroom Topics w/Exam

This custom class is typically 3-hours at your facility and covers topics related to 4WD vehicle operation & safety based on your organizations goals. The live presentation covers trucks, UTV and ATV in addition to personal safety gear for up to 25 students. An exam is given at the end of the presentation with a certificate of completion-hours awarded for passing grades.

PRO-201 Driving & Safety Skills

This field training is typically 4-hours and is usually paired with PRO-101 Classroom Topics to put theory to practice where each student demonstrates safe driving techniques. It is focused on your own organizations vehicle(s) and may include SUV, Truck and ATV/UTV. Class size is up to 25 students with a certificate of completion-hours awarded to those who demonstrate field training competence.

PRO-202 Vehicle Recovery

Organizations that operate in low traction environments need to ensure their workers are comfortable with recovery gear and safe vehicle recovery techniques. This class is customized to your needs with focus on safety, and typically includes topics for vehicle self-recovery, vehicle to vehicle recovery and offers a clear understanding of situations to call-in a specialized recovery vehicle & operator.

PRO-203 Trailer Connection & Loading

Organizations often have few team members who are proficient at trailer connections and loading/unloading UTV/ATV equipment. Team members who are not familiar with this process may find it daunting and not want to take on the task. This class gives your team members experience so they have familiarity with the process and may be more ready when needs arise.

PRO-204 Trailer Parking & Backing Up

Details Pending

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OFF-ROAD RELATED WORKSHOPS

These workshops are focused on off-road related topics to help you prepare for various adventure-based scenarios. Some will be available as a public class, all are available as add-ons to private training.

WKSP-101 Vehicle Spotting

Learn how to work as a driver/spotter team to safely navigate a vehicle through common off road obstacles including rock, ledge, logs, etc.

WKSP-102 Expect The Unexpected

 
Trail stuff happens. A review of common issues and breakdowns on the trail, along with how to mitigate the risk of vehicle damage.

WKSP-103 Trail Leadership

 
Lessons for running an efficient & safe group trail ride. Includes identifying risks & mitigation techniques.

WKSP-104 Basic Overnight Forest Survival Skills

This workshop is geared towards the “average office worker” who doesn’t regularly spend time outdoors. It goes through common scenarios and prep suggestions before finding yourself dealing with an unexpected night in the woods.

WKSP-105 Intro to Navigation: Paper Map & Compass

WKSP-106 Vehicle Maintenance & Confidence

Learn the basics of how ICE engines operate, how to check critical fluid levels, vehicle jump-starts & more. ..

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NORA has worked with over 11,000 clients since 2011 and has received Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award each year since 2020 for consistently earning great reviews from travelers. We are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor! Our team of instructors and guides are all passionate about what we do, and we strive to give you an exceptional experience. See our Testimonials.