Mountain Sledder Magazine Issue 6

Issue Six

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you’ll be impressed Mountain Sledder 9

CONTENTS

OVER THE HILLS

First day of winter (October 13, 2013) with Chris Brown in Whistler BC. photo: Blake Jorgenson

Throttle Therapy The seasons speed past and the years pile up behind me in a blurred highlight reel of epic days. Each year develops a personality, whose mood dictates if and how I sled through the mountains. The common theme that weaves through this history is a goal oriented approach that seeks to avoid trials and tribulations and maximizes achievable success.

Seasonal goals range from the broad desire to carve deep pow turns down open bowls, to launch a bigger cliffs, or to throw a better whips.

Then there's the passion to navigate complex routes through heavy timber, up avalanche paths to connecting glaciers and then climb peaks.

Whatever your inclinations are for this snowy season, be prepared to strike when it counts. Untrusted snowpacks can limit a sledder’s epic days, but many of us capitalize when the opportunities present themselves. Those are the days that carry me through the dry summer months, fueling my ambitions for the season ahead.

What is on your hit list? Dream up some ideas, scan a map, organize your gear, get back in shape, tune your sled, and polish your avalanche skills, because your throttle therapy is merely moments away. - Daryl Treadway

Mountain Sledder 13

BEING PREPARED

The Voice of Mountain Sledding Issue Six

EDUCATION AND PRODUCTS FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION

Contributing Photographers

Publisher

Mountain Sports Distribution

Editor in chief Tim Grey

Media sales Jessica Joy

jessica@sleddermag.com

graphic design Shane Gault Tim Grey

Contributing designers Alex Salazar Angela Carson

Rob Alford, Elliot Bernhagen, Dave Best, Russell Dalby, Steve Dutcheshen, Chad Edwards Patrick Garbutt, Tim Grey, Mark Gribbon, Hybrid Color Films, Blake Jorgenson, James Lissimore, Stevin Tuchiwsky, Todd Williams

Contributing writers

Julie-Ann Chapman, Chad Edwards, Pat Garbutt, Shane Gault, Tim Grey, Jessica Joy, Nadine Overwater, Jonathan Schramm, Daryl Treadway, Brandon Wiesener

Contributing editors

Steve Crowe, Jessica Joy, Brandon Wiesener

/mountainsledder

View past issues of Mountain Sledder at: www.issuu.com/mountainsledder

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Mountain Sledder Snowmobile Magazine is available at select dealerships and on newsstands across Canada.

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Mountain Sledder accepts unsolicited submissions, but is not responsible if such materials are lost or damaged.

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14 Mountain Sledder

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www.dragonfactory.ca Mountain Sledder 15

FIRST TRAX

crowdfunding success fuels new video project Winter Project is a new snowmobile movie dropping in fall 2014 from Anchorage’s Hybrid Color Films. Set to tell the story of backcountry sledding in Alaska, the movie is being sold as a departure from your traditional sled flick. On top of next level riding and cinematography, the movie will also look at the roots of the scene to see how it progressed to where it is today. A key part of the movie will be conveying the stories of the riders.

“We are interested in collaborating to bring out the best and real stories surrounding backcountry snowmobiling — to tell the human component”, says HCF producer Travis Smith, who was working feverishly on the flick as of press time.

Hybrid Color Films started off in 2008 as a creative collective of Anchorage-based filmmakers. In 2013, they became a full service production house. Emmy award winners Kyle Aramburo and Richard Cooper are on the project as creative director and director of photography respectively and Travis Smith is producing with assistance from Cory Davis.

The project is unique because the movie features Alaskan freeride film pioneers, including Frontier Films (2 Stroke Cold Smoke) and the Landry brothers (founders of High Life Films who created the Turnagain Hardcore series).

The production company was originally put on the map in the sled industry when they collaborated with Cory Davis and created the web edits Red Sunday and Black Sunday, which showcased freestyle riding in a unique and progressive aspect. They also worked on the Alaska segment in Slednecks 14. Being a production company located in a backcountry mecca and having received positive feedback on their web edits, it was only natural to take things further and create a full length film; Winter Project.

However, to make Winter Project a top-notch piece, HCF knew they needed a bigger budget. Using Kickstarter, an online crowdfunding platform for creative works, HCF ran an all-out campaign to raise the funds they needed. On November 30, 2013 Winter Project met its funding minimum of $140,000 (they raised $156,501 overall) and was given the green light.

With an all-star cast of riders tearing up the Alaskan backcountry, outstanding moments are a guarantee. Brett Turcotte and Cory Davis are some of the best in the sport when it comes to flying their sleds sideways. HCF’s cameras were rolling when a whip-off contest went down between the two. The winner? That’s up to the audience to decide when the film is released in Fall 2014. A copy of the film can be picked up on iTunes, blownmotor.com and select dealerships. - Brandon Weisener www.hybridcolor.com

photos courtesy of Hybrid Color Films

16 Mountain Sledder

Mountain Sledder 17

FIRST TRAX

HILLCROSS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES SECOND SEASON WITH EXPANDED EVENT DATES Many great ideas have been born as a result of long and lonely days in the Alberta oilpatch.

The sledding community gives a warm welcome to one of these ideas from Tyler Collett, instigator and lead organizer of the Western Canadian Hillclimb Association (WCHA). Tyler, hailing from Grande Prairie, Alberta, had a vision to bring new excitement into the sport of snowmobiling by starting a circuit that is friendly to all skill levels and promotes group and family support on the sidelines. Essentially, everyone can be involved in the weekend event from racing to wrenching to watching and cheering. It's something a little different from backcountry riding where mom can’t exactly come out and watch while drinking a coffee in her mittens by the lodge. For those of you whom have never witnessed a hillclimb event, competitors race against a clock through an uphill course which weaves through gates forcing the rider to make technical decisions to shave time to make it to the top the fastest. The faster you go, the harder it is to make the gates. It combines the adrenaline of racing with the technicality of backcountry riding and it takes skill to master the dynamic course and conditions that are thrown at you.

The premier season was received well, in 2014, by both BC communities, Dawson Creek (hosted April 5-6) and Revelstoke (hosted April 19-20), where multiple riders came out to give the sport a try in addition to some veterans. There was a competitive spirit in the air and the events ran smoothly including open mod, stock and open 800, stock and open 600 and womens’ open. People travelled

near and far to take part and the communities benefited from the events’ entourage by providing a fun venue to come out and watch in addition to the after parties and celebrations that spread through to local businesses.

It takes a lot of dedicated people and a small boatload of cash to make an event like this come to fruition. Tyler took the helm financially, with thanks to his business Tantrum Pipeline. His partner, Jessica Edenoste, played a huge role in pursuing the dream both at the event and behind the scenes in addition to the rest of the crew: Darren and Shari Brochu, Jonathan and Steve Penner, Ivan Celuszak and Les Driedger. Without these people setting up fences and gates, marking out the course, running the timer and the start gate and directing racers the whole thing would not have been possible.

Although the event lost the organizer's money this season, they are not deterred from bringing it back next season – only bigger and better. The goal is to have more events at more locations and build a name for WCHA as a non-profit organization. By creating a training circuit for people to enter the sport, the WCHA is a logical stepping stone to other American circuits including Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association (RMSHA) which is renowned by its Jackson Hole race. There will be more classes added to the event schedule next year to help attract amateur riders without making them spend big money building a race sled. The only mod required is a tail flap extension—so get out there and start cutting up the floor mats from your truck and race in a competition that promotes sledding in western Canada. -Nadine Overwater

WCHA 2014/15 Events November 21st - Revelstoke Mtn Resort Date TBA - Bear Mtn, Dawson Creek Date TBA (April) - Revelstoke Mtn Resort More events are planned but could not be confirmed as of press time. For more information go to:

Top of Revelstoke event spring 2014.

18 Mountain Sledder

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SLEDDER GUIDEBOOK DROPS THIS WINTER “No – the guy at the gas station definitely said left at where the old cabin used to be…or was it straight through the clearing until the alders

RIdE GUIdEBOOK

on the right? I thought we’d have service out here…why don’t you just go ask those kids where the saddle is?”

This should not, nay – will not - be your sledding trip any longer. It seems there’s a guide book out there for every adventurer – hikers, skiers, cross-continent travelers, but there’s never been a “how-to, where-to” for snowmobilers heading to the mountains in BC. On shelves this fall, you’ll see copies of the first volume of the Mountain Sledder Ride Guidebook Series. The first volume features an in-depth look at key riding zones in Revelstoke and Sicamous. The Ride Guidebook features aerial photographs and maps of zones, directions to cabins and key features, planning tips for each region and lots of photography. -Jessica Joy

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Mountain Sledder 19

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PARKING LOT

DOWN DAYS The Roots - Tomorrow When the weather has you down, music can bring you up a hurry. This track from The Roots will have you feeling better in no time. If that doesn't work, theres always booze and fireworks.

Weezer - Back to the Shack It's go time!

This track from Weezer feels almost as good as a Caesar for breakfast. Almost.

Check out this playlist on http://sleddermag.com/roadtripplaylistmsm6/

Road Trip Playlist

Swollen Members - Brand New Day As the drone slowly passes overhead while you're diggin' the tranny, dont forget to throw up those cryptic gang signs. Those look soo tight in the video.

You can leave for a road trip and forget many things without turning back: toothbrush, maps, gloves and driver’s license. But the one most important thing that must NOT be left behind is the tunes.

Great music can make or break a road trip. I mean, how many times can you listen to the same old story from your friends about that time they woke up in a Mexican jail cell, after leading the Policia on a high speed chase, on a stolen scooter, through the streets of Tijuana, with a one legged hooker named Lupe? Actually, in all fairness, that story never gets old. But, it's not going to get you motivated in the same way that hearing “Shoot to Thrill” blaring from your truck stereo, at full volume will. -Shane Gault photos (unless marked): TGFG

26 Mountain Sledder

LUNCHTIME

JUMP BUILDING Tim Hus - Western Star If you're the type that likes both kinds of music: country and western, then this song about big rigs & roadtrippin' should be right at home as you chow down and take in the views.

THE ROAD IN

GETTING PSYCHED

DAY'S END

The Sword - Lawless Lands What's not to like about The Sword? Pounding drums, sweet guitar riffs & lyrics that conjure up images of half naked women riding tigers.

LONG ROAD HOME

WRENCHING

Alice in Chains - Low Ceiling Nothing will bring reflection to a trip like a killer guitar riff, in a song you've never heard of, halfway through the album, on the long drive home. Let your thoughts expand during this very worthy Alice in Chains effort.

Godsmack - 1000 HP If the opening of this song doesn't make you want to tame the horsepower of the nearest machine, just quit.

Turn that shit up louder! Make it all go faster!

FIRESIDE

photo: Steven Lloyd

The War on Drugs - Red Eyes Its been a long day. All you want is a cold beer and great tunes. This track sounds like the best of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan all rolled into one.

JJ Grey & Mofro - Country Ghetto Whether you know it or not, you are a fan of Southern Swamp Rock. These guys will sound familiar and new all at the same time.

Passafire - Stowaway This group from Savannah, Georgia blends rock, reggae and dub to create a sound that's as at home in the mountains as it is at the beach.

HUMOUR

Words: Pat Garbutt

Muff pot. Hot dogger.

Hot pot. Hot muff—wait, that’s something different—whatever, you get the gist. Each brand has a different name, but they are all essentially the same thing—a small, removable stainless steel or aluminum oven that attaches to your sled’s exhaust pipe, allowing you to cook up a hot meal in the backcountry.

Whoever came up with this idea probably keeps company with the likes of brain surgeons and NASA types.

It's plain genius!

photo: Pat Garbutt

Now, you may own such a device or be considering buying one. Good news! You don’t need to be a Red Seal Chef—or even a line cook at the local Humpty’s—to make great hot grub out sledding. What you will require however, is a little know-how, a dash of preparation, and just a pinch of imagination. Sure, you could stuff a couple of Hot Pockets into your muffpot and call it good, but you’re better than that (presumably). Read ahead, and in no time you too will be razzle-dazzling your sledding pals with some culinary pizzaz. Here’s what you need to know.

425° F ± 200° First up is the placement of the muffpot holder. The closer it is to the engine, the hotter it will cook. Near the Y-pipe is an acceptable spot for installation, which results in a very hot cooker.

It can also be installed over the clamshell (the insulated part of the exhaust pipe), producing much cooler temperatures—more of a “warmer” than a “cooker”. Or perhaps most common, and best suited, is placement adjacent to an aftermarket silencer.

Most stock silencer cans are too large to fit a muffpot under the hood panel there, although it is rumoured that one can fit on a stock Pro-RMK with some jockeying.

What’s for lunch?

Some food choices work better than others.

Obviously, soup is a bad idea. So is using a thick cut of raw meat, because it probably won’t reach a safe internal temperature before burning on the outside. The easiest choices are pre-cooked items from the frozen foods aisle of your local grocery store. But you can get as gourmet as you want really. Maybe don’t try flambé though.

Preparation Try to use ingredients that will cook at the same rate.

That might mean chopping slower cooking items a little more finely than others. Also, mostly pre-cooking meats will reduce the amount of messy grease the food produces in your muffpot.

You can use frozen or thawed foods, just take into account how much time will be required to cook each, and whether or not your oven is hot enough to cook from frozen.

blackened food more often than not. Wax paper is also not ideal, on account of the wax melting into your food and possibly even igniting.

The best choice for wrapping your food is to use either parchment paper or oven bags, which neither burn nor melt. For extra measure, these can afterwards be wrapped in aluminum foil to tidily hold the whole package together.

When to put it in Just like your oven at home, each muffpot will cook at different temperatures and speeds. This depends on a number of factors, including the placement of your muffpot, snow conditions, and whether or not you drive your sled like it’s stolen.

Too early, and your lunch will be burned. Or catch on fire. Too late, and it’ll be cold. Likewise if you get stuck for 30 minutes while trying to heat up your lunch, you’ll need to start over.

Put your food in sometime during the day, not at the trailhead. Then check your food often, until you get the timing of your oven dialed. For example, you might eventually figure out that all it takes is one pull of the Monster Chute to ring the dinner bell. Easy peasy.

And don’t forget to use gloves when you remove your oven from the sled, as it will be hot! Duh! One last word of advice: If you have the foresight to prepare something that smells really good while cooking, say garlic prawns in butter, you might find that you have an easily bribed entourage following you around all day, which can be quite handy when you get stuck.

Wrap it up Unless you like your food to be coated in a grey metallic paste from sliding around inside your oven all morning, you’ll want to wrap it. This will also aid in the regular cleanup of your muffpot, which is highly recommended, although not strictly necessary.

Some live by the school of thought that whatever leftover scraps in there will burn up nicely with a good strong pull up the closest available mountainside, which is probably true, albeit kinda gross. Aluminum foil seems the obvious choice for wrapping your food, but experience shows that this results in

illustrations: Alex Salazar

Mountain Sledder 29

photo: TGFG

The Best Meal You’ll Never Have 1. Go into the woods and kill an animal. Rare meat tastes the best; so try to shoot a threatened species, like Mountain Caribou or Grizzly Bear. Yum.

2. If you don’t own a gun (what’s wrong with you?), cruise the highway looking for roadkill, which as a bonus comes pre-tenderized.

3. Otherwise, you can tenderize your fresh meat by hanging it from some rafters and pummeling it with your fists until it’s soft and your rage has subsided.

4. Chop the meat up into muffpot sized bits. A butcher’s knife is adequate for this task, but a chainsaw is more fun.

5. Finely mince some chives, then promptly throw them away in disgust. We’re making sledding grub here, not hippy tree-hugging salad! Sheesh…

6. In a medium bowl, mix one heaping tbsp of crushed-up horse tranquilizer with one part 18 year-old scotch, one part energy drink, and one part black coffee.

7. Place your meat in a baking pan and coat with the mixture. Sprinkle Montreal Steak Spice over it until you can no longer see the meat.

8. Turn on the Spike channel and allow your meat to marinate overnight in front of the TV. With luck your meat will get to watch an old-school Chuck Norris movie, which will vastly improve its flavour.

9. In the morning, wrap the meat in a minimum of 6 layers of different types of cheese, alternating with layers of bacon and prosciutto between each.

10. Cover, and let your meat slow-cook for 8 hours on the dash of your diesel truck (running, of course) with defrost on low.

11. Transfer to your choice of parchment paper or oven bag, then wrap again lightly in aluminum foil. Put the package into a ziplock bag, and place in your riding backpack.

12. Prior to lunch, remove the package from the ziplock bag and place it into your muffpot.

13. Tell everyone to “watch this”, then make at least 2 separate first ascents of previously untried chutes, stopping at the top of each to yell “I AM GOD!” and making obscene gestures in the air.

14. Open your oven and enjoy the Best Meal You’ll Never Have, without offering to share any with your friends. Watch them get all pissed off, because they’re jealous of you.

30 Mountain Sledder

Tough to Beat Us to the Top 5/6/2014 Brett Turcotte got a break in the weather to throw some big airs for a Heli-shoot in Sicamous , BC Canada.

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CHARACTERS

His 670 whines as it nears the top of the ridge. He starts carving S’s, using every last bit of momentum and power he has.

The hood of the sled lies at the bottom of the hill, too much extra weight for this climb. While the wind whips snow around his old school Ski-Doo riding gear, his pack hangs to the side like an Indiana Jones satchel. He breaks the summit and stares into the depths of the next valley, knowing the only option is to turn around. If he dropped in there would be no coming back. The fact that his crew on their modern mountain sleds couldn’t even make it to where he now stands already speaks volumes. It’s like he rode straight out of a time warp when men were men and they worked for every inch of distance further into the backcountry.

In the day of selfie narcissism, when image is so often placed above raw passion, there are few people as genuine as Brian Schuler. Amidst the brand new sleds, jacked up trucks and 4 place trailers in the parking lot, he will show up in a Cavalier towing a small trailer with his ’98 Ski-Doo 670 on it. This is a guy with a deep dedication to mountain sledding and no shame in the equipment he has. A true man of the mountains, Brian is defined by the purest parts of the sport, the riding itself and the outlet of escape it provides.

People often wonder why he doesn’t have a newer rig. He’s a hardworking, strong valued man who believes in paying things outright, and having raised two children with his wife, a new sled has been financially out of reach. Another reason just might be because a new sled is too easy to get into trouble with, and newer doesn’t necessarily mean better for him. When you know every detail of a Ski-Doo 670 like Brian does, the old sled will do just fine. Paycheck to paycheck translates to riding weekend to weekend, and by maintaining two Ski-Doo 670s he manages to ride every weekend from the end of December to the first week in April.

Brian is not one to quit something he is committed to.

One Sunday in 2001, he was in an avalanche and had to be helicoptered to Calgary. The day before, his 670’s motor packed it in, but that wasn’t going to stop him from missing a Sunday ride. He got an ’88 Phazer going that was later buried.

While in the hospital the only thing he could think of was buying another 670 in a nearby town to revive his own.

The avalanche seemed to be a defining moment for Schuler, a close call with something powerful. Since the incident he doesn’t ride past the first week in April, and for someone that rides every weekend prior, that bears a combination of respect for the mountain and near superstitious connotations.

Brian went to Revelstoke once, it was cloudy, and he hasn’t been back since. Golden, BC is his territory, his favorite spot being Gorman Lake, which he rides almost every weekend. It’s a spot that he’s ultimately content with and can always find a challenge in. Often he will show up to the parking lot alone and asks to tag along with a group, which ends up with him guiding them around.

There are not enough Brian Shulers out there. His satisfaction in riding Gorman on a regular basis is almost like a reflection of what he has in his world; he’s content with it. An honest man with an uncompromising devotion to the mountains, Brian represents the purest aspects of mountain snowmobiling.

ded•i•ca•tion

Noun. [ded-i-key-shuhn] The state of being dedicated: Brian Schuler's dedication to sledding knows no bounds.

- Brandon Weisener

Brian Schular partying like it's 1999 on top of the Lang/Cirque col in Golden BC. photo: TGFG

Mountain Sledder 33

• expanded story content • sledding industry links • event information • gear reviews photo: TGFG

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Accommodating sledders since 2006! Luxurious 2, 3 & 4 bedroom lodges with king or twin beds, private hot tubs, BBQs, HDTV & WIFI. Secure parking for sled trailers. Centrally located for Gorman, Silent Pass and Quartz..

LUSH offers a wide range of amenity filled homes that sleep anywhere from 2 to 15 guests in comfort and style.

Spectacular views, BBQ’s & private hot tubs.

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RATES: $45/PERSON/NIGHT

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www.TourismGolden.com/RideGolden 1.800.622.GOLD

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Tourism Golden

NADINE OVERWATER

WORDS & PHOTOS: Tim Grey

Humans have only a vague awareness of the cause and effect that occurs in dimensions beyond our senses. What does seem obvious, however, is that we are naturally attracted to beings that positively affect the paths of those with whom they connect. For many sledders, an encounter with Nadine Overwater is to get in touch with the good in life.

It’s an experience that is often a fundamental bi-product of the guide/client and teacher/student relationship. To show someone a good day or a new technique is to instigate helpful change in them. But Nadine’s impact goes much deeper than just her job.

Her friends, her increasing fan base and every sledder who even travels to Revelstoke are affected by her energy in ways they may not even understand.

volunteer on a board of directors, she’s humble and she’s tough as f#ck. She’s also smart, caring, funny and as passionate about mountain sledding as anybody in the world. Her calculations in life come from a deep insight into the understanding of what it’s like to have a lot and the discipline to live with only a little so that she can focus. This makes her a beacon of light in world full of excuses to not go sledding everyday.

Nadine is a sentinel of mountain sledding. She’s probably the best In man-to-man terms, Overwater’s a beauty. In man-to-woman woman freeride sledder out there but she represents so much terms she’s also a beauty. We caught up with her on the phone in more than just her gender. Rather, she epitomizes our sport’s en- early August to get a bit more insight into this incredible human. tire way of life. She’s a guide, she’s a parent, she’s a pro, she’s a

Late day boost while filming for Volume 9 in Revelstoke BC.

Mountain Sledder 37

NADINE

OVERWATER Age: 33 Location: Revelstoke BC Sponsors: Riderz, 509, Motorfist, Work: Sled: Truck: Education: Volunteer: Nickname:

Highmark by Snowpulse Guide at Glacier House Resort 154 Ski-Doo Summit X 1977 flat deck Ford F-100, 4x4 On growing up: I grew up in the country. Dad always had a snowmobile. I’d Biology Degree, come home from school and go ditch banging with my friends Certified Forest Tech on it. We had a lot of freedom. It was a good living. We had a lot: bikes, quads, land and the time to use it all.

Board of Directors on Revelstoke Snowmobile Club Entering adulthood: Dean'r I didn’t ride sleds when I was a teenager. I wasn’t really even thinking about it. Around 19-20 I travelled to Golden BC a lot and we started using sleds to get us in to zones we could snowboard.

The classic story:

Growing up behind bars.

Playing in pow on Yamafest weekend, Revelstoke, BC.

38 Mountain Sledder

Isn’t it true that every sled skier turns into a sledder? My first brand new sled was an ’07 Rev (Ski-Doo). My boyfriend at the time found a deal in Saskatchewan on new sleds and I told him he better not come home with only one. I rode the sh#t outta that sled. By the time I got on an XP I wasn’t bringing my snowboard anymore.

First day of winter with Chris Brown in Whistler BC.

“

Pink or blue means less to me than being rad or sissying out.

Revy:

“

I moved to Revelstoke in ’08. I only knew of one other girl who sledded. Nowadays I can sled every day with a keen girl because there’s a lot of them. Revelstoke is an amazing community that takes care of its own. Both Noah [my son] and I feel very much at home here.

On motherhood:

Guiding five days a week and still getting my son to hockey practice is always a balancing act. I have amazing friends who all chip in. As far as the risks I take, I just say that it’s as important to have your kids seeing you live life to fullest as it is to be home every night.

On being a woman guide: Sometimes I see disappointment in my client's eyes when they realize they’re getting a female guide but I’m pretty upfront about it. I always say that they should give it a try and they can change later on if they want. I’ve never had anyone ask for a male instead after spending a day with me.

Few dudes even step to this jump, Revelstoke BC.

Favourite clients: I have a lot of repeat clients now and because I’m senior, I usually get the good groups. Swedes are by far my favourite clients.

They’re always so keen. It’s not unusual to pack two jerrys of fuel a day with those guys, five days in a row.

Guiding vs. clinics: Guiding is being safe and getting the goods. Clinics are skill development.

On women’s only clinics: I can see really easy fixes with women because I understand their body types. I pick out the small things that can make a big improvement; that’s why I keep it to women only. (http://laninasledcamp.ca/) I also don’t want to burn out on teaching. It’s a time for me to get rejuvenated even though I’m the teacher. aIt’s fun to see other chicks get it.

On being in the movies: I want to make the cut in movies because my sledding is worthy, regardless of my gender. I know that I’m not quite there but I think I can be. Pink or blue means less to me than being rad or sissying out.

Mountain Sledder 39

GEAR GIRL

PHOTOS: Dutchfoto.net LOCATION: The Calgary Shooting Centre MODELS: Celina Wiwianka, Ashley Lyda, Laura Llewellyn

Whatever your activity, whether it be shredding groomed trail at a million kph, or slashing pow in the backcountry, you need the arsenal. You wouldn’t go into battle without a weapon, the same way you wouldn’t saddle up your whip without the right equipment. Time to gear up.

Snowmobiling is cutthroat business. That truck beat you to the parking lot, that guy stole your line and hey - did that son-of-a-bitch just steal your glove warming spot in the cabin? You’ve got to be on your toes to claim what’s yours in the world of sledding – your line, your zone, your secret stash. It’s the same for gear companies. They work hard to fight for your business. They continually work to make their helmets lighter, their jackets more waterproof, and their designs a bit sexier with the hopes that they’ll win you over to their side. But while they strive to create the ultimate weapons for sledding, you’re really the winner in the end, staying warmer, drier and going places you haven’t been before. And isn’t it nice to have someone fighting that good fight for you? The following pages show our favourite new pieces of arsenal for the coming winter, showcasing the best companies in sledding.

Mammut Carbon 240 Fast Lock Probe- $90 This brand new probe from Mammut weighs in at just 225g, which is about the same weight as three 12-gauge shotgun shells. It’s also made of super strong carbon, so it could be used as a weapon in the event of a backcountry assassin encounter. www.mammut.ch

xxxModRods Monster Running Boards - $205 All ModRods Running Boards start as a sheet of aircraft grade aluminum and end with monster grip teeth and large cut-outs to prevent snow and ice build-up while keeping your boots glued to the boards. Burn turns, sidehill and leap over tall buildings with a single bound. www.xxxmodrods.com Mountain Sledder 41

509 Women's Ride Tee - $29 We at Mountain Sledder don’t exactly endorse shooting your clothing prior to wearing them, but we’re not formally against it either. You know what? You’re your own man. Shoot your clothes.

We’re not going to tell you what to do. www.ride509.com

509 Gear Bag - $60

509 Altitude Helmet - $265

Effective operators don’t have their goggles in the centre console, one glove under the seat, one in the dryer, their transceiver in their Carhartt pockets at home and spare socks rolled up in their back pocket. Get your shit together.

Literally. www.ride509.com

Lighter… Faster... Stronger. This all-new helmet from 509 is going to change your game in a big way, with an improved fit, neck-brace-ready shape and optimal peripheral vision. This is the helmet Brett Turcotte wears, and that's saying a lot. www.ride509.com

Motorfist Dominator Helmet - $360 Composite Fusion Plus construction means that when you fly off your machine in the direction of something hard and unfriendly, the only thing on your mind is going to be how sick that air was and how you’re going to need to work on the landing next time. www.motorfist.com

Fiskar’s X7 Hatchet - $30 There’s a time in every man’s life when he brings out a hatchet and saves the day. Don’t let that day pass you by. This 14” weapon is made of forged steel. Just like your destiny. www.frankensled.com

Mountain Sledder 43

Motorfist Empress Jacket - $300 Women fight their own battles in the backcountry, not the least of which is staying warm while they’re waiting for your ass to catch up. The Empress features a fully waterproof shell, removable liner and fully-taped seams throughout. www.motorfist.com

Frankensled Trailfinder Flashlight System - $149 Perfect for espying enemies in the darkest places in the darkest parts of night. Or for finding the trail after getting stuck late in the day. Comes with a rechargeable lithium battery and can stand submersion in water. Consider the day saved. www.frankensled.com

Motorfist W.O.T. Glove - $90 These gloves are one part warm-day snowmobile glove and one part "I can’t drive the getaway car until I get my gloves on, man!" They’re waterproof. They’re insulated. And they’ve got just enough leather to make you feel badass. www.motorfist.com

44 Mountain Sledder

Highmark by Snowpulse Vest - $899 Finally available in black for the 14/15 season, this top-selling avalanche airbag brings riders the safety of an avi pack, the comfort of your favourite sweatshirt and the style of the most interesting man in the world in a tuxedo, drinking scotch. www.snowpulsehighmark.com

inReach SE - $319 It’s the dead of night. You’re up a drainage somewhere west of god-knows-where. Your sleds are buried deep. Your buddy’s got a broken ankle. No worries – help is on the way and you’ve confirmed it via InReach’s 2-way communicator. Your wife’s pissed though - better pick up some flowers when you get home later. www.inreachcanada.com

FXR Maverick Monosuit - $550 509 Backcountry TekVest - $330 You’re givin’ it out there. You’re givin’ it hard.

And inevitably, you’re going down. Put on this lightweight, vented vest with removable shoulder pads (race legal) and optional backpack and live to fight another day. www.ride509.com

Roll the stylish return of leggings, the advent of jeans with 20% spandex, a long-cut shirt, your favourite hoody and how you imagine yourself looking as a feared superhero full of sass into one piece of outerwear and bam!

Monsuit, Ladies. You know what I’m talking about. www.fxrracing.com

Mountain Sledder 45

ULTIMATE MOD

photos and words: Chad Edwards

Ultimate mod isn't just tech talk. It’s a section dedicated to the raw reasons for a forward thinking build: creativity and the pursuit of an ideal. With cutting edge parts and a great deal of time and money invested into it, we applaud the effort of this snowbike build. Are there aspects of this machine that represent the future? We think so. -Ed

46 Mountain Sledder

Motivation for the build.

The bike was made to stand out as unique. From its custom Lime Nine wrap to its build breakdown, you won’t find another one like it. It’s a theme bike, with an automobile caliber fit and finish.

Run down protection is built into the control unit which adjusts the output level so you do not over-drain the battery. Remember a dirtbike stator is not nearly as high output as a regular snowmobile.

The skid plate is hand cut out of plastic and fastened with peco clamps to the frame. Unlike a regular dirtbike, the skid plate is specifically designed to deflect snow away from the shifter and the rider‘s feet, as well as increase the bike’s flotation on deep days.

Keeping a low, streamlined profile, the dash was designed to reduce clutter and height, which also decreases risk if a rider took the bars to the chest. Using a CNC, the dash was cut from a single piece of thin gauge aluminum and trimmed with automotive door edging, then mounted directly to the bar riser.

The grips are heated and have an increased diameter, which are easier to grip with thicker gloves. On top of that, bush guards were added to deflect icy winds and protect the hands from trees when riding tight lines.

The higher the light, the better the view of terrain, so we removed the stock number plate and headlight and integrated a 6 LED light bar (by Cyclops Adventure Sports). Then we added another larger number plate to hide and protect the wiring harnesses for the auxiliary boost gauge and AFR gauges, control box lighting and heated grips.

A supermoto fender was added to the front to tuck the bike in and give it a cleaner look, which is also less likely to break off in the event of a crash.

The factory silencer was removed and the stock header pipe, the Boondocker turbo exhaust housing and muffler were all ceramiccoated silver. Not only does this make the bike look better, it also makes it corrosion resistant and gives it better heat dissipation.

For protection, a carbon fiber header plate guard was added.

The AFR oxygen sensor bung was welded to the header plate prior to ceramic coating for a clean look.

I N T R O D U C I N G

T H E

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Avalanches Are Fast.

Now Rescuers Are Too. quite simply, the best recreational beacon on the market. simple use thanks to one-button operation. effective and fast performance thanks to signal analysis and marking function for multiple victims.

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ELEMENT B a r r y v o x 48 Mountain Sledder

The stock foot pegs were swapped up for some Fastway Adventure pegs as they’re longer and wider for better control and they have multi-fit kits with different options on foot studs, from ice pegs or spikes to adjustable allen key grub screws. The shifter was also raised for clearance when wearing snow boots. The rear brake lever was removed to avoid ice and snow build up in deep snow and a 5 foot line to a hand brake was installed.

Stripped Down and Linked to Timbersled Skid

Shiny New KTM-500 EXC

Since a ski has more resistance in snow than your typical moto tire in the summer, Riders Edge Suspension recalibrated the fork to be stiffer in order to compensate. The rear suspension skid was calibrated by Timbersled; we used their ST (Short Track) Mountain Horse Suspension, which is a similar skid to what they have offered to their snowmobile clients. The front of the skid acts like a truck on a skateboard and

away under the rear fender. This was all mounted with supplied and aftermarket hardware to support the extra weight of the turbo when riding more aggressively. When installing the turbo the fuel was cut and a “T” was added to supply fuel to the auxiliary injector. This is mounted at the front of the intercooler. The turbo’s oil supply line is routed from the oil filter cap and the return line is plumbed into where the oil drain plug is located; this makes servicing and maintenance easy.

How does it ride?

Overall the bike rides as good as it looks. It’s precise and nimble yet very stable. The EFI 500 power plant is silky smooth and responsive mated with its 6 speed. It’s also able to give you different options for different snow conditions. On deep blower pow days I’ll ride in 3rd gear, rolling on and off throttle. When other riders are working their bikes hard, the turbo will give the extra power you might otherwise feel like you’re looking for. The boost helps make the bike feel like it’s not being overworked and gives you the spooling effect and increased track speed similar to a sled or 2 stroke dirt bike. Even though the turbo runs at 12 lbs of boost it’s more exciting to ride while it’s building boost rather than at full boost. While a sled with a turbo is for big chutes and technical riding, a bike with a turbo is more to help carry the momentum; the

Ripped Apart Prepping for Turbo Install

allows the rider to maneuver with very little effort to rock the angle of the bike. It can also be locked out or adjusted by the rider with a simple tightening of two allen key set screws. The Fox float shocks came standard on this year’s Timbersled, and preload is adjustable.

Although we left the motor stock, we added a Boondocker turbo system, which came complete with all the hardware. It was plug and play using the Boondocker control box, stock wiring harness and a custom intercooler, which replaced the standard dirtbike air box and filter. The turbo and its actuator, silencer and intake are all neatly tucked

Installed Boondocker Turbo Mountain Sledder 49

turbo just takes your riding to the next level. When people ask how different the snow bike is from sledding, I would say it still rides more like a dirtbike than a sled just because it still has a single ski compared to two, and you do a lot more sitting on the bike where as with a sled you are always standing and throwing your weight around to manipulate both skis. I like the turbo snow bike for rolling hills and touring the backcountry, which would be comparable to riding dunes on a dirtbike.

It has 40 rides on it and maintenance has been minimal. Running cost

Who would want to build this bike?

A performance hound who wants a complete product! The bikes are as interchangeable as a Lego set - it can be a street bike, dirtbike, sled, or a sled with a turbo. First you buy your bike, pick a Timbersled kit depending on your style of riding, either long or short track or the SX kit, then pick the fit kit for your make and model of bike. After, you decide if you want to add a turbo and other accessories. It’s a mod project but there are no real mods done to the factory components. The bike is not only for someone who likes to ride but likes to tinker and produce a whole build. Anyone with mid-level mechanical aptitude could put this together.

This snow bike is great if you’re into side-hilling and descending or exploring areas that would be too difficult to tackle on sleds. We have more fun running down creek beds and ravines, cutting tight lines through trees and trying to get lost; our favourite riding areas now feel 10x the size with almost nothing off limits.

Timbersled ST Suspension Kit

is a fraction of a sled with just a few oil changes and lubing sessions, as well as adding gas.

Maiden Voyage, Time to Rip!

Custom Dash Build

Although the general build was pretty clean cut, the fit and finish is what took the bulk of the time. It’s the details that makes this bike what it is.

Bike to Snowbike

Snowbike to Turbo Snowbike

• Remove front tire • Remove rear swing arm leaving tire and shock attached • Add ski spindle and front ski • Attach Timbersled skid with fit kit for model of bike and attach brake line

• Remove side panel, gas tank, seat and rear fender • Put control harness on handle bars and run supplied wiring down side of the bike frame • Remove air box and sub frame • Plumb intercooler to throttle body • Trim plastic for a finished fit • Attach turbo to intake of intercooler • Mount turbo to sub frame with stock silencer removed • Attach turbo piping to turbo header pipe • Mount muffler with support brackets • Run oil lines to motor • Connect control box harness to wiring harness • Connect aux fuel line, boost line, vacuum line

Stats/Parts List KTM 500 EXC Dual Sport Street Legal 2014 Timbersled MT Horse ST Conversion Kit 2014 Boondocker Turbo for the KTM 500 2014 Hours to build: approx. 20 at $100/hr Accessories -

$11,000 CAD $6,000 CAD $5,500 CAD $2,000 CAD $2,500 CAD

TOTAL - $27,000 CAD +tax 50 Mountain Sledder

DONE!

Mountain adventure is her business.

Julie-Ann Chapman is a big mountain freerider.

She’s also the owner of She Shreds Mountain Adventures, teaching others to enjoy her sport. So whether she is shredding or driving, Julie-Ann needs a safe, precision ride like her Toyota Tundra.

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Non-stackable cash back on 2014 Tundra Double Cab SR5 4.6L 4x4 Automatic is $4000. Non-stackable Cash Back offers may not be combined with Toyota Financial Services (TFS) lease or finance rates. If you would like to lease or finance at standard TFS rates (not the above special rates), then you may be able to take advantage of Cash Customer Incentives. Vehicle must be purchased, registered and delivered by July 31, 2014. Cash incentives include taxes and are applied after taxes have been charged on the full amount of the negotiated price. See toyota.ca for complete details on all cash back offers. Visit your Toyota BC Dealer or www.toyotabc.ca for more details. Some conditions apply; offers are time limited and may change without notice. Dealer may lease/sell for less..

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RAD RAD ZONES ZONES

bralorne BC words: Jonathan Schramm photos: by tim grey Riders : Dan Treadway & Julie-Ann chapman

Dan cranking a turn on the glacier.

52 Mountain Sledder

The town of bralorne exists because it sits on top of gold. lots and lots of gold. A mother lode of gold has already been pulled out of the ground and it's thought that even more gold lies deep under the area's forested slopes.

The town has gone through boom and bust following the natural In the last twenty years another treasure has been bringing people to Bralorne. cycles of gold based economies. Not too long ago Bralorne was a White gold. Snow. Powder. The terrain surrounding Bralorne is very good for snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding. With a year-round proverbial ghost town. When sledding out of town, the population of 60 (and 29 dogs), Bralorne sits 3,350 feet remains of once very meaningful structures can be seen above sea level and is bordered by the Coast to the south, here and there, listing at varied angles. They sit warped the Bendor Ranges to the east and the South Chilcotin from decades of huge snow loads, some wearing the Mountains to the north. All of these zones feature top weathered skin of old peeling paint and others with deeply notch terrain and endlessly connecting gateways, mostly textured wood. What’s left of these structures is losing via mega ice caps to zone after zone, all in a big mountain ground to the dense evergreen canopy that will eventually setting. The tallest peaks in the area are just under 10,000 engulf them for good. Bralorne is a classic B.C. mining feet with the majority of the prime sledding and shredding town where one swears they can still hear the sounds terrain sitting between 6500-8500 feet. of industry pounding away even though there is nothing more in front of you than a half fallen down building and a By vehicle Bralorne is 112 kilometres west of Lillooet with wind ruffling through the branches of the surrounding firs 5% of the human and 7% of the dog the majority of the drive taking place on the always interesting populations of Bralorne are represented in and spruces.

Highway 40. Keep your wits about you on this road. this photo.

\

Enroute to Bralorne via Highway 99

Watch video of the trip here

I sled with a cool purpose for many days during the winter meeting amazing people, enjoying adventures with them in locations almost unanimously described as Rad! Once again that was the case with my most recent road trip film shoot to Bralorne B.C.

The always interesting Highway 40

In the summer it takes two hours to drive to Bralorne from Whistler on a route that lunch or dinner. It is also the location of the only fuel pump in town, stocking only takes you west up through the Pemberton Meadows and then north over 65km Premium Gas. Sled right out of town to the north towards Kingdom Lake, to of gravel that is the Hurley River Forest Service Road. In the east towards the Cadwallader drainage and south to the winter the ‘Hurley,’ as it’s most commonly referred to, the Hurley and its vast network of zones with Lone Goat is not cleared of snow and basically sees only snowmobile being a must visit. traffic until it’s ploughed through for vehicle traffic again, Our trip to Bralorne was amazing. We had a great drive typically in late May. Sledding across the Hurley to get over the Duffy Lake Road from Pemberton in our two to Bralorne is a great option because the pass opens the pack of Toyota Tundras. Highway 40 was in fine form doors to a multitude of good sledding drainages along the with only a few loose rocks to deal with. Once set up way, but most of all because Bralorne is a sled friendly in Bralorne at the Mines Motel it was sweet to just jump Day 1 in the Playground zone. town. Regardless of how you get to Bralorne, once there on your sleds in the parking lot and ride from there you park your truck and use your sled exclusively for travel. every day. We had fun pounding away on the forest Sled from the Mines Motel to Sally’s Pub for breakfast, service roads leading to the different zones we rode.

54 Mountain Sledder

bralorne BC

Organizations like the Toyota Dealers Association of B.C., the group that supports Dan and Julie-Ann as Toyota Tundra backed sledders, love to do projects geared to inspire others to get out there and rip. Enter Dan, Julie-Ann, their Tundra trucks and the catalytic reason for our road trip to Bralorne.

Treadway hitting a hip near Lone Goat cabin

Dan’s knowledge of the area is second to none, he can peel apart a zone layer by layer the deeper you go, all with first hand experience. The first day saw us head up towards the Noel riding zone just out of Bralorne. However, instead of going to Noel proper we veered right and Dan broke trail leading us to a hidden gem called the ‘Playground’ much to the delight of a group of locals we hooked up with for the day. They had apparently spent much of the winter working on this goal without success. To be fair, this group of locals were relatively new to sledding and Bralorne, and the Playground is protected by a tight band of forest and a deep creek draw making an easy entrance to the alpine challenging. Even Dan admittedly said he didn’t think he could have followed his first route up to the alpine a second time if he had to. The next day was a ripping blue bird day and we headed south down the East Hurley fork, crossed the main Hurley and then headed west towards Lone Goat. With great weather and good travel conditions Dan lead us deep towards the west well past the Lone Goat cabin to a high ridge looking out on the Bridge Glacier. Truly big terrain.

To learn more about Toyota’s involvement with Mountain Sledder, please visit www.trophytrucks.ca

56 Mountain Sledder

I love Bralorne. It’s a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts to get away from it all for a while. No cell service. Wifi here and there if you need it. Ride your sled everywhere.

In a nutshell it's a barely populated sled hub situated at the terminus of Highway 40 and the winter snow route only Hurley River FSR, a gold mining town with close proximity to playgrounds and a gateway to the big rides on the vast icecaps of the Southern Coast Mountains. Overall, most definitely, a rad zone!

•Merritt • Bralorne

Hurley FSR

40

•Pemberton

•Lillooet •Kamloops

•Kel

Distances to Bralorne, BC

•Vancouver

Vancouver - 231km (via Hurley) 371 km via Highway 40 Kamloops - 287 km Lillooet - 116 km Pemberton - 75 km via Hurley - 215 via Highways 99 & 40 Edmonton - 1092 km Calgary - 906 km

• Vancouv CONNECTED

from the Instagram of @dantreadway

THE TRAILFINDER FLASHLIGHT

“ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE.” “The Trailfinder was the difference between us staying the night in the woods and getting home. Since that night, I have always carried the light with me.”

Matt Entz - Mountain Skillz / Boondockers “I often get people saying “try this” or “let me know what you think about this,” and it’s not very often I try something as amazing as your light.”

Randy Swenson - Thunderstruck Films “Ultra-light, ultra-convenient, ultra-bright and cord-free.”

Geoff “Phatty” Dyer - Boondockers

“This is the brightest flashlight that I have ever used. It is incredible as to how much light this small flashlight can generate.”

Bret Rasmussen - Ride Rasmussen Style “This is a crucial survival item. I wouldn’t go into the back country without my Frankensled flashlight.”

Tony Jenkins – Ride Rasmussen Style “Every time I need a flashlight, I take my helmet light from Frankensled off my Klim helmet and away with me into the night! Awesome!”

Jim Phelan - Thunderstruck Films

Uses single rechargeable 18650 lithium battery (included)

Rugged Construction – 6061 Aluminum Casing can withstand drop impact of 1.5m/5’

Produces 820 LM Luminance

Lightweight – 165g (5.8oz) with battery installed

Highest Waterproof Rating (IPX8) – can withstand 1.8m/6’ of submersion for 30 minutes

GoPro-Compatible Mount (included)

www.Frankensled.com/TRAILFINDER-FLASHLIGHT

Rider: Bret Rasmussen | Photo: Kreig Rasmussen Photography

Bonnyville

T&T Powersports 780.826.6121 ttpowersports.com

Calgary

Bow Cycle North 403.288.5421 bowcyclecalgary.com Bow Cycle South 403.441.1299 bowcyclecalgary.com Ralph’s Motorsports 403.291.4868 ralphsmotorsports.com

Camrose

House of Thunder 780.608.2000 houseofthunder.ca

Edmonton

Cycle Works Edmonton 780.440.3200 cycleworks.com Martin Motor Sports (South) 780.438.2484 martinmotorsports.ca

Vancouver

Fort St. John

Vernon

Ghostrider Motorsports 250.423.9251 ghostridermotorsports.ca

Whistler

GearHub Sports 250.423.5555 gearhub.ca

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Revolution Honda 800.663.8311 revolutionhonda.com

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Martin Motor Sports (West) 780.481.4000 martinmotorsports.ca

Grande Prairie

Stojans Power Sports & Marine 780.538.2934 stojans.com

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Center Point Performance 780.985.2747 centerpointperformance.com

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White Knuckle Motorsports 780.872.7004 wkms.ca

Absolute Power & Performance 780.460.9101 abspow.ca

Swan Hills

Wilderness Playground Tours 780.333.2800

Westlok

CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. 780.349.3343 cccycle.ca

Wetaskiwin

Hi Line Polaris Suzuki 780.352.7887 hilinepolarissuzuki.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Golden

Avalanche Safety Solutions 250.344.8606 AvalancheSafety.ca Motor Tech Enterprises Ltd 250.344.2888 Mountain Motorsports 250.344.6100 mountainmotorsports.ca

Kelowna

Inner Space Water Sports 250.763.2040

innerspacewatersports.com

Merritt

TKAT Sled Sense 250.315.1082 tkatsledsense.com

Blue River

Revelstoke

Saz Auto & Marine 780.618.8683

Blue River Sledz 250.673.8317 blueriversledz.com

Rough Country Marine 250.837.6738 rough-country.ca

Pincher Creek

Chilliwack

Sicamous

Peace River

Castle Custom Trucks 403.627.9653 castlecustomtrucks.com

Greater Vancouver Powersports 604.795.7800 gvps.ca

Extreme Power Sports 250.836.5771 extremepowersports.ca

Red Deer

Cranbrook

Surrey

Synik Clothing 403.346.8019 synikclothing.com

Peak Performance Motorsports 250.417.3310 peakperformancecranbrook.ca

Greater Vancouver Powersports 604.888.8700 gvps.ca

WWW.SNOWPULSEHIGHMARK.COM

MotoConcept 604.929.2454 motoconcept.ca Inner Space Water Sports 250.549.2040 innerspacewatersports.com Revolution Powersports 604.905.7733 revolutionpowersports.ca

NOVA SCOTIA Halifax

Halifax Motorsports Ltd 902.442.4046 halifaxmotorsports.com

SASKATCHEWAN Prince Albert

Prairie Recreation 306.763.8001 prairierecreation.com

Regina

Platinum Recreation & Powersports Ltd. 306.352.7878 platinumrec.ca

Saskatoon

Recreation Supply 306.664.3560 recreationsupply.co

Weyburn

Rick’s Performance 306 861-0125

YUKON

Whitehorse

Checkered Flag Recreation 867.633.2627 checkeredflagrecreation.com

GALLERY

Brett Turcotte, Sunset session for Slednecks 17. photo: Stevin Tuchiwsky

Brandon Micku at Grizzly Lodge BC. photo: Dave Best

GALLERY

Tenquille Lake, BC. photo: Mark Gribbon

GALLERY

Cody McNolty at Sproatt Mountain, Whistler BC. photo: James Lissimore

GALLERY

Dan Treadway on Rainbow Mountain, Whistler BC. photo: Blake Jorgenson

Brodie Evans in Revelstoke BC. photo: Elliot Bernhagen

GALLERY

Derek Wood, Monashee mountains. photo: TGFG

Todd Williams in Wyoming, USA. photo: Taylor Fisk

Dan Treadway, Brandywine Whistler, BC. photo: Russell Dalby

Tyler Blair in the BC Backcountry. photo: Russell Dalby

Meet Ya In There Eh? “Oh yah, cheers boys. What a day eh? Snorkel deep in the trees, yet easy travel up on the glacier. We got pretty far back there eh? I don’t think I’ve been that far back before... We were close to Mullet Creek back there.

We should go up Mullet tomorrow and try to connect to our tracks from today! We would need to get at it early.”

“Cheers indeed! I can’t believe we got my sled out of that creek after my belt blew up. That was a little hairy. Good thing my spare got me through our long day. I’d be keen to pin it up Mullet tomorrow, but I’ll need to wait for the shop to open and buy another belt. You guys go ahead and I’ll meet ya in there eh.”

This is a classic scenario that plays out again and again. The reasons for not making the trailhead on time are innumerable, and often valid, but the fact remains that no one wants to wait around for a buddy when fresh snow beckons; so you hit the trail, heading up Mullet and attack from the back. The snow is deep and everyone is getting stuck, but eventually the timber gives way to the thin air of the alpine and glacial freedom. By noon, every wind lip turned booter has been sessioned with accompanying bomb-holes and bragging rights.

While sipping a refreshingly cold beverage the conversation is interrupted by the whine of an approaching sled as Buddy pulls up and joins in a celebratory toast. He was triumphant in the face of adversity as he navigated the maze of tracks through the trees, dodged craters left by stuck sleds and shovelling rednecks, pin-balled wide-open up ‘the gauntlet’, and gapped over a crevasse as he climbed onto the glacier.

Buddy was a hero in his frightened mind and a trooper to his blissfully ignorant friends who doubted his arrival.

In reality, there are many ways this story could have played out with less cheerful results, which are often the beginning of Search and Rescue call-outs. Sledders are resilient by nature, and more often than not, live to tell an epic and embarrassing tale about their misadventure. Despite the unarguable fact that ‘meeting buddy in there’ is a bad idea, there are some precautions sledders can take when travelling alone, like: leaving a trip plan with a reliable source who will notice and be concerned if you are missing (spouses may or may not be concerned); travelling within cell service or carrying a Spot, In-Reach or satellite phone and updating someone with your progress; and realistically, we should always be prepared to walk out of the mountains or hunker down for the night or longer. Unfortunately, none of these precautions will help pull you or your sled out of that deep thirsty tree-well, or tow you back when your sled inevitably breaks down, or kill the power when you’re stuck under your sled with the throttle pinned wide-open and the deadly track threatening your existence.

Safely sledding in the mountains is an ongoing challenge, even when helping hands are close by, so maybe playing catch up with your buddies isn’t the best idea, unless you're late for the party, in which case, stab a hole in the bottom and shotgun a few Fubar style. The party isn’t really get’n going without you anyway, so do your due diligence and get to the trailhead on time because no one wants to wait for you in the morning, or worse yet, be waiting, wondering and maybe even worrying in the dark at the end of the day. - Daryl Treadway

AND FAR AWAY

photo: Blake Jorgenson

Mountain Sledder 71

Dealer Listings

Whistler,BC

Rider: Christian Gagnon

Photo: Jon Jean

AVALANCHE AIRBAG REFILL CENTRE

Authorized Dealer

604-905-7733 revolutionpowersports.ca 10-1212 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler

Flat Rate Shippinrsg!o*nly,

Check out our website for more performance parts & accessories!

$ 9.95

e Online ord upon Code: o C se u t mus 014 FLATRATE2

780.706.2411

3812 36 St. Whitecourt, AB www.rpmpowersports.ca

www.BIKEMANPERFORMANCE.ca

Scan QR image to go to our

POWDERLITE MUFFLER Will fit Arctic Cat/Polaris/Ski-Doo.

page & Like Us!!

Great Performance & Sound!

$318.94

BAD AZZ BUDGET KIT Adds 11 to 12 HP.

POWERSPORTS LTD.

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206 14 Ave Wainwright, AB T9W 1L5 Phone: 780-842-2562 Tech Line: 780-842-2587 (Ask For Jason)

$69.95

We specialize in repairs & maintenance of ATV’s, snowmobiles, bikes & more.

2013 Rider’s Choice Winner Favourite Snowmobile Dealer in Alberta

$962.50

COMPLETE ARCTIC CAT 940 BIG BORE KIT Bolt on Kit 207 HP.

$5115.00

*Some conditions may apply. Flat Rate Shipping only applies to AB, BC, SK, & Territories.

72 Mountain Sledder

ORDER NOW!

BITEHARDER.COM

LAST CALL

CANADIAN DEALER LISTINGS ALBERTA

Sedgewick

Bonnyville T&T Powersports www.ttpowersports.com

780.826.6121

Calgary

Cranbrook

Cross-Country Sales & Service 780.384.2215 www.crosscountrysales.com

Peak Performance Motorsports 250.417.3310 www.peakperformancecranbrook.ca

Riders Edge Suspension Ltd. 250.542.0269 www.ridersedgesuspension.com

Sundre

Fernie

Whistler

Ghostrider Motorsports 250.423.9251 www.ghostridermotorsports.ca

Revolution Powersports 604.905.7733 www.revolutionpowersports.ca

Fort St. John

Williams Lake

Revolution Honda www.revolutionhonda.com

Bow Cycle North www.bowcyclecalgary.com

403.288.5421

Mountain’s Edge Cycle & Sled 888.377.3051 www.mountainsedgecycleandsled.com

Bow Cycle South www.bowcyclecalgary.com

403.441.1299

Swan Hills

Ralph’s Motorsports 403.291.4868 www.ralphsmotorsports.com

Camrose House of Thunder www.houseofthunder.ca

780.608.2000

780.440.3200

Don’s Speed Parts www.donsspeedparts.com CC Cycle (2012) Ltd. www.cccycle.ca

Martin Motor Sports (W.) 780.481.4000 www.martinmotorsports.ca

Grande Prairie

Motor Tech Enterprises

780.349.3343

Guelph 519.822.7081

Royal Distributing www.royaldistributing.com

Center Point Performance 780.985.2747 www.centerpointperformance.com

Royal Distributing www.royaldistributing.com

705.566.8111

Royal Distributing www.royaldistributing.com

White Knuckle Motorsports 780.872.7004 www.wkms.ca

905.619.8000

780.618.8683

Merritt 250.315.1082

Nelson 250.352.3191

North Vancouver The Edge Diving Centre www.edgediving.com

QUEBEC

Peace River

McBride

Main Jet Motorsports www.mainjet.ca

Whitby

Lloydminster

Inner Space Water Sports 250.763.2040 www.innerspacewatersports.com

TKAT Sled Sense www.tkatsledsense.com

Sudbury

Leduc

Kelowna

Spin Drift Power Sports 250.569.0070 www.spindriftpowersports.com 705.431.9364

604.990.3483

Revelstoke

Quebec City

250.837.6738

Pincher Creek

Extrême Limite www.extremelimite.ca

Castle Custom Trucks 403.627.9653 www.castlecustomtrucks.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Extreme Power Sports 250.836.5771 www.extremepowersports.ca

Red Deer

Blue River

Surrey

Synik Clothing www.synikclothing.com

403.346.8019

Turple Bros. LTD www.turplebros.ca

403.346.5238

Blue River Sledz www.blueriversledz.com

418.805.0222

Rough Country Marine www.rough-country.ca

Sicamous

250.673.8317

Chilliwack Greater Vancouver Powersports 604.795.7800 www.gvps.ca

250.392.4222

Prince Albert Prairie Recreation 306.763.8001 www.prairierecreation.com

Regina

Kamloops

M & M Performance 877.213.7433 www.mmperformance.com

Innisfil

Windsor Motorsports 780.539.1666 www.windsormotorsports.ca

250.344.2888

Leading Edge Motorsports 250.372.8534 www.leadingedgemotorsports.ca

ONTARIO

Gordo’s Rent-All

SASKATCHWAN

Mountain Motorsports 250.344.6100 www.mountainmotorsports.ca

Hi Line Polaris Suzuki 780.352.7887 www.hilinepolarissuzuki.com

Royal Distributing www.royaldistributing.com

Stojans Power Sports & Marine 780.538.2934 www.stojans.com

Golden

800.431.2287

Wetaskiwin

Martin Motor Sports (S.) 780.438.2484 www.martinmotorsports.ca

Saz Auto & Marine

Wainright

Westlok

Edmonton Cycle Works Edmonton www.cycleworks.com

Wilderness Playground Tours 780.333.2800

800.663.8311

Greater Vancouver Powersports 604.888.8700 www.gvps.ca

Vernon

Agri Sports www.agrisports.ca

306.525.8366

Platinum Recreation & Powersports Ltd. 306.352.7878 www.platinumrec.ca

Rocanville Universe Satellite Sales Ltd. 306.645.2669 www.universesatellite.com

Saskatoon Recreation Supply www.recreationsupply.co

306.664.3560

Weyburn Rick’s Performance

306.861.0125

YUKON Whitehorse Checkered Flag Recreation 867.633-2627 www.checkeredflagrecreation.com

NOVA SCOTIA Halifax Halifax Motorsports Ltd 902.442.4046 www.halifaxmotorsports.com Whisky Motorsports 888.797.9129 www.whiskymotorsports.com

Sydney Gords Sports Centre Racing 902.539.4673 www.gordsracing.com

Inner Space Water Sports 250.549.2040 www.innerspacewatersports.com

www.RIDE509.com | www.facebook.com/RIDE509 | 1.888.987.SLED

LAST CALL

MINE. “Hey Jay, whose hat are you wearing?”

“Mine.”

“10 push ups!”

Objective of the “Game of Life”: Get other people to say “MINE”, they are then required to do 10 push ups. In the "Game of Life" not only do you get to mess with your buddy, it also teaches you a valuable life lesson, like how to not be selfish. *Optional Objective: Get extremely fit if you suck at the game.

Rules: There are no rules. Get your competitors to say MINE at all costs.

Fun Fact: Jay Mentaberry (seen below givin' er) had days at the 509 heli-shoot where he did 70-80 push ups. Depending on how you look at it, he’s either the worst at the Game of Life or the best at push ups!

photo: TGFG

74 Mountain Sledder

Worth Every Mile.

Abundant annual snowfall, generally mild temperatures and terrain to please all levels of riders are some of the main reasons that Valemount is your premier mountain snowmobiling destination in Western Canada. Whether you are a hard core adventure seeker or just wanting to get out for a nice recreational tour, you need to ride Valemount.

It truly is worth every mile!

ridevalemount.com For more information on Valemount and its spectacular sledding, contact VARDA at 250.566.4817 or info@ridevalemount.com

COILED AND WAITING

TWENTY15 I SRVIPER M-TX 162 SE GENESIS HIGH PErformaNcE ENGINE I Srv-m cHaSSIS I fox floaT SuSPENSIoN 速

uNParallElEd four-STrokE dEEP SNoW aGIlITY.