5 PHOTOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS ON YOUR NEXT BC SLED TRIP

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but these days, most of us would settle for a hundred ‘likes’ when it comes to our trip pics. However, beyond the Insta-gratification game, what we really want in our photo bin long-term, is a collection of moments that carry meaning for years to come. Snowmobiling is a way to excite our senses and get into beautiful places like no other and so it’s a no brainer that we would want to capture our trips. Here’s a top five list of reminders of how and when to approach photography on your next sledding trip.

5. At a Watershed Divide

There’s a certain energy that comes from being at a place where water flows in different directions and knowing where these spots are gives an extra connection to the environment you’re in. It’s amazing the journey water takes from mountain top to sea and being in a spot where you’re aware of two different paths can be enlightening. It’s amazing how snow, just meters apart, will take wildly different paths. Somehow photos of these kinds of areas always seem to translate a special type of meaning.

Photo: Silent Pass. The view across the valley to the west in Golden’s Silent Pass has two different watersheds that flow in the Duncan and Beaver Rivers. Next time you’re there, try to figure out exactly where the divide is..

4. Above the Clouds

Valley cloud can shroud many interior of BC towns and often for extended periods of time. It’s amazing how not seeing the sun can affect your mood. Nothing can break a dull funk better than braaaping above the inversion layer. If you catch a special day when the alpine is buoyed by a sea of cloud, it feels like you’re floating. There’s an inspiring gratefulness that you can’t help but appreciate when you rise above it all.

Photo: Aaron Bernasconi breaking on through to the other side, Golden BC

3. After Session

Progress in our riding abilities is one of the most addictive feelings in snowmobiling. Doing something for the first time can give a rush like no other. The desire to capture these kinds of moments may be the most instinctive time that people pull out their media devices. But, while most people are focused on capturing the ‘big move’, keep in mind what emotions he/she will go through after a moment of success occurs. There’s often relief and a flood of endorphins that will lead that person in to doing something else awesome, right after. Keep your lens available for the aftermath. Often you’ll see cooling steam and sunbeams occurring that can help explain the moment.

2. When Your Buddy is Stuck

One of the most important rules of sledding is, “if you’re buddy is stuck, make sure he knows you’re not?” We all know that getting stuck is part of the game. Sometimes it’s infuriating and sometimes it’s hilarious. Most times the experience will be dictated by which side of the stuck you’re on. It sucks to feel vulnerable in the mountains, and needing some ones help to get you out is always humbling. But it is a pretty darn good realization that your buddy didn’t make it and you did! When that happens, it’s your duty to enjoy that moment! Before you lend a helping hand, make sure you snap a pic. Nothing makes a better ‘Happy Birthday’ text than remembering a good stuck.

1. When You’re With Someone You Care About

It may seem sappy and for many-a-sledder, who are uncomfortable admitting they have feelings, they may shy away from forcing a group pic with your riding partners. But let’s face it, life is short and things we never thought we’d see happen. Often times the memory of the people you shared a day with will linger for longer than what you did that day. So if you find yourself on top of a climb with a buddy, or even just sitting around enjoying lunch in a good spot. Snap a shot to remember the moment because years from now, those pics may be worth more than all your ‘likes’ combined.

Photos and Words by Tim Grey

Tim Grey is a professional content creator and snowmobile guide based in Golden BC. www.summitcommunications.ca

MORE GOLDEN INSPIRATION

ICONIC BC ROAD TRIP: 4-5 DAYS IN FERNIE, CRANBROOK, INVERMERE PANORAMA, GOLDEN

The CPR Railway forged a route through the rugged Rocky Mountains bringing goods and visitors to the untamed BC wilderness. See how these historic resource extraction towns have built upon their logging and mining roots and now welcome visitors to some of BC’s most iconic and authentic snowmobile destinations. 

GOLDEN, BC: A POSTCARD WORTHY PLAYGROUND

Golden is a natural choice for Sledders with its numerous riding options, light dry powder snow, and convenient location off the TransCanada highway.