RADAR
Full-Throttle Fun
Shred the trails on a snowmobile for a whole new perspective on winter.
By Karen Eull
Taking to the trails beneath snowy peaks at Crowsnest Pass. | PHOTO: JASON MENG/TRAVEL ALBERTA
JOE THIEVIN AND HIS SNOWMOBILE have been to every province, and his favourite stretch is in Saskatchewan, northwest of the town of Hudson Bay. “It’s all through the forest, where the trees bend and form a snow canopy overtop the trail in the winter. It’s like driving through a tunnel,” he says. “It’s a picture that you just can’t forget. Every time I go to Saskatchewan, I have to travel that section of trail.” Thievin, who lives in Stonewall, Man., has been riding for 55 of his 60 years. He’s noticing lots of changes on the trails these days, including more families and couples enjoying experiences that range from leisurely, guided day trips to advanced backcountry adventures. “Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.”
“Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.”
As president of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), he oversees a national, volunteer-led organization that advocates for the sport and partners with local snowmobiling clubs to keep trail networks in good repair. The CCSO relies on thousands of volunteers to groom and maintain the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trails (GCST). The GCST is the world’s longest recreational snowmobiling trail, with a network of over 131,070 km. It stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic coasts, putting it within reach of 90 percent of the Canadian population.
All these well-cared-for trails are not just for sledders — that’s what snowmobile enthusiasts call themselves. They’re used year-round by hikers, bikers, skiers and ATV-ers. “We tried to develop a system that takes [you] through the most scenic country.”
According to the CCSO, snowmobiling has a $9.3B impact on the national economy each year, thanks to the over 1.5M Canadians (and visitors) who enjoy this classic winter pastime.
Sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALCOM
Finding Your Path Today, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, there’s a path for everyone — and thousands of advocates willing to act as teachers and guides to get you out there. “For new riders, I always say take a snowmobile safety course and go out with somebody who is a respected rider,” advises Thievin. “Start in the daytime. But most importantly, just get out and enjoy it. Nothing puts a bigger smile on someone’s face once they get the hang of it.” There are snowmobile trails, regional clubs and travel operations in every province and territory — including the following three favourites: The guides at Call of the Wild offer a five-day Snowmobile Safari in Algonquin Park, Ont., that zips through forests, scenic lookouts and charming towns with warm hotel beds. Residents are permitted to operate sleds in downtown Whitecourt, known as the snowmobile capital of Alberta. There’s a 485-km route in the area with scenic lookout spots, warm-up shelters and staging areas with parking, loading ramps, shelters, firepits and bathrooms. Northeast Saskatchewan offers 1,610 km of trails with stops in 12 communities from St. Brieux to the town of Hudson Bay, and 261 warm-up shelters along the way. Hotels and cabins in each town are set up to accommodate multi-day trippers.
Happy snowmobilers at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ont. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CALL OF THE WILD
Sledding For All Those who want to shred slopes in the backcountry can head to Alberta and B.C. Julie-ann Chapman of She Shreds runs snowmobile clinics in Nelson and across British Columbia. She started with the first “all-girl” snowmobile clinics 15 years ago. Now, she offers clinics, avalanche courses and training to anyone who wants to learn — including lots of couples looking to share an adventure.
Chapman grew up riding snowmobiles in Québec, but found sledding in deep snow and on steep mountain trails quite challenging at first. There weren’t many other women around to help her learn, and it took her a year to get the hang of it. So, she created She Shreds to introduce the sport to other women in a safe and friendly environment. “Women really have to figure out [their own] technique, because we [often] don’t have as much body mass to throw around, and so it’s a lot of figuring out the throttle and how to move your body to help you maneuver the snowmobile in off-camber, deep powder conditions.”
Though sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice, her clinics can cater to absolute beginners and advanced snowmobilers alike. Even those with trail experience often need training to navigate steep, unfamiliar terrain on a mountain sled designed for deep snow. She also teaches riders about avalanche safety and how to use the transceiver, probe and shovel in every avalanche kit — essentials for anyone on the slopes.
It’s a joy for Chapman to introduce riders to alpine trails. “It’s one thing being able to hike to the mountaintop in the summer — of course, it’s gorgeous. But being able to get to the top real quick, you can do multiple mountain passes in one day. And you’re able to get to these insane places — ice fields and glaciers…. It brings you to the most beautiful places in the entire world.”
Smart Sledding
All riders need CSA-compliant helmets and well-insulated, protective clothing, including goggles, waterproof snowmobile suits and gloves, and rubber-bottomed boots.
Travel in groups of two or more, and only in permitted areas. Riding off-trail can damage crops and disrupt wildlife. Routes may run through unceded land and small communities — show respect for locals.
Carry a first aid kit, an emergency tool kit and a survival kit with flares, blankets, food, water and any gear you’d need to survive outside on a cold night. Every rider should have a communication safety device, such as a satellite communicator, that works outside of cell phone range.
Stay on top of your maintenance. This will not only ensure your safety, but that of the environment by making sure you’re not leaking engine fluids on the local flora and fauna.
Snowmobiling in Alberta
Alberta’s groomed trails stretch over 6,500 km of flatlands, valleys and mountains and are maintained by the Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA). In many spots, an ASA Membership is required. The organization offers day and annual passes.
All snowmobiles must have a licence plate, working headlamp and taillights, an exhaust muffler and a spark arrestor.
Laws vary across provinces. Per Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, it’s illegal to operate any Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), including snowmobiles, while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Snowmobile operators on public land must be no younger than 14 years old and must be on registered and insured vehicles.