MEET THE RIDER BEHIND THE LENS: NEIL GILCHRIST
At LetsRideBC, we’re thrilled to launch a new blog series celebrating the unique personalities that make up BC’s diverse snowmobile community. In our first feature, we sit down with talented photographer Neil Gilchrist, whose breathtaking shots grace both the outside and inside covers of the all-new BC Snowmobile Visitor Guide. Neil’s love for snowmobiling and photography has taken him to some of the most awe-inspiring places in the province, capturing moments that showcase the beauty and thrill of riding in British Columbia’s wild backcountry.
From our desk, Neil's photography is a bold celebration of place, people, and adventure. Grounded in BC's dramatic landscapes, he reveals the deep connection between riders and the terrain. Each striking image arrests attention, prompting you to imagine the story behind the ride.
THE COVER SHOT: A PEEK BEHIND THE LENS
We asked Neil to tell us more about the stunning images featured in the Visitor Guide.
"The cover shot was captured in the Purcell Mountains last spring," Neil explains. "It’s an annual trip with a group of friends we’ve been doing for years. Last year, the snow was quite low, and what was left was very wind-affected. The weather didn’t cooperate for most of the trip, but we had a single day window of sun. The poor snow actually made for a wildly photogenic background—the exposed rocks gave great contrast, and the terrain there is massive."
The rider on the cover? Neil’s good friend, Dallas. "Dallas is always game for a tour. It was one of those days where the poor snow made exploration easy—and the visuals were stunning."
As for the inside cover shot, Neil says, "That was taken in one of our favorite local spots in the West Kootenays. I talked a couple friends into a sunrise mission, and it was definitely worth it. My friend Joel is in that shot, and he’s always pushing me to improve my riding. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who loves sledding more than him."
FROM ADVENTURE TO ART: NEIL’S JOURNEY IN SNOWMOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
When asked what first inspired him to photograph snowmobiling, Neil shares, "It wasn’t snowmobiling itself that drew me in—it was the outdoors. I’ve always loved hiking, mountaineering, split boarding, and traveling. Photography was just a way for me to capture those moments. Snowmobiling, though, is a whole different world. It gives you access to some of the wildest, most beautiful places during winter, which I think is the best time of year."
THE BEST OF BC: A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PLAYGROUND
With so many incredible locations in BC, we were curious if Neil had a favorite spot to shoot. "Funny, I ask that question to people I meet in the backcountry all the time. It’s led me to some amazing places," he says with a smile. "But there’s a reason I call Castlegar home."
SNOWMOBILING COMMUNITY: THE PEOPLE MAKE IT SPECIAL
For Neil, it’s not just the landscapes that make snowmobiling in BC special—it’s the people. "Snowmobilers are some of the most helpful and friendly folks you’ll meet. It’s very much a team sport, and you find that out quickly. I love being part of this community."
THE CHALLENGES OF SHOOTING IN WINTERY CONDITIONS
Photographing in BC’s dynamic winter conditions isn’t without its challenges. Neil shares that his biggest obstacle is often resisting the urge to ride rather than shoot. "Most of the time, I just want to hop on my sled and go! Aside from that, getting the rider to move where and when you want them to can be tough. It’s all about good communication and a shared vision of the shot."
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING SNOWMOBILE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Neil humbly admits he still feels like an aspiring photographer, but he passes along one valuable piece of advice: "A very wise person once told me, 'Don’t go past good snow to look for good snow.' It’s a mantra I live by."
Stay tuned for more profiles of the incredible individuals who make BC’s snowmobiling community so vibrant. And if you haven’t already, make sure to pick up the latest BC Snowmobile Visitor Guide to see Neil’s incredible work in action!
