Freerider Snowmobile Magazine #09

FREERIDER THE WORLD OF BACKCOUNTRY SLEDDING

124

INSPIRING PAGES ABOUT

BACKCOUNTRY SLEDDING

#09 | 2015 | freeriderMAGAZINE.NET

RIDER VIDEOS SURVIVAL GEAR AVALANCHE SAFETY BACKCOUNTRY UNITED ADAM ONASCH DAN ROGERS

ALPINE LAISDALEN PHOTO LAKE TAHOE GALLERIES ROCKING LADIES SLED MECKA IN THE ROCKIES

POWDER DREAM IN SWEDEN

A SLEDDERS GAMBLE

PHOTO GALLERY WITH GREAT RIPPERS

CONTENTS

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DAN ROGERS

A PROGRESSIVE AND VERSATILE SLEDDER

CONTENTS FREERIDER #09

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AVALANCHE KNOWLEDGE

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LAKE TAHOE

A SLEDDERS GAMBLE

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12. THE ESSENTIAL THREE 14. EXPLORE - PHOTO GALLERY 30. BACKCOUNTRY UNITED - BREAKING TRAIL INTO THE FUTURE 38. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR BACKPACK 42. THE 5 BIG RULES OF RIDING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN 44. RIDING PROGRESSION IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN 46. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - AVALANCHE AWARENESS 48. DAN ROGERS - A PROGRESSIVE AND VERSATILE SLEDDER 58. LAKE TAHOE - A SLEDDERS GAMBLE 70. ADAM ONASCH - THE TRANSITION FROM MECHANIC TO MOVIES 76. LAISDALEN - A SWEDISH DEEP SNOW MECCA 86. ROCKING LADIES - PHOTO GALLERY 98. ALPINE WYOMING - A SLED MECCA IN THE AMERICAN ROCKIES 108. DISCOVER - PHOTO GALLERY

BOONDOCKER DS Vägra kompromissa: varje detalj i nya Boondocker DS har designats för djup snö och tuff terräng, för att uppfylla även de mest krävande förarnas önskemål. Vår längsta skoter, Boondocker DS 4100 800R E-TEC, imponerar med ett fantastiskt driv i snön.

En renodlad lössnöskoter som nu är längre, lättare, mer effektiv - och roligare!

/lynxsnowmobiles

2016 B BOONDOCKER OONDOCKER DS 4100 800R E-TEC

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE © 2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). Med ensamrätt. ™, ® och BRP-logotypen är varumärken som tillhör BRP eller dess dotterbolag.

CONTENTS

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ADAM ONASCH

THE TRANSITION FROM MECHANIC TO MOVIES

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BACKCOUNTRY UNITED

BREAKING TRAIL INTO THE FUTURE

ALPINE WYOMING

A SLED MECCA IN THE ROCKIES

38 SURVIVAL GEAR

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LAISDALEN

A SWEDISH DEEP SNOW DREAM

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NYHET: LADDA NER POLARIS SNOW APP

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PolarisSverige.com • facebook.com/PolarisSweden

info@freeridermagazine.net Tel +46 706467368 www.freeridermagazine.net www.freeridertv.com www.facebook.com/freeridermagazine www.instagram.com/freeridermagazine

PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hans Wardell hans@freeridermagazine.net CONTRIBUTORS Johan Hisved Justin Befu Scott Mellor Steven Marlenee Silja Simson Julie-Ann Chapman Jon Miller Mike Duffy Anders “Ankan” Olsson Tim Grey Ryan Benedict Jeff VanHee Tim Hoff Leila Major Angelo Tonozzi Rafal Bogowolski Kim Long James Cole COVER Rider Hans Wardell Location Lappland Sweden Shot by Hans using a remote trigger PREVIOUS ISSUES www.freeriderstore.com ADVERTISING info@rockside.net +46 706467368 -----------------------------------------------------ROCKSIDE MEDIA Värmon 424, 83595 Nälden, Sweden info@rockside.net www.rockside.net -----------------------------------------------------ABOUT FREERIDER Freerider Snowmobile Magazine is an independent magazine that is produced by Rockside Media and registrated at the Swedish Patent and Registration Office.

We have done our best to ensure that all the information is correct and accurate. Opinions, views and content of the magazine are not necessary those of the Publisher, Rockside Media or its employees.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

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Photo © Hans Wardell (shot with a remote trigger on the handlebar)

HANS WARDELL

PUBLISHER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Born and raised in the backcountry of Northern Sweden has formed Hans Wardell and his way of life. Exploring the world and its amazing wilderness has always been his greatest passion. Hans started with photography in early age and has been into sledding and several other action sports since the ‘80s. He is the owner of Rockside Media and has been creating and producing lifestyle magazines and other types of media productions for 15 years.

JOHAN HISVED

WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Our envoy in the northern parts of Sweden is a passionate sledder named Johan Hisved. He’s been around contributing to Freerider since the very beginning, and is an experienced photographer and writer who likes to find new (and old) locations, and meet new people to tell a story about.

After having travelled almost the entire northern

part of the country, he still can’t pinpoint any particular favourite place as there are so many, and each and one of them has its own special charm. However, if he had to pick one it would most likely be the Arjeplog region, which has a special meaning to him. With that said we look forward to more inspiring articles and sweet pics from Johan.

Photo © Jeff VanHee

JUSTIN BEFU

PHOTOGRAPHER AND WRITER

Hailing from Palo Alto, CA, Justin Befu now lives in the small town of Meyers near Lake Tahoe in USA, where he runs a screen printing business with extensive clientele in the snowsports industry.

He’s been guiding film and photo crews since 1996, and has spent countless days on both sides of the lens as a snowboarder, skier, snowmobiler

and photographer. After five seasons of guiding via snowmobile in Alaska, he recently joined Alaska Snowboard Guides as Head Snowmobile Guide and helicopter guide. His imagery has been published in editorial titles worldwide, and he has been contributing to Freerider Magazine since our beginning.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Photo © Tim Hoff

SCOTT MELLOR

PHOTOGRAPHER AND WRITER

Photo © Rob Hoff 8

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Scott Mellor is a life long resident of the Yellowstone ecosystem. He grew up teething on old fashioned winters, when the powder piled up to the roof lines and roads closed for days during a blizzard. Playing in all of that snow as a boy created skill sets as a woodsman, backcountry adventurer, and mountain athlete that Scott uses as a photographer today. Scott has resided in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the last 20 years and can be found in the mountains with his camera in tow on most any day of the year. He shoots landscapes, wildlife, and mountain sports photography. You can view his portfolio at www.scottmellor.com

med en skoter som är så här kraftfull, funktionell och följsam så finns det inga begränsningar.

2016 Summit X

med

t3 - paket

brp.com ski-doo.se © 2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). Med ensamrätt. ™, ® och BRP-logotypen är varumärken som tillhör BRP eller dess dotterbolag.

CONTRIBUTORS

Photo © Ryan Benedict

STEVEN MARLENEE

PHOTOGRAPHER AND WRITER

Photo Katie Marlenee

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Steven Marlenee is a true snowmobile enthusiast. Living in Windsor, Colorado, he maintains a ‘real’ job of as an executive for a construction company based in Gillette, WY but also makes time for his passion, snowmobiling. Steven started snowmobiling in the mid-nineties in Northeast Montana, where he used snowmobiles more for utility than for pleasure. Steven started riding the mountains in 2005 while attaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana.

Steven is happily married to his wife of five years, fathering two sons. Steven sits on the board of the Colorado Snowmobile Association, chairing several committees. He also owns and operates Marlenee Photography, where his sole mission is to promote and advocate on behalf of the sport through pictures, video, and his writing.

Steven has been very successful in his endeavors, being published in most of the snowmobile magazines and by having his content utilized with several manufacturers and sled-videos, including Thunderstruck and Boondockers. Mr. Marlenee started taking pictures only two years ago, while on a ride with Matt Entz of Mountain Skillz in Wolf Creek, Colorado, one of his favorite areas to ride. Other all-time destinations, for Steven, include Cooke City, MT and Revelstoke, British Columbia.

EXPERIENCE

ARJEPLOG Adventures beyond the ordinary www.experiencearjeplog.se

info@experiencearjeplog.se

+46 (0)961 10102

AVALANCHE SAFETY

THE ESSENTIAL THREE TEXT AND PHOTO HANS WARDELL

If you are planning on riding in avalanche terrain, make sure you and all your riding buddies have the proper avalanche gear, the essential three. An avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel are a must out there.

We also recommend taking avalanche courses so you have the awareness and can plan your riding according to the avy danger. Spend some time together with your friends and practice searching every now and then, so all of you are prepared for the worst scenario.

Never leave the parking lot without a probe and a shovel in your backpack, and a transceiver attached to your body under your outerwear. Make sure it is turned on and that the battery indicator shows close to 100%. Check that you get a signal from all your friends, and ask them to check you.

If someone has forgotten any of their avalanche gear, don’t let him or her go out with you. It’s a risk for your life and their life, and just not worth it.

In between your backcountry adventures it is good to check your safety gear to make sure everything is functioning properly, so you are ready for your next adventure.

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AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER There are many different avalanche transceivers to choose from on the market. Ask experienced users for advice or read tests and reviews to compare different models. Choose one with three antennas for best performance. It’s important that you find one that is easy to use, to be fast and efficient during search.

AVALANCHE PROBE Avalanche probes complete the “essential three” for a successful avalanche rescue. Use one of good quality, and practice every now and then how to put it together and use it.

AVALANCHE SHOVEL Avalanche shovels finish the job that avalanche transceivers and probes start. It is really important that you have a shovel that is made and tested for avalanche rescue. Because when avalanches occur and the snow has settled, it can be almost as hard as concrete. A good shovel can be the difference between life and death.

RIDER CHRIS BROWN

When going indoors is not an option

PHOTO GALLERY

EXPLORE PHOTO GALLERY

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CHRIS BROWN

BRALORNE BC CANADA

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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PHOTO GALLERY

ANDRE EDLUND

LAPPLAND SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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PHOTO GALLERY

JENS ANDERSSON

RIKSGRÄNSEN SWEDEN PHOTO © ANKAN

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PHOTO GALLERY

ANDERS SEMBERG

RIKSGRÄNSEN SWEDEN PHOTO © ANKAN

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PHOTO GALLERY

ANDERS WESTLIN SAXNÄS SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

!

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Click on this photo to see a few video clips of Anders from this spot.

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PHOTO GALLERY

EMIL AHRLING

CULT LAKE VALLEY

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

on this photo to see some video clips of Emil Ahrling from this spot. ! Click

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JENS ANDERSSON

RIKSGRÄNSEN SWEDEN PHOTO © ANKAN

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PHOTO GALLERY

CHRIS BROWN

WHISTLER BC CANADA

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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KALLE “KJ” JOHANSSON BRALORNE BC CANADA

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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PHOTO GALLERY

EMIL OLOFSSON

LAPPLAND SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

JERRY JONSSON

LAPPLAND SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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HANS WARDELL

HÄRJEDALEN SWEDEN

PHOTO © SILJA SIMSON

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BACKCOUNTRY UNITED

BACKCOUNTRY

UNITED

BREAKING TRAIL INTO THE FUTURE TEXT JON MILLER | PHOTO JUSTIN BEFU

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The Blue Room on the toe of the Tsaina Glacier, Alaska.

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BACKCOUNTRY UNITED

MY GUESS IS THAT IT’S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT, BECAUSE FOR ME AND EVERYONE I RIDE WITH, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE.

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How important is snowmobiling to you? Is it just something you do, to pass the time? My guess is that it’s much more important than that, because for me and everyone I ride with, it is a way of life. For me, it weaves into my lifestyle, my career, my business, my family, and my closest friends. I would even go as far as saying that snowmobiling takes me to “church”.

Metaphorically–speaking, if the snowmobile industry was our mother, how would we treat her? Would we act as though it’s only about us, and operate only for our own benefit? Or would we think about it differently?

If we took that idea a little further, and say “moms health is on the decline but there are some ways to help her get better”, would that change the way we think and behave in relation with keeping the industry we love healthy? Would we stop thinking about ourselves and perhaps start working together to help get “mom” healthy for many years to come?

And why would we want that? We would want “mom” to be around to meet our kids and their kids. To continue to be a support system for us. And to continue to be there for us, to watch us thrive and do great things.

Brandon Reid making some soul carves.

Photo © Justin Befu.

This is sort of how I see the snowmobile industry right now. OUR industry has been on a slow decline for many years, with a perfect storm setting up on the horizon. This storm is coming and it is silently, steadily, going to wipe out our industry, and in turn our access to our backcountry playgrounds, and ultimately, our way of life. It’s going to happen on a few different fronts.

The first way our industry will go down, will be from sticking to our own and coveting our ideas and experiences. Competition is healthy for a lot of reasons because it pushes the sport to new heights. But where it kills our industry, is when we stick to our own kind and only look at our sport, lifestyle and industry for our own $elfish reasons. And we are selfish in so many ways.

We are all, each, so stuck on what “we want to do” in the backcountry, or with “our” business ideas, or fighting against conflicts standing in “our” way. The question here is, are we working together with other backcountry user groups to help “mom” get healthy? Or are we only out to fight for our own experiences (as riders), and market share (as business leaders)? We need to get outside of ourselves, and look at the bigger picture.

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BACKCOUNTRY UNITED The second way in which we will ultimately lose snowmobiling, will be because it’s very expensive and we are not creating new enthusiasts at a rate that is sustainable or growing, to allow our industry to thrive and survive. And why is that so important? It’s important because the cost of entry into this sport is getting higher and harder to stay in. And that plays a significant role because we are losing access to public lands at a rapid rate (due to snowmobilers being the misunderstood, and often notorious, public minority.)

Without the numbers, we ultimately lose our voice and we lose our ability to put “consumer pressure” on legislation, or to be able to raise awareness and change perceptions of snowmobiling in the greater population. Without the numbers, snowmobiling becomes a very difficult business–and industry–to stay in, and maintain. And it’s important because if we want our kids and their kids to experience and understand how special “mom” (snowmobiling) is, we are going to have to rethink how we can keep “her” (snowmobiling) going.

This is why Backcountry United was started, to continue to do what I love and to help save the snowmobiler’s way of living life to the fullest.

The purpose of Backcountry United is for our industry. Creating opportunities for snowmobiling, by building bridges, collaborating in the face of competition, and working to create a culture of mutually-supportive relationships, to sustain the long term health and sustainability of OUR industry.

Our purpose is to work to bring industries and cultures together to create these opportunities.

“EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US SHOULD BE OUT THERE INTRODUCING NEW PEOPLE TO THE SNOWMOBILE EXPERIENCE AND OUR COMMUNITY.“ If you are a snowmobiler or an industry professional and you truly care about snowmobiling, you should realize the opportunity to be both a leader and an ambassador to your sport, your industry, and your culture. Each and every one of us should be out there introducing new people to the snowmobile experience and our community. We should be sharing our passion, skills, knowledge and ideas with everyone who can benefit from them.

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IF YOU ARE A SNOWMOBILER OR AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL AND YOU TRULY CARE ABOUT SNOWMOBILING, YOU SHOULD REALIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE BOTH A LEADER AND AN AMBASSADOR TO YOUR SPORT, YOUR INDUSTRY, AND YOUR CULTURE.

Moonscape on the Worthington Glacier, Alaska.

Photo © Justin Befu.

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BACKCOUNTRY UNITED

We must also think about where we put our tracks and trenches. Instead of “using trees for traction” let’s make a conscious effort to start riding with greater respect, and consider how our tracks will leave an impression. If we see people in the backcountry on foot, let’s stop and make sure they are ok, offer to be of service if possible, and in the least, wish them a great day.

We see the backcountry ski and snowboard freeride cultures as one of the last big opportunities for the snowmobile industry. Clearly there is a surge in recreational users who are taking to the backcountry to access natural terrain and untracked powder. Also, it is clear that some prefer “human powered” means, while others are open to snowmobiles.

“SNOWMOBILING IS A PRIVILEGE THAT WE NEED TO START EARNING FOR OUR FUTURE.“ Most importantly, we need to take the higher ground in the battle over public lands, and create friendships and partnerships wherever we can. Frustration and name-calling is not getting us anywhere, in fact it’s working against us. We have to start listening more than we talk. We have to prove our value to the backcountry community. And we have to do it with patience and gratitude, and be happy to find the middle ground. We can win with kindness.

We also have to realize that when we are on our sleds, we have helmets on, and our snowmobiles are doing all of the “talking”. To an outsider, we appear less–human. Think about every person you come across in the backcountry, or even every person who you talk to about snowmobiling. We must leave positive impressions everywhere we go.

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So there is the opportunity and the challenge all at once. And here’s the trick. To unlock the opportunity, we (snowmobile culture and industry) need to band together to become stewards of public lands; to promote mutual respect for all recreational activities and users; to share our deep knowledge of backcountry safety and travel and avalanche knowledge and skills; and to work together as industries to continue to innovate for this evolution of mixed recreational cultures. In short, if we remain separated, we will all lose. If we come together in the middle and collaborate on solutions, everyone can win.

We believe that a backcountry that is united is the only path into the future. Bringing cultures and industries together to share in the passion. To work together as a united front in backcountry mixeduse recreation will create longevity for our sport and lifestyle. Having genuine friendships across cultural divides can mend a lot of differences. And most importantly it stands to create growth for snowmobiling and a sustainable future for the only places on Earth, which we have left to ride.

Snowmobiling is a privilege that we need to start earning for our future. We can not afford to continue down the path that we are currently on. And if our “mother” is that important in our lives, then we need to start working together as a family, and looking ahead in sustaining our industry and lifestyle. Now is the time, and we have to make it count.

Check out Backcountry United on Facebook for more info.

2016 men’s Maverick MONOSUIT

johan February 2015 | Saxnäs Sweden

''

MOVES THE WAY YOU MOVE

forsberg -10°C with two feet of fresh powder | Perfect riding conditions

The Maverick Monosuit hands down is my go to suit for everyday of the week. It’s comfortable, breathable and most importantly allows me to ride with unrestricted mobility. My riding style is always very active and this suit is guaranteed to move the way I move. @mynameisjohan

PHOTO CREDIT | TONI SUOMEL

''

SURVIVAL GEAR

PHOTO TIM GREY

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR

BACKPACK Julie-Ann Chapman is an experienced backcountry rider from Canada who specializes in riding clinics for women.

In her business She Shreds Mountain Adventures she also offers backcountry adventures for men, as well as avalanche courses and first aid courses. To stay safe out there you need the knowledge and the experience, and you also need the right gear. Here is what Julie-Ann packs in her backpack for a normal day in the wilderness.

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PHOTO JULIE-ANN CHAPMAN

When I’m holding survival lessons I always make sure to go over what everyone in the group has in their backpack. This is to make sure everyone is prepared for anything that can happen in the backcountry. I highly suggest doing this with your buddies that you regularly ride with. Here is what I carry in my backpack.

THE PACK ITSELF A 20-30 liter backpack to fit all of the following goodies. I use a Highmark by Snowpulse avalanche pack.

SHOVEL, PROBE AND TRANSCEIVER Shovel, probe and transceiver are a must. Never go into avalanche terrain without them. Make sure your riding buddies have them too, and that you all know how to use them. Wear the transceiver on your body, not in the pack. And make sure you have plenty of power in the batteries.

FIRST AID KIT Everything from band aids, antiseptic wipes, compress dressings, splints, gauze, triangular bandages, trauma/ accident report sheets, etc. Make sure to keep all of this is a water resistant bag! And it wouldn’t hurt to take a first aid course so you know how to mend someone.

The last thing they want is you trying to splint a broken bone if you don’t know how. You ask why would someone even attempt to touch someone with a broken limb? Well, because lets say you are very far from the trucks, you would want to make the limb immobile (make it the most comfy you can) for their ride down.

You’re out there on your own far from civilization, be the most prepared you can be!

INREACH EXPLORER This is two-way communication SOS device that relates on iridium satellites. Incase you

need a helicopter for a big bobo, or text your lover at home (when you’re out of cell range) to get dinner started! This little gem of a device is awesome. Tracks you wherever you are in the world, allow you to communicate with people via text and email even when you are out of cell phone range, and if you call for SOS your GPS coordinates are dispatched to the closest search and rescue in the area you are in.

ROPE AND CARABINEERS A 40-100+ feet rope and carabineers is good for rescuing “your buddy”. The one that thought the throttle was the break when he approached the crevasse really fast, or ended up in a deep creek.

SNOWMOBILE TOOLS Hose clamps, spare break leaver, shock pump, basic kit with wrench’s, screwdrivers, zip ties and duck tape. You never know when you’re going to need them.

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SURVIVAL GEAR

IMAGINE IF ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE AND YOU HAVE TO STAY THE NIGHT IN THE BACKCOUNTRY! SURVIVAL KIT Imagine if all hell breaks loose and you have to stay the night in the backcountry! I hope you are prepared. Extra warm clothes/ gloves, a tampon (to dip in your gas tank to ignite a fire), water resistant/strike anywhere matches, flint, wood carving tool (knife), compass, mini fishing kit, whistle, flare, bivvy sack… And make sure to keep all of this in a water resistant bag.

TWO-WAY RADIOS You’re deep in the trees or over in the next drainage and you can’t find your buddy. “I’m out of gas, do you copy Bobby Jo?” “10-4 rubber ducky on my way with the jerry”.

MOUTH GUARD For when I like to think I’m going to go so big that I need one.

SNOW SCIENCE TOOLS Snow saw, ruler, inclinometer, aluminum crystal card, thermometer, 10x loupe, field 40

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Julie-Ann exploring the backcountry of BC, Canada.

Photo © Russ Mclaughlin.

book (I call it my old lady diary, it’s the only book I write daily logs in) Always good to do your own research on what the snow is doing. Once you are comfortable using your transceiver, I highly suggest taking an avalanche course that touches on snow studies/science. A course that will help you understand why avalanches happen. Doing a multiple day backcountry trip and don’t have access to the

avalanche reports for days? It’s a must to have these tools to observe what the snow is doing over such a period of time.

EXTRA FOOD AND WATER Always bring some high calorie food, energy blocks and plenty of water.

A WOOD SAW Just in case you need to cut yourself loose.

HEAD LAMP I’ve seen people smash their lights out on a tree and have to sled out in the dark with only their head lamp shining the way. So bring extra light and be prepared.

EXTRA GOGGLES/LENSES The worst is when your goggles are all fogged up and you can’t see where you’re going.

EXTRA FUEL Going on a long haul? Pack a jerry on your tunnel. Don’t be the kid that’s full pin all day and runs out of fuel first and uses everyone else’s fuel. Every pack has a buddy like that.

AN EXTRA BELT FOR THE SLED You never know when you’re going to need it.

ONE LAST THING Always find out if there is a safety cache near by with spine boards, etc. Or a cabin you can make yourself a warm fire in.

Ride safe!

Julie-Ann Chapman

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AVALANCHE KNOWLEDGE

THE 5 BIG RULES OF RIDING IN

AVALANCHE TERRAIN TEXT MIKE DUFFY | AVALANCHE1.COM | PHOTO HANS WARDELL

1. ALWAYS GO ONE AT A TIME ON OR UNDER AN AVALANCHE SLOPE The extra weight of having an additional rider on or under the slope is a common trigger of avalanches. Digging is the part of rescue that takes the longest. In North America when you have multiple complete burials, you have fatalities. This is due to the time it takes to uncover someone.

2. NEVER GO ABOVE YOUR PARTNER. GET OUT OF THE WAY IF BELOW If someone gets stuck on an avalanche slope, don’t help them or ride above them. Helping or riding above them is one of the major causes of avalanche fatalities. Valuable time is lost, even in a partial burial, if you have to dig yourself out and then try to help others. A common mistake with snowmobilers is having riders in the runout zone.

3. HAVE A PLAN - Who’s first? Who’s last?

- What slope?

- Where are you stopping?

- What’s your escape route?

- Where are your islands of safety?

Most snowmobilers don’t have a plan due to lack of communication.

Radios with ear buds can make all the difference. Having a plan prevents many of the common mistakes. Radio suggestion; BCA BC Link with microphone and speaker that can be attached to your pack shoulder strap. It can be heard while riding which makes communication easy for snowmobiling.

4. STAY IN VOICE OR VISUAL CONTACT If you can’t see someone, you don’t know what has happened to them. If you are highmarking out of view from the rest of your group, they can’t make a quick response. Radios also help in this situation.

5. ALTER YOUR RIDING ACCORDING TO THE DANGER Check the avalanche report before riding. There’s never a day I don’t go riding because of the avalanche danger, but every day I ride, where I go is determined by the avalanche report, observations and stability analysis. In the last three years in the U.S. 53% of the snowmobile Avalanche fatalities have occurred on high danger days.

We should alter our riding according to the danger.

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Rider Geoff Kyle Location BC Canada COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET 43 COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET 43

AVALANCHE KNOWLEDGE

RIDING PROGRESSION IN

AVALANCHE TERRAIN TEXT MIKE DUFFY | AVALANCHE1.COM | PHOTO HANS WARDELL

One of the best ways to determine stability is to observe when riding and not venture into the most dangerous areas first. The following progression helps determine the stability.

Alter your riding according to what you see.

• Check the avalanche report, not just the rating.

• Check your avalanche gear to see if it’s working and that everyone is proficient.

• Determine which slopes are wind loaded.

• Look for the 5 signs of instability.

• Start with shorter lower angle slopes of the same aspect.

Start on treed slopes (tight coniferous trees not deciduous trees) before hitting steeper open bowls.

Check stability and only go steeper if stability allows.

• What are potential trigger points?

• Use test slopes with little consequence before entering larger slopes.

• Do stability analysis in multiple locations. Don’t rely on just one spot. Learn the different signs of instability and the tests for stability.

• What are the consequences if it does slide?

• Use islands of safety.

• Have escape routes planned.

• Keep away from rocks, which may serve as a trigger point.

• Remember, it’s usually an hour into highmarking when a slope avalanches. Don’t let your guard down.

• Only ride with people who are trained and practiced in avalanche rescue.

Before you ride in avalanche terrain we recommend you to take an avalanche course to learn more about it.

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Rider Geoff Kyle Location BC Canada

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AVALANCHE AWARENESS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

AVALANCHE AWARENESS VIDEO This is an amazing film about avalanche awareness.

It’s not only a great reminder of the avalanche danger everyone is facing in the mountains, but also shows the beauty and passion out there. Take a break and watch it. It can help saving your life and others out in the backcountry.

and becoming a better and safer rider. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize. In 1 hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches.

“It doesn’t matter if you have made thousands of good calls – all it takes is one bad call and that is one too many. Some days the mountains are screaming GET OUT OF HERE and some days they are saying come on in – it’s time to party.”

– Jeremy Jones

Check out their website www.kbyg.org for more information about the program.

Do you know when to back off and when it’s good to go? The Know Before You Go is a free avalanche awareness program that will get you started down the path of learning the language of the mountains 46

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The film is made by the Utah Avalanche Center and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, in association with Avalanche Canada, Backcountry Access, American Avalanche Association, American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education, National Avalanche Center, Sherpas Cinema, Red Bull Media House, Brain Farm and others.

SEE

A NEW WAY UP

NYTT PATENTERAT AXYS RMK CHASSIE

PHOTO JOAKIM KOSTET

800 PRO-RMK 163

800 PRO-RMK 155

800 PRO-RMK 155

SLEDS, ATV AND PARTS IN SOUTH OF LAPLAND KLIM | ZBROZ | RKT | SLP | TIMBERSLED | DUELLS

Vilhelmina Motorcenter

PolarisSverige.com • facebook.com/PolarisSweden Läs äs mer om Polaris 2015 på: på: PolarisSverige.com PolarisSverige.com • Facebook.com/PolarisSweden

0940-55970 | VOLGSJÖVÄGEN 94A | 91232 VILHELMINA

Välkommen att ta ert förarbevis för snöskoter hos oss, i förarbevisutbildningen ingår lavinkunskap, körteknik och HLR. Vi kan komma till er och ha utbildningen om ni så önskar.

Vi anordnar även events där vi instruerar i avancerad körning med skoter i extrem miljö/terräng. Vi lägger stor vikt på lavinsäkerhet, klädsel, skydd och säkerhetsutrustning som trancievers, spade och sond.

Genom personlig coachning direkt i terrängen anpassar vi nivån efter varje enskild åkare, från nybörjare Varför inte förena nytta med nöje, konferens en dag, skoteråkning andra dagen? Detta är en perfekt aktivitet för teambuilding, möhippor m.m med tillhörande spa och relaxavdelning.

Vi hyr även ut ändamålsenliga skotrar med tillhörande utrustning.

För bokning och information kontakta oss via mail på; terrain.events@gmail.com Med vänlig hälsning Thomas & Seema

CAPTO UNDERCUFF CHRIS BROWN EDITION

When going indoors is not an option

TERRAIN EVENTS ägen 114 Åsvägen 836 95 ÅS 070-6030021

DAN ROGERS

A PROGRESSIVE AND VERSATILE SLEDDER

DAN ROGERS TEXT JOHAN HISVED | PHOTO HANS WARDELL

Dan Rogers is a talented Norwegian sledder that pretty much eat, sleep and think snowmobiling day in and day out.

Starting out at an early age he’s now one of the top riders in Scandinavia, and with his aggressive and energetic riding style, he’s also some good fun to watch!

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Dan Rogers going for a re-entry in the backcountry of Hemavan in Sweden.

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DAN ROGERS

“I always knew I wanted to work with and on snowmobiles, and I worked hard to make myself a better rider and maybe one day my dream of being a professional snowmobiler would come through.”

Click on this photo to see some video footage of Dan Rogers

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How and why did you pick up sledding?

– I guess my passion for snowmobiling was decided even before I was born. Around easter in 1983 my father and a friend of his started arguing who had the best snowmobile. His buddy wanted to prove that his was the best, so he took his sledge and mounted it behind the snowmobile and climbed the hill behind our house. My father figured he could prove that was easy to beat, so he took my mother (at the time pregnant with me) on the back of his snowmobile and climbed the same hill. Two months later I was born and ready for snow.

I have always loved living my life at full throttle and the feeling of freedom snowmobiling gives me. I started watching all the snowmobile films available, and when I was 11 years old I probably watched the 1994 Ski-doo commercial film a thousand times. I remember the Summits going on one ski, and of course I had to try doing the same on my dad’s old sled. I even remember the start of the film saying “jumps by professional riders”. I then already knew I wanted to be that guy doing those jumps.

Slednecks 2 was the biggest inspiration for me when I reached the age where I could buy my first sled and start going sledding with all my friends. So I bought my first sled, a Lynx 440 Racing and a film camera just because I wanted to try to show people all the great stuff you could do on a snowmobile.

I always knew I wanted to work with and on snowmobiles, and I worked hard to make myself a better rider and maybe one day my dream of being a professional snowmobiler would come through.

The dream of becoming a professional snowmobiler would give me the opportunity to ride even more, in

all kinds of locations all around the world and with all other great snowmobilers out there. Burandt showed me his way of snowmobiling through his films and after my first visit at BBA I knew I had a lot of work to do to be able to keep up with the progression that other snowmobilers had shown.

That’s when I got my first long tracker, and I rode pretty much every single day the next two winters.

I went out on my own a lot just to give myself the challenges I felt I needed. I worked on the same small details over and over again, day after day. I also filmed myself to be able to watch the films and see what I did wrong in different situations.

Sledding gives me so much all the time, even when it sucks. One of the best days in my life was when I went out on my own and got stuck so bad I had to dig for 3- 4 hours trying to get my sled out. I didn’t bring any food, and of course when I managed to get the it out of the shitty rock hole I was stuck in, I figured it was too wrecked to drive back home. Since I was 6 kilometers away from home I tried to fix it with the tools I had, but after a couple of hours I figured I had to start walking back before it got too dark. So I walked 6 kilometers in deep snow but came home with the biggest smile on my face since I knew I had pushed myself to the edge and learned my lesson.

Anyone who’s really into snowmobiling knows that it’s more than snowmobiles – it’s a way of life more or less. What are your favourite parts of it?

– I already mentioned some of my favorite parts of snowmobiling, but the feeling of freedom and exploring the nature on a sled is my absolute COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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DAN ROGERS

“When I find spots like that I start making plans how to get through that nasty hole, I surf my way back home and dream about it.”

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favorite. Going out with friends and make new friends out there is amazing, but just going on your own to explore the nature gives me a great feeling too. I try not to push myself through the worst terrain when I’m out alone since there can be some really bad consequences, but just going surfing looking for Mother Nature’s special spots is great too. When I find spots like that I start making plans how to get through that nasty hole, I surf my way back home and dream about it. I go to sleep dreaming about it and when I wake up and can’t wait any longer I call my buddies telling them we need to go there and track it all up. After tracking it all up I can easily sit around for half an hour just looking at my tracks thinking “that should not be possible on a snowmobile”.

Snowmobiling also means a whole lot of workshop time and I can honestly say I love that just as much as riding. Working on the sleds making them just the way I want makes me look forward to go out there again to see if I made it better or worse. It makes me analyze my own riding and my sleds all the time, and when talking about it with buddies and every other snowmobiler, we can share ideas and thoughts which are very interesting since we all got our unique way of thinking.

Sledders are quite competitive people who make each other keep pushing limits and going for the challenges we normally wouldn’t consider. I

have always enjoyed riding with all kinds of different people in all kinds of different terrain to give myself new challenges, and probably get myself stuck in spots I wouldn’t go on my own. It’s a lot of hard work, but in the end of the day it’s always worth it.

Having a good time with my buddies and making new friends is pretty easy since we all got the same interests. We’re all searching for the same feeling and we all want to be the best. A snowmobiler’s lifestyle is always a competition even if you’re just playing around in the woods. Putting tracks where I hope my buddies will get stuck, might give me the reason to throw some jokes at the people around the dinner table…but when I mess up it might be them throwing jokes at me.

Of course doing the photoshoots and testing for the next years Lynx brochures is also one of my favorites. It’s amazing to be in the spot I was dreaming of when I was 11 years old, and every year I’m walking around like a little kid before Christmas so excited to test the new sleds and see what news they are bringing. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of the BRP team, and it’s a lot of fun to work with all the great photographers I get to meet!

Besides freeriding, going big and far, you’re also doing some watercross racing during summers. How come you picked that up?

– Watercross started as another challenge I had to COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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DAN ROGERS

For me starting with watercross was mainly to be able to ride more snowmobiles even when there is no snow, but also to be able to learn more and keep the challenges coming.

test. There are a lot of people who is great at riding snowmobiles on water, but there are no factory sleds built for this purpose. After doing some testing it just started to get to me, and since pretty much no one actually wanted to tell me what I had to do to make my sled go fast on water while staying in control it got even more fun. I did get some starting tips but that was pretty much it. I just wanted to learn more about the sport and I wanted to learn more about snowmobiles and try this different way of snowmobiling.

Building your own watercross sled is pretty close to build a complete snowmobile. You need to get your motor set up for summertime, you need your clutches set up for water, you need your suspension to work good on water and through waves. On top of that you need to make your chassies basically waterproof to make sure your clutches won’t get wet and so on. Again there are a lot of great unique minds out there, and all of us come up with different solutions to solve our problems. It’s amazing to see how people build their sleds and how they ride them.

With setups and riding styles so different from riding in snow, it’s pretty much learning to ride all over again. Turning with a sled on water is almost the same as doing powder turns, but water is so different than snow so it makes it a lot harder anyway. And of course when you fall of you can’t just flip it over and keep going. It takes a lot of practice and for some of us the only practice we get 54

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is at the competitions, so that means we have to go as fast as possible while learning how to actually do it.

For me starting with watercross was mainly to be able to ride more snowmobiles even when there is no snow, but also to be able to learn more and keep the challenges coming.

What are your favourite riding locations?

– My favorite riding locations nearby is Jorm, Saxnäs and Vuoggatjålme. Jorm is pretty small but still has a lot of great and various terrain to offer, a lot of trees and ravines to get stuck in. Saxnäs has a lot of the same terrain as Jorm but better in some ways. But if snow is really good it doesn’t matter where I ride as long as I get to keep the throttle pinned and work hard to get where I want.

Vuoggatjålme is special, it normally has a lot of slush snow in the springtime. So when the weather is good, the skies are blue and I can explore those giant mountains and hit jumps and drops everywhere the days can never get long enough.

Out of all the locations I have been, Winter Park, Denver, USA and Sicamous, BC Canada, shares the first place of all my favorite riding locations.

Locations are bigger and more varied, trees are bigger, hills are bigger, steeper and longer, ravines are more tricky, jumps are bigger and the snow is always deeper then what I normally ride in. It’s just too bad they don’t sell Lynx in the US or Canada, it would be a whole lot of fun to bring one over for a testing session.

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DAN ROGERS

Snowmobiles and riding style has gone through some big changes the past 5-7 years. What do you see for the future, say in another five years? What is the next game changer?

– That’s a tricky question, with today’s sleds it’s almost already too easy to work your way through the challenges we run into. More sleds are sold and more people are out there doing what we all love. Problem is too many of us don’t care about local regulations and too many of us give snowmobiling a hard time to exist. We take the freedom of snowmobiling for granted and expect it will be like this forever. I am afraid that big and powerful environmental interests will do their best to stop some of the snowmobiling if the sport keeps growing. It’s a shame since all we want is to go out and enjoy the nature.

In five years my guess is sleds will still be pretty much the same as today, but I am hoping in maybe the next ten years the sleds will have lost quite a lot of weight and be pretty close to silent. A sled with a 154” track, two skis, weighing 150 kg with a battery pack would be amazing. Or maybe a sled with a 154” track, two skis, 150 kg and a two stroke motor 56

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with no pollution and some kind of noise reduction system that makes the environmentalists happy would change the game.

Besides riding sleds, you also run a dealership with a name that somehow stands out. What’s the story behind it?

– Hellriders was just a name I came up with when I made my first of many amateur snowmobile films. I was listening to my Winamp playlist while watching the stuff I filmed. I had a lot of songs from Ruff Ryders, so the first name I came up with was RuffRiders but after looking the name up, I found that some guys from Sweden was already using it. One of the next songs on my playlist was Judas Priest – Hellrider, and the decision was made.

When starting as a BRP dealer they wanted me to change my company name from Hellriders AS to Totlands Snowmobile and ATV but that didn’t felt like the best idea just yet. I might change to that when I’m a 60 year old crippling; Totlands Snowmobile, ATV and Walkers.

I can’t possibly fit too much snowmobiling in my life!

Do you have any special plans for the upcoming season?

– I am planning a trip over to Sicamous, BC in Canada to visit Carl Kuster Mountain Park in April.

I had my hopes up for the Jackson Hole hill climb but it doesn’t look very hopeful. One of my biggest dreams is to compete at the Jackson Hole one day. I checked it out last year and it’s possible but I need all the help I can get to ship me and my Lynx Boondocker overseas. I talked with Carl Kuster about it and he would help me to get in shape for it if I’m able to bring my sled over. Maybe next year!

Right now I am working on my Boondocker DS 3900 SPI 860BB TKI to get it all set up for hill climbs. If I am able to make it run like I want the plan is to sign up for as many hill climbs as possible in Norway, Sweden and Finland. I haven’t been competing in too many hill climb races so it would be great to go to as many as possible, trying to learn some more new snowmobiling stuff.

I am also planning to go to some snowmobile events and maybe arrange one myself, if there’s time for it, and I am also making plans for a Hellriders project. It’s all top secret though, but

when time is due you will all find out.

Other than that my plan is to ride as much as possible in as many different locations as possible with as many different snowmobilers as possible. I can’t possibly fit too much snowmobiling in my life!

SHORT FACTS NAME: Dan Roger Totland aka Dan Rogers AGE: 32 FROM: Lierne, Norway.

OCCUPATION: Owner and employed at Hellriders AS. CURRENT SLEDS: 2016 Lynx Boondocker DS 3900 SPI860BB ETEC with TKI belt drive, 2016 Lynx Boondocker DS 4100 800 ETEC, 2016 Lynx Xtrim RE 800 ETEC. BEEN RIDING SINCE: Ever since he quit kindergarden, but got his first sled in 2001.

HOBBIES (OTHER THAN SLEDDING): Hunting, fishing and hiking.

MOTTO/FAVOURITE QUOTE: A champion is someone who gets up, even when he can’t.

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LAKE TAHOE

LAKE TAHOE A SLEDDERS GAMBLE TEXT AND PHOTO JUSTIN BEFU (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)

On the border of California and Nevada lies a cobalt blue lake named Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the epic Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is home to numerous ski resorts with 24/7 entertainments and a variety of outdoor adventures all year around. This is also a sledders dream and has almost endless terrain for all kinds of riders.

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Rider Jeff Davis Photo © Justin Befu COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET 59 COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET 59

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Justin Befu checking out the coast line of Blue Lake.

Photo © Angelo Tonozzi.

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Rafal Bogowolski at Mt. Rose.

Photo © Leila Major.

Lake Tahoe is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s the biggest alpine lake in the USA with a maximum depth of 501 meters, and the 11th deepest lake in the world. It is popular for all kinds of water sports and beach activities during late spring to early fall. And when the temperature drops it all turns into a winter wonderland, that makes any sled rider, skier or snowboarder excited.

Lake Tahoe set itself apart from other world-class winter destinations in terms of variety, affordability and accessibility. Located three hours from the Californian beach life and 30 minutes from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Boasting more winter resorts in close proximity than any other region in North America. Home to nine ski resorts, 100+ lifts and over 22,000 acres for skiing and snowboarding. An action-packed winter vacation is guaranteed with countless diversions and 24/7 Vegas-style entertainment. Not to mention the snowmobile access and terrain that the Sierra Nevada Mountains provide.

This is where I have called home for the last 24 years. I moved here for the winter but stayed for the summers. Couldn’t ask for a better place to live.

Many people think of California and are instantly focused on the coast, beach life, and that southern California lifestyle. But with the highest mountain in COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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LAKE TAHOE

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IIya Bliznyuk hill climbing up “Polaris bowl”.

Photo © Justin Befu.

The region regularly amasses snowfall in excess of 400 inches while still averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year, meaning the promise of a bluebird powder day awaits.

Pro snowboarder Nich Poohachoff out getting to the goods. Photo © Justin Befu.

the lower 48 sitting at 4421 meters, you can say we have some epic riding terrain.

Around Lake Tahoe there are multiple staging areas that access different riding zones. North of the lake you can ride to the rim of the basin in many locations providing unreal views of this blue giant.

North of that in the Town of Truckee and on Donner Summit, you can ride more terrain than even all the locals know about. As you continue north up HWY 89 the terrain just continues and you can keep going to different staging areas. Or even put together long distance point to point rides, if you pack enough fuel. It’s truly amazing the amount of terrain that is available here, and all the places these sleds can take us.

With the California drought going on for the last four years, this state sure could use some moisture.

We will just have to see when and how much. As long as cold temperatures hold we could have a great season. In past years El Nino has brought huge winters and unreal powder riding. Sometimes making it into a nine month winter.

The region regularly amasses snowfall in excess of 400 inches while still averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year, meaning the promise of a bluebird powder day awaits. This season we were off to an early start, riding before thanksgiving is a rare treat.

For the 2015-16 season, Lake Tahoe is poised to once again capture the national spotlight thanks to more than $100 million in ongoing capital improvements designed to streamline access to the region and enhance the overall guest experience.

New chairlifts, mountain lodges and extensive base COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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LAKE TAHOE

Duncan Lee boondocking in the beautiful forests around Lake Tahoe. Photo © James Cole.

area renovations are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of new amenities that will be readily appreciated by destination visitors.

South Lake Tahoe is home to Casino’s and gambling. But our gamble is taking the next gnarly treeline or hucking the big drops and cliffs. The riding around the Lake Tahoe basin is awesome in its own little ways. Yes, there are restrictions, being mostly surrounded by wilderness that snowmobiles are not aloud to go in. But there are also tons of zones that are legal and hold 1000’s of acres to go ride. And even many many miles of groomed trails as well.

Here you will find all kind of terrain, from big bowls to steep hill climbs, ski and snowboard shuttles, large descents and endless features everywhere. You name it, its here.

It is also interesting here in California how the temperature can change so much in 24 hours. From riding in the coldest -12 degrees Celsius temps with the wind blowing chilling you down to the bone, to the next day sweating in your gear at +10 degrees.

On a normal year I’m fortunate enough to be able 64

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to ride from my house. Right out my backyard I can find myself riding through a tank of gas, without even touching the vast forest area we all call the “Backyard”. There is a handful of regulars and a few of us that put in the trail and maintain it.

I have lost count of how many totaled sleds that have come out of this area. It’s a good thing though because people stay away, which means more powder for us. My good riding buddy Luke Anderson (brother of Olympic Gold medalist Jamie Anderson) finds the backyard one of his best riding zones. Being neighbors we just see when the other is heading up the hill, then we can just suit up and go along. The backyard consists of real steep tree lines and huge bowls as you get to the top. My favorite zone is called “Hell Hole”. It’s a great little mini golf type area where you can tee off and go big.

The other main hub on the South Side of the lake is called “Blue Lake Rd”. It’s a huge parking area that people stage from. On some days the parking lot is full, but you never see other people out in the field because the riding area is so vast.

“South Lake Tahoe is home to Casino’s and gambling. But our gamble is taking the next gnarly treeline or hucking the big drops and cliffs.”

Frankie Jones carving up the first pitch of “the backyard”. Photo © Justin Befu.

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LAKE TAHOE

Justin Befu searching for fish.

Photo © Angelo Tonozzi.

We sure have pioneered tons of areas and set up all the ski and snowboard shuttles.

There are a few crews of riders who call Lake Tahoe their home. I have been riding on the south side since 1999. We sure have pioneered tons of areas and set up all the ski and snowboard shuttles.

It’s neat to still use the old sled highways, but now it is so much easier because the sleds have progressed so much.

The OG crew of Southside Freeride consists of pro riders, pro skiers, snowboarders and business owners, and they all make South Lake a great place to call home. You can usually find us all out at the local zone shredding laps on everything.

take off for the staging areas. There you can stock up on your food and drinks for the day.

It seems like the new thing is to out cook your buddy with the hot dogger. When we stop for lunch people are busting out all sorts of good hot food out of their sleds. I never thought food could be so hot and good in the backcountry.

For the last 15 years we have been shredding skis and snowboards and always bring them with us.

We all started snowmobiling for that reason. For me the sleds have progressed so much, so nowadays I usually leave the snowboard and skis behind.

We have such awesome terrain for sledding with perfect low angle trees that are spread out just enough to rip around. We also have the big climbs and chutes, cornice and cliff drops all over the place. It really is a sledders paradise when it dumps.

On a normal bluebird day the phone starts ringing and texting early with calls coming in about where and when to meet. There are a few gas stations and Lira’s grocery store in Meyers, the last little town before you go into the mountains. Usually we all meet up in the big parking lot at Lira’s, before we

At the end of the day most of us are starving. Right at the end of town there is a great bar named The Divided Sky. Here you can stop for great food and drinks. Across the way is also Verde if you like great Mexican food. Both stops are a must if you pass through.

From the staging area you have most scenic views of majestic mountains and forests. Blue Lake road is groomed from the parking lot and does cater to some snowmobile tours for beginners and tourists, who would like to try to sled or just have a beautiful tour with a guide.

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Chris Wallace wheeling out.

Photo © Justin Befu.

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LAKE TAHOE Some of the Soutside Freeride Crew. From left to right: Troy Amaker, Chris Wallace, Kyle Wallace, Frankie Jones, Melissa Jones, Mike Wallace (father of the 2 Wallace boys, long time sled neck in South Lake), and Jeff Davis.

The local sled shop is a dealer for Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha and Arctic Cat and can get you parts for any kind of sled. Seth from the new GM at Sierra Mountain Sports even rides and can hang with the big boys. It’s nice to have a local shop that understands the new freeride movement.

Also close by but on the other side of the Lake is Tom’s snowmobile. Famous for his suspension and clutch work he can make your sled trick. Just ask our crew rider Duncan Lee how well his suspension hold up to his huge airs and whips.

Rider Jeff Davis Photo © Justin Befu 68

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It’s also great to have a fellow crew rider like Duncan just across the lake. It’s nice to share beta on snow conditions and avalanche data. With Duncan on the north side and myself on the south we can always figure out where the snow is best, deepest and safest.

All the shores of the lake offer great sledding, with mind blowing views over the blue water and surrounding mountains. The west side has a few riding areas that are small but condensed with some epic terrain. North Lake goes on for miles and miles of riding as for the South side. So really visiting Lake Tahoe for winter or summer is a no brainer. And with a potentially huge El Nino pattern in route, we are looking to show the world once again that Tahoe is next to none when it comes to what we have to offer. Hope to see you out here on the west coast! Lets ride!

“With Duncan on the north side and myself on the south we can always figure out where the snow is best, deepest and safest.“

Justin Befu over looking the big blue of Lake Tahoe.

Photo © Rafal Bogowolski.

LODGING ZEPHYR COVE RESORT Cabins, campground, sled rentals, restaurant, lake cruises. www.zephyrcove.com HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAKE TAHOE Newley remodeled hotel and casino that sits on stateline NV. Hip and funky. www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com SUNNYSIDE RESORT Lodging and restaurant. www.sunnysideresort.com

SLED RENTALS AND TOURS LAKE TAHOE SNOWMOBILE TOURS www.laketahoesnowmobiling.com ZEPHYR COVE RESORT Sled rentals and sled tours. www.zephyrcove.com LAKE TAHOE ADVENTURES Sled tours, ATV tours and UTV tours. www.laketahoeadventures.com

MONTBLEU RESORT AND CASINO Lodging and casino. www.montbleuresort.com HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE RESORT, SPA AND CASINO Lodging, spa and casino. www.laketahoe.hyatt.com COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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ADAM ONASCH

We were riding in Montezuma and basically this was a ‘for fun’ day. Just as we were about to head over to the closed-for-the-season ski resort, a short blip of blue sky blessed us. The snow was rock hard, with a small dusting of powder covering the ice. I asked Adam if he could jump over me. That shot didn’t end up working out, but this test, before the shot was epic.

Photo © Steven Marlenee.

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ADAM ONASCH THE TRANSITION FROM MECHANIC TO MOVIES TEXT AND PHOTO STEVEN MARLENEE

Adam Onasch has become one of the most aggressive tree riders in the backcountry. Like many of the industry greats, Adam started snowmobiling as a way to access better snowboarding. Adam was an accomplished import-mechanic when he started working for one of the best sled mechanics in the Rockies, VOHK. He got the chance to learn and ride with some of the best in the industry including Chris Burandt, Chris Brown, Dan Gardiner and more. His hard work at VOHK turned into an opportunity to ride with The Boondockers, and he hasn’t looked back since. Adam has appeared in films from Boondockers to The Crew and Thunderstruck. But, for Adam, it’s not a about the exposure, it’s 100% about the ride.

Adam can be found riding at least five days per week, usually more, in the steepest, tightest terrain across the Rockies, quite often at night.

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ADAM ONASCH

Photo Kim Long

So, you were born in New York, but moved to Colorado Springs with your Army family. How did you make the transition from living in the Springs to buying a house outside of Silverthorne, CO (Silverthorne is a ski-bum town half-way between Vail and Steamboat)?

– During High School I really enjoyed Snowboarding, and wanted to go ride every day. I worked many night jobs to support my snowboarding habit, including gas station jobs, fast food, and even a janitor. The transition was easy, I love the mountains.

After several different, typical ski-bum jobs, you decided to attend UTI and become an Automotive Diesel and Industrial Technician. How did that lead to you building sleds with Erik Woog (VOHK)?

– I went from building fast import cars while attending UTI, to working for Ford for 10 years to fine tune my skills as a mechanic, to working alongside Erik to build the top snowmobiles in the industry. It was also easier on my driving record…

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Kim Long is quickly becoming one of top female backcountry riders. How did you two meet?

– Kim and I met thru some mutual friends, and I actually worked on her Excursion when I was at Ford.

A few years later, Kim called me to go look at a dirt bike with her.

We started riding together that day, and never stopped.

You’ve always enjoyed action sports. I’ve heard you even bought a house specifically so you could build your own dirtbike track?

– Yes, I’ve always been into action sports. I had a track at my house in Colorado Springs, and when I moved to Summit County, I wanted to recreate that in the mountains.

I set out to find a property suitable for that, buying a log cabin on 10 Acres north of Silverthorne. My roommate Chris McKinney and I built a new track at my house, and my neighbors sued me. It didn’t go well, and I was forced to tear it down. Now I own a house on 10 acres with no track. Anybody need a vacation cabin?

Who or what got you into snowmobiling?

– I started Snowmobiling as a way to access new Snowboarding terrain. Within that first year, I found a new passion for snowmobiling. This sport changed my perspective on backcountry terrain. What use to be fun to snowboard down was now even more fun to go up!

THE TRANSITION WAS EASY, I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS.

On Christmas Eve, Adam and I snuck away for a quick ride, just before some family time. The day before this shot was the most incredible powder of the 14-15 season. By this day, the snow had set up enough to traverse the backcountry and we found line after line for Adam to dominate.

Photo © Steven Marlenee.

You’re associated with ‘The Crew’. How did that relationship start? How did you benefit from filming with TuDizzle?

– Brandon and I met a few years ago at his now famous ‘Spring Fling’. I had the opportunity to go ride with Matt Entz and ‘TuDizzle’ up at Rabbit Ears, and ended up dropping one of the biggest cliffs I’ve done to date. It was pretty exciting to see that end up in a film. Brandon

‘TuDizzle’ Cox is one of the most positive people you will ever meet. Always smiling, never in a bad mood, and always has nice things to say. I would be riding with Brandon even if we weren’t filming, but it makes me happy that my sponsors benefit from the exposure I get being featured in ‘The Crew’.

How did you first end up meeting up with the Boondockers?

– I met Dan Gardiner a few years ago working with Erik at VOHK. I was never able to make it out on any of the rides with Dan and Erik at that time, because I was working for Erik full time.

What has been your favorite ride with the Boondockers?

– One of the first, most memorable rides, was filming for Boondockers 9, I got a call from Dan asking if we wanted to come out to UT and ride. Kim had to COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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ADAM ONASCH January was tough for snow in Colorado.

However, a storm surprised even the weatherman and hit Wolf Creek. Fortunately for Adam, not many people capitalized on it, because they were so depressed about the snowfall. A small group of us found a wind-lip that Adam had wanted to hit for a while, and we built a little better lip so Adam could fly.

Photo © Steven Marlenee.

haul her Camel to Montana that same week, so we decided to combine trips. We left Colorado with one sled in the back of the truck, and the other in the trailer with her camel. As we were driving through Montana, my truck decided to blow up. Barely in cell range, we called a tow truck, and had my truck towed to the Chevy dealer in Bozeman, MT. The camel still in the trailer on the side of the road, we rented a truck at the airport, hauled the camel up to Great Falls, drove back to Bozeman, and traded my blown up truck in for a new Chevy. Pushing on, we arrived in UT only 1 day later than planned, 74

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to ride with the Boondockers. It was one of the most epic rides I’ve ever been on. The 3’ of fresh snow was perfect, and we had so much fun. This was the beginning of many friendships with the Boondockers crew.

Both as a mechanic for Erik, and now as a cornerstone of backcountry riding in Colorado, you get the opportunity to ride with a ton of different riders. Who pushes you in the Backcountry?

– Matt Entz, Dan Gardiner, and Erik Woog are three of the people that challenge me in the backcountry to push myself

beyond my comfort zone. We always have a good time. Last season Matt and I were riding a new zone at Wolf Creek that Matt had always wanted to check out. We were having so much fun, trying to squeeze in the last light before we turned back, and before we realized it, found ourselves in a not so great situation. Stuck on a hillside, a steep hillside, in between cliff bands, in the dark. If it wasn’t for our ‘Frankensled’ Helmet lights, we would have had to spend the night. After multiple stucks on a very steep hill, we spent the next few hours navigating a safe route up and out, and had one shot at

AFTER MULTIPLE STUCKS ON A VERY STEEP HILL, WE SPENT THE NEXT FEW HOURS NAVIGATING A SAFE ROUTE UP AND OUT, AND HAD ONE SHOT AT MAKING IT. some testing. I’m a team VOHK rider and that means a lot to me.

Erik is one of the most reputable sled builders and tuners in the mountain segment. It was an incredible opportunity.

making it. I think we showed up at Matt’s house around Midnight.

It’s always an adventure with these guys!

You no longer work for VOHK, but you guys still ride together often and have a great relationship. What’s that all about?

– Erik and I have always been great friends. He helped get me into the sport and I will always look up to him for that. We worked together for years, but it was time for me to move on in my life. We will always be great friends. I still help him with a lot of preseason tuning and with

You’ve also made an appearance in Thunderstruck 14. How did that come about?

Do you think you’ll continue to work with Jim Phelan in upcoming years?

– Kim and I met Jim Phelan while working at the snowmobile expos, and started talking about riding. We decided to head up to the Jackson Hole Hill Climbs, to see the event and do some riding 2 years ago, and Jim happened to be there with his Thunderstruck Crew.

I spent a couple of days riding with them, watching them do their 4 stroke thing, climbing some crazy chutes. Riding with Thunderstruck was so much fun, it escalated into riding with them a few more times over the past couple of years, and even trying some chute climbing in Revelstoke. As a rider, I like to take in all aspects of big mountain riding, I had no real appreciation for chute climbing until I saw it in person, and it was a big rush trying it firsthand. I don’t see any of this as work, but yes, I enjoy riding with the Thunderstruck team, and will most likely see them on the mountain this season.

What was the turning point in your sled career, where you went from a weekend warrior to the next level?

– I’ve always been passionate about riding, I have never been a ‘weekend warrior’ more like a ‘week long warrior’, lol. When Boondockers 9 was released, and my name was on the cover, I guess you could say I was pretty excited.

Whom do you look up to in this industry, and why?

– Brett Turcotte for his whips.

Dan Gardiner for the crazy creek beds. Erik Woog, and Chris Burandt for their style in the woods. Matt Entz for the insane drops. Steven Marlenee for the way he puts the word ‘action’ in ‘action shot’, and his relentless contributions to this industry.

Anyone you want to thank?

– I would like to thank my amazing fiancé Kim Long for always supporting me in this lifestyle that we have so much fun with together. And of course all of my sponsors. Without them, I might not be able to afford to do this sport to the extent that I do, and I am forever grateful.

The sponsors who have helped me along the way are: Klim, Boondocker Turbo, VOHK, Arctic FX Graphics, RSI Racing, Boondocker Movies, 2 Cool Air Vents, Frankensled, Zbroz, Ice Age, Marlenee Photography, Sled Solutions, Thunderstruck Films, The Crew and Tudizzle Films.

P.S. Thanks to Shad Simmons for inviting us to Revelstoke last spring!

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LAISDALEN

LAISDALEN a swedish deep snow mecca TEXT AND PHOTO JOHAN HISVED

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Rolling hills and ravines - there sure is lots of fun to be had here!

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LAISDALEN

Those who seek will always find, and Lars Nilsson surely found the goods this day. Photo © Johan Hisved.

Do you ever find yourself sitting, daydreaming about those vast, pristine marshes? About sweet sidehill maneuvers, getting stuck, but mostly about truly awesome deep snow sledding? Me too. To still the worst cravings, I and a bunch of friends spend a week in Laisdalen every year. This is where we find what we’re looking for.

THE DESTINATION Laisdalen is located in the southwest corner of Norrbotten County, in the far north of Sweden.

The valley follows the Lais River stretching from Nasafjäll on the Norwegian border, and almost down to Sorsele. You get here by car, following highway 95 westbound, past Arjeplog and then another fifty kilometers before arriving the village of Laisvall. Until the early 2000s, the village boasted with Europe’s largest lead mine, but since the closure in 2001, tourism accounts for most of the regular business, both summer and winter.

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In winter the snow usually settles deep in these parts, at least according to our measures. In addition, the area only has limited number of restricted areas, making life much easier for people like us. Don’t forget to check the local map before heading out though, just to stay on the safe side.

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE As usual I spend way too much time in the garage too close to departure. On the positive side, it’ll hopefully keep my sled from breaking down in -25 C. As expected, sled is ready a few minutes before my buddies arrive. Excited as a flea on a yard sale I’m taking it out for a quick test run. I’m just about to back it up again when the belly plate makes a sudden somersault, accompanied by the sound of cracked plastic. Turns out I forgot a couple of screws, so with the aid of some superglue and a new pair of screws I’m able to put it together again, just in time to load it on the trailer.

Weather forecast shows possible permafrost.

However, we do know they’ve been wrong before so we find no reason not to head west!

“This is where we find what we’re looking for.”

Untouched powder as far as the eye can see.

The remote meadows between Laisvall and the Dellik River makes for a nice cruise. Photo © Johan Hisved.

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LAISDALEN

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Small sweet spots pops up every now and then.

Rider Johan Almqvist takes good care of this one.

Photo © Johan Hisved.

Sketchy line up from the creek bottom, but Mattias Strömberg pulls it off nicely.

Photo © Johan Hisved.

DAY 1 Alarm goes off at 6.00 AM, thermometer dangling on -30 C. I’m thinking anticlimax, but since I’m already awake it’s time to rise and shine! A look through the window gives a hint that we might ride today anyway. Sure enough, a few hours later, mercury has crawled up to -20, and all of a sudden game is on!

That rope sure is heavy in these temperatures, and it takes a bit of a workout before all spark plugs are firing. After a few minutes of idling, we head out southwards.

Cheeks are freezing as we cross the river, but it is stunningly beautiful out there, one can almost see how the air dances on top of the snow.

After a few kilometers of transportation we step into our playground, and to my surprise I find that someone has already been here!? We’re always the first ones here! Although a bit disappointed at first, we came to the conclusion that it’s a promising sign for the future; the next generation sledders are starting to show up.

Dashing deeper into the woods the score gets

even. From here and onwards, every line we find is untouched!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take more than half an hour before we are reminded of the damage this cold and dust-like snow can make, as the first meltdown is a fact. Good thing we didn’t get farther though, about an hour later the broken sled is back where we started.

The rest of us continue the journey up the elongated slope, and the terrain is now beginning to open up. The trees are sparse and it is possible to stand on much more. We’ll find some other small swamps which quickly felled before the sun slowly begins to approach the mountain ridge, and we need to start thinking about where we really are, and how we can best take us back to the cabin again.

The rest of us continue up the elongated hillside, where terrain now starts to shift. Forest is getting sparser, and we’re gaining speed. Suddenly a deep creek appears out of nowhere, giving us a bit of a challenge to make it across. A couple of stucks later we’re on the move again, rallying up to the top of COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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LAISDALEN Joakim Hedlund finds a good spot to crush some pow while making our way to the Dellik River.

Photo © Johan Hisved.

the ridge. Daylight is starting to fade and we need to head back to the cabin before it gets all dark.

DAY 2 Early bird again! Slightly warmer today, but still a bit below comfort zone. We’re halfway through breakfast when a sonorous rumble from a turbocharged Apex echoes through the cabin walls. A couple of seconds later, Kristoffer shows up at the door with an itchy thumb, and it’s about time to get going!

A few kilometers downstream the river there are some relatively inaccessible marshes, combined with technically challenging treeriding. This is where we are pointing our skis today. Transports along the river aren’t usually that exciting, but today our newly arrived partner brought us a spectacular show when breaking his belt at full throttle.

The first stop on today’s tour is a semi large bowl, well-hidden in the woods, normally only found by a couple of samis each year. When we get there it appears completely different from how we left it last year. At that time it was totally harvested and now 82

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everything is untouched, but I have a feeling that is going to change very quickly. After what seems like a few seconds, but in fact surely lasts for an hour, the whole place is all shoved up, and we continue the day up through the forest. We end up on Nadok Lake, where we take a short break. Based on the lapping laughter, I judge that everyone seem to have at least as fun as I! The surrounding slopes plunges down into the lake, and the vegetation is confined to a few tenacious mountain birches. Also, there are quite a few sweet lines just waiting for a sled to bury! After getting stuck, digging and swearing for a few hours, the lack of physics knocks on the door. More than that, fuel is getting low for many of us, so we head down towards Laisvall for fuel and dinner. An hour and a half later we are back in the hut. Tired, but happy and content!

DAY 3 From the lakes above Stigo and down along the county border to Västerbotten we find the Dellik

The air is so cold so it almost quivers, and wherever I lay my eyes the landscape shimmers in pink and white.

Johan Almqvist goes for a deep dive on this cold but stunning day. Photo © Johan Hisved.

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LAISDALEN

Carving pow is Mattias’ favorite game, and the Yamaha Nytro seems to like it too.

Photo © Johan Hisved.

River. Rumor says this little river makes for excellent fly fishing. Personally I haven’t tried that yet, but what I do know is that in winter this valley is like a box of candy. Yesterday’s snowfall gave us about 2-3 dm fresh snow sparkling in the morning sun. Noone’s sleeping in today! We aim to get to a point somewhere between Ammarnäs and Adolfström, then follow the river downstream as far as possible.

I have to stop for a while to take some photos as my fellow sledders ploughs through the snow, and once again I’m struck by these grand mountains. The air is so cold so it almost quivers, and wherever I lay my eyes the landscape shimmers in pink and white. Suddenly I’m thrown back into reality again thanks to a turbocharged Nytro-symphony, and I make my way back to the sled. After a tortuous, but relatively quick journey up through the birch forest, we reach the highest point and now I can see a glimpse of the river.

Long slopes mixed with steeper hills, and a few 84

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ravines that winds its way up the mountain. We are looking us up in one of these and take a short break. The sun is gazing, and although it’s 15-20 degrees below zero, it feels almost like a spring day.

We head further down the river where terrain gets narrower, and we manage to find quite a few decent lines up through the forest. After some 7-8 kilometers upstream from the confluence with the Lais River we run into trouble. A waterfall cuts our way, and with a 15 meter drop to flat landing, none of us is much exited about hitting it. We could probably find a route to round it, but with the sun starting to set and time running short, we decide to backtrack ourselves a bit before we once again cross the alpine. Sun is chasing us all the way back, shining on the mountain tops. It’s been a good day, and a great trip as well. I’m already looking forward to next year, and I think the rest of us feel the same way.

“A waterfall cuts our way, and with a 15 meter drop to flat landing, none of us is much exited about hitting it.”

Anders and Lars let the view over Laisdalen soak in for a while, before heading back home.

Photo © Johan Hisved.

ACCOMMODATION GAUTOSJÖ: Camp Gauto, www.campgauto.se ADOLFSTRÖM: Adolfströms stugby, www.adolfstrom.com Johansssons fjällstugor, www.fjallflygarna.se LAISVALL: Laisdalen hotell, www.laisdalenhotel.com

SLED RENTALS

Camp Gauto offers a variety of models from the Ski-doo line up. For prices and info, see www.campgauto.se Experience Arjeplog has Polaris and Lynx snowmobiles in their rental fleet. You’ll find them in Arjeplog, en route to Laisdalen. For prices and info, see www.experiencearjeplog.se

FUEL, OIL AND PARTS

There are gas stations offering 95 octane gasoline in Laisvall, Gautosjö and Adolfström. In case you need 98 octane you’ll need to go to Arjeplog.

Oil, spare parts (belts, spark plugs etc) are found at Bröderna Sundström in Laisvall. First and foremost they are a BRP and Yamaha dealer, but with some luck they might have what you need.

GROCERIES

There’s a cute little store in Adolfström, where they keep the most essential groceries in stock. Are you planning on staying longer? Then you might have to fill your bags prior to arrival.

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ROCKING LADIES

PHOTO GALLERY

ROCKING LADIES

NADIA SAMER

BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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PHOTO GALLERY

ANNE-MARIE GRÖNLUND

KULTSJÖDALEN SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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ROCKING LADIES

KAROLINA PERSSON SAXNÄS SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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ROCKING LADIES

AMBER HOLT

LAPPLAND SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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ROCKING LADIES

SILJA SIMSON

HÄRJEDALEN SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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PHOTO GALLERY

MARIELLE DAHLBERG LAPPLAND SWEDEN

PHOTO © HANS WARDELL

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2016 mission x jacket

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ALPINE

ALPINE WYOMING

A SLED MECCA IN THE AMERICAN ROCKIES TEXT AND PHOTO SCOTT MELLOR

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Duncan Lee twisting it up on the table top session. Vast and incredibly sled friendly terrain is what Alpine, Wyoming offers up in a big way. Explore, discover new zones, and play away your days in the endless opportunities that you can access directly from your lodging in Alpine. Photo © Scott Mellor.

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ALPINE

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Rob Hoff climbing one of the many couloirs that in the Salt River mountains of Wyoming, outside of Alpine. If you look closely at his line, you can see skiers tracks left from a previous adventurer.

The Salt River range is well suited for Sled assisted skiing. Photo © Scott Mellor.

Tomas Berntsson whips his sled off a hip in the Snake River range. Alpine, Wyoming sits between the Salt River and Snake River mountain ranges with access to thousands of acres of riding. Photo © Scott Mellor.

Alpine is a small town located in the state of Wyoming in the western United States. It’s a vacation paradise for all seasons, and when the white gold falls it becomes the unsung sled mecca of the American Rockies.

360 degrees of world class mountains surround Alpine, serving up whatever level of riding, desire, and adventure that you possess. The town itself has under a thousand residents and is home to the many others that live in the surrounding countryside.

The town rests against the mountainsides at the convergence of three rivers, the Greys, the Salt and the Snake River. The Salt River mountain range rises up as Alpine’s southern edge, with the Wyoming range forming to the east just across the Greys river. On the north side you have the Snake River range with the iconic massif of Ferry’s peak dominating the sky line.

Alpine is a vacation paradise for all seasons.

Boating and surfing in the summer on the Palisades, and mountain biking in the endless mountain terrain. Surfers, kayakers, rafters and fisherman all feed into the Snake River canyon, spring through autumn. They surf the Snake, ride its class 4 rapids and fly fish for native cutthroat trout in its deep holes.

Camping is excellent, easy, and endless in the surrounding four mountain ranges. And in the fall you have world class big game hunting.

But it is during the winter when the white gold falls, often over 500 inches in a season, that Alpine COPYRIGHT © FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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ALPINE Alpine local, Kevin Nettleton working his sled out on a reentry during a very deep powder day.

Photo Š Scott Mellor.

becomes the unsung sled mecca of the American Rockies. Many riders will head two hours north to Togwotee, or to Island Park/West Yellowstone thinking these are the destinations in the interior Rocky Mountains that surpass all others. Those in the know, quietly make a reservation for lodging in Alpine, and spend their time exploring and playing in the bottomless deep pow and endless terrain for all abilities, while the masses drive by to the well known towns missing the hidden goods that exist in the mountains that rise and surround Alpine, Wyoming.

The terrain available to ride and explore is massive.

Thousands and thousands of acres are open to off trail riding in four mountain ranges. There are 102

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hundreds of miles of groomed trails, that access hundreds more miles of sled approach trails.

These sled single tracks wind through the woods, drainages and hills on the way to high angle, high altitude, mountain top bowls that would excite a mountain goat with their rocky couloirs and wide open flanks.

There are seemingly endless chains of these high mountain bowls that stretch the lengths of the ranges. Some areas are easier to access and are well known with steady and regular traffic. Others are obscure, hidden at the back of a long off trail approach, and hold powder for weeks after the last storm. Views from the top of any of these peaks reveals a sea of fellow peaks, sitting on top of

ALL RISING ABOVE DEEP, POWDER FILLED BOWLS AND CANYONS THAT STRETCH FARTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE.

Tomas Berntsson getting some air miles off a cliff in a cirque deep inside the Salt River range. The Salts have endless terrain to drop and features to session on your sled.

Photo Š Scott Mellor.

couloirs, cliffs, and cornices. All rising above deep, powder filled bowls and canyons that stretch farther than the eye can see.

AREAS TO RIDE I am intentionally vague about naming specific riding areas here. There are many, many areas sprinkled throughout all the mountain ranges surrounding Alpine that are at the extreme for sledding. You need a high level of avalanche knowledge and expert woodsman skills to survive.

You must be knowledgeable in high consequence terrain travel and route finding, to explore and play safely in these high alpine zones.

There is a learning curve that helps you arrive at the above mentioned skill set, and than there

is a learning curve for those skills to be applied specifically to every distinct sledding region.

Revelstoke will have different local specifics than Colorado, and Tahoe has different details in its alpine terrain than Wyoming does. This is where a learning curve comes into play to keep you safe.

You need to become knowledgeable about an areas snowpack, terrain, weather, and travel routes to stay safe as you play safe in the mountains.

All mountains are specific to themselves. Some knowledge and experience is universal, and then regional specifics take over from there.

Hire one of the excellent local guides listed below or start your vacation days reading a trail map, and exploring new areas off the groomed trails. Keep your ear to the ground and gain the COPYRIGHT Š FREERIDERMAGAZINE.NET

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ALPINE Our crew sessioned this table top jump for over an hour on this ride. Here, Adam Onasch is spotting his landing far below on the run out, with a sea of bowl and peaks stretching away to the northeast.

Photo © Scott Mellor.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF POWDER OFF-TRAIL RIDING ADVENTURES THAT WILL CHALLENGE THE MOST EXPERIENCED RIDER.

respect of the locals, and they just might tell you, or take you to one of the unnamed zones. Or with time your learning curve will encompass the region, and your first hand knowledge will match your riding skills, allowing you to experience all that Alpine has to offer to the high level rider.

GREYS RIVER TRAILHEAD The Greys River road is groomed regularly and access’s over 150 miles of groomed trails and thousands of acres of backcountry riding. You can literally go somewhere new everyday that you are riding. After 15 years of riding up the Greys I still have not been to even half of the available drainages and bowls.

With an average annual snowfall of 380 inches 104

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and over 500 during a big year, the Greys River trailhead accesses some of the best snowmobiling the West has to offer. It’s spectacular scenery combined with abundant wildlife and hundreds of miles of groomed trails make it a great place for any novice to enjoy snowmobiling for the first time.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are hundreds of thousands of acres of powder offtrail riding adventures that will challenge the most experienced rider.

Visit the snowbound Box Y Lodge, 28 miles from the trailhead. The lodge offers warm hearty meals and an unforgettable atmosphere in the heart of the Salt and Wyoming ranges. They also offer fuel and oil to top off if needed.

NORTH ALONG THE PALISADES Load the trailer and head north to access the Snake River Range. This range straddles the Idaho and Wyoming border. If you leave from a parking area in Idaho you will need a sticker from Idaho as well as a Wyoming sticker. Don’t be surprised if a forest service worker pulls up while you are gearing up and checks the group. He will usually offer to sell you one on the spot vs. writing you a ticket. Have cash or a check ready.

There are no real trailheads here and I am not sure there are any groomed trails either. Ask around in town, study a topo map, and pick a likely pull out to unload from. The usual suspects will probably be in the pull out getting ready themselves. To ride in this backcountry you need a high level of riding skills, avalanche knowledge and route finding ability.

SOUTH THROUGH STAR VALLEY Load up the trailer and head to points south.

Trailheads leave from mouths of the major canyons creasing the Salt river range. Find several amazing zones as you travel the length of Star Valley south, as it parallels the Salt River range.

SMITHS FORK TRAILHEAD This trailhead is at the bottom of Star Valley and is a great place to stop if you have passed all the other canyons and trailheads on your way south. Park and head east into the southern end of the Wyoming and Salt River ranges. This area offers supreme terrain and endless of choices.

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ALPINE

IN ALPINE THERE IS A GROCERY STORE WITH ETHANOL FREE PREMIUM GAS AT ITS PUMPS, A FEW CONVENIENCE STORES, SEVERAL BARS, SEVERAL DINERS, AND A COFFEE SHOP.

RENTALS, GUIDES AND GEAR

LODGING

LINCOLN COUNTY CUSTOMS, LCC Located on the Greys River Road on your way to the Greys River trailhead. LCC is a custom snowmobile shop that also stocks Motorfist gear and other sled accessories. You can pick up your Wyoming ORV sticker here if you do not have one yet. Be sure to say Hi to Troy and pick his brain about current conditions and anything else on the topic of motors and sleds. Troy and his crew offer classes and guided backcountry trips with a lifetime of local knowledge to make your adventure with them an over the top success. www.lccwy.com

BOX Y LODGE 28 miles from Alpine on the Greys River road.

Snowmobile access only in the winter time.

A lodge and 8 cabins available. Gas, oil, food and lodging nestled between the Salt River range and the Wyoming range.

Lunch and fuel are available to those stopping by during the day and not looking for lodging. www.boxylodge.com

NEXT LEVEL CLINIC Pro rider Dan Adams operates his superb advanced skills clinics here. Located just past Lincoln County Customs on the north side of the Greys River road.

Rentals, gear, and clinics available. www.nextlevelclinics.com

GAS AND SUPPLIES In Alpine there is a grocery store with ethanol free premium gas at its pumps, a few convenience stores, several bars, several diners, and a coffee shop. In the very near future, Melvin Brewing will be openings its doors at its “under construction” Brewpub. Great Beer! Award winning micros and macros. Plan on stopping in for your apres sled when they are up and running.

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FLYING SADDLE RESORT Great lodging at the mouth of the Snake River Canyon. They offer cabins or you can get a room in the lodge. Onsite there is also a restaurant, bar, small grocery and liquor store, pool, gym and gift shop. www.flyingsaddleresort.com ROCKIN M SNOWMOBILE RENTALS 375 County Road 104 Alpine, Wyoming 83128 To rent Cabins: www.rockinmranchwyoming.com To rent Sleds: www.rockinmsnowmobilerentals.com

Duncan Lee planning his reentry out on a powder cornice in the Snake River range. A good season brings 500 inches plus of the White gold to the area. Photo © Scott Mellor.

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