It's a great refresher, or a great eye opener for those without prior training. Marshall Dempster has been running the Canadian stops on the tour, and he's incredibly knowledgeable, and fanatic at what he does. Definitely not a dry safety course.
Obviously the dealerships want to sell you...
Most of the dealer's are getting the squeeze this year. Bad several snow years, shitty economy, expensive machines. Many are trying to put food on the table, let alone go sledding.
I'd buy that. Scare tactics.
S&R will go in and do what they do, so long as they aren't putting them selves at risk. As a rider, you still have to consider the response time that 30km of ungroomed trail will add, not unlike any off the been path area. Best be with a party you trust with your...