Mountain Sledder Magazine - Issue 18

WINTER 2021 | ISSUE 18

WINTER 2021 $6.95 CDN

B OW T IE / APPR E N T IC E / VA N COU V E R I SL A N D / M I CH E L L E SA LT DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31, 2021

FIND A DEALER: ride509.com/dealer-locator @ride509

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THE HIGHMARK

GUIDE

FEATURING 32L OF STORAGE AND THE UNRIVALED PROTECTION AIRBAG SYSTEM (P.A.S.)

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

HIGHMARKAIRBAGS.COM

#GETHOMESAFELY

PHOTO: LORNE ALCOCK RIDER: ROB ALFORD

C H O O S E Y O U R PAT H

NIMBUS BOOT The Nimbus Boot is the top-of-the-line backcountry snowmobile boot.

This premium snowmobile boot utilizes 1200 grams of insulation and the Sympatex® Moisture-Tech membrane for unprecedented waterproofing and warmth.

The revolutionary 2-in-1 design of this boot offers incredible functionality. First, the inner boot is soft and well-cushioned for a comfortable ride straight out of the box. Plus, after a few hours wearing this boot, the natural heat given off by your body custom-molds the inner boots to the shape of your feet.

Removable inner boot

BOA® Coiler Dual Zone BOA® lacing BOA® SS2 High-tensile metal lace

Flex area Snow gaitor D-ring

Reinforced toe cap Eternasole

C H O O S E Y O U R PAT H

NOVO V3 MONO SUIT Over the past two seasons, the Novo Mono Suit series has earned its reputation as the snowmobile mono suit of choice for serious backcountry riders. Built with the same principles of design, the Novo V3 Mono Suit will uphold and build upon the solid foundation of its predecessors. No aspect of functionality or performance is overlooked or spared in Novo V3. From the removable hood to the full-leg zips, this one-piece snowmobile suit is packed from top to bottom with all the features the backcountry demands.

The Novo V3 Mono Suit is available in a shell and insulated version.

100% WATERPROOF

100% WINDPROOF

OPTIMAL BREATHABILITY

Removable hood Expandable collar

Chest ventilation Large chest pocket

Full body Cordura® fabrics

Full leg zips

Kevlar® reinforced knees

Boot gaiters

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S

46 54

Vancouver Island Paradise

By Allan Sawchuck Vancouver Island is the first to be hit by incoming winter storms from the Pacific. With the right temperature, this moisture can produce the perfect storm and loads of fresh powder at elevation.

HEALING IN THE MOUNTAINS

By Nadine Overwater Determination and a focus on sport aid Michelle Salt’s recovery from a devastating motorcycle accident, as she learns to adapt to riding her snowmobile in the mountains.

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D E PA R T M E N T S

12 IGNITION 14 TRAILHEAD WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SNOWMOBILE TRAILS THIS WINTER BCSAR – WHO YA GONNA CALL? WHAT DOES IT COST TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH TRAILS?

28 GEAR GUIDE 32 RIDE THE CRAPPY SNOW THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW…UNTIL THERE ISN’T Some of our best rides and greatest memories have been had during less-than-ideal weather or snow conditions.

36 CAN I GO SLEDDING? DECISION TREE

Not sure your excuse for staying home is valid? Run through our mock decision tree to find out if your lame reason for not riding is legitimate.

38 RIDING TIP WITH CALEB KESTERKE BOWTIE Not just a party trick—the finesse and control you develop while learning this maneuver will help take your riding to the next level.

42 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR OWN APPRENTICE

Passing down the right information is vital in guiding new sledders to a long and healthy lifetime in the mountains.

62 EXPOSURE 70 TAILGATE THE LOOK BACK You see it all the time at the highest tier of athletics. Without it, how are we to see what we’ve accomplished and assess our own growth?

PHOTO: ALLAN SAWCHUCK RIDER: NADINE OVERWATER

@sledhead777 @nadineoverwater

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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BC’s Snowmobile Insurance Leader DISTRIBUTION Mountain Sledder magazine (MS) is published

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Patrick Winslow ART DIRECTION & Lyuba Kirkova GRAPHIC DESIGN COPY EDITOR Steve Crowe

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

PRODUCTION Megan Crandall ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTIONS Mountain Sledder magazine is not responsible

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

PUBLISHER Mountain Sledder Media CONTRIBUTING Marty Anderson, Gregg WRITERS Emmerling, Jessica Joy,

Caleb Kesterke, Nicole Matei, Andrew Munster, Nadine Overwater, Allan Sawchuck, Colin Wallace, Donegal Wilson

MOUNTAIN SLEDDER CONTRIBUTING Rob Alford, Travis Alley, PHOTOGRAPHERS Amon Barker, Corey Bellinger, Get a free, online quote in less than 5 minutes

offroad.capricmw.ca

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $100+

Dave Best, Ben Birk, Brian Brown, Zac Cadot, Matt Dolbec, Alex Hanson, Clyde Hewitt, Steve Kelly, Isaac Kesterke, Matt Kuhn, Nicole Matei, Andrew Munster, Tyler Ney, Cass Prochera, Mike Reeve, Shane Roy, Allan Sawchuck, Callan Senyk, Steve Shannon, Billy Stevens, Andrew Turner, Colin Wallace, Todd Williams, Patrick Winslow

ADVERTISING SALES Marty Anderson, Jessica Joy

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

Printed in Canada by TC Transcontinental Printing

© Copyright, Mountain Sledder 2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any materials published in MS is expressly forbidden without the written consent of the publisher.

@sleddermag

ON THE COVER When Cody and I build jumps together, we do rock paper scissors to see who goes first. But with inverted jumps, the first hit often doesn’t work out the way you want it to. So in that case, the rule is: whoever goes first gets two hits before the next person’s turn.

On this jump, Cody won the rock paper scissors, but his first attempt didn’t go perfectly. The pressure was on, knowing that if he didn’t nail it on his second attempt, it would be my turn to try to one up him.

As he spun through his second attempt to completion and rode away, we were all stoked and just like that the pressure was off him and onto me, next.

avalanchesafety.ca 8

// WIN TER 20 21

– Andrew PHOTO: ANDREW MUNSTER @munstercanada @mcnolty318 RIDER: CODY MCNOLTY

What goes up must come down.

Photo by Dave Best

Get insider info For blogs featuring useful tips, insider information, videos and great stories on snowmobiling in Golden:

tourismgolden.com/ blog-sled

For epic sledding head to Golden, B.C. Golden is your destination for big mountain snowmobiling. Three core alpine areas and over 100 km of groomed trails cater to all abilities and experience and qualified local guides can safely get you to those hidden gems and powder stashes that make great memories.

Multiple touring outfits, rentals and services plus sledfriendly accommodations and services help to make the most of your stay in Golden.

Start planning:

tourismgolden.com/sledGolden

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

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

HILLSIDE LODGE & CHALETS Cozy, self-contained cabins, parking and peace of mind. Book your getaway today open November - April.

Your safe home away from home!

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

tourismgolden.com

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

MOUNTAINLABGEAR.com

kneepads folding h a n d s aw

recovery straps pocket c h a i n s aw

ski pull strap

r at c h e t straps

DEsigned by snowmobilers

[ IG NIT I ON ]

It’s been a crazy year.

How can we not talk about the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives? Yeah, we’d like it to just go away too, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards just yet. But rather than dwell on it in this issue, we’ll touch on it where necessary (as in how sledding will be affected this winter) and instead focus on brighter things.

We tease about not being complacent, and propose seizing the opportunity to get out and explore rather than making an excuse not to. This is more important this winter than ever. Nothing rekindles the spirit like discovering a new place, so we take you on a visual journey of what it’s like to ride on Vancouver Island.

The silver lining to a challenging set of circumstances is the opportunity to rethink the way you’re operating. To do things differently. When our institutions are torn down, there’s a chance to build them back up the right way. We can learn from the mistakes that are holding us back, and do it better.

And finally, Nadine Overwater’s own love of sledding is rekindled while coaching Michelle Salt to ride in the aftermath of a tragic motorcycle accident that took Michelle’s right leg and nearly her life.

Just as the pandemic has forced Mountain Sledder to reconsider the way we operate, every aspect of our lives has likewise been brought under the microscope.

How can we use this challenge as an opportunity—together, as a community— to be better, to do things differently? Every article in this issue ties in some way to this concept.

We talk about how to be the best kind of snowmobile citizen, by contributing to what snowmobile clubs are trying to achieve and being patient and understanding of the obstacles they must overcome to get you out there riding safely and smoothly.

As always, we strive to improve our own capability as riders. Caleb Kesterke provides a riding tip that will make you feel like a rock star, but more importantly, help you dominate steep, technical terrain.

Another way we can grow is to share our sport with someone new. With that comes a responsibility to teach the right things and continue to nudge our sledding culture in a positive direction. Being knowledgeable and wellprepared should be in every mountain sledder’s toolbox.

Sports and being on snow were Michelle’s saviours. For the rest of us, staying sane through this madness might be the biggest challenge we face. Fortunately, we’re sledders, and experiencing the freedom of being in the mountains might be the best thing you can do for your mental health this winter.

This issue could not have happened without the support of the Government of Canada, by way of the Canada Periodical Fund. We’d also like to say a huge thanks to the advertisers who have continued to support us through this difficult time. We know things are tough out there, and we appreciate every bit of support that has allowed us to make this issue happen.

When you’re spending your hard-earned bucks this winter, remember that the companies you see in this magazine are ones that give back to our sport.

Please consider saying thanks with your purchasing power.

Now, get out there and have some fun!

– Patrick Winslow, Editor-in-Chief PHOTO: STEVE SHANNON

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@steveshannonphoto

“ S t ay i n g s a n e through this madness might be the biggest c h a l l e n g e w e fa c e .

F o r t u n a t e ly, w e ’ r e sledders.

”

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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[ T RA ILH EAD ]

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[ TRAILH E AD ]

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SNOWMOBILE TRAILS THIS WINTER A MESSAGE FROM THE BC SNOWMOBILE FEDERATION

BY DONEGAL WILSON

Snowmobile clubs in British Columbia will be adapting their operations this season for the safety of their community, staff, volunteers and riders due to COVID-19. But we are also asking riders to help out by following and sharing a few key messages this season.

YO UR B U B B L E

SHOWING SYMP TOMS?

Try to keep your ride group small this winter, preferably to family or a group of less than six people. It is important to ride with the same people as much as possible this season. In the snowmobile world this is fairly easy as most of us have a tight riding group and our go-to wingman does not often change. But if you are new to snowmobiling or get invited out with a new group, please maintain your physical distance and try to limit the number of riders as much as possible.

If you’re sick, just stay home—no exceptions. Even if you think it is just a cold. Seems like a no-brainer right? Please do not come to the trailhead if you are not well. An outbreak at any club has the potential to make other riders sick and impact all club operations in the province.

P H YS I CA L D I S TA NC ING Do your best to maintain at least 2 meters (or approximately the length of one Yamaha Snoscoot) of personal distance from people who are not in your riding group.

Some shelters may be closed this season and even the open ones will have occupancy restrictions on them. Please try to use the shelters for emergencies only. If you do need to use them, respect occupancy limits while keeping it to people in your group.

It is a great year to learn some new muffpot recipes!

TO UC H Y S U R FA C ES It is hard to wash your hands while snowmobiling, so if by chance you do have to use a high touch point such as an outhouse or door handle, it’s a good idea to keep your gloves on.

The good news is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not freeze and fit easily in your pack. Recreation Sites and Trails BC recommends a clean trip kit consisting of toilet paper, latex gloves and hand sanitizer.

PACK IT IN, PACK IT OU T This should always be the norm for snowmobilers but despite years of messaging it still needs to be said. Cleaning up after ourselves is even more important this year.

Snowmobile club volunteers do not want to handle other people’s garbage, including cans, water bottles or other discarded items. There is no magic garbage truck that comes to the shelters and picks this stuff up.

The groomer operator or a volunteer has to haul out all the garbage in or on their machine. So please if you take it in, pack it back out.

HAVE PATIENCE Depending on setup at the trailhead, some clubs may have to change how they process trail fees. Please have patience with trailhead staff and provide yourself a little extra time to get out on the trail this winter.

A membership for your local snowmobile club that includes a season pass will be the quickest way to get out on the trails and help trail staff to minimize contact. Some clubs will also be offering online day pass sales, so please check your club’s website to see if these are available.

Snowmobile clubs across British Columbia have been working hard all summer to ensure they are ready for the coming season and able to open our trails to riders. We are now asking you, the rider, to help us make this season a success, because snowmobiling is surely the best way to get outside and enjoy what BC has to offer this winter.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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RIDE VALEMOUNT

SOCIAL DISTANCING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING!

For more information contact VARDA at 250.566.4817 or info@ridevalemount.com

ridevalemount.com

PHOTO: ALEX HANSON @hipgnosismedia

[ TRAILH E AD ]

BRITISH COLUMBIA SEARCH AND RESCUE

WHO YA GONNA CALL?

BY GREGG EMMERLING

We take it for granted. One minute of throttle puts us at a spot that would take half a day of struggle on foot. I recall burning almost a full tank of gas years ago just to get to the cabin at Boulder. The same conditions today are wheelied through without a second thought. But, along with our prodigious capabilities, we are still just a bag of meat on a machine that is always trying to tear itself apart.

How much time and thought have you really put into your own survival? As much as researching your new lightweight exhaust can? Hopefully everyone reading this knows they need to have the basics—avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe—and know how to use them.

But are you comfortable in the backcountry? Or at least with someone who is? Will you be prepared and ready when the fan gets covered in excrement?

TH E HILLS AR E ALIVE With travel restrictions in place this year, many people in Western Canada have decided to check out the Disneyland that is their own backyard. While that is great, the downside is a corresponding increase in the number of people totally unprepared for the “what if” scenario. The surging number of backcountry users has resulted in a 35 percent increase in Search and Rescue (SAR) callouts in British Columbia this year.

It seems likely that the trend will continue this winter, with more users in the backcountry than ever before. That makes it extra important to be well-prepared not just for the sake of our own safety, but so that we don’t overwhelm the limited resources of BC SAR groups.

Let’s not forget that SAR members are currently operating under health-related restrictions that make their task even more difficult and risky than usual.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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[ T RA ILH EAD ]

BE PREPARED WHEN CALLING FROM A SATELLITE PHONE, 911 DOESN’T WORK. YOU’LL NEED TO CALL THE NUMBER FOR THE EMBC EMERGENCY COORDINATION CENTRE DIRECTLY AT 1-800-663-3456.

WRITE IT ON YOUR SATELLITE PHONE IN PERMANENT INK!

Equipment

Knowledge and Training Mountain sledders need to have Avalanche Skills Training (AST) 1 as a minimum. We need to understand that the ability to skillfully operate a snowmobile does not grant us the knowledge we need to travel safely through avalanche terrain. Avalanches still take too many of us. Rob Kincaid was a more experienced and better rider than all of us, so take the course.

Emergency first aid is also critical! Every member of your crew should have it.

Basic mechanical knowledge is important. Know how to change a belt at a bare minimum. Have some idea how to make simple repairs, and practice in your garage with the tools you will bring when you ride.

If you’re wondering what you should carry with you into the backcountry this winter, think of it this way: Plan to spend a night in the hills.

There are plenty of scenarios in which SAR can’t reach you until the next day, and it can get damn cold at night in the mountains.

Here is a list of essentials from AdventureSmart, Canada’s national prevention program for outdoor users:

        

Flashlight or headlamp Fire-making kit Signalling device (i.e. whistle) Extra food and water Extra clothing Navigational and communication devices First aid kit Emergency blanket/shelter Pocket knife

Additional snowmobiling and winter-specific essentials include:

         

Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel FRS radio for group communication Tools and repair kit Spare belt Saw Tow strap Helmet and spare goggles Waterproof outerwear Insulating layers Toque and spare gloves

For accessing the backcountry via resource roads in winter, it’s a good idea to add a VHF radio to this list. The VHF radio is a valuable tool for communicating with industrial and other recreational traffic on the twisty, narrow logging roads of BC.

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[ TRAILH E AD ] Trip Planning The BC Search and Rescue Association wants you to plan your trip. Of course, this should already be part of your avalanche mitigation process, which includes checking the avalanche risk where you want to ride before you go.

Once you’ve determined where you’ll be heading for the day, that information needs to be shared with a responsible emergency contact. AdventureSmart has a smartphone app and a tool on their website that can be used to easily fill out a trip plan and send it to a responsible person via SMS or email.

At a minimum, take a felt pen and write a note with the number in your party, destination and an emergency contact, and leave it on the dash of your truck.

In British Columbia, SAR operates at no charge to those being rescued, and those resources are ready 24/7. But if they don’t know you’re out there and in trouble, there’s no rescue.

S E ARCH AN D R ES CUE ACTI VATI ON The most common reasons for winter rescue are:

1) LOST/DISORIENTED 2) INJURY 3) EXCEEDED ABILITY Regardless of the cause, when should you ask for help? Whenever you are risking life or limb, if someone is injured or if you are unsure of the outcome. Just keep in mind that SAR rescues people, not machines, so running out of gas is not their problem!

If that’s the case, double out to the cabin and pay trail prices for that 91 octane.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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[ T RA ILH EAD ] Okay, so disaster has struck for real and you’re in trouble. This can go three ways:

a) If you have a personal locator beacon (PLB), b) you can call for help straight away.

If not, your rescue won’t be initiated until the person you left your trip plan with gets worried and reports you as overdue. In all likelihood, that delay means an overnight stay at least.

c) Worst case scenario, you didn’t tell anyone

where you are going. Hopefully someone will notice your vehicle at the trailhead after a few days or a week, and then care enough to report it to the right people. Dig in, brother.

Let’s say you’re smart and option a) applies. Time to call in Search and Rescue.

But what happens between the time you press the SOS button and the cavalry arrives?

1 2

3

The beacon sends a 406 MHz signal, with optional GPS location, at 50 second intervals. Initially, the GPS sends a very general location and as time goes on, it calculates a more accurate location. For this reason it is important to leave the beacon on so it can continue to transmit the location.

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The COSPAS-SARSAT international satellite system receives the signal, calculates the location to within approximately 20 km and sends it to a ground station. This location also becomes more accurate with time.

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The ground station alerts the local rescue authority. In British Columbia, this is the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria.

I f the JRCC determines the locator beacon to be on land or inland water, they forward the message to Ground Search and Rescue via Emergency Management BC’s (EMBC) Emergency Coordination Centre.

MBC activates the SAR team nearest to the locator E beacon activation. The responding SAR team communicates with the JRCC for location updates.

It is important to understand that the above process does not happen instantaneously. Even if you are prepared enough with a PLB, you are still going to wait—quite possibly overnight. The chance of a successful outcome increases if the call is made as soon as possible.

If you’ve decided that owning a PLB is a good idea (it is), consider one with two-way messaging. This allows you to communicate with your rescuers, which is better for everyone—SAR knows what they are getting into, and you get confirmation that someone is coming. If you choose a satellite phone as your communication tool instead, be aware that 911 isn’t available—you will need to remember the direct number for rescue authorities.

Mountain Sledding is the greatest adventure sport in the world. We all like to push the limits and discover amazing new areas, but the coolest thing you will do this year is to come back to your family alive by being knowledgeable, well-prepared and careful this winter.

For BC AdventureSmart resources, updates, training and programs check out @BCAdvSmart on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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[ TRAILH E AD ]

SMILES PER GALLON

WHAT DOES IT COST TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH TRAILS?

BY NICOLE MATEI

To reverse engineer a great day of sledding, start by asking, what does it take to get there? For most riders, the answer begins and ends with a groomed trail—the quality of which can undoubtedly make or break your day. Grooming programs are the reputation snowmobile clubs are built upon and frequently the largest line item in their annual operating budget. So, what does it cost to roll out the big white carpet?

R OL L I N G OUT THE C A RPET To handle mountainous terrain and deep winter snowfalls, the grooming programs of clubs in British Columbia employ powerful, hydrostatic-drive snowcats to pull their grooming implements.

Always hotly debated, the towable device of choice is typically a tiller or drag, which repairs the trail using a process called sintering. The groomer mixes the layers of snow, aerating them to increase the density via churning friction. This motion creates a small but critical amount of moisture. This snow is then compacted into a uniform surface and allowed a period to refreeze or “set up” for durability. This is the reason why grooming is best done at night.

THAT SWEET CORDUROY! THE FSA SNOWCAT LAYING DOWN THE MAGIC CARPET RIDE. PHOTO: NICOLE MATEI

@nicolematei

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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[ T RA ILH EAD ]

MECHANIC’S TIP—A TARP OVER A WARM ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN MAKE A REPAIR JOB IN THE COLD AND SNOWY BACKCOUNTRY SLIGHTLY LESS PAINFUL. PHOTO: NICOLE MATEI

SNOWCAT TILLER MAINTENANCE. SO MANY BOLTS! PHOTO: MATT DOLBEC

Robust clubs able to make the financial leap to newer machines are not without similar challenges. Operations like Revelstoke or Fernie maintain entire fleets of snowcats to manage multiple riding areas and visitor numbers.

OUTDOOR REPAIRS DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. PHOTO: MATT DOLBEC

I N V EST M E N T I N G R O O MI NG EQ UIPMENT

R EPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Some clubs in BC choose to simplify their grooming operations by hiring a contractor to perform the actual trail grooming portion of the program.

However, this comes at a greater expense, and so it is more common for clubs to run their grooming operations internally. This means the club must invest in its own snowcats.

After diligently raising funds for the initial capital purchase of snowcats and grooming implements, snowmobile clubs then shoulder additional hefty expenses to keep their equipment running reliably.

Due to budget constraints in acquiring equipment, smaller snowmobile clubs often target older, second-hand snowcats in the 9000 hr range. These typically feature a $50-60K sticker price that falls within the reach of most organizations’ budgets.

However, at this vintage, these complex machines are typically overdue for the manufacturer’s recommended major service. Used equipment may not come with service logs that confirm what work has been done—or incomplete ones—meaning that your friendly local trail organization could be on the hook for another $60K of preventative maintenance in a hurry.

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A three-year-old off-lease model with 3,500 hours will cost a club about $275K. Put that machine to use on a typical 4-day a week grooming program, and expect to chew up 750 engine hours, $6K in basic maintenance and 70 hours of labour each season.

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Within five years, a snowcat will have racked up enough mileage for a major service and replacement of some critical parts, including hydrostatic drive pumps or injectors. While the cost of a major service seems pricey at around $60K, adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule leads to more predictable expenses overall. Gamble, and the club risks paying the ultimate price with a downed groomer on the trail during the busiest weekend of the year.

So, while the riders and marketing teams push for a few extra days of grooming each season, the Maintenance Director is

STUCKS HAPPEN! EARLY SEASON ROAD-BUILDING REQUIRES THE HAND OF A SKILLED OPERATOR.

[ TRAILH E AD ]

THIS ISN’T YOUR GRANDPA’S TRACTOR. SNOWCATS ARE COMPLEX MACHINES THAT REQUIRE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR. PHOTO: MATT DOLBEC

PHOTO: MATT DOLBEC

ALL CLUB INFRASTRUCTURE MUST MEET HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, WHICH COMES AT A COST NOT OFTEN CONSIDERED BY TRAIL RIDERS.

TRACK MAINTENANCE IS TIME CONSUMING. HERE, SEIZED BOLTS SECURING THE GROUSER BARS ARE GROUND OFF. PHOTO: MATT KUHN

likely having visions of hot summer days in the shop spending that potential extra revenue on parts and labour.

PHOTO: STEVE KELLY

SM O OT H O P E R AT OR Grooming programs are not just the sum of parts and fluid. At the heart of the machine is a skilled operator. It takes a special breed to do this job and every snowmobile club will tell you a good snowcat driver is worth their weight in gold…or between $18-30 per hour.

Groomer operators take an immense amount of pride in the quality of work laid out for the next day’s riders. Sadly, grooming trail is a thankless job and highly opinionated feedback can often take a toll on even the most seasoned veteran.

Which is unfortunate, because a skilled operator is a valued and important piece of the grooming program. Their ability to read the snow, terrain and equipment simultaneously—and know when to push and when to back off—can vastly affect how much additional maintenance is required, fuel efficiency, rider satisfaction and, ultimately, overall revenue the club earns.

THERE ARE 68 SNOWMOBILE CLUBS IN THE PROVINCE REGISTERED WITH THE BC SNOWMOBILE FEDERATION THESE 68 CLUBS MAINTAIN A TOTAL OF 18,000 KM OF TRAILS TOGETHER, THEY HAVE $6.6M INVESTED IN GROOMING EQUIPMENT

TH E C O S T OF I N F RA S TRUC TURE There is a vast framework required to support grooming operations behind the scenes. Snowcat storage, the variable price of fuel and delivery, insurance, heavy load transportation and permits, operator training, worker safety device and technical oversight from an avalanche professional for those operating in avalanche terrain must all factor into the budget.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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[ T RA ILH EAD ] SNOWCAT PURCHASE PRICE New from dealer (2 year/2500 hr warranty)

$400,000

3 year old, off-lease machine with 3500 hrs (no engine warranty, 250 hr vehicle warranty)

$275,000

Private sale with 5000-6000 hrs (no warranty)

$150,000-$190,000

Old machine with 9000 hrs (no warranty)

$50,000-$60,000

Old machine with over 9000 hrs at auction (no warranty)

$25,000-$40,000

BASIC GROOMING PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE Storage

Variable

1000 L enviro fuel tank

$5,000

Spare parts (typically a few tires, grouser bars, fluid, etc.)

Variable

Avalanche safety plan, regulatory requirements

$5,000+

Worker safety devices (emergency comms, avalanche safety, backcountry kit)

Variable

Snowcat transport (per trip) to and from various trailheads or storage

$2,500

OPERATING EXPENSES Wages (per operator, per season)

$25,000

Insurance (per snowcat, annual)

$2,000

Fuel and delivery (4 days a week, 200 L per 8 hrs)

$15,000

MAINTENANCE

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Manufacturer's recommended major service @ 4000 hrs – rebuild splitter box (pump drive) and final drives, change hydrostatic drive system high pressure hoses, inspect undercarriage bearings, repair any frame cracks, check blade and rear lift frame bushings and detailed inspection of tracks and tiller or drag

$60,000

Annual basic maintenance – change all fluids, cut open filters and check magnetic plugs for abnormal debris, check all hydraulic and hydrostatic pressures, frame (crack) and track inspection, tiller and drag inspection

$6,000

Tracks – alpine tracks have 5 belts at $1000 each, plus several day labour to replace. Grouser bars are $200 per piece with 136 per snowcat. 10 tires at $1000 apiece, plus two drive sprockets at $1800 apiece, 3000 bolts and a lot of torqueing

Variable

Hydrostatic drive pumps/motor set x3 per machine

$10,000 each

Injector or Injection/HEUI pumps (approximate lifespan 80,000 hrs)

$12,000

// WIN T E R 20 21

PHOTO: ALEX HANSON

The annual bill looks a little something like $50-$70K a season per snowcat on top of the original purchase price.

Now let’s start talking about cabins, signage, staging area facilities…it paints a striking picture.

SMILES P ER G ALLON Snowmobile clubs across the province are serving up trail maintenance and infrastructure programs of increasing complexity to meet the growing numbers and expectations of users. In a world where very few grants and funding options are available for motorized trail groups, every dollar counts.

Imagine the sting of a rider flying by the kiosk without paying, when a club is saving to purchase a new snowcat or keep the one they have running reliably for its users. This selfishness not only robs the club of the revenue required to function effectively, it also ignores the value of organized snowmobiling in BC. Snowmobile clubs work hard to provide the best experience possible for their members and day users alike. It’s important to remember that a rider’s trail fee doesn’t just cover that particular day’s pass of the tiller; it must be spread over the costs of the entire grooming program, year-round.

So, this winter as you head up the trail, take a minute to consider the overall investment behind the scenes. Then decide if the trail fee is a fair trade-off for the number of smiles per gallon.

Gear Guide HOW DOES

THE 509 IGNITE LENS WORK?

The Ignite series of goggles from 509 uses a special heated lens technology to help eliminate fog and ice buildup that can plague you while you ride.

Unlike the rear window defroster in your car, which sends an electric current through the grid of thin metal strips adhered to the glass, the Ignite lens doesn’t have any visible strips that could impair your vision. Instead, it uses a specialized defrosting technology used in military aircraft to make the riding experience of sledders that much better.

Here’s how it works.

The inner lens features a conductive, completely transparent “Indium Tin Oxide” (ITO) layer. When electrified, this layer causes the entire surface of the inner lens to quickly heat up to 40˚ C. This heat

509 SINISTER X6 IGNITE GOGGLE Red / Light Rose HCS Tint | $320

28

// WIN TE R 20 21

dries up any fog that might have formed on the inside of the goggle lens as a result of heavy breathing or sweating. It can also help melt some of the ice that may appear on the outer surface of the lens on very cold days.

The Ignite goggle is powered by a rechargeable 7.4V 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery pack that attaches to the side of the goggle strap. A single button allows the Ignite system to work on two settings: Always On and Auto 120 Second mode. The first mode is self-explanatory, and on the second mode, the lens will heat for 120 seconds.

Every mountain sledder has struggled with fog or ice buildup at one time or another while riding. The 509 Ignite goggle is an example of a product evolving with new technology to provide a better solution to a very real problem.

[ GE AR GUID E ]

TOBE NOVO V3 MONO SUIT Autumn Glory | $1,200

A MORE SUSTAINABLE MEMBRANE:

SYMPATEX

Sympatex, the manufacturer of the waterproof-breathable membrane used in TOBE Outerwear garments, has a reputation for producing incredibly waterproof materials. It’s the reason why TOBE is able to boast an unrivalled waterproofness rating of 45K in their outerwear.

But Sympatex is going further in an effort to create textiles that are not only high performance, but also sustainable. That means eliminating the use of materials that are harmful to health and the environment.

The raw material used in the Sympatex membrane is polyester, which has a low ecological footprint and enables the manufacture of unmixed functional textiles, which are essential for an efficient recycling process.

It contains no PTFEs and no PFCs, making it skin and environmentally friendly, and 100% recyclable.

Because of the energy-saving polyester manufacturing process, the Sympatex membrane boasts a significantly lower CO2 footprint than other membrane materials. A jacket, for example, has a 50% reduction in CO2 when compared to those using a PTFE membrane.

Looking ahead, Sympatex plans to achieve zero waste, from raw material to finished product, by the year 2030. The plan is to get there in steps. Currently, the manufacturer’s business divisions offer laminates made from closed-loop recycled materials. By 2025, 50% of raw materials used will originate from the closed textile loop and be fully recyclable.

And by 2030, only products made from closed-loop materials will be offered by the company.

Whether you want to believe it or not, climate change caused by human activity has the potential to negatively impact the weather, and as a result, our favourite winter pastime.

It might sound hypocritical for snowmobilers (who burn fossil fuels for pleasure) to care about limiting the damaging effects of climate change, but that makes it even more important to reduce the impact of our activities wherever else we can.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

29

[ G EA R G U I D E ]

BARRYVOX S

MORE COMPLEX AND MORE SIMPLE When we think of how technology evolves, we usually think of devices becoming more complex, not more simple. But the Mammut Barryvox S avalanche transceiver is an example of both.

Naturally, it features all the latest advances from Mammut: an industryleading 70 m digital receiving range, functional marking, advanced digital signal processing, auto guidance and vital data to name a few.

But technology can only take us so far. When it goes beyond our ability to utilize it in the heat of the moment, we can only benefit so much. And a real-world avalanche rescue will severely test a person’s ability to function under duress more than just about anything else.

So while it does feature all that advanced technology, Mammut has very intentionally designed the Barryvox S to be simpler to operate on a passive level as well.

That starts with a large, 5.6 cm screen that’s easy to read even in tough lighting conditions.

Next, as the searcher moves through the stages of transceiver search (signal, coarse, fine search and pinpoint), the large display shows, with moving icons, what the rescuer should be doing.

During all of this, a feature that Mammut calls “Smart Search” operates in the background. Smart Search works to eliminate inefficiencies caused by sloppy search techniques, such as a poor grid search or altering the orientation of the transceiver during the fine search—exactly the kinds of things a stressed-out user is likely to do.

Another passive feature that makes the Barryvox S simpler to operate is the auto guidance feature. This allows the user to continue searching uninterrupted when there is signal overlap in a multiple burial scenario (signal overlap is a complication that all transceivers are equally subject to), rather than stopping or being sent off-course.

These features, along with its advance functionality, make the Barryvox S a powerful avalanche rescue tool that’s easy to use.

30

// WIN T E R 20 21

MAMMUT BARRYVOX S Avalanche Transceiver | $600

Authorized CANADIAN DEALERS ALBERTA

Okotoks

Nelson

Barrhead

Howden Co 833.346.9336 howden-co.com

Main Jet Motorsports 1.877.352.3191 shopmainjet.ca

Peace River

Pemberton

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

Martin Motor Sports 403.301.0096 martinmotorsports.ca Ralph’s Motorsports 403.291.4868 ralphsmotorsports.com Cochrane

Mountain Toys 403.932.4828 mountaintoyspolaris.com Eckville

Rainy Creek Power Sports 403.746.5000 rainycreekpowersports.com Edson

Maximum Powersports 780.624.8952 maximumpowersports.com Thomas Homes & RV Center 780.624.2720 thomasbrp.com Red Deer

Turple Bros 403.346.5238 turplebros.ca Rocky Mountain House

Gateway Sales & Service 403.845.2421 gatewayss.net

BRITISH COLUMBIA Chilliwack

Riderz 780.723.5775 riderz.ca

GVP East 604.795.7800 gvps.ca

Edmonton

Fernie

Argyll Motor Sports 780.435.6811 argyllmotorsports.com Cycle Works Edmonton 780.440.3200 cycleworks.com Martin Motor Sports (South) 780.438.2484 martinmotorsports.ca Martin Motor Sports (West) 780.481.4000 martinmotorsports.ca

Gearhub Sports

Gibbons

Innerspace Watersports Inc. 250.763.2040 innerspacewatersports.com Valley Moto Sport 250.863.3400 valleymotosport.com

Gibbons Motor Toys 780.923.3796 gibbonsmotortoys.com Grande Prairie

Red-Line Powercraft 780.532.4313 red-linepowercraft.com Stojans 780.538.2934 stojans.com Lloydminister

Lethal Motorsports 780.872.5800 lethalmotorsports.ca Rec-Tech Power 780.870.5464 rectechpowerproducts.com

1 | VOLUME 12

250.423.5555

Backcountry Motorsports 604.894.1797 backcountrymotorsports.ca Prince George

Cycle North 855.964.9091 cyclenorth.com Revelstoke

Full Speed Rentals 250.837.8883 fullspeedrentals.com Infinite Powersports 250.837.2027 infinitepowersports.com Terrace

Ken’s Marine 250.635.2909 kensmarine.ca Vancouver

International Motorsports 604.879.0521

internationalmotorsports.com

gearhub.ca

Vernon

Golden

Innerspace Watersports, Inc. 250.549.2040 innerspacewatersports.com

Mountain Motorsports 250.344.6100 mountainmotorsports.ca Houston

Northstar Performance 250.845.3255 Kelowna

Langley

GVP West 604.888.8700 gvps.ca International Motorsports 604.288.1553 internationalmotorsports.com West Coast Sledders 604.332.2373 westcoastsledders.com

MANITOBA Selkirk

MGA Distribution 204.406.8628 mgadistribution.ca NOVA SCOTIA

QUEBEC

Sainte-Luce

Granby

J.E. Goulet

Durt Style 450.305.0323 durtstyle.com

Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu

Laval

Groupe Contant 450.666.6676 contant.ca Levis

Ty Moteurs 418.833.0500 tymoteurslevis.ca Mirabel

Groupe Contant 450.434.6676 contant.ca Rouyn-Noranda

Marine Lamy 819.762.9400 marinelamy.ca Sherbrook

Rock Moto Sport 819.564.8008 rockmotosport.com Sainte-Agathe

Groupe Contant 819.326.6626 contant.ca Sainte-Hyacinthe

ADM Sport 800.463.4340 admsport.com Sainte-Jean-Chrysostome

Peakboys 581.781.5514 peakboys.ca

418.739.4219

Mathias Sports 450.467.3868 mathiassports.com Sainte-Mathieu-de-Beloeil

Groupe Contant 450.446.6676 contant.ca Sainte-Michel

Generation Sport 1.888.454.9711 generation-sport.ca Vaudreil

Groupe Contant 514.360.6676 contant.ca Ville de Quebec

ADM Sport 800.463.4340 admsport.com KLIMQUEBEC - Extreme Limite 418.805.0222 extremelimite.ca SASKATCHEWAN Meadow Lake

Extreme Speed 306.236.3009 extremespeed.ca White City

Powersports Regina 306.586.2900 powersportsregina.ca

Goodwood

HFX Motorsports 1.833.442.4046 hfxmotorsports.com ONTARIO Thunder Bay Excalibur Motorcycle Works Ltd.

807.622.0007 excaliburmotorcycle.com

TOBEOUTERWEAR.COM

Ride the Crappy

Snow

BY MART Y ANDERSON

PHOTO: ROB ALFORD RIDER: ALLAN SAWCHUCK

32

// WIN TE R 20 21

@alfordrob @sledhead777

[ O PINIO N ]

T H E R E ’ S A LWAY S T O M O R R O W How many times has this simple assumption impacted our decision making? We humans excel at procrastinating and we have gotten ver y comfor table in thinking that there is always another day coming. Have you ever cancelled a ride with your buddies because the weather wasn’ t the greatest ? Perhaps you stayed home because the snow conditions were “crappy ”. Or maybe you simply didn’t feel like getting loaded up for any thing less than a per fect day. The excuses come easily. The weather, the snow conditions, the temperature—the decision to stay home until nex t time is easily validated. There’s always tomorrow.

But what happens when the whole concept of “tomorrow” is suddenly called into question? Last spring we had our world turned upside down with the onset of a pandemic. As governments and snowmobile clubs struggled to formulate the correct response, some snowmobiling was shut down completely. Trips were cancelled, lodges and warm-up shelters shuttered, even borders closed. Suddenly, the “wait until next weekend” people found out there was no next weekend. Some found that they had procrastinated themselves right out of time.

Going into this season we have a better understanding of the situation and it seems generally agreed upon that snowmobiling is actually a great way to socially distance.

Can we take any lessons from the past year? So much in our privileged lives has been taken for granted for a long time and it has caused many of us to live life complacently. But some of life’s best moments come when we rise to challenges, even small ones. If the temperature is a few degrees below our comfort zone, can’t we just put on an extra layer? If it’s going to be snowing and the visibility is not great, isn’t there somewhere we can play in the trees? Some of our best rides and greatest memories have been had during less-than-ideal weather or snow conditions.

But getting out there is the first step. Hopefully this past year can direct us towards a new appreciation and understanding of what is actually important to us and a realignment of priorities. We can’t take it for granted that there will be another day to ride. Health, friends, family, the economy—everything and anything can change in the blink of an eye.

So why not plan some goals for this winter and stick to them. Have a new skill that you want to develop? Do it! Been meaning to get out for a ride with an old friend? Now is the time! Considering taking a newbie out and showing them what mountain riding is all about? Perfect opportunity! Thinking of joining your local club? They have never needed you more! Wanting to upgrade your avalanche knowledge? There is a ton of online information coming, making learning easier than ever.

We all get settled into our own comfort zones and it is too easy to put plans off into a seemingly infinite future. It’s time to break that habit and use this year as a reason to do things better.

Let’s be honest. Right now we live at a time when we can’t even be certain there will be toilet paper on the shelves. So get out there and ride the crappy snow.

“

BAD WEATHER , CRAPPY SNOW CONDITIONS, COLD TEMPERATURE— THE E XCUSES COME EASILY.

”

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

33

CANADIAN DEALER LISTINGS GRANDE PRAIRIE

ALBERTA

Grande Prairie Honda & Powersports grandeprairiepowersports.com 1.888.532.8010

ACHESON Cycle Works West/Acheson cycleworksacheson.com BARRHEAD CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. cccycle.ca BLACKFOOT Rec-Tech Power rectechpowerproducts.com BLAIRMORE Ritchie Parts & Mechanical rpmblairmore.com BROOKS A & E Racing aeracing.com CALGARY Basecamp Motosports basecampmotorsports.com

Cycle Works Calgary

cycleworks.com Martin Motor Sports martinmotorsports.ca Ralph’s Motorsports ralphsmotorsports.com CAMROSE Camrose Motorsports wethonda.ca

780.960.1920

780.674.5414

780.870.5464

403.562.2799

403.362.6401

ECKVILLE Rainy Creek Powersports rainycreekpowersports.com

403.746.5000

EDMONTON Argyll Motor Sports argyllmotorsports.com

780.435.6811

Cycle Works Edmonton cycleworksedmonton.com

780.440.3200

Martin Motor Sports (South) martinmotorsports.ca

780.438.2484

Martin Motor Sports (West) martinmotorsports.ca

780.481.4000

Windsor Motorsports windsormotorsports.ca

1.877.539.1666

GRASSLAND

BURNS LAKE

GTS Powersports & RV grasslandtrailersales.com

780.525.5820

Lino’s Sales linossales.ca CAMPBELL RIVER

Lethbridge Honda Centre lethbridgehonda.com Lethal Motorsports & Marine lethalmotorsports.ca

780.872.5800

1.866.969.7111

833.346.9336

CHILLIWACK GVP East gvps.ca

604.795.7800

Maximum Powersports maximumpowersports.com

780.624.8952

CRANBROOK Peak Performance Motorsports peakperformancecranbrook.ca

Mighty Peace Power Sports mightypeacepowersports.ca

780.617.8080

Thomas Homes & RV Center thomasbrp.com

780.624.2720

PEACE RIVER

Cycle Works Red Deer cycleworks.com

403.346.8805

Turple Bros. turplebros.ca

403.346.5238

403.845.2421

Cross-Country Sales & Service crosscountrysales.com

780.384.2215

SPRUCE GROVE

780.723.5775

780.960.0571

780.458.7272

STETTLER COUNTY Heartland Marine heartlandmarine.ca

403.742.4447

STURGEON COUNTY Absolute Power & Performance abspow.ca

780.460.9101

SUNDRE Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled mountainsedgecycleandsled.com

shopmainjet.ca

250.352.3191

FERNIE Gearhub Sports gearhub.ca

250.423.5555

FORT ST. JOHN Fast Trax fasttrax.ca

250.787.1930

GOLDEN

403.638.3885

250.344.6100

HOUSTON Northstar Performance

SEDGEWICK

250.417.3310

CRESTON / NELSON

Main Jet

Mountain Motorsports mountainmotorsports.ca

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE Gateway Sales and Service gatewayss.net

Riderz riderz.ca

780.923.3796

403.357.1578

Synik Clothing synikclothing.com

780.723.6558

GIBBONS

250.287.3505

CASTLEGAR/NELSON

ST. ALBERT

780.997.3818

250.692.7045

Playmor Power Products playmorpower.com

Riverside Motosports rideriverside.com

Gibbons Motor Toys gibbonsmotortoys.com

403.327.2777

250.673.8317

LLOYDMINISTER

780.723.4533

E & S Motorsports esmotorsports.ca

BLUE RIVER

Seymour Services seymourservices.ca

Northside Motorsports northsidemotorsports.ca

FORT SASKATCHEWAN

BRITISH COLUMBIA

LETHBRIDGE

Specialty Motorsports specialtymotorsports.ca

EDSON Freedom Powersports Edson Ltd. freedompowersports.ca

780.352.5408

Blue River Sledz blueriversledz.com

RED DEER 403.932.4828

WETASKIWIN Wetaskiwin Motorsports wethonda.ca

780.538.2934

403.230.1920

COCHRANE Mountain Toys mountaintoyspolaris.com

780.349.5277

Stojans stojans.com

OKOTOKS

780.672.4095

WESTLOCK Westlock Powersports & Marine westlockpowersports.ca

780.532.4313

Howden Co. howden-co.com

1.877.972.5747

780.333.2800

Red-Line Powercraft red-linepowercraft.com

403.441.1299

403.301.0096

SWAN HILLS Wilderness Playground Tours swanhillssledfixer.com

250.845.3255

KAMLOOPS Outlaw Motorsports outlawmotorsports.ca 250.828.2200 Robin’s Marine & Snowmobile Service robinsms.ca 250.851.0084 RTR Performance rtrperformance.com 250.374.3141 KELOWNA Innerspace Watersports, Inc. innerspacewatersports.com M&M Performance mmperformance.com LANGLEY GVP West gvps.ca International Motorsports internationalmotorsports.com West Coast Sledders westcoastsledders.ca

250.763.2040 250.491.4800

604.888.8700 604.288.1553 604.332.2373

NEWFOUNDLAND

MIDWAY

BDC Performance Centre (Boondocker Canada) bdcperformance.ca

1.877.449.2699

PEMBERTON

Backcountry Motorsports

backcountrymotorsports.ca

604.894.1797

PRINCE GEORGE

Cycle North

cyclenorth.com

Forest Power Sports

forestpowersports.com REVELSTOKE Full Speed Rentals fullspeedrentals.com Infinite Powersports infinitepowersports.com Rough Country Marine Ltd. rough-country.ca Extreme Powersports extremepowersports.ca

855.964.9091 250.563.1021

250.837.8883 250.837.2027 250.837.6738 250.801.8443

SALMON ARM Shuswap Xtreme Rec shuswapxtreme.com

250.832.3883

SICAMOUS Carl Kuster Mountain Park carlkuster.com

250.836.3401

TERRACE Ken’s Marine kensmarine.ca

250.635.2909

VALEMOUNT Alpine Country Rentals alpinecountryrentals.com

250.566.9774

VANCOUVER International Motorsports internationalmotorsports.com

604.879.0521

VERNON Innerspace Watersports Inc. innerspacewatersports.com

250.549.2040

Riders Edge Suspension ridersedgesuspension.com

250.542.0269

WILLIAMS LAKE Spectra Powersports spectrapowersports.com

250.392.3201

MANITOBA SELKIRK MGA Distribution mgadistribution.ca Westside Honda/Polaris westsidehonda.ca

204.406.8628 1.888.482.7782

NEW BRUNSWICK CARAQUET Lanteigne Sport lanteignesports.com

1.877.524.5717

DIEPPE G Bourque gbourque.com

506.383.4585

MONCTON Patterson Sales ljpattersonsales.com

506.383.4202

GANDER Adventure Sales & Service adventuresalesnfld.com GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR Thruway Recreation thruwayrecreation.ca LITTLE RAPIDS Rapid Power Sports rapidpowersports.com MOUNT PEARL Atlantic Recreation atlanticrecreation.com Driven Powersports drivenpowersports.ca

SAINTE-JEAN-CHRYSOSTOME Peakboys peakboys.ca 709.651.3335

709.639.1695

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NOVA SCOTIA

THUNDER BAY Excalibur Motorcycle Works Ltd. excaliburmotorcycle.com J&J Sports jandjsports.ca

JOLIETTE Lapointe Sports lapointesports.com Moto Ducharme motoducharme.com L’ANCIENNE-LORETTE Adrenaline Sports adrenalinesports.ca LAVAL Groupe Contant contant.ca

SAINT-MATHIAS-SUR-RICHELIEU Mathias Sports mathiassports.com

450.467.3868

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

450.446.6676

1.888.454.9711

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SHERBROOKE Rock Moto Sport rockmotosport.com

819.564.8008

1.807.622.0007

VAUDREUIL Groupe Contant contant.ca

514.360.6676

1.807.623.5042

1.800.461.3474

QUEBEC GRANBY Durt Style durtstyle.com

800.463.4340

SHAWINIGAN Garage Godcher garagegodcher.ca

1.833.442.4046

TIMMINS J&B Cycle and Marine jbcycle.com

ADM Sport admsport.com

Generation Sport generation-sport.ca

ONTARIO GUELPH Royal Distributing royaldistributing.com

418.739.4219

SAINT-HYACINTHE

SAINT-MICHEL

GOODWOOD HFX Motorsports hfxmotorsports.com

SAINTE-LUCE J.E. Goulet

1.877.978.7787

581.781.5514

VILLE DE QUÉBEC ADM Sport admsport.com KLIMQUEBEC - Extreme Limite extremelimite.ca

800.463.4340 418.805.0222

SASKATCHEWAN 450.305.0323

1.800.754.8899 450.755.4444

LLOYDMINSTER Boundary Motorsports boundarymotorsports.com

306.825.4481

MEADOW LAKE Extreme Speed extremespeed.ca

306.236.3009

418.687.0383

PRINCE ALBERT Prairie Recreation Parts & Access Ltd. prairierecreation.com 306.763.8001

450.666.6676

REGINA Agri-Sports agrisports.ca

306.525.8366

SASKATOON Proline Motorsports & Marine prolinemotorsports.ca Recreation Supply recreationsupply.ca

306.664.3560

450.752.2201

MIRABEL Groupe Contant contant.ca

WEYBURN Rick’s Performance ricksperformance@sasktel.net

306.861.0125

450.434.6676

ROUYN-NORANDA Marine Lamy marinelamy.ca

819.762.9400

WHITE CITY Powersports Regina powersportsregina.ca

306.586.2900

SAINTE-AGATHE Groupe Contant contant.ca

819.326.6626

YORKTON Schrader Motors schradermotors.com

306.783.3333

LEVIS Ty Moteurs tymoteurslevis.ca

418.833.0500

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

SAINTE-BARBE Performance DJL Inc. performancedjl.com

450.374.5502

306.978.7881

YUKON WHITEHORSE Checkered Flag Recreation checkeredflagrecreation.com

1.867.633.2429

SLED OWNERSHIP NO

Do you own a sled?

Why are you reading this then?

NOT SURE

NO

Is it broken?

Can you afford one?

Add gas and oil

YES

YES NO

Waiting for parts?

Be ashamed of yourself

NO

Try cross-country skiing

YES Take out a loan

SLEDDING

Sledding is probably not for you

F A M I LY

YES NO

Are you single?

Quit

YES

NO

YES NO

YES Fake a stress-induced panic attack

// WINTE R 20 21

NO

Do you have credit?

GO

WORK COMMITMENTS

36

NO

YES

Rent

Too busy to take time off?

Alright, you’ve stumped us

Go buy a sled

Too lazy to fix?

YES

Do you like it?

NO

YES

YES

Do you have a job?

Would you like to?

Got any holidays left?

YES What’s the problem then?

NO

Call in with a fever and a dry cough, enjoy a two-week holiday

Do you have kids?

YES Drop them off at Grandma’s for some quality time

NO

A pet needs you?

YES Option 1: Put extra food out Option 2: SPCA

CA N I G O

LIFE DECISIONS

SLEDDING

After church, hurry to catch up

YES

Are you still in bed?

NO

Are you in jail?

NO

The next time you’re invited along for a ride and you’re thinking of passing, run yourself through this Can I Go Sledding? decision tree to see if maybe some of your excuses are just that and nothing more.

Congrats, you fit the mould

YES YES Is it the drunk tank?

Shame!

Punch yourself in the face and grab a coffee

YES

NO

NO

Did you steal a sled?

?

We’ll save some pow for you when you get out (not really)

YES

Wait a few more hours

Married?

NO

Tell them, “It’s not you, it’s me”

You go to hell.

You go to hell and you die!

Download Skinder, the matchmaking app for Ski-Doo owners

DECISION TREE

NO

Did you party last night?

YES

Do they ride?

YES Last one in the truck is a rotten egg

NO Ask nicely

Did that work?

NO

YES Congrats, you have a healthy relationship

Beg

How ‘bout that?

NO

You’re screwed

YES Nice, but start thinking of ways to make it up

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

37

[ R IDIN G Ti p ]

BOWTIE

BY CALEB KESTERKE

There are four advanced maneuvers that are essential to dominating technical trees and steep terrain.

THEY ARE: HOP OVERS | ELEVATORS | BOWTIES | DOWNHILL HOP OVERS While bowties are often categorized as a party trick and deemed not useful in conquering mountains, I believe otherwise.

Successfully learning how to bring a sled around and recover from looping out will develop muscle memory that provides a huge control advantage while riding steep, aggressive terrain. The finesse and control you develop while learning this maneuver will help take your riding to the next level.

But before you begin to learn bowties I highly recommend being comfortable attempting wheelie turns on steeper slopes. The throttle control and balance you learn from wheelie turns will set you up to successfully learn bowties.

There are only two steps needed to progress from pulling wheelie turns to executing a bowtie. Number one is doing it wrong-foot forward instead of from a neutral riding position. Number two is initiating the turn from a sidehill rather than directly uphill.

Approach

PHOTOS: ISAAC KESTERKE

The most important part of the approach is controlling your momentum and picking the right location for the maneuver.

1

Make your approach with the wrong-foot forward on the uphill running board. Start with your foot three-quarters of the way back on the running board. If you anticipate needing more ski lift, hop to the very rear of the running board. Snow conditions and slope angle will dictate your foot position.

Keep your knees and elbows slightly bent, and a finger on the brake.

2 Initiate Carve the corner, transitioning your momentum from going across the hill to straight up. This will require an increase in throttle and proper bracing for the change in direction. You should also start bringing your weight back to help lift the front end up.

Make eye contact with your pivot location—you decide where that should be, don’t let the sled decide for you!

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PHOTO: ZAC CADOT

The Building Blocks of a

[ R i di n g Ti p wi t h Cale b Keste rke ]

3

Stall At this point, your uphill momentum should stop completely and you will briefly stall out as you wait for gravity to start pulling you back downhill.

Pivot Carving the corner starts the pivot rotation and shifting your weight back creates the ski lift necessary. Planting your foot in the snow can help control the pivot and keep it tight. As you transition through the pivot you will need to shift your weight from over the running board to over the seat to maintain balance.

4

The depth and firmness of the snow will dictate what input to give at this point. Deep snow requires throttle to allow the track to cut its way through the snowpack. Harder snow may require brake to prevent pivoting too far.

At this point, your head and shoulders should be turned downhill and in the direction you want to go. This will help the sled fall onto its side panel instead of straight backward onto you.

Control

5

Now, control the sled as gravity pulls it down—don’t let the sled jerk you around. Try to imagine that you are sitting down in the snowpack, pulling the sled down with you.

Spot your landing and your exit route and look where you want to go. You should counter-steer the handlebars at this point to keep your ski tips from diving in on impact.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

39

[ R IDIN G Ti p ]

6

Brace As the front of the sled returns back to the snowpack, remember to brace for the sudden stop.

Maintain a firm grip on the bars to keep the sled from rolling downhill.

After impact, the sled will be much easier to recover if the sled is pulled too far into the hill rather than not far enough. If you’ve pulled too far into the hill you can use your outside leg to push the sled back into a balanced sidehill position.

Your weight should be forward and your chest near the handlebars. Give it some throttle to help bring the back end down and into a level sidehill position.

Carry On The second you recover from the bowtie you should be looking ahead and route planning the rest of your line. Knowing where you are going and recognizing the obstacles in your way will help you understand the proper input and momentum required to successfully continue on.

7

Keep in mind that the bowtie is an advanced technical maneuver, and it may take many days or months of practice to learn! One of the most common mistakes is not carrying enough momentum into the approach.

If you hit a wall working on these, I recommend recording a video of yourself trying one. Then study the footage and try to figure out the earliest spot you make a mistake. Slowly correct your mistakes, starting from the approach and working your way through a successful execution of the bowtie.

For more riding tips or to book a riding clinic, check out Caleb’s new venture on Instagram @proven_progression or at www.provenprogression.com

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1 | VOLUME 12

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“ H EY GUYS, IT’S REALLY GOOD,

YOU SHOULD

GET UP HERE!” 42

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HOW TO TRAIN YOUR OWN

APPRENTICE

BY COLIN WALLACE

“Hey, Tom!” yelled the slightly short, slightly balding, slightly greyhaired, slightly stout but very crusty journeyman with a dart hanging from the corner of his mouth.

“My name is Colin,” replied the slightly skinny, slightly fuzzy-peachfaced, slightly awkward, slightly too tall for his coveralls, but very outspoken apprentice.

“Ya, whatever. Go get me a wrench from my toolbox!” shouted the salty journeyman in a very stern voice.

“What size?” asked the apprehensive apprentice, in a very shaky voice.

“It doesn’t matter, I’m just going to use it as a ^#@%ing hammer!!!” yelled the now very irate journeyman in a very unsympathetic voice, spitting out his king size menthol.

“Hurry up and get over here, and if you pay attention, you might learn something for once,” he continued, in an exasperated, but now somewhat sincere voice. ****** That crusty but knowledgeable mechanic showed me how to tap the bends on brake hoses and lines to help move air bubbles towards the bleeder screw when bleeding brakes. His methods of instruction might be considered questionable by today’s standards, but I never forgot the lessons he taught me.

“You gotta watch out for ol’ Daryl, he can be a little moody if he doesn’t get his cigrit breaks,” the shop foreman told me once when I asked if the old journeyman was likely to hurt me.

After I figured out that he wasn’t actually going to boot my ass across the shop, I wasn’t scared of him anymore. But still it took a while to fully accept that he didn’t hate my guts. Otherwise, he would never have taken me under his wing and passed on the wisdom he had acquired over the years. From that realization on, he had my respect. So when he roared, “Get over here and listen up!” I paid attention. ****** A good apprentice stays humble and listens to the old dogs when they bark, especially when they screw up. It’s a simple give and take relationship really—the master gives the apprentice shit, and they take it.

But when we talk about bringing new riders into the backcountry, in that relationship, the real responsibility lies with the seasoned sledders in the group. They must use their experience to teach new riders how to properly and safely conduct themselves in the backcountry. Passing down the right information is vital in guiding the apprentice to a long and healthy lifetime in the mountains, and to ensuring the continued stewardship of the areas we’re allowed to ride.

However you choose to pass on the knowledge you have gained, just be sure it is constructive and timeless.

No one can become a journeyperson in a trade without a final exam, so once your little sledder apprentice has put in the time and is ready, copy these pages and hand them over. There is no answer key, but if you don’t already know the correct answers then maybe you need to go back to school yourself.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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MOUNTAIN SLEDDER APPRENTICE

FINAL EXAM

sledder is teeth as a g how tting your in n ar le d Par t of cu an ay).

P.O.S. sled owning a nning (or tr ying anyw ru it ep to ke

It is the re sp constant su onsibility of the app re pply of ch opped fire ntice to maintain a wood at th e cabin.

“Hey rook, don’t forget to pack my ergonomic pillow!”

It’s the middle of the night and the fire went out in the cabin. You should immediately: A) Grab an extra blanket and go back to sleep B) Put a hot water bottle under the blankets and go back to sleep C) Wake someone up and tell them the fire went out D) Stay up all night sitting in front of the stove making damn sure it doesn’t go out again

Your crew spent all day punching a trail up to an untouched alpine bowl. Do you: A) Shred mad gnar B) Don’t touch any of that white gold, turn around immediately and go up and down the trail you just put in 25 more times so it’s good and set up for everyone else to come up C) Have lunch and wait

A) Grab those three squares and run like hell B) Split the three squares into one and a half C) Graciously hand all three squares over to the old guy and use one of your socks for yourself D) Sneak away with the TP for a stealth poo Aunt Judy is upside down in a creek. You should:

D) Do a yoga You’re staying in a hotel on a sled trip and you’re the first one up in the morning. You should:

A) Cautiously approach the edge of the creek and politely give words of encouragement

B) Rage downstairs to the breaky buffet and crush all the bacons

B) Immediately remove your gear and dive headfirst into the creek, deadlift Aunt Judy’s sled out of the creek by yourself, shovel out a ramp, ride it out of the creek, then dive back into the creek and haul Aunt Judy out of the water. Once everyone and Aunt Judy’s sled is out of the creek, put on Aunt Judy’s soaking wet gear and give her the dry stuff you took off earlier.

C) Make a cup of peppermint tea and read the Financial Post

C) Toss Aunt Judy a shovel

A) Immediately drive to the gas station with all the sleds and fill them up

D) Write a poem

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You and the oldest member of the group both have to take a backcountry deuce, and there are only three squares of TP left:

// WIN TE R 20 21

a b c d

D) Take a picture

You’re sledding up to the cabin for the weekend with all the old dogs. You should: (select the best two answers) A) Blow 17 belts towing a 57 foot trailer to get everyone’s gear in B) D rive in the day before in case there is a bridge out and you have to build a new one C) Don’t bring your own beers because there will be lots D) Eat all the chips by yourself on the first night

ibly ’t poss ys I can here and u g y rr r “S o ove .” m way help, I’ st ou t of gas o I’m alm

After a day of riding, you’re checking over everyone’s sled and doing any necessary repairs when Uncle Frank says the moose burgers are ready. Be sure to: A) Get there first so the cheese doesn’t get too melty and drip off into the BBQ B) M ake yours a double in case there isn’t enough for a second round C) Use the last of the stone ground honey dijon Inglehoffer D) F inish fixing everyone’s sled and gnaw on a cold moose hockey puck 3 hours later The truck is stuck: A) Start diggin’ B) Turn up the heat and get comfortable C) Complain about a shoulder injury from grade 11 volleyball provincials D) Pretend you’re asleep Uncle Frank pasted a stump and absolutely demolished everything on the left front corner of his sled: A) Tell him you know a guy who is friends with the cousin of the mechanic’s brother at the dealership and could probably get him 10% off a new ski B) Pour out a little Monster onto the ground C) Flag off the area where the incident occurred and report it to the snowmobile club D) Give Uncle Frank your sled and sidehill his around the rest of the day

a b c d

“ Ha n g o Judy, I’ n a sec Aunt ll sec . Le be there in a m quick p me just get a ic first. ..”

I think you know the answers, and hopefully your new apprentice does too. Learning to become a mountain sledder is about more than shredding mad gnar—it’s about being part of a team, pulling your weight and looking after one another out there. just keep okay, you “No that ’s awl under cr l I’l . m ar that seat w d take care of this .” the truck an

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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VANCOUVER ISLAND PARADISE WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ALLAN SAWCHUCK

PHOTO ESSAY – WHAT MAKES RIDING THE ISLAND SO UNIQUE

Vancouver Island isn’t known for “blower” pow days, but they do happen. On those days your employer will understand your need for a “sick” day.

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Located west of the BC mainland coastline, Vancouver Island is the first to be hit by incoming winter storms from the Pacific. With the right temperature, this moisture can produce the perfect storm and gift riders with upwards of five feet of fresh powder at elevation.

That’s probably why mountain sledding has become so popular on the Island in recent years. Despite this growth, riders can still find secluded areas to explore.

It seems only some riders are willing to put the effort into breaking trail to the alpine and exploring new zones. The truly dedicated will punch new trail during a storm and return the next day to shred after a refuel and a much needed night’s rest.

Mountain sledding on BC’s largest island is an amazing experience with many rewards but it can also have its challenges. One issue is access to some of the riding zones. The Island has a large amount of private forestry land, and with this ownership comes locked gates. Local clubs, however, are working to get more areas opened up.

Surrounded entirely by the Pacific, warm temperatures in winter can affect the snow conditions on the Island quite drastically. The good snow you get one day can end up being short-lived. That means if you want to get the most out of Island riding, you need an understanding boss. All those sick days built up during the summer will probably be cashed in on a good La Niña year.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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You don’t have to call in sick when you’re your own boss. As the owner of a Courtenaybased pile driving company, Sawchuck is able to take advantage of the best days to explore Vancouver Island, where he was born and raised.

The Island generally has more stable snow conditions than other parts of the province.

However, with large volumes of heavy snow, conditions can change quickly.

Looking across the Georgia Strait at the Coast Range in the direction of Mount Waddington. The Coast Range seems endless, only restricted by access.

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Some riding areas are only 20 minutes from home, great for a rip after work.

Most coastal storms bring strong winds as well as moisture, a combination that produces tree ghosts in the sub-alpine.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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The narrow passage of Johnstone Strait separates northern Vancouver Island from the Mainland.

Access can become a problem late in the year when avalanches run across roads.

Many hours are spent building trails across slide paths to get to the zones.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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When there’s five feet of fresh, there’s only one throttle position. Sometimes that is not enough.

From sea level to 1800 meters, conditions change drastically.

On an average year, the snow line starts at around 600 m elevation, with 1200 m to 1500 m being the sweet spot.

Perfectly spaced trees make for endless downhillers. Island sledders keep their favourite locations secret so they can have it all to themselves on epic days.

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You don’t have to call in sick when you’re your own boss. As the owner of a Courtenay-based pile driving company, Sawchuck is able to take advantage of the best days to explore Vancouver Island, where he was born and raised.

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M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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PHOTO: STEVE SHANNON

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BY NADINE OVERWATER

HEALING IN THE MOUNTAINS DETERMINATION AND A FOCUS ON SPORT AID MICHELLE SALT’S RECOVERY FROM A DEVASTATING MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

IT CAN TAKE LESS THAN TEN MINUTES TO BLEED TO DEATH FROM A HEMORRHAGING FEMORAL ARTERY. AS MICHELLE SALT LAY THERE, BLEEDING OUT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH FRIENDS PRAYING OVER HER, PARAMEDICS DOING EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO KEEP HER ALIVE AND BYSTANDERS WATCHING IN SHOCK , SHE GENTLY RECITED HER MOTHER’S PHONE NUMBER AS HER VITAL SIGNS CRASHED FOR THE THIRD TIME.

Hours earlier, life was lining up just how Michelle had dreamed—great job, great money, winning fitness contests, relationships on point. Life was good all-around.

She and a small crew of friends were riding motorcycles east towards Calgary, their backs to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Michelle was a newer rider, having only been on her CBR600 for about two weeks.

But the conditions were ripe for speed and their crew was definitely not holding back.

PHOTO: CASS PROCHERA

Her worries about being nailed for speeding quickly evaporated as she erred on a corner and grabbed too much rear brake. The bike went down, and Michelle skidded across the pavement with the bike on top of her. She slammed into the guardrail headfirst, somersaulting violently through the air and into the guardrail a second time before coming to rest on the side of Highway 1A. Unsurprisingly, Michelle has no recollection of the crash, but several witnesses were present for the horrifying event. Luckily, one of the first people on scene was a retired ER nurse who, fully understanding the severity of the accident, called for the STARS air ambulance right away.

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

55

“ I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR FIVE MONTHS. I NEEDED SOMETHING TO MOTIVATE ME. A REASON TO GET OUT OF BED EVERY DAY.”

Michelle’s condition was described by the attending paramedics as not only life-threatening, but “an orthopedic catastrophe,” with more injury than a human body should be able to withstand. She had suffered a severe head injury and broke almost every bone in both legs including bilateral, compound tibia-fibular fractures. Her right femur was broken in two places, severing her femoral artery.

Her spine was broken at L4 and L5, along with a broken pelvis, hip, shattered right clavicle, ruptured spleen and a punctured lung.

For most people, their defining event is not so catastrophic; it may be an inspiring event, a single injury, a bad breakup or exposure to some fantastic phenomenon. For Michelle Salt, it was everything all at once.

MICHELLE’S CBR600 DIDN’T FARE MUCH BETTER IN THE CRASH THAN SHE DID.

MICHELLE SPENT SEVEN DAYS ON LIFE SUPPORT IN THE HOSPITAL.

MICHELLE WITH TWO OF HER SAVIOURS: MEDIC, KEN, AND NURSE, PAT.

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AN ACTUAL PHOTO OF MICHELLE BEING AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL BY STARS AIR AMBULANCE FROM THE SCENE OF HER CRASH.

AFTER THE CRASH, MICHELLE’S BODY WAS PINNED TOGETHER WITH HARDWARE. THE PELVIC LUMBAR FIXATION HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED.

Loss In the hospital, Michelle was placed into a medically-induced coma and underwent five surgeries. For the first week of her recovery, her breathing was fully assisted by a ventilator.

When Michelle’s condition finally stabilized and she regained consciousness, one of her first visitors was a bone surgeon who stopped in to chat about his neighbour—a recent double amputee who the doctor described as fully capable of driving and getting around on campus and at home.

As she lay there in the hospital bed listening, Michelle had not yet realized the full extent of her injuries.

Unbeknownst to Michelle (who to this day has very little memory of the accident), much of her right leg had been severed in the crash. Within the first 48 hours of being in hospital, surgeons had attempted to save Michelle’s leg by removing a vein from her left leg and placing it in her injured limb to provide blood flow. Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, and Michelle’s leg was surgically amputated 10” above her right knee, nearly a week before she regained any semblance of consciousness or understanding.

The moment of realization that more than 75 percent of her right leg had been amputated was incredibly hard for the athlete and fitness model.

“It was tough to hear it,” says Michelle, “but at the same time I was quite determined when I found out. I think it was one of my siblings who mentioned that I could now go to the Paralympics, and it was like the fuel inside of me was fired. I’m like, ‘Yep, that’s what I want to do.’ I let that be my driving force through my really dark days.”

“I was in the hospital for five months. I needed something to motivate me. A reason to get out of bed every day.”

Sans titre-1 1

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER20-10-14 // 57 14:47

JUST DAYS BEFORE DEPARTING FOR SOCHI 2014, MICHELLE PREPARES TO COMPETE AS CANADA’S FIRST FEMALE PARALYMPIC SNOWBOARDER.

Recovery Michelle went from a being successful fitness model in the best shape of her life, with perfect skin, perfect hair and a perfect life, to the image of a voodoo doll—a person who had been cut open on almost every quadrant of her body.

Naturally, the fallout of Michelle’s accident caused her to question how she could ever love the way she looked again. If she couldn’t love the way she looked, how could anyone else? But her answer came with the realization that she had been caught up in vanity, a trap that is all too prevalent among young women in our society today.

“We do live in a world that can be a bit superficial sometimes,” says Michelle now.

“I did pride myself on looking a certain way, so to wake up and look down at myself—I was stapled everywhere, I had a gaping hole in the bottom of my left leg, my right leg was missing, they’d cut open my stomach, my back, I had a lot of scars. And I remember being so angry, because they’d cut open my stomach, my abs! They’re not going to look as good anymore!”

Michelle knew that moving forward it would take something more than a perfect figure to make her happy. The things that consume us day-today—like social media, how we appear to others, who is watching us, commenting, liking—none of that matters. She had come to understand that vanity is just skin deep and that true beauty is released by following your passion. So with her second chance, Michelle returned to her roots, focusing on sport.

“I had to learn to love the way I looked. What got me through it was sports.

When I’m on the hill, or in the mountains or in the gym, and I’m still doing the things I was doing before, plus more now, I feel like I’m not missing a leg.

I don’t see the difference to anybody else. That’s where I get my confidence, pushing myself to do things that didn’t really look like they’d be possible when I first found out.”

Determination and a positive outlook led Michelle, in less than three years after her accident, to compete in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games as the first ever Female Canadian Paralympic snowboarder. Over the next four years, she would amass 13 World Cup podiums and return again to compete in the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games, just missing two podiums.

And she hasn’t turned down an opportunity to challenge herself since.

Michelle has taken on motivational speaking engagements and represented and advocated for adaptive sport, STARS and Canadian Blood Services.

Physically, she’s competed in wake surfing, returned to fitness competition, rides her dirt bike and, most recently, reacquainted herself with the backcountry on a snowmobile.

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“

I HAD TO LEARN TO LOVE THE WAY I LOOKED. WHAT GOT ME THROUGH IT WAS SPORTS. WHEN I’M ON THE HILL, OR IN THE MOUNTAINS OR IN THE GYM, AND I’M STILL DOING THE THINGS I WAS DOING BEFORE, PLUS MORE NOW, I FEEL LIKE I’M NOT MISSING A LEG.”

WITH SOME EXPERT INSIGHT FROM NADINE, MICHELLE IS UNSTOPPABLE ON HER SLED. PHOTO: STEVE SHANNON

AUTHOR AND COACH NADINE OVERWATER WORKS WITH MICHELLE TO MASTER WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND SLED CONTROL.

PHOTO: CASS PROCHERA

M OUNTA IN SLED D ER //

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“ I F IT WASN’T FOR SPORTS, I DON’T THINK I’D BE WHERE I AM NOW—IN A GOOD PLACE, HEALING.”

Healing in the Mountains I met Michelle a couple of years ago now, when she reached out to me to ask for some coaching on riding her sled in the mountains. I wasn’t sure if I I’d be able to help, but I was super keen on the challenge.

Michelle is not a very big girl and I never like to use that as an excuse but when you consider that she’s missing a limb, it was a bit of a puzzle at first to understand how to coach her to maneuver the sled better. The usual techniques would just not work in her case.

Specifically, she was struggling to carve and sidehill on her right (prosthetic) side. It took a while to figure out how to help. I spent a long time riding around on one leg, trying to understand her particular challenge.

Michelle has this skookum prosthetic with a Fox air shock in it.

Essentially, her prosthetic, which normally flexes when weighted, needed to be locked out so that when she transfers her weight it would have an effect. Once we figured that out, we spent another afternoon on the mountain together and by the end of it there was nothing holding her back.

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MICHELLE’S SPORT PROSTHETIC LOOKS RIGHT AT HOME ON A SLED.

Recreationally social distancing since 1971 PHOTOS: STEVE SHANNON

Michelle is a naturally talented, athletic and driven person. I could feel her passion and it relit my own fire for riding—and for that I am very thankful. Sometimes we need those reminders, and that is okay. I find her incredibly inspiring and I want the rest of the world to know Michelle’s story too, so their passion for sport and living a full life can be relit as well.

It is also important to me that the young women in our society to have some truth in beauty—and for me, Michelle is the living definition of this.

Finally, I’d like to give a huge thanks to all the humans out there who work hard to save lives, including the paramedics, STARS pilots, nurses, doctors and bystanders who were involved in Michelle’s rescue and recovery. Without you, Michelle wouldn’t be here to inspire us today.

Albertasnowmobile.ca

You can follow Michelle’s story on Instagram @parashredder and her athlete page on Facebook @michellesaltathlete

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EXPOSURE PHOTO : TODD WIL L IAMS @to ddw i lliam su sa @s le dne ckdan R IDER : DAN ADAMS

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@ _ sha n e ro y_ PH OTO : SHAN E R OY @ a n d yme s sn e r sn o w R I D ER : ANDY M E S SN ER

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PHOTO: BEN BI R K @ b e n bir k R I D ER S (L EF T TO R I G HT ) : @ th re e h o ur to ur s D AN G AR D I N ER @ ya ma d o o 0 4 C H AD T HOMSEN @ p ha tt y_ d ye r PH AT T Y DYER

PHOTO : Z AC C AD OT @z ac_ oh @c ale b ke s te r ke R IDER : C AL EB K E S T ERK E

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PH OTO : BI L LY S T E VENS @ s k id 1 @ b la ir w e s t m urp hy R I D ER : BL AI R M UR PH Y

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PHOTO : R OB AL F ORD R IDER : C HRIS SMIT H

@al f ordrob @snowmac h i ni n_ c sm i th

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

PH OTO : T R AVI S AL L E Y @ ta h o e sl e d h ea d @ spa r ky116_ R I D ER : Z A C K K N U D SON

PHOTO : AMON B ARK ER @a m on_ ba r ke r @jam e sf i ns te r wa ld SL ED: JA ME S F IN S T ER WAL D @ri c ky_ ba te s SNO WB O ARD: RICK Y B AT E S

PH OTO : Z A C C AD OT R I D ER : J O N J E AN

@ z a c_ o h @ ij o n j ea n

[ ta ilgate ]

The Look Back. You see it all the time at the highest tier of athletics. NHL hockey players tilt their heads to watch themselves on the jumbo-tron replay.

Baseball sluggers stare unblinkingly at the pitcher as they walk away from a strikeout. And yes, elite sledders do it too, after dropping a monster cliff or sending it off a jump.

It’s how little clues about what went wrong (or right), and how to do it better next time are exposed at the top level of physical achievement. For a snowmobile athlete, The Look Back can make the difference between a huge stomp and a broken back.

The ability to read details so subtle—as to be invisible to Joe Average—is a skill necessary for success at this rung of ladder. It is the sign of an intelligence that separates great athletes from good ones.

So when you see it, don’t make the mistake of judging The Look Back as some egocentric vanity. It’s not that at all. Without The Look Back, how are we to see what we’ve accomplished and assess our own growth?

So if you want to up your own level of performance this winter, don’t forget to Look Back—and do it guilt-free. Take pleasure in assessing your own achievements and failures, knowing that each time you do, your progression to a higher level is underway.

– PW

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PH OTO : AND R E W T U R N ER @ _ a turn e r @ mun s te rca na da R I D ER : AND R E W M UNS T ER

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NOT E V ER Y P O N Y G R O W S UP TO BE A PE G A S US

PHOTO: CLYDE HEWIT T RIDER: CHRIS SCHOPPENHORST

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