Mountain Sledder Magazine Issue 19 by Mountain Sledder Snowmobile Magazine

WINTER 2022 | ISSUE 19

WINTER 2022 $6.95 CDN

L AN D US E / H OW TO D ROP CL I FFS / B LU E L A KE R I D E G U I D E / B ROCK H OY ER DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31, 2022

509 takes helmet and goggle combinations to the next level with the Altitude 2.0 Helmet paired with Aviator 2.0 Goggles. Reinvented to ride even harder, the Altitude 2.0 Helmet is lighter, stronger, and even more comfortable thanks to a new hand lay-up fiberglass construction. Combined with the maximum field of vision and optical clarity of the Aviator 2.0 Goggle - the pair are a perfect fit to help fuel your passion.

Helmet Info

@ride509

Goggle Info

@509inc

www.ride509.com

THE HIGHMARK

CHARGER X FEATURING FULL CHEST & KIDNEY PROTECTION.

ALL HIGHMARK AVALANCHE AIRBAGS INCLUDE THE ULTRARELIABLE SNOWPULSE 3.0 DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM.

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONAL SNOWMOBILERS * ROB ALFORD * CODY BORCHERS * CHRIS BROWN * JULIE-ANN CHAPMAN * JEREMY HANKE * DUNCAN LEE * CODY MCNOLTY * ANDY MESSNER * ANDREW MUNSTER * NADINE OVERWATER * CURTIS PAWLIUK * REAGAN SIEG * RILEY SUHAN * LOGAN THIBODEAU * BRETT TURCOTTE * MAVERICK WALKER * KHAN YONG GEE

HIGHMARKAIRBAGS.CA

#GETHOMESAFELY

100% WATERPROOF  100% WINDPROOF  OPTIMAL BREATHABILITY

VIVID JACKET

New for Winter 21/22 The Vivid collection utilizes an ultra-durable and technical Sympatex® CORDURA® shell so you’re warm, safe and dry. Matching bib pant available.

Removable hood

Chest ventilation

Full body CORDURA

Detachable snow skirt

www.tobeouterwear.com

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

DIFFERENT STROKES

IN THE TRENCHES

GUY BANKS’ LAST RIDE

// WIN TER 20 22

Q&A with multi-sport athlete Brock Hoyer Brock joined Mountain Sledder for a ride last winter to help us understand what a sled and snow bike are capable of doing in relation to one another, how he approaches terrain differently and what it’s like to ride both at a high level.

By Martina Halik The Northern Rockies is a snowmobiling paradise. Martina Halik shares insight into her job riding and exploring this remote region, collecting snowpack, weather and avalanche data for Avalanche Canada’s public forecast bulletin.

By Allan Sawchuck Vancouver Island sledder Allan Sawchuck shares his experience fulfilling the wish of a stranger named Guy Banks, who is terminally ill from cancer, to go on a snowmobile ride.

D E PA R T M E N T S

12 IGNITION 14 TRAILHEAD SNOWMOBILING IN THE SOUTH PEACE AT RISK WHY SNOWMOBILING IS LAST TO THE PUBLIC LAND USE TABLE

20 GEAR GUIDE 22 RIDE GUIDE

JACKET SHOWDOWN!

BLUE LAKE The Blue Lake riding area near Sicamous, BC, might be at its best when it’s puking snow—as it often is—where fun, open powder stashes await those who can manage to navigate their way around.

27 HOW TO READ ATES

Knowing how to read Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) maps will help you understand if the terrain in the area you’re planning to ride is Risk City or Chill-ville.

32 RIDING TIP CLIFF DROPS WITH CODY MCNOLTY Big cliff drops are unique—which makes them impossible to practice repetitively—and they are dangerous. Cody McNolty shares the process he uses to successfully and safely execute large cliff drops.

36 FROM DIRT TO SNOW

Dirt bikes aren’t designed to be used in cold and snowy conditions. Here’s how to maximize the performance of your bike for use in winter with a snow bike kit.

58 EXPOSURE 70 TAILGATE SKINZ VS. SKIN How does the aftermarket accessories manufacturer stack up against actual human skin? Find out in this head-to-head!

72 SEND IT

PHOTO: DAN IEL S T E WAR T @da n ie ls te wa r t _ph o to RIDER: S T E VE SHAN N ON @s te ve sha n n o n ph o to M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Patrick Winslow ART DIRECTION Lyuba Kirkova

NEW BARS

GRAPHIC DESIGN Gordon Alexander COPY EDITOR Steve Crowe PRODUCTION Megan Crandall ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Mountain Sledder Media CONTRIBUTING Marty Anderson, Brooke Astells, WRITERS Gregg Emmerling, Martina Halik, Jessica Joy, Nicole Matei, Cody McNolty, Nadine Overwater, Allan Sawchuck, Steve Shannon, Colin Wallace, Donegal Wilson

NEW LINK IT UP 2.0 RACK

CONTRIBUTING Rob Alford, Travis Alley, PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooke Astells, Justin Befu, 2.0 Ski Board Bracket

Small Rack

Large Rack

XL Rack

CheetahFaCtoryraCing.Com | @Cheetah_Snow

BC’s Snowmobile Insurance Leader

Corey Bellinger, Ben Birk, Brian Brown, Zac Cadot, Martina Halik, Alex Hanson, Brad Heppner, Clyde Hewitt, Nicole Matei, Andrew Munster, Cass Prochera, Mike Reeve, Shane Roy, Allan Sawchuck, Steve Shannon, Billy Stevens, Daniel Stewart, Eliisa Tennant, Andrew Turner, Todd Williams, Patrick Winslow

DISTRIBUTION Mountain Sledder magazine (MS) is published

once a year (October) and can be found at powersports shops and on newsstands throughout Canada.

CONTRIBUTIONS Mountain Sledder magazine is not

responsible for unsolicited contributions. MS retains all rights on material published in MS for a period of 12 months after publication and reprint rights after that period expires. Submission inquiries can be sent to: info@sleddermag.com

MOUNTAIN SLEDDER

802 9 St N, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 250.344.3645 info@sleddermag.com

Printed in Canada by TC Transcontinental Printing © Copyright, Mountain Sledder 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materials published in MS is expressly forbidden without the written consent of the publisher.

@sleddermag

ADVERTISING SALES Jessica Joy

ON THE COVER In late May, my friend Raj Owens and I were still itching to get out for another ride. With a decent weather forecast we made plans, hoping for pow on the north-facing aspects and slush on the solar. In the morning, Raj was running late so we didn’t end up leaving town until 11 am. After a long, bumpy drive up to the snow line, we realized Raj had forgotten to fuel up his sled. Disaster! We dropped the trailer and rallied back to town, grabbed some jerry cans and pinned it back out to staging. By then it was 3 pm, but with long daylight hours we still hoped to save the day. Up top, the snow hadn’t softened like we’d hoped, but the lakes were just starting to melt out. Neither of us had done any water skimming before (hell, Raj had only started sledding back in November!), but after eyeing it up, Raj pinned it and we captured this photo. The snow wasn’t great, but nevertheless we had a memorable day in the mountains, which is what it is actually all about. – Steve

Get a free, online quote in less than 5 minutes

offroad.capricmw.ca

PH OTO : S T E VE SHAN N ON @s te ve sha n n o n ph o to R I D ER : R A J OWEN S @ra j e n _o we n s

[ INTE RV IE W ]

Photo by Dave Best

What goes up must come down.

For epic sledding head to Golden, B.C. Golden is your destination for big mountain snowmobiling. Three core alpine areas and over 240 km of groomed trails cater to all abilities and experience. Remember to keep informed with public health advisories and abide by all protocols. Safety is your responsibility. Be prepared and always respect the environment. Find more hints and tips on travelling safely and responsibly at www.tourismgolden.com/travel

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIDERS SNOWMOBILE TOURS & RENTALS Offers extreme backcountry and family snowmobile tours, as well as Snowmobile, ATV, and Side by Side rentals. Come experience the ultimate BC backcountry adventure.

1-877-950-SLED (7533) www.rockymountainriders.com

MOBERLY LODGE Secure off-road parking. Turning space for trailers. Ensuite lodge rooms. Individual chalets. Catering available. Hot tub. Drying facilities. Centrally located for all Golden staging areas.

1-250-344-6676 www.moberlylodge.com

HILLSIDE LODGE & CHALETS Your safe home away from home! Cozy, self-contained cabins, parking and peace of mind. Book your getaway today - open November - April.

1-250-344-7281 www.hillsidechalets.com

tourismgolden.com M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

Essential Gear for the Backcountry handsaws • pocket chainsaws • recovery straps • RADIOS ratchet straps • ski pull straps • Protection GEAr gopro and handlebar mount flashlight kits Bluetooth speakers

MOUNTAINLABGEAR.com

kneepads folding h a n d s aw

recovery straps 2 - way radios

ski pull strap

r at c h e t straps

[ IG NIT I ON ]

Brainstorming creative ways to tie magazine content together into a single, cohesive theme is usually a pretty fun task for an editor. But it wasn’t so easy this time. Like a buckshot pattern, the range of topics in this issue spread out as it moved forward in development. There was no singular concept. Some ideas went astray. Other, better stories were added. When it was done, we had a fantastic collection of mountain sledding content with very little unifying connection. Yet, I think this issue benefits precisely because the ideas weren’t corralled into one shape or direction. We simply chased down our favourite story ideas—whichever way they went—and brought them back to stuff this issue full. It begins with some important news on land use decisions affecting snowmobilers in British Columbia. Land use issues are always complex, and the potential closures facing snowmobilers in the South Peace region are no different. We go further by shedding light on the reasons why it feels like snowmobiling access in BC is constantly at risk.

// WIN TER 20 22

If there is a semblance of consistency within, it must be with the few bits of advice and tips. First, we provide the goods on an amazing mountain sledding zone near Sicamous, BC called Blue Lake. This same area is used as an example to help explain how Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Terrain Rating Scale (ATES) works. Next is a riding tip by one of today’s leading big mountain snowmobile athletes, Cody McNolty, who shares his process on evaluating and safely executing large cliff drops. In our final piece of advice, Brooke Astells outlines proven ways to maximize the performance of your dirt bike for cold and snowy conditions when converted to a snow bike. As more snowmobilers experience the fun of riding snow bikes, we wondered what it takes to ride both vehicles with skill at an advanced level. For answers, we turned to Brock Hoyer, who is among the very few riders out there who can truly shred on both a sled and a snow bike. We finish with a couple of people stories. In the first, North Rockies Field Team member Martina Halik describes what many consider to be a dream job, being paid to spend days in the backcountry, collecting data for Avalanche Canada’s public forecast bulletins. And finally, long-time Mountain Sledder contributor Allan Sawchuck shares his experience fulfilling the request of a person he’d never met, for one last ride. A slug will get you a longer range, but in tight quarters that doubleaught buckshot packs a lot of punch. So that’s what this issue is—a loose grouping of powerful stories that I hope will hit the mark. Thanks for reading this issue.

FOLLOW THE VOICE DIRACT VOICE WORLD’S FIRST BEACON WITH VOICE NAVIGATION. CLEAR COMMANDS, INTUITIVE DESIGN, EASY HANDLING. Find out more on ortovox.com

"RUN STRAIGHT!"

– Patrick Winslow, Editor-in-Chief

PH OTO : S T E VE SHAN N ON @s te ve sha n n o n ph o to R I D ER : DANIEL S T E WAR T @da n ie ls te wa r t _ph o to M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ T RA I LH EAD ]

SNOWMOBILERS ARE SOME OF THE MOST PASSIONATE PEOPLE ABOUT CONSERVATION OF NATURE; WE ARE STEWARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WE WANT TO HELP.

PHOTO: MAR T IN A HAL IK @ ravene yep ho to grap hy RIDER: T R APPER GI LOWSK I @trap jaw92

// WIN TER 20 22

SNOWMOBILING IN THE SOUTH PEACE AT RISK RECOMMENDATIONS BY SNOWMOBILE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR MOTORIZED USE IN CARIBOU RECOVERY PLAN DISREGARDED BY GOVERNMENT BY MART Y ANDERSON

Snowmobiling has long been at the forefront of the mountain caribou sustainability discussion. Over the course of decades, snowmobilers in BC have championed management plans and voluntary closures, attended strategic planning meetings, worked on recovery projects and complied with regulations regarding the presence of caribou in riding areas. Snowmobilers are some of the most passionate people about conservation of nature, and caribou sustainability is no different; we are stewards of the environment and we want to help. However, with the latest draft of its Winter Motorized Recreation Plan for caribou conservation in the South Peace, it seems the provincial government is more interested in sweeping closures than the input of snowmobilers and local stakeholders.

BAC KG R O U N D In late 2017, a Partnership Agreement to work together on the conservation of the central group of the Southern Mountain Caribou in the South Peace region was drafted between the Government of BC, the Government of Canada, and the West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations. The underlying federal message throughout this process was clear: work with the Province of BC to help the caribou, or the feds will step in with the Species At Risk legislation hammer and shut it all down. The Partnership Agreement sets out actions intended to recover the central group of Southern Mountain Caribou to self-sustaining levels that support traditional Indigenous harvesting activities, consistent with aboriginal and treaty rights. As part of this process, public consultations were held, but in the end the Partnership Agreement moved forward as drafted, with two additions: A “what we heard” report was attached, and “Clause 37” was added, which outlines the commitment to consult with snowmobilers and local government.

R EC O M M E N D AT I O NS FRO M SN O W M O B I L E A D VI S O RY C O MMIT TEE DENI ED Proceeding to herd management plans, the Province of BC was this time mandated by Clause 37 to work with stakeholders. As a result, in January 2020, the Caribou Recovery Program invited the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF), local snowmobile clubs and governments in the South Peace area and the Concerned Citizens

for Caribou Recovery group to come together to form the South Peace Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SPSAC). According to the Government of BC website: “The purpose of this committee is to ensure that any snowmobile management plans for the South Peace Region are informed with local input, provide advice and guidance on how to engage with snowmobilers in the South Peace Region, review options on snowmobile management plans and provide recommendations to government before plans are finalized.” Excited to have a seat at the table, the SPSAC focused its recommendations on a science-based approach that used telemetry data from the past five years to establish current and relevant herd data and core habitat usage. An adaptive management plan was proposed that would provide for regular reviews of factors such as changes in herd size, location and habitat needs as they recover, as well as snowmobile usage. The goal of the SPSAC was “to support the shared recovery objective while responsibly retaining and investing in the most essential and highest value snowmobiling-based recreation and tourism opportunities in the South Peace.” The result of the advisory committee’s work is a 172 page document that took more than 450 hours and $20,000 of BCSF resources, plus more, to develop. When the government came back with their Draft Winter Motorized Recreation Plan, released to the public in May 2021, it showed that once again recommendations from the snowmobile community and local stakeholders had been completely disregarded—despite significant concessions in the recommendations proposed by the SPSAC that brought the protected habitat in the South Peace to 92% and contributed significantly to the recovery objective.

S OU TH P E ACE CAR IB OU R EC OVERY Caribou recovery in BC is a complex and challenging issue. There are many threats, but the scientific evidence presented by the SPSAC shows that snowmobiling has not been demonstrated to be a primary driver of caribou population decline or a primary barrier to recovery. Regardless, snowmobilers would far rather work collaboratively with all of the concerned parties to move forward on a viable plan to recover caribou populations than be thrust into an adversarial role of defending our sport against sweeping decisions that aren’t supported by science.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ T RA I LH EAD ]

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND WHY SNOWMOBILING IS LAST TO THE PUBLIC LAND USE TABLE Snowmobilers were once explorers, and between every two trees there was a doorway to a new adventure. Now, the gates seem to be closing and our perceived right to roam taken away. But was the right even ours to lose in the first place? A closer look at the how recreation is valued by the legal framework that governs public land use in British Columbia suggests that no, it wasn’t.

BY NICOLE MATEI

P U BLIC L AND U SE IN B C Over 94% of British Columbia is Crown, or public, land. It supports a diverse range of species and ecosystems, provides world-class recreational opportunities, and is the foundation of our provincial economy. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) has an expansive responsibility to ensure activity on Crown land (be that resource extraction, commercial operations, or recreation) is done in a sustainable manner and maximizes public benefit. Meaningful access to the outdoors is integral to the way of life of British Columbians. It creates jobs, promotes physical and mental health, and makes our province a desirable place to live and visit. Yet it seems chronic underfunding and outdated government policy are placing this in jeopardy.

// WIN TER 20 22

T H E VA LU E O F REC RE ATI O N IN T H E FO R ES T A ND RA NGE PRA C TIC ES ACT The legislated framework outlining resource-based activities is called the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). Unfortunately, snowmobiling has a precarious perch in this system—here’s why. Within FRPA, eleven high-level land Values are identified. Examples of these are timber, water quality, and wildlife. Another is recreation. For each of these Values, the act prescribes legally binding Objectives (strategies) that stakeholders must incorporate into their Forest Stewardship Plans to protect each Value. However, recreation is the only FRPA Value for which our government has declined to define Objectives. Additionally, FRPA broadly states ‘no other Value shall unduly affect the timber supply in BC’. This clause neatly summarizes the troubling and outdated paradigm that leaves forestry operators dominating the conversation. The result is that forest license holders (i.e. logging companies) have no enforceable requirement to consider or consult with recreation stakeholders operating in adjacent terrain. Snowmobilers most often experience the effects of this disparity when sled trails are plowed out for timber hauling, effectively locking the public out of key arteries into riding zones.

D EC O M M I SS IO NING O F RO A DS NEGATIVELY I M PA C T S S NO W MO B ILE A C C ES S A vast 620,000 km network of resource roads span the province with an additional 10,000 km added each year. Constructed primarily to support the resource extraction industry, forestry roads are now also the backbone for access to remote communities and recreation experiences outside of the traditional BC Parks system, including snowmobiling. The upkeep of these resource roads comes at a hefty cost to industry and the Ministry, who absorb long-term responsibility for their maintenance and liability. In some areas, cumulative effects from years of human activity, road density and natural processes have resulted in habitat fragmentation with negative impacts on critical species that we can all agree must be addressed. When industrial work is completed, if there is a risk to the environment, or road infrastructure is deemed too costly to maintain, it is decommissioned with efforts made to return the land to its natural state. The Ministry currently recognizes 181 individual snowmobile sites and trails utilizing resource roads through the Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) partnership program. Many more areas remain stuck in a backlog of authorization applications in an overburdened system. Still, snowmobile clubs are the largest manager of designated public recreation sites in the province outside of BC Parks. These agreements authorize clubs to provide services on behalf of the government on a cost recovery basis for infrastructure such as grooming, signage, cabins and parking lots via the pay-to-play day use fee system. Sadly, even with agreements in place, a lack of legal FRPA Objectives results in little enforcement action against industry when snowmobile access is impacted. All too often, snowmobile areas are not spoken for early enough in the process to be saved.

FOREST AND RANGE PRACTICES ACT ‘VALUES’ Biodiversity Cultural Heritage Fish/Riparian Forage & Associated Plant Communities Recreation Resource Features Soils Timber Visual Quality Water Quality Wildlife ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF SNOWMOBILING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

$299.2 MILLION DOLLARS IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT EACH YEAR TO BC ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT GENERATED BY SNOWMOBILING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES Valemount $5.7 million Sicamous $9.1 million Fernie $11.6 million Revelstoke $31.2 million M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ T RA I LH EAD ]

OVER D U E CHANG E

BRITISH COLUMBIA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, IN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS (2019) Tourism Mining Oil and Gas Agriculture & Fishing Forestry & Logging

$8.7 $5.1 $4.9 $3.3 $1.6

It’s no secret that the forest industry in British Columbia has been in steady decline since the late 1990s due to factors such as wildfire, beetle infestations and trade disputes with the United States. Meanwhile, winter tourism and recreation are skyrocketing. In 2019, tourism contributed more to the GDP than any other primary resource industry. So while logging, energy and mining remain important employers for many rural communities in British Columbia, the adverse impacts of these activities on recreation can be devastating for the many who now rely on tourism dollars to feed their families. The good news is the Ministry has indicated the Forest and Range Practices Act is under review. In the meantime, areas like the South Peace, Fernie, Sicamous, Trout Lake and many more like them face a real and immediate threat.

SP E AKING U P FOR SLED D ER S For those who love sledding, it is important to preserve that opportunity for not just today, but for future generations. Snowmobiling is no longer just a couple of good ol’ boys out there burning gas. It is an important economic driver for rural communities and a vibrant recreational resource worthy of the right to participate in a transparent planning and stakeholder consultation process.

RECREATION SITES AND TRAILS BC MANAGES MORE THAN

1,372 recreation sites, 29 interpretive forests, 569 trails totalling 12,000 km in the province with only 50 staff members and $7.83M operating budget (2018).

$0 funding is provided to address recreation road maintenance. MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS, AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BUDGET CUT BY $41M IN 2021/22 & A FURTHER $30M IN 2022/23. 2020/21 $929M 2021/22 $888M 2022/23 $858M

// WIN TER 20 22

In response to the threat of trail closures, the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) has launched a mapping program cataloging every snowmobile trail in the province to help the government and industry identify and plan for recreation resources.

In another recent effort, the District of Sicamous unanimously supported a motion prepared by the BCSF to be forwarded to the Union of BC Municipalities requesting legislation that timber harvesting be done in a manner that works alongside recreation. In theory, the resolution will give power back to communities to decide how land is used in their own backyards.

WHAT CAN YOU D O? One of the most powerful ways that individual riders can impact the future of sledding in this province is by joining a snowmobile club. A large, active and engaged membership provides the best chance at preserving British Columbia’s riding areas. A portion of each and every membership sold funds the BCSF to help keep us informed; hire lawyers, researchers and scientists; prepare strategy; and petition on our behalf in the face of some fierce competition for land use. Today, BC residents in many communities understand that there is as much value in forests standing up, as cut down. Not only do sledders have the right, but we also have the responsibility to ensure the future of public land is made for you and me.

Gear Guide [ ta il gate ]

JACKET SHOWDOWN! TOBE Vivid Jacket

SCOTT

509

XT Shell Dryo Jacket

Ether Jacket Shell

Klim Va l d e z Jacket

// WIN TE R 20 22

[ INTE RV IE W ]

TOBE

509

Klim

FXR

CKX

SCOTT

Model

Vivid Jacket

Ether Jacket Shell

Valdez Jacket

Ranger Jacket

Conquer Insulated Jacket

XT Shell Dryo Jacket

MSRP

$649.99

$589.99

$799.95

$589.99

$369.99

$449.95

Colour

Bluebird

Orange

Electric Blue Lemonade - Black

Black/Grey/ Inferno

Black/Orange

Corn Yellow/ Melange Grey

2-layer Sympatex Cordura

Sympatex with 200D face

3-layer GORE-TEX Pro

Omni-Stretch Nylon/Polyester with HydrX Pro

P8-Tex Polyester

2-layer DRYOsphere Polyamide

45,000 mm

Not published

20,000 mm

Not published

25,000 g/m2

Not published

8,000 g/m2

15,000 g/m2

20,000 g/m2

Fully taped

Sealed & taped

Hood, shoulders, arm seams taped

Fully taped

I n s u l at i o n

Non-insulated

200 g removable liner

133 g removable liner

Non-insulated

Wa r r a n t y

Lifetime of the garment

3 years

Lifetime of the garment

3 years

1 year

Pa i r e d B i b

Vivid Bib

Ether Bib Shell

Togwotee Bib

Mission Pant

Conquer Bib

XT Shell Dryo Bib Pant

Product Highlight

Laser-cut breathing holes on face placket

Large gusseted front pockets can fit a pair of gloves

Removable shoulder pads, backpack compatible vents

Removable Thermal Dry active liner with Thermal Flex fill

PrimaLoft insulated liner attached with zipper

Stretch panels, extra-long cut for better coverage

Shell Wat e r p r o o f n e s s B r e at h a b i l i t y Seams

FXR

Ranger Jacket

CKX Conquer I n s u l at e d Jacket

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ r ide g u i d e ]

BLUE LAKE

SICAMOUS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

When the sky is clear and blue, this remarkable snowmobile zone is perfect for novice to intermediate sledders who can go just about everywhere and see everything there is to see. Advanced riders will find steeps and a few hardcore chutes that will test their ability. But Blue Lake might be at its best when it’s puking snow—as it often is—where fun, open powder stashes await those who can manage to navigate their way around.

TO TH E T R A I L H E A D Blue Lake is located off Highway 1, a short 17 km drive east of Sicamous, British Columbia. A couple more kilometers on side roads, and you will find a small gravel parking lot that can accommodate a handful of large trailers. There, an Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club attendant will collect a trail fee from non-members.

TO TH E Z O N E From the parking lot at 430 m elevation, the regularly groomed trail heads up through the forest onto the Hunters Range bench. For almost 21 km it winds its way through old cutblocks and past Cummins Lake before passing the Blue Lake-Owlhead Connector Trail. Stay left here to continue to the Blue Lake area, or turn right to head over to Owlhead. Prior to reaching the cabin, the trees begin to open up along a rounded, sub-alpine ridgeline, some 3 km past the connector trail.

TH E C A B I N The Blue Lake Chalet, built by the Micku family and club volunteers, is a beautiful little log frame cabin with a covered deck which is positioned perfectly to soak up the afternoon sunshine on a beauty day. The cabin is clean and tidy, and a recycling bin is even provided for those who can’t manage to carry out their own beverage containers. It is also outfitted in the case of an emergency with LED lighting and a first-aid toboggan.

// WIN TE R 20 22

RIDING

A WIDE VARIETY OF TERRAIN, SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE

DRIVE 20 KM PAVED FROM SICAMOUS TRAIL 24 KM GROOMED TRAIL

OTHER FEATURES CLEAN AND TIDY WARM-UP CABIN ABUNDANCE OF LOW-ANGLE MEADOWS AND TREES FOR LOW STABILITY DAYS OPEN ALPINE PEAK WITH 360˚ VIEW CONNECTOR TRAIL TO OWLHEAD RIDING AREA

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ r ide g u i d e ]

TH E RI D I N G Blue Lake has an enjoyable combination of open alpine bowls and treeline meadows to explore, and you can get a good feel for the area as you head towards the main Hunters Range ridgeline, south of the cabin. As you go that way, you’ll find that the bench that runs past the cabin gradually morphs into a north-south cleft that cuts across the main ridgeline, essentially dividing the riding area in half.

W EST OF T H E C A B I N To the west, head up the short slope that climbs out of the gully to gain the ridgeline, which extends to the southwest. On the south side of the Hunters Range you can drop down into a small bowl, or even farther down into the valley below and up the other side if you’re feeling confident. The small upper bowl extends for several hundred meters, with classic alpine-style hill riding. Farther along the ridgeline to the southwest is a series of mellow, patchy meadows that extend down over a low-angled bench-y area. Three fingers extend farther down towards the valley, with excellent tree riding along each and in the gullies between. Eventually, as they tend to do, the gullies get steeper, tighter and less fun as they descend into the Mabel Lake valley below. This area is bordered almost 2 km to the west by a deep valley that marks the boundary in that direction. Toward the southern extent, there are some openings for a ways before the trees get rather tight above the Cummins Lake plateau.

THE MEADOWS TO THE SOUTHWEST OF BLUE LAKE CHALET ARE A GREAT OPTION FOR LOW VISIBILITY DAYS.

// WIN TE R 20 22

BLU E L AKE- OWLH E AD C ONNECTOR TRAIL The Blue Lake-Owlhead Connector Trail is a 14.5 km groomed trail that links up the access trails of the two riding areas. This option offers family-friendly trail riding with beautiful views of Hunters Range and Cariboo Plateau along the way. On a deep powder day, there is plenty of safe, low-angle boondocking just off the trail. For the mountain sledder, it also offers the chance to check out another area if the conditions at one aren’t to your liking or there’s too much traffic there.

E AST OF T H E C A BI N Heading to the east from the cleft valley, it is possible to either ride the ridgeline up to the peak above, or circumnavigate the mountain via the lake. To get down to the lake, first head southeast, slightly up from the cleft along the ridgeline before dropping down to the left. Take care not to drop too early, as there are some cliff sections below the cabin bench that might catch you unawares. Right at the lake there are a couple of very burly chutes to attempt if you’re up for it. Most riders will stick to pulling donuts on the lake or in the trees adjacent to it. East of the lake is 200 Horsepower Hill, another sporty place to test out your equipment. The hill was named back when it took a modified, 200 horsepower sled to get up it, but it’s long since been conquered on newer stock machines with less power but better climbing ability. Locals will tell you that 200 Horsepower Hill slides quite often, so use extra caution and good decision-making here. Farther east is an area called 911, on account of there having been a few calls emanating from there by sledders who couldn’t get back out. It’s best to avoid this area unless your group is very experienced and prepared to be self-sufficient if things go sideways. Continuing around the peak in a clockwise direction will bring riders to Super Bowl, which is essentially the large backside of the mountain. It is made up of a wide-open alpine area with lots of small, rolling mounds and little patches of trees here and there. The big hillside gradually drains down into some more technical and steeper tree riding below. On account of its mostly featureless landscape, Super Bowl is not a particularly good place to be caught out when the clouds roll in. However, on a sunny day it is a pleasure to cruise across and around it, exploring this rather sizeable slope. The peak above Super Bowl is the best vantage point of all, with a 360° view of the incredible mountain sledding opportunities at Blue Lake. DISCLAIMER: Snowmobiling in the mountains carries inherent risk. The information presented here is not intended to be used for navigation or for decision-making with regards to avalanche terrain choices or other hazards. All riders who choose to do so must enjoy this area entirely at their own risk.

WINTER STORMS REGULARLY HAMMER BLUE LAKE WITH DEEP POWDER SNOW.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

P U SH YOUR PER F OR M A NCE T O T HE EDGE .

TH E 2022 S U M M IT® E D G E® Effortless handling and breathtaking power define the rider-obsessed design of the 2022 Summit Edge. Equipped with a short tunnel for extreme agility and offering an ultra-dynamic response, it’s an absolute weapon in deep snow. And with the energy-saving push-button SHOT™ starter made possible by our advanced Rotax® 850 E-TEC® engine, it has everything deep-snow and powder riders need to chase that Ski-Doo feeling over the next peak. DISCOVER MORE AT SKI-DOO.COM

®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products in the United States (U.S.) are distributed by BRP US Inc.

[ m ou ntai n SAFET Y ]

AVALANCHE TERRAIN EXPOSURE SCALE (ATES) HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND AVALANCHE CANADA’S TERRAIN RATINGS MAPS The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is a system of rating backcountry terrain by its potential to produce avalanches. It will help you know if the terrain in the area you’re planning to ride is Risk City or Chill-ville. While weather and snowpack stability are always changing, terrain is the constant factor in your calculations to minimize avalanche risk. The ability to evaluate terrain can help mitigate the influence of the two other variables, and help you stay safe in the backcountry.

THE TERRAIN DIRECTLY ABOVE BLUE LAKE IS RATED AS “COMPLEX”, MEANING IT HAS THE GREATEST POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE AVALANCHES.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF AVALANCHE CANADA

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ m ountai n SAFETY ]

ATES DIVIDES TERRAIN INTO THREE CATEGORIES:

S IMPLE Exposure to low angle or primarily forested terrain. Some forest openings may involve the runout zones of infrequent avalanches. Many options to reduce or eliminate exposure. No glacier travel.

WHAT THIS ME ANS

Under most conditions you can move confidently through simple terrain. It is still important to watch out for small slopes with terrain traps, openings in forests and exposure to avalanche paths from above.

C HA L L E N G ING Exposure to well-defined avalanche paths, starting zones or terrain traps; options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful route-finding. Glacier travel is straightforward but crevasse hazards may exist.

WHAT THIS ME ANS

Travel in challenging terrain requires a more thoughtful approach, including a thorough assessment of conditions. Big slopes with serious consequences exist, so you will need good travel techniques to travel through them, and under some conditions they should be avoided entirely. There will be frequent points at which travel decisions will need to be made to manage risk based on the current conditions and options available.

COMPLEX Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones and terrain traps below; minimal options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel with extensive crevasse bands or icefalls.

WHAT THIS ME ANS

Travel in complex terrain requires a thorough assessment of conditions, advanced route-finding and terrain-assessment skills, and a diligent approach to all aspects of avalanche risk management. If you lack experience or are unsure of your skills, it is best to stay out of complex terrain unless conditions are entirely favourable. If this is the type of terrain you seek out, be patient and wait for the right conditions. Depending on the area, ATES maps may also show critical decision points, major avalanche paths, main access trails, select destinations, backcountry shelter and parking lots.

// WIN TE R 20 22

A 3D OVERLAY OFFERS A GOOD PERSPECTIVE OF HOW BACKCOUNTRY TERRAIN IS RATED IN THIS AREA.

[ INTE RV IE W ]

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ m ountai n SAFETY ] W H AT S N O W M O B I L ING A RE A S A RE RATED? Avalanche Canada has rated all managed snowmobile riding areas in BC, several in BC provincial parks and a few other popular backcountry zones in Western Canada. Some riding areas in the Chic-Choc Mountains of Quebec and the mountainous areas of western Newfoundland have also been rated.

W H ER E C A N I F I N D ATES RATI NGS ? ATES ratings can be found in several places, including the Avalanche Canada and Parks Canada websites, and on snowmobile club trail maps and trailhead signage. The Trip Planner on the Avalanche Canada website is a great place to get started—you can find the online trip planner under the ‘Backcountry Resources’ tab, in the list menu under ‘Planning’. If you are planning a trip where there is no ATES rating, you will need advanced training to make your own judgment regarding how exposed the terrain is to avalanche hazard.

AVA L A N CH E T E R R A IN E XPO S URE S C A LE Remember that ATES zoning alone is not adequate for assessing avalanche risk. ATES must be combined with avalanche hazard information (such as provided by avalanche forecasts), local weather, snowpack and avalanche conditions to devise a complete risk treatment. Using ATES in conjunction with all the other data required to travel safely in avalanche terrain requires training. Learn more about ATES and Avalanche Canada’s training programs at www.avalanche.ca

ATES RATINGS DATA (SHOWN HERE AS PRESENTED ON AVALANCHE CANADA’S TRIP PLANNER) IS A GREAT TOOL TO HELP RIDERS CHOOSE A DESTINATION THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE CONDITIONS.

Canada’s Avalanche Safety Specialists. WESTERN CANADA’S PREMIERE PARTS SOURCE FOR SNOWMOBILES, MOTORCYCLES & ATVS @RECSUPPLY

// WIN T E R 20 22

306.664.3560

RECREATIONSUPPLY.CO

avalanchesafety.ca 802 9th St. N, Golden | 250.344.8606

[ R IDIN G Ti p ]

Cliff Drops WITH CODY MCNOLT Y

PHOTOS: ALLAN SAWCHUCK In no other motorized sport can a rider drop larger vertically than on a snowmobile. Yet, you may have noticed fewer large cliff drops featured in snowmobile media in recent years. There’s a reason for that. Big cliff drops are unique—which makes them impossible to practice repetitively—and they are dangerous. When a big cliff drop goes wrong, the outcome gets heavy, and fast. Broken bones, internal and head injuries, avalanches and even death are all very real outcomes that must be considered every time a rider approaches a large drop. There have been times when walking away from a big drop has been the proudest moment of my riding season. Here’s the process I’ve followed in my progression to successfully and safely execute large cliff drops.

// WIN TE R 20 22

FI N D I N G T H E F E ATURE The only way to safely manage the risk of a cliff drop is to first understand all the possible outcomes. Sound excessive? Well it’s not—it’s the process I’ve used for years, working a scenario backwards from the worst possible outcome to success. If at any point there’s a problem along the way that doesn’t have a solution, I walk away. Simple as that. To find the right feature, you should consider all of the factors below:

Take-off It is critical that the take-off angle is either flat or minimally downhill so that you—not gravity—are in control of the take-off speed. Is it a safe platform to stand on, build a take-off and scope the landing? Viewing the take-off from below and from the side will help ensure that what you intend to stand on is safely supported.

Landing Zone The slope angle of the landing should be 50 degrees or more, with soft, deep and stable snow. For large drops, the steeper the landing the better. A safe rule of thumb for the length of the landing is a ratio of three-to-one. That means if the drop is 10 feet, the landing length should be 30. This allows for a margin of error if the landing zone is not reached or overshot. Yes, finding long enough landings for big drops is not always easy.

Snow Condition It’s pretty obvious that you don’t want to do big drops in hard snow, but there are other factors to consider as well. For example, warm pow in the landing may stick to your goggles when you touch down, blinding your view and potentially causing a crash after landing.

TH E BU ILD Starting the build is my favourite part. It means everything above has been considered, solved and this drop is doable. But it still doesn’t mean I’m committed. So much experience can be learned in the build. A couple key contributors to the success of the build are:

Level In-run

To assess the snow conditions, first determine which direction the landing slope is facing. This will make it easier to use the weather and snowpack history to estimate the quality and depth of snow in the landing. On steep slopes, snow tends to slough, which can create pockets of hard snow that are difficult to see. The only way to know 100% if the snow is safe is to hike it and probe.

So many riders over the years, myself included, have made critical errors from not having the in-run level from ski-to-ski. Because gravity plays such a huge part in a drop, even a slight side-to-side angle on the in-run can result in a sideways drift that can take you off your landing zone and into a world of hurt.

Avalanche Risk

Whether you’re building the take off by boot stomping or shovelling, taking the time to accurately line up the take-off with the landing will help ensure that you don’t fall off line in the air.

Landing a snowmobile on a slope is like hitting it with a small rocket. The likelihood of triggering a weak layer and causing an avalanche is heightened. If your avalanche training, observations, experience and gut feeling can’t rule out the likelihood of a slide, then you should put it off until conditions improve.

Exit Route

Line It Up

Traction

The less your track is spinning on the take-off, the more predictable your speed will be. Packing a solid in-run will help ensure good traction on take-off, which allows the rider to better control their speed.

You might be surprised to learn that many of my mistakes over the years have come from underestimating the “What now?” after a landing from a cliff. Risks are increased if the terrain below has trees, rocks or terrain traps. Don’t let the feature blind you to danger lurking down the slope.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ R IDIN G Ti p ]

CHO OSE YOU R SP EED Speed will be the biggest factor in determining success or failure. Unfortunately, knowing the right speed to take on a large drop is something that can come only from experience, a strong understanding of gravity and a skillset that I don’t know how to explain. Sure, you can throw a snowball or some other trick to help gauge the speed required, but there is no substitute for experience here. If you don’t know how much speed you need for a large feature, then you should put it on hold and gain more experience on smaller drops first.

EMER G ENCY P L ANNING Even when a drop is safeguarded against error, things can still go wrong. That’s why it’s so important to have an emergency plan in place. Do you have the first-aid equipment and training required to manage a trauma incident? Can you communicate with emergency services (is there cell service or a satellite communications device ready) if you need help? Is there enough visibility or daylight left for air support if things go really bad? Remember, when an injury happens in the backcountry, there is no option to simply call in an ambulance. It is so important to make sure you understand the limited amount of support available, plan accordingly and for your crew to be self-sufficient as much as possible.

G R EEN LIG HT You’ve found the right feature. Assessed the risk. Completed the build. Established your take-off speed. You have an adequate safety plan. Your engine is warmed up. Now comes the ultimate moment of decision. You—and only you— can make the choice to do it or not. The decision needs to 100% organically come from your own true desire, with a full understanding of the risks. Dropping a cliff under pressure or for the purposes of showing off, bragging rights or “Getting the shot” are all red flags that should warn you to stop and walk away.

// WIN T E R 20 22

FLIG H T PATH Finding the landing angle in the air is crucial. One of the hardest parts about cliff drops is being comfortable having the front of the sled drop down to match the steep angle of the landing. Otherwise, all of the regular principles of a straight air apply to a drop; the only difference is that you’re falling down more than going forward. So if you’re not already experienced and comfortable with straight airs, then work on those first before attempting drops.

R ID ING YOU R LINE Once you’ve landed, follow your exit plan to a tee. Yes, your stoke will be extremely high even if it’s only a 2-foot drop—trust me, you’re going to be so pumped. Stay disciplined and stay focused. Ride your line to completion first and then prepare for shouting, fist pumps and highlevel stoke from your crew. My final advice is this: Start small. Find the thrill in accuracy and gain experience. Choose longevity over progression. No matter how far you progress, stay humble and always remember that the mountains are much, much gnarlier. Come home safe to what really matters in life— our families and loved ones. You can follow Cody’s snowmobiling adventures on social media @mcnolty318

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ H OW TO ]

FROM DIRT TO SNOW More and more, moto riders are making the decision to extend their riding into the cold season by converting their dirt bikes into snow bikes.

WORDS AND IMAGES BY BROOKE ASTELLS

THE BASIC SNOW BIKE BUILD

While this process is fairly straightforward, the most common question being asked is: “How do I maximize the performance of my dirt bike for winter conditions?”

To build a snow bike, a rider will need three things:

Snow bikes are endlessly customizable, and every rider has their own ideas on how to build one for the best performance. What is the ‘right way’ or the ‘best way’ is often a matter of personal opinion.

A SNOW BIKE CONVERSION KIT SUCH AS ONE FROM TIMBERSLED OR YETI SNOWMX

At Innerspace Watersports (a snow bike dealership in BC’s Okanagan Valley) we see many different setups come through our doors. Each year, we also build a fleet of our own snow bikes that perform well.

It’s pretty safe to say we can all agree on these basics, so let’s go beyond!

This is ‘our way’ of building a snow bike.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR SNOW BIKE BUILD

// WIN T E R 20 22

A DIRT BIKE

A FIT KIT TO ATTACH THE CONVERSION KIT TO YOUR SPECIFIC DIRT BIKE MODEL

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR SNOW BIKE BUILD TEMP ER ATU R E MONITOR ING AND AIR M ANAGE M E NT For the most part, dirt bikes are not designed to be run in below 0˚C temperatures. Here is what we use to manage cold temperatures: THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE GAUGE ENGINE JACKET/PIPE GUARD COMBO BELLY GUARD/SNOW SHIELD

THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE GAUGE

COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEM We want to see the coolant that circulates and manages the engine temperature of the bike running hot (but not too hot). A thermostat will regulate the engine temps to ensure that fuel-injected bikes don’t over-fuel. Typically, the opening temperature of the thermostat is where the average temperature of the bike will be. A temperature gauge is a must so the rider can monitor the engine temperature and know if they need to do some quick pow turns to spray snow on a bike that’s running too hot, or make some adjustments to warm it up if it’s running cold. The purpose of an engine jacket/skid plate combo is to prevent that fresh pow you’ll be riding from splashing up on the engine and cooling it down too much. Enclosing as much of the engine as possible will help the bike run at optimal temperatures. Factory air box systems can absorb excess moisture and eventually freeze. If this happens, it can limit or stop air flow, which could be detrimental to the performance or health of the bike.

ENGINE JACKET/PIPE GUARD COMBO

Snow bike intakes that are specifically designed for use in snow are recommended to prevent snow or moisture from entering the engine.

BELLY GUARD/SNOW SHIELD

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ ta il gate ] R ID ER ER G ONOMICS AND C OMFOR T Dirt bikers stand. Snow bikers sit. That’s just the start of it. Here’s what we use to adapt the bike for performance and comfort on snow: HANDLEBAR RISERS COOLANT HEATED BARS AFTERMARKET SEAT HANDGUARDS OR GAUNTLETS EXTENDED SHIFTER TIP SNOW BIKE SPECIFIC PEGS Handlebar risers offset the handlebars to ensure rider posture is comfortable while seated for long periods. Handlebars that are plumbed into the engine coolant system will help keep your hands warm and happy.

AFTERMARKET SEAT

A company called Seat Concepts produces snow-specific seats that are designed for use in the cold. These are more comfortable than your stock dirt bike seat, and they will not freeze while you’re out there shredding the pow. Aside from the obvious bark bustin’ protection in tight trees, handguards also provide some wind shelter for your hands when it’s cold. On a snow bike, riders wear snow boots, not moto boots—although snow bike specific crossover boots are becoming more readily available. But for riders in traditional snow boots, it can sometimes be a challenge to find the shifter tip quickly. The answer to this problem is an extended shifter tip, which is easier to manipulate with bulky boots. Our big boots also need to fit on the pegs, so we run bigger foot pegs. These are specifically designed so that snow and ice can fall through the middle instead of collecting and causing a slippery mess under the feet.

HANDGUARDS & HEADLIGHT

EXTENDED SHIFTER TIP

// WIN T E R 20 22

SNOW BIKE SPECIFIC PEGS

AC C ES S O R I ES T H AT MA KE A B I G DI FFERENCE Fuel can, booster pack, cargo solutions, lights—all these things serve a purpose that is obvious to the seasoned snow bike rider, but should be mentioned for aspiring snow bike builders and riders. Here are some key accessories that will really improve your experience: FUEL CAN BOOSTER PACK HEADLIGHT EXPANDABLE TUNNEL BAG SUBFRAME BAG/TOOL ROLL COMBO WHEEL KIT DOUBLE WIDE RAMP

PHOTO: MIK E R EE VE @velo c i t y v i d s RIDER: BR O CK HOYER @b ro c k_ hoyer

TIE DOWNS OR BIKE BINDERZ Snow bikes burn fuel faster than dirt bikes because they are under more load. If you want to enjoy a full day in the mountains, extra fuel is a must. Non-kickstart bike owners should consider carrying a portable booster pack with them. Batteries do not like the cold, and if your bike has been sitting for a period of time it may be stubborn to start again. On stormy days, an accessory headlight is a great addition to help you see better and be seen. For dirt bikes that don’t feature a headlight, it is a necessity after dark. Riders who are experienced sledders will quickly discover that snow bikes have less storage space than sleds, so optimizing the tunnel space with a storage bag of choice is highly recommended. Ramps and wheel kits make loading/unloading and transporting these bikes a breeze! And of course you’ll need tie downs to secure your snow bike in transit to and from the trailhead. Bike Binderz is a company that makes an innovative tie down system that works particularly well for snow bikes.

FUEL CAN & TUNNEL BAG

SNOW BIKE P ER FOR MANCE, YOUR WAY What’s mentioned above is a great starting point for optimizing the performance of your dirt bike on snow. Some dedicated builders take it even further with more involved engine modifications like big bores, forced induction and nitrous kits. Another way to customize your ride is by choosing a different suspension package for the snow bike kit or between the bike and the kit. A third shock can be added to the front fork as well. And, of course, custom colours are available as part of snowcheck programs. Much like the terrain made accessible by these machines, the options available to customize and maximize the performance of your snow bike build are limitless!

WHEEL KIT & RAMP

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ INTERV I EW ]

DIFFERENT STROKES

// WIN TE R 20 22

BROCK HOYER

ON RIDING BOTH SLEDS AND SNOW BIKES When you’re in the presence of someone who can really ride a snowmobile or a snow bike—and I mean REALLY ride—it’s obvious. They’re comfortable and relaxed in their element. If you ask them to do something for a photo, they just go do it. It doesn’t take a bunch of tries, and it’s done with style. No flailing. No excuses. Just solid execution. Brock Hoyer is one of those riders. But what’s really exceptional about Brock is that he can ride both a snowmobile AND a snow bike at an elite level. There’s probably less than a handful of riders in the world who can do that. So who better to answer our questions about the finer differences between the two than Brock, who spends his winters riding as a Yamaha factory sponsored athlete for both products? Brock joined Mountain Sledder for a ride last winter to help us understand what both machines are capable of doing in relation to one another, how he approaches terrain differently on each, and to answer all our questions about what it’s like to ride both at a high level.

Q& A WITH BR O CK H OYER MS: Your accomplishments on a snow bike are well known, including gold at X Games, but maybe not everyone knows that you’re also a Yamaha sponsored snowmobile athlete. What’s your background with snowmobiles? Hoyer: I have actually been riding snowmobiles longer than I have been on a snow bike—like many riders my age, I grew up riding sleds in the mountains [before snow bikes]. I’ve even raced sleds from time-to-time, in the Canadian Hillcross competitions. MS: As a guy who has access to both a snowmobile and a snow bike at all times, how do you decide which to ride on any given day? What factors go into the decision? Hoyer: I love riding both, but the snow bike is my favourite to ride, because I’m a moto guy and I feel that riding a snow bike is sort of the best of both worlds. Usually on the deep days after it snows heavily overnight, I’ll take my sled. Lately though, my decision on what to ride has had more to do with who is going that day in my riding group and what they are riding. Pairing snow bikes with snow bikes and sled with sleds makes for the most fun. MS: How do you split your riding time between the two vehicles? Do your sponsorship obligations versus just riding for fun play a factor? Hoyer: In years past, I would ride my snow bike about 75% of the time, but last year my riding was split more evenly between the two. My sponsors just want me out there having fun and promoting the product, so that makes it easy. Either way, it’s easy to have a fun day in the mountains.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ INTERV I EW ] R ID ING D IFFER EN C ES MS: How hard is it to adapt from riding a sled one day to a snow bike the next, and the other way around? Is it harder to adapt to switching one way more than the other? Hoyer: I guess the hardest part is training your brain to recognize line choice based on what you’re riding. I do it enough that I can switch over quickly. MS: It’s considered common knowledge that snow bikes are better in tight trees and sleds are better at climbing big slopes. Is that how you see it? Hoyer: Pretty much. Most riders understand that snow bikes are narrow and handle steep ground with trees more easily. The advantage of the snowmobile is much more power and track speed. The horsepower you get with a sled is better for climbs and hitting jumps. One thing to consider when you’re looking for big snow bike jumps is that you often have to find a downward run-in to be able to get enough speed for a big hit. MS: Do you find that the slower track speed on your snow bike causes you to be more aggressive in your line choices? Hoyer: Yeah, you just have to carry more speed and momentum for the next obstacle.

VE H I CLE S PEC IFI C GE A R

MS: Is there a particular type of terrain you prefer to ride on either vehicle, or does it matter to you?

MS: Is there any sled or snow bike specific gear you wear, depending on what you’re riding?

Hoyer: It doesn’t really matter which vehicle I’m on, I love super nasty tree lines. The tech-ier the line, the better—I love it!

Hoyer: Pretty much everything I wear for sledding and snow biking is the same, no matter which I’m doing. Only my riding boots are different—I wear snowmobile boots for sledding and for snow biking I prefer a purpose-built snow bike boot.

MS: How do you attack lines differently? Can you use the same feature in the same way? How does your approach vary depending on what you’re riding?

MS: What about other gear you bring along, like tools, recovery equipment or spare fuel? Anything specific that you do differently with those? Hoyer: When I ride my snow bike, I always bring spare fuel, no matter what. When I’m sledding, it just depends on how much fresh snow there is. Most of the time when it’s deep, I do bring spare fuel and sometimes I even have to borrow fuel because I’m running around helping out or breaking trail. On those days I bring a soft fuel bag from Giant Loop. I do have a snow bike specific tool kit and sled specific tool kit that stay with each vehicle at all times. The tow straps I have for each are also a little different.

// WIN TE R 20 22

Hoyer: You can attack lines similarly, but just like on a sled, when you’re climbing on a snow bike you also have to have an ‘out’ planned. MS: Can you make the sled and snow bike do the same things, more-or-less? Like executing a whip, for example? Hoyer: More or less I can do similar things on both, yes, but it has definitely taken time to master that on both. Am I perfect on both? No. But I’m happy with the level I’m at, and I still enjoy learning. MS: Is there any particular example of something you can make one vehicle do, but not the other? Hoyer: Sleds can jump and drop farther. They just have more power and more surface area when landing that a snow bike can’t match.

With enough skill, a rider can make a snowmobile and a snow bike do some similar things. Here, Brock uses the same terrain to perform a bow-tie, first on the 2022 Yamaha Mountain Max 154 SL, then on his snow bike.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ INTERV I EW ]

MS: How does the vast power difference affect maneuvers like wheelies and re-entries? Hoyer: With sleds nowadays you can do those almost wherever you like. Those were harder to do on a snow bike, but now the Timbersled RIOT 120 kit allows you to pull wheelies and re-entries much more easily on a snow bike, similar to what you can do with the higher power of a snowmobile. MS: When you’re jumping straight or dropping cliffs, how does your body positioning or input need to be different, depending on which vehicle you’re on? Hoyer: Snow bikes can find tighter lines for drops, but other than that, how you set up for drops is fairly similar. Once you’re in the air, things are different. On a snow bike, whatever gear you go off the top of a cliff in is what gear you’re in when you land. With a sled, you can just rev the throttle to build more track speed to control pitch and landing. So for the bigger drops on my snow bike, I’ll lug the bike off the takeoff in 3rd gear so I can land with enough track speed to pop out of the snow.

S L E D VS S NO W B IKE MS: Okay, you’ve got a gun to your head, and you have to choose just one to ride for the rest of your life: snowmobile or snow bike. Which is it, and why? Hoyer: Snow bike, hands down. I can switch it back to ride dirt bikes in the summer, and with my love for moto I’ve just always felt that snow bikes are the perfect combo. Sled + dirt bike = snow bike. MS: What’s the best part about owning and riding both? Hoyer: It maybe sounds weird, but with testing and doing snow bike races it’s nice to have the variety and be able to switch things up regularly. I really enjoy the different riding styles and the challenge of trying to do similar things on both.

// WIN TE R 20 22

[ INTE RV IE W ]

“ T HE HARDEST PART IS TRAINING YOUR BRAIN TO RECOGNIZE LINE CHOICE BASED ON WHAT YOU’RE RIDING.” BROCK HOYER, ON SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN RIDING SLEDS AND SNOW BIKES

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

IN THE TRENCHES

// WIN TE R 20 22

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE WORK OF AVALANCHE CANADA’S NORTH ROCKIES FIELD TEAM BY MARTINA HALIK IMAGES BY THE NORTH ROCKIES FIELD TEAM

“WOW,

that sounds like a sweet job! You just get to sled around all day? How do I get hired?!” These are the questions Avalanche Canada’s North Rockies Field Team members are asked most often. For many riders it sounds like a dream come true—getting paid to spend your days in the backcountry riding a brand new sled, with hotels, truck, fuel and maintenance all provided. Our job is to gather snowpack, weather and avalanche observations in the field to help Avalanche Canada forecasters develop a public avalanche bulletin for this data-sparse region. The area we cover, known as the Northern Rockies, spans from Mt. Robson at its southernmost point, north to Pine Pass and east to Tumbler Ridge and Kakwa Park. It’s an area that covers roughly 40,000 km2.

We also frequently ride in the Cariboo Mountains, which is a separate Avalanche Canada bulletin zone. For that area we are generally based out of McBride, Valemount, Prince George and Quesnel. This adds another huge chunk of terrain for our busy team of three!

THE AUTHOR, MARTINA HALIK, PERFORMS A SNOWPACK STABILITY TEST.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ ta il gate ]

“IN THE BACKCOUNTRY, WE VIEW AS MUCH AVALANCHE TERRAIN AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. WE’RE LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF RECENT AVALANCHES OR INSTABILITY IN THE SNOWPACK.”

ONE METHOD THE TEAM USES TO TEST STABILITY IS TO RIDE ACROSS A SMALL, SAFE TEST SLOPE TO SEE IF IT WILL SLIDE.

A T Y P I CA L DAY A typical day in the field starts with about an hour of office work in the morning. This is done either from home or a hotel, depending on where we are currently based. While the team is technically based out of Prince George, BC, we are often on the road in some remote communities to be able to access staging areas all over the Northern Rockies and Cariboo Mountains. Before jumping in the truck and driving to our chosen staging area, we formulate a trip plan that factors in avalanche hazard, weather, gaps in our current knowledge and any additional safety measures required. Where we go each day depends on considerations such as where the biggest disparities in our snowpack data might be, and how many days we are working that week. We try to cover as many different locations as we can during a shift that can be anywhere from three to seven days long. We work twelve-hour days, and often four to six hours of that can be spent driving to a staging area and back—although we do try to spend as much time on snow as possible! TEAM MEMBER DAVE MERRITT INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL WEAK LAYERS IN THE SNOWPACK.

// WIN T E R 20 22

IN TH E FIELD Once in the backcountry, we view as much avalanche terrain as we possibly can. We’re looking for signs of recent avalanches or instability in the snowpack. For access, we use sleds exclusively for probably 70% of our field days, but it’s nice to change it up for skis once in a while too. Being on skis helps us reach areas that have non-motorized access or are too densely treed for easy travel on a sled. Travelling on skis also lets us feel out the snowpack in an entirely different way. Most often we hit up popular riding and backcountry ski areas that we’re pretty familiar with, but we also go exploring to more obscure places as well. If we are in a new zone we don’t know well or the visibility is poor, we use the Gaia GPS app on our phones to help us navigate.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

D ATA C OL L EC T I O N Throughout the day, we take note of weather factors, such as how strong the winds are, or how much it’s snowing. We’ll often perform snowpack tests to get a better sense of buried weak layers. These tests can be as thorough as digging a snow pit and scrutinizing individual snow crystals, or as quick as riding or ski-cutting a small, safe test slope to see if we can get it to crack or slide. There are several remote weather stations that feed us information by satellite from specific riding areas, but getting our hands and shovels right into the snow to verify that information is still key. If we find something really important we may give Avalanche Canada forecasters a call on our satellite phone, but otherwise we’ll wait until the end of the day to get in touch and report back.

FIELD TEAM MEMBER BEN HAWKINS RECORDS DATA TO BE RELAYED BACK TO FORECASTERS AT AVALANCHE CANADA HEADQUARTERS IN REVELSTOKE, BC.

R EP O R T I N G A N D OUTRE A C H In the evening we pull into a hotel (unless we are working from our home base that day) and relay our observations back to the Avalanche Canada forecasters in Revelstoke. From there, the forecasters will issue avalanche bulletins for the region four times a week. We also post our information, including photos and videos, for the specific area we rode on Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Information Network and on our Facebook and Instagram channels. This gives riders additional ways to access valuable information. Before COVID hit we would try and do a lot of outreach in the backcountry and at club events, but last winter Avalanche Canada switched to live weekly online webinar sessions that turned out to be a big hit. People could watch from anywhere in the world and the sessions were all recorded so they can be viewed any time. At Avalanche Canada we all feel it’s important to strive to create a culture where riders feel comfortable sharing their observations and experiences, without fear of being judged for their choices. We all have different risk tolerances after all, along with varying levels of snow science knowledge. We can’t all be expected to make the same decisions. I always hope that passing on info about what hazards we are seeing will help riders make more informed choices during their riding days. I’m always happy to talk to anyone I meet in the backcountry to find out what they have seen as well—the more info we have, the more accurate the public avalanche bulletin can be. You can follow the North Rockies Field Team on Instagram and Facebook @avcannorthrockies Public avalanche safety information, including the forecast bulletin for the North Rockies, can be found at www.avalanche.ca

// WIN T E R 20 22

uthorized CANADIAN DEALERS Authorized CANADIAN DEALERS Authorized CANADIAN DEALERS

Fernie ALBERTA Fernie Ghostrider Motorsports eson ALBERTA Fernie Ghostrider Motorsports Acheson 250.423.9251 Works West/Acheson Ghostrider Acheson 250.423.9251Motorsports Cycle Works West/Achesonghostridermotorsports.com 0.1920 250.423.9251 ghostridermotorsports.com Cycle Works West/Acheson 780.960.1920 worksacheson.com Gibbons ghostridermotorsports.com 780.960.1920 cycleworksacheson.com Gibbons Gibbons Motor Toys rhead cycleworksacheson.com Gibbons Gibbons Barrhead 780.923.3796 Motor Toys Gibbons Motor Toys cle (2012) Ltd. 780.923.3796 Barrhead gibbonsmotortoys.com CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. 780.923.3796 gibbonsmotortoys.com 4.5414 CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. 780.674.5414 Grande Prairie gibbonsmotortoys.com le.ca Grande Prairie 780.674.5414 cccycle.ca Red-Line Powercraft Grande Prairie cccycle.ca oks Red-Line Powercraft Brooks 780.532.4313 Red-Line Powercraft 780.532.4313 MotorsportsABrooks red-linepowercraft.com & E Motorsports 780.532.4313 red-linepowercraft.com 62.6401 A403.362.6401 & E Motorsports Stojansred-linepowercraft.com Stojans ing.com 403.362.6401 aeracing.com 780.538.2934 Stojans 780.538.2934 aeracing.com stojans.com ary 780.538.2934 stojans.com Calgary stojans.com Calgary Motosports amp Motosports Lloydminster Basecamp Lloydminster 1.1299 Basecamp Lloydminster 403.441.1299Motosports Lethal Motorsports & &Marine Lethal Motorsports Marine ampmotorsports.com 403.441.1299 basecampmotorsports.com780.872.5800 Lethal Motorsports & Marine 780.872.5800 lethalmotorsports.ca foot Direct basecampmotorsports.com 780.872.5800 lethalmotorsports.ca Blackfoot Direct lethalmotorsports.ca Blackfoot Direct 4.2850 403.214.2850 Okotoks Okotoks oto.com 403.214.2850 bfdmoto.com Okotoks Howden Co Co Howden bfdmoto.com Cycle Works Calgary Works Calgary Howden Co 833.346.9336 833.346.9336 Cycle Works Calgary 403.230.1920 0.1920 833.346.9336 howden-co.com howden-co.com cycleworks.com works.com 403.230.1920 howden-co.com cycleworks.com River PeacePeace River Martin Motor Sports n Motor Sports Peace River Martin Motor Sports 403.301.0096 Maximum Powersports 01.0096 Maximum Powersports 403.301.0096 martinmotorsports.ca Maximum Powersports 780.624.8952 nmotorsports.ca 780.624.8952 martinmotorsports.ca 780.624.8952 maximumpowersports.com Ralph’s Motorsports maximumpowersports.com s Motorsports maximumpowersports.com Ralph’s Motorsports 403.291.4868 Power Sports 91.4868 Mighty Mighty PeacePeace Power Sports 403.291.4868 ralphsmotorsports.com Mighty Peace Power Sports 780.617.8080 smotorsports.com 780.617.8080 ralphsmotorsports.com 780.617.8080 mightypeacepowersports.ca Cochrane mightypeacepowersports.ca hrane mightypeacepowersports.ca Cochrane Homes & RV Center Bow Ridge Sports ThomasThomas Homes & RV Center Ridge Sports Thomas Homes & RV Center 780.624.2720 Bow Ridge Sports 403.932.2019 780.624.2720 32.2019 780.624.2720 thomasbrp.com 403.932.2019 bowridgesports.com thomasbrp.com dgesports.com thomasbrp.com bowridgesports.com Red Deer Mountain Toys Red Deer tain Toys Mountain Toys Red 403.932.4828 TurpleDeer Bros. 32.4828 mountaintoyspolaris.com Turple Bros. 403.932.4828 Turple Bros. 403.346.5238 taintoyspolaris.com mountaintoyspolaris.com 403.346.5238 403.346.5238 turplebros.ca Eckville turplebros.ca ville turplebros.ca Eckville Rainy Creek Powersports Rocky Mountain House Creek Powersports Rainy Creek Powersports RockyRocky Mountain House 403.746.5000 Mountain House Gateway Sales & Service 6.5000 403.746.5000 rainycreekpowersports.comGateway Sales & Service Gateway Sales & Service 403.845.2421 reekpowersports.com rainycreekpowersports.com 403.845.2421 403.845.2421 gatewayss.net Edmonton monton gatewayss.net gatewayss.net Edmonton Argyll Motor Sports Slave Lake Motor Sports Argyll Motor Sports 780.435.6811 Lake Honda & Skidoo SlaveSlave Lake Grizzly Ridge 780.435.6811 5.6811 argyllmotorsports.com Ridge Honda&&Skidoo Skidoo Grizzly Grizzly Ridge Honda 780.849.3514 argyllmotorsports.com motorsports.com Cycle Works Edmonton 780.849.3514 grizzlyridgehonda.com 780.849.3514 Cycle Works Edmonton 780.440.3200 Works Edmonton grizzlyridgehonda.com grizzlyridgehonda.com Spruce Grove 780.440.3200 cycleworks.com 0.3200 Spruce Grove Spruce Grove Specialty Motorsports works.com cycleworks.com Martin Motor Sports (South) Specialty Motorsports 780.960.0571 Specialty Motorsports Martin Motor Sports (South) 780.438.2484 n Motor Sports (South) 780.960.0571 specialtymotorsports.ca 780.960.0571 780.438.2484 martinmotorsports.ca 8.2484 specialtymotorsports.ca specialtymotorsports.ca martinmotorsports.ca St. Albert Martin Motor Sports (West) nmotorsports.ca St. Albert Martin Motor Sports (West) St. Albert 780.481.4000 Riverside Motosports n Motor Sports (West) 780.481.4000 martinmotorsports.ca Riverside Motosports 780.458.7272 1.4000 Riverside Motosports martinmotorsports.ca 780.458.7272 rideriverside.com Edson nmotorsports.ca 780.458.7272 rideriverside.com Edson Powersports Freedom rideriverside.com Stettler County on Freedom Edson Ltd.Powersports Stettler County Heartland Marine om Powersports Stettler County Edson Ltd. 780.723.4533 Heartland Marine 403.742.4447 Ltd. 780.723.4533 Heartland Marine freedompowersports.ca 403.742.4447 heartlandmarine.ca 3.4533 freedompowersports.ca 403.742.4447 Riderz heartlandmarine.ca ompowersports.ca Sundre heartlandmarine.ca Riderz 780.723.5775 z Sundre 780.723.5775 Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled riderz.ca Sundre 3.5775 Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled riderz.ca 403.638.3885 Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled .ca mountainsedgecycleandsled.com 403.638.3885 403.638.3885 mountainsedgecycleandsled.com 1 | VOLUME 12 mountainsedgecycleandsled.com 1 | VOLUME 12

BERTA

E 12

International Motorsports Swan Hills William International Motorsports Swan Hills Williams Lake 604.288.1553 Wilderness Playground Tours Spectra P International Swan HillsPlayground Tours Williams Lake 604.288.1553Motorsports internationalmotorsports.com Wilderness Spectra Powersports 780.333.2800 250.392.32 604.288.1553 internationalmotorsports.com Wilderness Playground Tours Spectra Powersports 780.333.2800 250.392.3201 West Coast Sledders swanhillssledfixer.com spectrapo internationalmotorsports.com West Coast Sledders 780.333.2800 swanhillssledfixer.com spectrapowersports.com 778.808.4048 250.392.3201 MANITO BRITISH COLUMBIA West Coast Sledderswestcoastsledders.com 778.808.4048 swanhillssledfixer.com spectrapowersports.com MANITOBA BRITISH COLUMBIA 778.808.4048 westcoastsledders.com Selkirk Blue River MANITOBA BRITISH COLUMBIA Nelson Selkirk Blue River westcoastsledders.com MGA Distri Nelson Blue Sledz Selkirk Blue RiverRiver MGA Distribution Blue River Sledz Main Jet Motorsports Nelson 204.406.86 Main Jet Motorsports Distribution 204.406.8628 Blue River Sledz 250.673.8317 1.877.352.3191 MGA mgadistri 250.673.8317 Main Jet Motorsports 1.877.352.3191 mgadistribution.ca 204.406.8628 blueriversledz.com shopmainjet.ca West Side 250.673.8317 blueriversledz.com 1.877.352.3191 shopmainjet.ca mgadistribution.ca West Side Honda/Polaris 1.888.482. blueriversledz.com shopmainjet.ca Campbell River Pemberton West Side Honda/Polaris 1.888.482.7782 Campbell River Pemberton westsideh Seymour Services westsidehonda.ca Campbell River Backcountry 1.888.482.7782 Motorsports Pemberton Seymour Services Backcountry Motorsports westsidehonda.ca 250.287.3505 NOVA S 604.894.1797 Seymour Services 250.287.3505 Backcountry NOVA SCOTIA 604.894.1797Motorsports seymourservices.ca backcountrymotorsports.ca 250.287.3505 seymourservices.ca NOVA SCOTIA 604.894.1797 backcountrymotorsports.ca Goodw Goodwood seymourservices.ca backcountrymotorsports.ca Chilliwack Chilliwack HFX Motor Goodwood HFX Motorsports Prince George Prince George Chilliwack 1.833.442.4 GVPGVP East East Motorsports Prince George Cycle North HFX1.833.442.4046 Cycle North 604.795.7800 GVP East hfxmotor 604.795.7800 1.833.442.4046 hfxmotorsports.com 855.964.9091 Cycle North 855.964.9091 gvps.ca 604.795.7800 gvps.ca hfxmotorsports.com 855.964.9091 cyclenorth.com cyclenorth.com QUEBE QUEBEC gvps.ca cyclenorth.com Cranbrook Prince GeorgeQUEBEC Motorsports Cranbrook Prince George Motorsports Levis Levis Cranbrook Prince George Motorsports 250.562.4151 250.562.4151 Performance PeakPeak Performance Levis Ty Moteur Ty Moteurs pgmotorsports.ca 250.562.4151 pgmotorsports.ca Peak Performance Motorsports Motorsports Ty 418.833.0500 Moteurs 418.833.05 pgmotorsports.ca Motorsports 250.417.3310 250.417.3310 Revelstoke Revelstoke 418.833.0500 tymoteurslevis.ca tymoteurs peakperformancecranbrook.ca 250.417.3310 peakperformancecranbrook.ca Revelstoke tymoteurslevis.ca Full Speed Rentals Full Speed Rentals peakperformancecranbrook.ca Sainte-Jean-Chrysostome Sainte-J Fernie Fernie Full Speed Rentals 250.837.8883 Sainte-Jean-Chrysostome 250.837.8883 Peakboys Peakboys Fernie Gearhub Sports Sports 250.837.8883 fullspeedrentals.com Gearhub fullspeedrentals.com Peakboys 581.781.5514 581.781.551 Gearhub Sports 250.423.5555 fullspeedrentals.com 250.423.5555 Infinite Powersports Infinite Powersports 581.781.5514 peakboys.ca peakboys. 250.423.5555 gearhub.ca gearhub.ca Infinite Powersports250.837.2027 peakboys.ca 250.837.2027 gearhub.ca SASKATCHEWAN Ghostrider Motorsports infinitepowersports.com SASKA Ghostrider Motorsports 250.837.2027 infinitepowersports.com SASKATCHEWAN Ghostrider Motorsports 250.423.9251 infinitepowersports.com 250.423.9251 Rough Country Marine Ltd Country Lloydminister Lloydm Rough Marine Ltd 250.423.9251 ghostridermotorsports.com Lloydminister Rough Country Marine Ltd ghostridermotorsports.com 250.837.6738 Boundary Motorsports 250.837.6738 ghostridermotorsports.com Boundary 250.837.6738 rough-country.ca rough-country.ca FortFort St. John Boundary Motorsports 306.825.4481 St. John 306.825.44 rough-country.ca Fort St. John Stoked Mountain Adventures 306.825.4481 boundarymotorsports.com Fast Trax Stoked Mountain Adventures boundary Fast Trax Stoked Mountain Adventures boundarymotorsports.com Fast Trax 250.787.1930 250.683.2727 250.787.1930 Saskatoon 250.683.2727 250.787.1930 fasttrax.ca 250.683.2727 Saskat stokedmountainadventures.com Saskatoon fasttrax.ca stokedmountainadventures.com fasttrax.ca Proline Motorsports stokedmountainadventures.com FSJ Hi-Performance Motor Sports Proline M FSJ Hi-Performance Salmon Arm Proline Motorsports 306.978.7881 FSJ Hi-Performance Motor SportsMotor Sports 250.785.8125 Salmon Arm Salmon 306.978.78 250.785.8125 ShuswapArm Xtreme Rec 306.978.7881 prolinemotorsports.ca 250.785.8125 fsjhi-performance.com Shuswap Xtreme Rec prolinemo fsjhi-performance.com Shuswap Xtreme Rec 250.832.3883 prolinemotorsports.ca fsjhi-performance.com Golden 250.832.3883 Recreation Supply 250.832.3883 shuswapxtreme.com Recreatio Golden Recreation Supply Golden 306.664.3560 Avalanche Safety Solutions shuswapxtreme.comshuswapxtreme.com 306.664.35 306.664.3560 recreationsupply.ca Sicamous Avalanche Safety Solutions Avalanche Safety Solutions 250.344.8606 recreatio Sicamous recreationsupply.ca Sicamous 250.344.8606 Carl Kuster Mountain Park 250.344.8606 avalanchesafety.ca Weyburn Carl Kuster Mountain Park avalanchesafety.ca Carl Kuster Mountain Park avalanchesafety.ca 250.836.3401 Mountain Motorsports Weybu Weyburn carlkuster.com 250.836.3401 Rick’s Performance Mountain Motorsports 250.836.3401 Mountain Motorsports 250.344.6100 Rick’s Per Rick’s Performance carlkuster.com carlkuster.com 306.861.0125 250.344.6100 250.344.6100 mountainmotorsports.ca Vancouver 306.861.0125 ricksperformance@sasktel.net 306.861.01 mountainmotorsports.ca mountainmotorsports.ca Kamloops Vancouver Vancouverricksperformance@sasktel.net International Motorsports ricksperfo Kamloops Kamloops International 604.879.0521Motorsports International Motorsports Outlaw Motorsports White City 604.879.0521 internationalmotorsports.com Outlaw Motorsports 604.879.0521 White City Regina 250.828.2200 Outlaw Motorsports White C Powersports internationalmotorsports.com internationalmotorsports.com 250.828.2200 outlawmotorsports.ca 250.828.2200 Powersports Regina 306.586.2900 Powerspo Vernon outlawmotorsports.ca 306.586.2900 powersportsregina.ca outlawmotorsports.ca Robin’s Marine & 306.586.29 Vernon Vernon Innerspace Watersports, Inc. powersportsregina.ca Robin’s MarineService &Marine & Snowmobile powerspo Robin’s Innerspace Watersports, Inc. 250.549.2040 Innerspace Watersports, Inc. YUKON Snowmobile Service Service 250.851.0084 Snowmobile 250.549.2040 innerspacewatersports.com 250.549.2040 YUKON 250.851.0084 robinsms.ca YUKON Whitehorse 250.851.0084 innerspacewatersports.com Riders Edge innerspacewatersports.com robinsms.ca Whitehorse Checkered Flag Recreation robinsms.ca RTR Performance Whiteh Riders Edge 250.542.0269 Riders Edge Checkered Flag Recreation 867.633.2627 RTR Performance 250.374.3141 250.542.0269 ridersedgesuspension.com Checkere RTR Performance 250.542.0269 867.633.2627 checkeredflagrecreation.com 250.374.3141 rtrperformance.com ridersedgesuspension.com 867.633.26 250.374.3141 ridersedgesuspension.com checkeredflagrecreation.com Whistler rtrperformance.com checkered Kelowna rtrperformance.com Whistler Revolution Powersports Whistler Kelowna Innerspace Watersports Inc. Kelowna Revolution Powersports 604.905.7733 Revolution Powersports Innerspace Watersports Inc. 250.763.2040 revolutionpowersports.ca Innerspace Watersports604.905.7733 Inc. 250.763.2040 604.905.7733 innerspacewatersports.com revolutionpowersports.ca 250.763.2040 revolutionpowersports.ca innerspacewatersports.com Langley innerspacewatersports.com Langley GVP West Langley GVP West 604.888.8700 GVP West 604.888.8700 gvps.ca 604.888.8700 gvps.ca gvps.ca

Authorized CANADIAN DEALERS ALBERTA Acheson

Cycle Works West 780.960.1920 cycleworksacheson.com

Rec-Tech Power Products 780.870.5464 rectechpowerproducts.com

Okotoks

Howden Co

Barrhead

833.346.9336 howden-co.com

CC Cycle (2012) Ltd.

Peace River

780.674.5414 cccycle.ca

Maximum Powersports

Calgary

780.624.8952 maximumpowersports.com

Basecamp Motorsports

Thomas Homes & RV Center

403.441.1299 basecampmotorsports.com

Martin Motor Sports 403.301.0096 martinmotorsports.ca

Cochrane

Mountain Toys 403.932.4828 mountaintoyspolaris.com

Eckville

Rainy Creek Power Sports 403.746.5000 rainycreekpowersports.com

Edson

Riderz 780.723.5775 riderz.ca

780.624.2720 thomasbrp.com

Red Deer

Turple Bros 403.346.5238 turplebros.ca

Rocky Mountain House

Gateway Sales & Service 403.845.2421 gatewayss.net

BRITISH COLUMBIA Chilliwack

Five Star Motorsports 604.792.8804 fivestarmotorsports.com

GVP East

Edmonton

604.795.7800 gvps.ca

Argyll Motor Sports

Cranbrook

780.435.6811 argyllmotorsports.com

Peak Performance Motorsports

Cycle Works Edmonton 780.440.3200 cycleworks.com

Martin Motor Sports (South) 780.438.2484 martinmotorsports.ca

Martin Motor Sports (West) 780.481.4000 martinmotorsports.ca

Gibbons

250.417.3310 peakperformancecranbrook.ca

Fernie

Gearhub Sports 250.423.5555 gearhub.ca

Innerspace Watersports Inc. 250.763.2040 innerspacewatersports.com

Valley Moto Sport 250.863.3400 valleymotosport.com

Sainte-Hyacinthe

Selkirk

ADM Sport

MGA Distribution 204.406.8628 mgadistribution.ca

800.463.4340 admsport.com

Sainte-Jean-Chrysostome

Peakboys

Langley

NEWFOUNDLAND

GVP West

Mount Pearl

581.781.5514 peakboys.ca

604.888.8700 gvps.ca

Driven Powersports

Sainte-Luce

International Motorsports 604.288.1553 internationalmotorsports.com

West Coast Sledders 778.808.4048 westcoastsledders.com

Nelson

Main Jet Motorsports 1.877.352.3191 shopmainjet.ca

Pemberton

Backcountry Motorsports 604.894.1797 backcountrymotorsports.ca

Prince George

Cycle North

1.877.745.4232 drivenpowersports.ca

J.E. Goulet

NOVA SCOTIA

Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu

Mathias Sports

HFX Motorsports 1.833.442.4046 hfxmotorsports.com

ONTARIO Thunder Bay

Excalibur Motorcycle Works Ltd. 807.622.0007 excaliburmotorcycle.com

QUEBEC Fermont

Panoramique 52

450.467.3868 mathiassports.com

Sainte-Mathieu-de-Beloeil

Groupe Contant 450.446.6676 contant.ca

Sainte-Michel

Generation Sport 1.888.454.9711 generation-sport.ca

Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac

418.930.0782

Roger A Pelletier

Granby

418.854.2680 fautvoirpelletier.ca

Revelstoke

Durt Style

Full Speed Rentals 250.837.8883 fullspeedrentals.com

Infinite Powersports 250.837.2027 infinitepowersports.com

Stoked Mountain Adventures 250.683.2727

stokedmountainadventures.com

450.305.0323 durtstyle.com

Vaudreil

Groupe Contant

Laval

514.360.6676 contant.ca

Groupe Contant

Ville de Quebec

450.666.6676 contant.ca

Levis

Ty Moteurs

ADM Sport 800.463.4340 admsport.com

KLIMQUEBEC - Extreme Limite

Terrace

418.833.0500 tymoteurslevis.ca

Ken’s Marine

Mirabel

418.805.0222 extremelimite.ca

Groupe Contant

Pro Performance G.P.L.

Ghostrider Motorsports 250.423.9251 ghostridermotorsports.com

Vancouver

International Motorsports

450.434.6676 contant.ca

Portneuf

418.822.3838 properformance.ca

SASKATCHEWAN

FSJ Hi-Performance Motor Sports

604.879.0521 internationalmotorsports.com

780.923.3796 gibbonsmotortoys.com

250.785.8125 fsjhi-performance.com

Vernon

418.337.3838 properformance.ca

Grande Prairie

Golden

Innerspace Watersports, Inc.

Rouyn-Noranda

Red-Line Powercraft

Mountain Motorsports

250.549.2040 innerspacewatersports.com

780.532.4313 red-linepowercraft.com

250.344.6100 mountainmotorsports.ca

Whistler

819.762.9400 marinelamy.ca

Proline Motorsports

Stojans

Houston

Revolution Powersports

Sherbrook

306.978.7881 prolinemotorsports.ca

Gibbons Motor Toys

780.538.2934 stojans.com

Lloydminister

Lethal Motorsports 780.872.5800 lethalmotorsports.ca

WIN TE R1220 22 152 | //VOLUME

Northstar Performance

604.905.7733 revolutionpowersports.ca

250.845.3255

LABRADOR

Kelowna

Wabush

Banner Recreation 250.979.2889 bannerrec.com

418.739.4219

Goodwood

855.964.9091 cyclenorth.com

250.635.2909 kensmarine.ca

Fort St. John

MANITOBA

Herb’s Industrial & Recreation 709.944.3232

Pro Performance Portneuf

Marine Lamy

Rock Moto Sport 819.564.8008 rockmotosport.com

Sainte-Agathe

Groupe Contant 819.326.6626 contant.ca

Regina

Ignite Powersports 306.527.7375 ignitepowersports.ca

Saskatoon

White City

Powersports Regina 306.586.2900 powersportsregina.ca

GUY BANKS’ LAST RIDE I SAW THE EMAIL TO OUR LOCAL snowmobile club asking if any of the members would be willing to help fulfill the wish of Guy Banks, who is terminally ill from cancer, to go snowmobiling before he passes. As soon as I read it, I wanted to make his wish happen, and started to see what I could do to make the experience enjoyable for him.

As we all know, doubling over bumpy trails on a mountain sled with a tiny seat isn’t very comfortable for the passenger under the best circumstances. So I decided to call up Mt. Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island, not far from Campbell River where Guy lives, to see if they would allow us to ride on their

cross-country trails after hours. Not only did the resort make an exception for Guy, but they also offered to let us use one of their trail sleds with a 2-up seat, which is much better suited for comfortably carrying a passenger. When the day arrived and I picked Guy up, I was happy to be able to chat with him on the drive and listen to his life story.

Guy is 68 years old, retired and living independently in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. He moved to British Columbia some 20 years ago from Ontario with a lady friend. Even though things didn’t work out

TERMINALLY ILL MAN REQUESTS SNOWMOBILE RIDE

WORDS AND IMAGES BY ALLAN SAWCHUCK

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

with his friend, Guy loved the area so much that he decided to stay. Guy had snowmobiled once back in the early ‘70s in Ontario, but never in BC and he had always wanted to do it again.

I could tell that Guy was enjoying the experience because every time we stopped for a break he would say how beautiful the views are, and that he didn’t know places like this existed so close to home.

It was a beautiful spring day and the weather was perfect. We were a little early before the resort officially closed down for the day, so we grabbed a bite to eat at the cross-country lodge. The lodge overlooks Paradise Meadows, a gateway to Strathcona Park. You can’t have a much more scenic setting for a cross-country ski area.

We rode for about 20 kilometers, with many breaks to take in the scenery. Guy was tired by the end, as he still had to lean into the corners, but he was up for it. The whole ride lasted about three hours.

Once we started riding, I would check on Guy often, asking him how his comfort level was. “Are you okay back there?” I would ask. And his response was always, “I am, it’s just like doubling on a motorcycle.” So then I knew I could go faster. The trails were groomed to perfection for cross-country skiing, with not a single rut to be found. They were the best trails I have ridden in 20 years!

// WIN T E R 20 22

I learned that Guy is an adventurous person. He told me that he would like to try skiing, and he has tandem skydiving on his list, which can be done at the Campbell River Airport. In our time together, Guy did reflect a bit on his life and doesn’t have any regrets. Things don’t always go the way you want them to, but he made the best of it and continues to do so. Riding with Guy is something that will stick with me forever and I hope that maybe one day someone will return the favour to me when I can’t get out and ride like I used to.

BEST CHOICE FOR THE WORST CASE

MAMMUT AVALANCHE SAFETY PRODUCTS.

MAMMUT.COM

Shop Online

RENTALS | GUiding | Riding Clinics

ShopMountainMotorsports.ca

in Golden BC

@TGFG_

250.344.6100

Golden BC

@TGFG_

GoldenSnowmobileRentals.com

1.888.SLEDNOW (250.344.0969)

CANADIAN DEALER LISTINGS ALBERTA ACHESON Cycle Works West/Acheson cycleworksacheson.com 780.960.1920

BARRHEAD CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. cccycle.ca 780.674.5414

BLAIREMORE Ritchie Parts & Mechanical rpmblairmore.com 403.562.2799

BROOKS A & E Motorsports aeracing.com 403.362.6401

Martin Motor Sports (South) martinmotorsports.ca 780.438.2484

Martin Motor Sports (West) martinmotorsports.ca 780.481.4000

EDSON Freedom Powersports Edson Ltd. freedompowersports.ca 780.723.4533

Northside Motorsports

northsidemotorsports.ca 780.723.6558

Riderz

riderz.ca 780.723.5775

FORT SASKATCHEWAN E & S Motorsports

CALGARY

esmotorsports.ca 780.997.3818

Basecamp Motosports

GIBBONS

basecampmotorsports.com 403.441.1299

Cycle Works Calgary cycleworks.com 403.230.1920

Martin Motor Sports martinmotorsports.ca 403.301.0096

Ralph’s Motorsports

ralphsmotorsports.com 1.877.972.5747

CAMROSE Camrose Motorsports wethonda.ca 780.672.4095

House of Thunder houseofthunder.ca 780.608.2000

COCHRANE Bow Ridge Sports bowridgesports.com 403.932.2019

Mountain Toys

mountaintoyspolaris.com 403.932.4828

ECKVILLE Rainy Creek Powersports rainycreekpowersports.com 403.746.5000

EDMONTON Argyll Motor Sports

argyllmotorsports.com 780.435.6811

Cycle Works Edmonton

cycleworksedmonton.com 780.440.3200

Gibbons Motor Toys gibbonsmotortoys.com 780.923.3796

GRANDE PRAIRIE Grande Prairie Honda & Powersports

grandeprairiepowersports.com 1.888.532.8010

PEACE RIVER Maximum Powersports

maximumpowersports.com 780.624.8952

Mighty Peace Power Sports mightypeacepowersports.ca 780.617.8080

Thomas Homes & RV Center thomasbrp.com 780.624.2720

RED DEER Cycle Works Red Deer cycleworks.com 403.357.1578

Synik Clothing

LETHBRIDGE Lethbridge Honda Centre lethbridgehonda.com 403.327.2777

LLOYDMINISTER Lethal Motorsports & Marine lethalmotorsports.ca 780.872.5800

Rec-Tech Power Products

rectechpowerproducts.com 780.870.5464

OKOTOKS Howden Co.

howden-co.com 833.346.9336

Innerspace Watersports, Inc.

Seymour Services seymourservices.ca 250.287.3505

M&M Performance

CASTLEGAR/NELSON Playmor Power Products

GVP East

CRANBROOK

SEDGEWICK Cross-Country Sales & Service crosscountrysales.com 780.384.2215

SLAVE LAKE

SPRUCE GROVE

grasslandtrailersales.com 780.525.5820

CAMPBELL RIVER

Gateway Sales and Service

Stojans

GTS Powersports & RV

Banner Recreation

gvps.ca 604.795.7800

grizzlyridgehonda.com 780.849.3514

GRASSLAND

Lino’s Sales linossales.ca 250.692.7045

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE gatewayss.net 403.845.2421

Specialty Motorsports

specialtymotorsports.ca 780.960.0571

ST. ALBERT Riverside Motosports rideriverside.com 780.458.7272

STETTLER COUNTY Heartland Marine

heartlandmarine.ca 403.742.4447

SUNDRE Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled

mountainsedgecycleandsled.com 403.638.3885

SWAN HILLS Wilderness Playground Tours swanhillssledfixer.com 780.333.2800

WESTLOCK Westlock Powersports & Marine westlockpowersports.ca 780.349.5277

RTR Performance rtrperformance.com 250.374.3141 KELOWNA

CHILLIWACK

turplebros.ca 403.346.5238

Robin’s Marine & Snowmobile Service robinsms.ca 250.851.0084

BURNS LAKE

Turple Bros.

red-linepowercraft.com 780.532.4313

windsormotorsports.ca 1.877.539.1666

BRITISH COLUMBIA

synikclothing.com 403.346.8805

Grizzly Ridge Honda & Skidoo

Windsor Motorsports

Wetaskiwin Motorsports wethonda.ca 780.352.5408

playmorpower.com 1.866.969.7111

Red-Line Powercraft

stojans.com 780.538.2934

WETASKIWIN

Peak Performance Motorsports peakperformancecranbrook.ca 250.417.3310

bannerrec.com 250.979.2889

innerspacewatersports.com 250.763.2040 mmperformance.com 250.491.4800

LANGLEY

GVP West

gvps.ca 604.888.8700

International Motorsports

internationalmotorsports.com 604.288.1553

West Coast Sledders westcoastsledders.ca 778.808.4048

NELSON

Main Jet Motorsports

CRESTON / NELSON

shopmainjet.ca 1.877.352.3191

Main Jet

PEMBERTON

shopmainjet.ca 250.352.3191

Backcountry Motorsports

FERNIE

backcountrymotorsports.ca 604.894.1797

Gearhub Sports

PRINCE GEORGE

gearhub.ca 250.423.5555

Ghostrider Motorsports

ghostridermotorsports.com 250.423.9251

Cycle North

cyclenorth.com 855.964.9091

Forest Power Sports

FORT ST. JOHN

forestpowersports.com 250.563.1021

Fast Trax

REVELSTOKE

fasttrax.ca 250.787.1930

Full Speed Rentals

FSJ Hi-Performance Motor Sports fsjhi-performance.com 250.785.8125

Infinite Powersports

GOLDEN Mountain Motorsports mountainmotorsports.ca 250.344.6100 HOUSTON Northstar Performance 250.845.3255

KAMLOOPS

Outlaw Motorsports outlawmotorsports.ca 250.828.2200

fullspeedrentals.com 250.837.8883 infinitepowersports.com 250.837.2027

Rough Country Marine Ltd. rough-country.ca 250.837.6738

Stoked Mountain Adventures

stokedmountainadventures.com 250.683.2727

SALMON ARM Shuswap Xtreme Rec shuswapxtreme.com 250.832.3883

SICAMOUS Carl Kuster Mountain Park carlkuster.com 250.836.3401

DIEPPE G Bourque

gbourque.com 506.383.4585

TERRACE

MIRIMICHI

Ken’s Marine

Patterson Sales

kensmarine.ca 250.635.2909

ljpattersonsales.com 506.383.4202

VALEMOUNT

WOODSTOCK

Alpine Country Rentals

J & T Powersports

alpinecountryrentals.com 250.566.9774

506.328.0116

NEWFOUNDLAND

VANCOUVER

GANDER

International Motorsports

Adventure Sales & Service

internationalmotorsports.com 604.879.0521

adventuresalesnfld.com 709.651.3335

VANDERHOOF

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR

Rich’s Saw Sales

Thruway Recreation

richssawsales.com 250.567.2362

thruwayrecreation.ca 1.877.978.7787

VERNON

LITTLE RAPIDS

Innerspace Watersports Inc.

Rapid Power Sports

innerspacewatersports.com 250.549.2040

rapidpowersports.com 709.639.1695

Riders Edge Suspension

MOUNT PEARL

ridersedgesuspension.com 250.542.0269

Atlantic Recreation

WHISTLER

atlanticrecreation.com 709.739.6662

Revolution Powersports

Driven Powersports

revolutionpowersports.ca 604.905.7733

WILLIAMS LAKE Spectra Powersports

spectrapowersports.com 250.392.3201

LABRADOR WABUSH Herb’s Industrial & Recreation 709.944.3232

MANITOBA SELKIRK MGA Distribution

mgadistribution.ca 204.406.8628

Westside Honda/Polaris westsidehonda.ca 1.888.482.7782

NEW BRUNSWICK

drivenpowersports.ca 1.877.745.4232

NOVA SCOTIA GOODWOOD HFX Motorsports

hfxmotorsports.com 1.833.442.4046

ONTARIO GUELPH Royal Distributing

royaldistributing.com 1.800.265.2970

KAPUSKASING Gaston’s Sport & Marine gastons.ca 705.335.8080

MACTIER The Cove

CARAQUET

thecove.ca 705.375.2099

Lanteigne Sport

SAULT STE. MARIE

lanteignesports.com 1.877.524.5717

Bud Robinson Motorsports budrobinsonmotorsports.ca 705.256.5326

Rivercity Motorsports rivercitysault.com 705.253.2750

THUNDER BAY Excalibur Motorcycle Works Ltd. excaliburmotorcycle.com 1.807.622.0007

SAINTE-BARBE Performance DJL Inc. performancedjl.com 450.374.5502

SASKATCHEWAN LLOYDMINSTER Boundary Motorsports

TIMMINS

SAINTE-JEAN-CHRYSOSTOME

boundarymotorsports.com 306.825.4481

J&B Cycle and Marine

Peakboys

PRINCE ALBERT

jbcycle.com 1.800.461.3474

QUEBEC FERMONT

peakboys.ca 581.781.5514

SAINTE-LUCE J.E. Goulet

Prairie Recreation Parts & Access Ltd. prairierecreation.com 306.763.8001

418.739.4219

REGINA

418.930.0782

SAINT-HYACINTHE

Agri-Sports

GRANBY

ADM Sport

Panoramique 52

Durt Style

durtstyle.com 450.305.0323

JOLIETTE Lapointe Sports

lapointesports.com 1.800.754.8899

Moto Ducharme

motoducharme.com 450.755.4444

L’ANCIENNE-LORETTE Adrenaline Sports

adrenalinesports.ca 418.687.0383

LAVAL Groupe Contant contant.ca 450.666.6676

LEVIS Ty Moteurs

tymoteurslevis.ca 418.833.0500

LOURDES DE JOLIETTE Grégoire Sport / DirtnRoad.com gregoiresport.com 450.752.2201

MIRABEL Groupe Contant contant.ca 450.434.6676

PORTNEUF Pro Performance Portneuf properformance.ca 418.337.3838

ROUYN-NORANDA Marine Lamy

marinelamy.ca 819.762.9400

SAINTE-AGATHE Groupe Contant contant.ca 819.326.6626

admsport.com 800.463.4340

SAINT-MATHIAS-SUR-RICHELIEU Mathias Sports

mathiassports.com 450.467.3868

SAINT-MATHIEU-DE-BELOEIL Groupe Contant contant.ca 450.446.6676

SAINT-MICHEL Generation Sport

generation-sport.ca 1.888.454.9711

SHAWINIGAN Garage Godcher

garagegodcher.ca 819.538.5166

SHERBROOKE Rock Moto Sport

rockmotosport.com 819.564.8008

agrisports.ca 306.525.8366

Ignite Powersports

ignitepowersports.ca 306.527.7375

SASKATOON Proline Motorsports & Marine prolinemotorsports.ca 306.978.7881

Recreation Supply recreationsupply.ca 306.664.3560

WEYBURN Rick’s Performance

ricksperformance@sasktel.net 306.861.0125

WHITE CITY Powersports Regina

powersportsregina.ca 306.586.2900

YORKTON Schrader Motors

schradermotors.com 306.783.3333

YUKON

TÉMISCOUATA-SUR-LE-LAC

WHITEHORSE

Roger A Pelletier

Checkered Flag Recreation

fautvoirpelletier.ca 418.854.2680

VAUDREUIL Groupe Contant contant.ca 514.360.6676

VILLE DE QUÉBEC ADM Sport

admsport.com 800.463.4340

KLIMQUEBEC - Extreme Limite extremelimite.ca 418.805.0222

Pro Performance G.P.L. properformance.ca 418.822.3838

checkeredflagrecreation.com 867.633.2627

[ ta il gate ]

EXPOSURE Last winter, Mountain Sledder issued a challenge to the athletes of a 509 “Fueling Your Passion” webisode—whoever scores the best shot of the trip will be featured in the photo gallery of our next print issue. It was a tough decision, but here it is!

REAGAN SIEG is the winner, with this beauty shot by producer MIKE REEVE .

Scan the QR code to watch the episode “509 - SNOWMOBILE VS SNOWBIKE”

PHOTO: MIK E R EE VE @velo c i t y v i d s RIDER: RE AG AN SI E G @r si e g3 1 7

// WIN TE R 20 22

[ INTE RV IE W ]

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ ta il gate ]

PH OTO : R O B AL F O RD @ a l f o rdro b RID ER : AL L AN S AWCHU CK @ sl e d hea d7 7 7 PHOTO: BEN BI R K @b enb i rk RIDER: DAN G AR DI NER @thre ehour tour s

// WIN T E R 20 22

[ INTE RV IE W ]

PHOTO: CLYDE HE WI T T @h e w i tt_ c lyd e RIDER: CHR I S SCHOPPENHOR S T @ch ris s c hop p enhor s t

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ ta il gate ]

PHOTO : JUS T IN BEF U @ b e f u _f o to RIDER : C O RBE T T Q U INN @ c e q i nak

// WIN T E R 20 22

[ INTE RV IE W ]

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

[ ta il gate ]

PH OTO : AL L AN S AWCH U CK @sle dh ea d7 7 7 R I D ER : C O DY M CN O LT Y @mcn o l t y 3 18

// WIN TE R 20 22

POLARIS.COM

THE WORLD’S BEST MOUNTAIN SLED

MOUNTAIN RIDERS KNOW, THE VIEW FROM THE TOP IS ALWAYS THE BEST. Ask any rider why they rode to the top of the mountain and you’ll get all sorts of answers... “it’s the best view” or “because we could”. That’s the same logic used by our RMK development team. It’s why for the past twenty+ years we’ve pushed mountain capability with the proven Rocky Mountain King formula of effortless control and unmatched deep snow performance. Because we could. We’re relentless because our riders are relentless. Logging miles on the mountain, hours in the gym and hunting for snow. Why? Because there are few things better than

pulling the rope on a day with hood deep snow or climbing that ridge to end another day with a new batch of stories and a buddy to share them with.

See the new 2022 Matryx RMKs at your local Dealer or on the top of your favorite ridge line.

©2021 Polaris Industries Inc. Photographed using highly skilled professional operators under controlled conditions. Polaris recommends that all riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.

[ ta il gate ]

PHOTO: BI L LY S T E V ENS RID ER: R YAN PEI T Z SC H E

PHOTO : BIL LY S T E V ENS @ sk id 1 RIDER: JAM E S PANOZ ZO @ pa noz zo g ra m

PHOTO : Z A C C AD OT @ z a c _ o h RID ER: C O DY M AT E CH U K @ ma te c huk 111

// WIN TE R 20 22

TONY JENKINS

FOX’s line of Lightweight snowmobile suspension is available for all popular mountain sleds. Coil shocks are 21% lighter and air shocks are 15% lighter than the previous generation. Less weight means less rider fatigue and more riding! Enjoy exclusive FOX features such as Internal Bypass and QS3, Quick Switch adjustable settings to dial in ride performance in any terrain.

PH OTO : AN D R E W T U R N ER @ _ a turner RI D ER : LO G AN PEH OTA @ l o ga np eho t a

// WIN T E R 20 22

2021-2022 MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVALIABLE!! Su pport y our spo rt b y purch as in g a me mb e rsh i p on lin e or f rom y ou r c l ub

Amber Granter Personal Real Estate Corporation

mountaintownliving.com 250.939.8605

JOIN NOW

WWW. AL BERTASNOWMOBI LE . C A

POLARIS.COM

The RMK Matryx builds off the proven Rocky Mountain King Heritage... the sled that deﬁnes the backcountry. Just like its predecessors, this RMK features light and strong construction with the industry-ﬁrst cast bulkhead and aerospace-grade bonded technology. Every aspect of the RMK has been built to deliver the ultimate in mountain performance. See for yourself at your local Dealer.

INTRODUCING THE RMK

P L ATF ORM

EFFORTLESS CONTROL UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ©2021 Polaris Industries Inc. Photographed using highly skilled professional operators under controlled conditions. Polaris recommends that all riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.

POL_MY22-RMK-Mountain-Sledder-Ads-Finals.indd 2

8/18/21 5:08 PM

[ ta il gate ]

W H I C H W I L L P R OVE TO BE S U P E R I O R ?

SKINZ VS. SKIN One is an aftermarket snowmobile accessories manufacturer; the other is the single largest organ of the human body.

Time to find out, in this head-to-head comparison of Skinz Protective Gear versus human skin!

Skinz Protective Gear

Human Skin

Winner

Protects your precious snowmobile from damage

Prevents your precious internal organs from getting all dried out and icky

Skin

Origin

Made in the U.S.A.

Made in the bedroom

Skin

Appearance

Always beautifully powder-coated

Sometimes smooth and creamy; sometimes warts

Skinz

Colours

Comes in a variety of bright colours

Comes in a beautiful variety of colours

Skin

S t r e n gt h

Builds strong running boards

Shreds instantly on contact with running boards

Skinz

Wide variety of tunnel, handlebar and hood storage options

Pretty much just your cheeks and… well, never mind

Skinz

Wat e r proofness

Bags are “mostly” waterproof

Do your bones get wet when you shower? Don’t think so

Skin

Durability

Holds up well to abuse

Tends to get pretty leathery and loose eventually

Skinz

You might wait months or longer for your Skinz order to arrive

Just try to buy someone else’s skin and see where that gets you

Skinz

Not cheap, but what in snowmobiling is?

Skin grows back for free, just uglier than before

Purpose

Storage Options

At ta i n a b i l i t y

Cost

Tie

VER D ICT In a surprise come-from-behind victory, Skinz Protective Gear beats out actual human skin by the slimmest of margins with a score of 5-4-1! Who would have guessed that protective accessories for your snowmobile would prove to be superior to living human tissue?

// WIN TE R 20 22

Stay tuned for next time, when we pit waterproof boots against tropical fruits!

[ S END I T ]

R O U N D AN D R O U N D I T G OE S ; WH ER E I T S TO P S N O B O DY K N OW S .

PHOTO: TODD WIL L IAMS @to d d w i lliamsusa RIDER: MAT T ENT Z @mattent z snow

// WIN T E R 20 22

Ride it. Live it.

photo: Allan Sawchuck

#LETSRIDEBC Vancouver Island | Vancouver Coast Northern BC | Kootenays | Thompson Okanagan Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

LETSRIDEBC.COM

@ride509

@509inc

FOR RIDERS DEMANDING THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION www.ride509.com

Mountain Sledder Magazine Issue 19

Articles inside

RIDING TIP

RIDE GUIDE

IGNITION

HOW TO READ ATES