MEET BC’S RIDERS: INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE JULIE ANN CHAPMAN
British Columbia is a province defined by its wild landscapes and diverse snowmobile destinations. From the powder-filled coastal mountains to the remote alpine playgrounds, BC offers something for every rider. But what truly makes BC’s snowmobiling community unique? The people. And one standout personality is Julie Ann Chapman—rider, ambassador, clinician, avalanche educator, and all-around powerhouse in the snowmobile world.
photo: Billy Stevens
Julie Ann’s journey into snowmobiling began in the lakes of Quebec as a kid, ripping it up on the snow. Fast forward to her pro snowboarding days in Whistler, where her sponsors nudged her to venture into the backcountry to film freeride segments. There were no clinics or avalanche courses back then—just a steep learning curve and a crew of legends including the Slednecks crew of Dan Treadway, Kalle Johansson, Chris Brown, Geoff Kyle, Tyler Blair, Brad Gilmore, Steph Sweezey who took her under their wings. Soon, Julie Ann found herself falling hard for sledding—so much so that she told her snowboard sponsors she loved it more than snowboarding. And thus, She Shreds Mountain Adventures was born in 2012, offering women an easier way to learn snowmobiling.
photo: Neil Gilchrist
From there, Julie Ann’s role in the snowmobiling community exploded. Whether it’s guiding, teaching avalanche courses, or volunteering with clubs and Search & Rescue, Julie Ann is all in. As a pro rider and ambassador for brands like Polaris, Klim, Truckboss Decks, CFR and Backwoods BMP, she’s committed to not just the sport, but the people who make it great. And while she’s still chasing big lines in the backcountry, Julie Ann’s mission is clear: give back to the sport that’s given her so much.
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
For Julie Ann, the answer is simple: Passion. “If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t be doing it,” she says. She’s found a deep sense of purpose in snowmobiling, and it shows. Whether she’s teaching an avalanche course, volunteering with local clubs, or repping her sponsors, her enthusiasm is infectious. “Do what you love,” Julie Ann advises. “It makes waking up in the morning a whole lot easier—and it makes you a better person to be around.”
SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS
BC’s backcountry is beautiful, but it can be dangerous. Julie Ann knows that better than anyone. She stresses that every snowmobiler needs to know how to use their avalanche gear, make solid plans, and most importantly, trust their crew. “Having a plan for when the stuff hits the fan—not if,” she says. And of course, taking a first aid, avalanche courses (AST1 or AST2) and learning to read avalanche terrain are essential for every rider. You can check out what equipment Julie Ann carries with her in the backcountry and more tips for a safe ride in the videos below.
COMMON MISTAKES; DON’T BE THAT RIDER
Julie Ann’s pet peeves? She’s got two that can be tackled right at the parking lot. Riders forgetting to turn on their transceiver and complete a trailhead check before leaving the staging area. Her second is riders that gunning the throttle on dirt and ice right out of the parking lot. “Feather the throttle—ease into it,” she advises. It’s all about respect for the backcountry, for your gear, and for the people around you. “No one has a good day if your spitting rocks and damaging vehicles or hurting people”.
THE NELSON, BC RIDING SCENE
When it comes to snowmobiling in Nelson, Julie Ann says it’s “next level” in terms of terrain and views. But it’s also challenging—riders need to be skilled in tree riding, and the parking can be tight. There are also a number of caribou closures under the Snowmobile Selkirk Adaptive Management Framework where terrain is open or closed based on collar tracking data on the herds. “You’ve got to know where you’re going and be prepared,” she warns. But once you’ve overcome those challenges, Nelson rewards you with incredible snow and quiet, untouched powder. “It’s the best snow in BC,” Julie Ann says, “and it’s often untracked.”
HIDDEN GEMS OF BC
Revelstoke may get all the glory, but Julie Ann also loves Whistler for its epic backcountry—when the snow is good. “It’s hit or miss, but when it’s on, it’s magical.” And if you’re really looking for a hidden gem? “Head north,” she says. “Smithers, Terrace, Stewart—cold weather, deep snow, and no crowds.”
ADVICE FOR NEW SNOWMOBILERS
Julie Ann’s advice for newcomers? “Take a course. Hire a CMBGA certified guide. Do it right from the start.” It’s a steep learning curve, but with the right foundation, snowmobiling in BC can be life-changing.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT BRAND AMBASSADOR?
As a pro rider and ambassador for some of the most iconic names in snowmobiling, Julie Ann understands that true success isn’t just about numbers or flashy sponsorships. For her, being a standout ambassador means fostering lasting relationships, staying loyal, and actively contributing to a brand’s growth. “It’s about being part of a team and helping that brand grow,” she explains. From testing products and providing valuable development feedback to connecting brands with the grassroots community, Julie Ann approaches every partnership with passion, authenticity, and a collaborative spirit.
BACKCOUNTRY DIPLOMACY: A PRESIDENTIAL (OR PRIME MINISTERIAL) RIDE?
When asked who she’d take on a snowmobile adventure, Julie Ann doesn’t miss a beat. “I’d take Trump or Trudeau out for a backcountry ride,” she says with a laugh. “I’d probably give them a heart attack.”
Photographer Billy Stevens captures Julie Ann and Gabrielle Hockley as featured in the 2024-2025 BC Snowmobile Visitor Guide.
THE GEAR SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
As for gear, Julie Ann’s must-have item on every ride? “Klim gear. It keeps me warm, dry, and comfortable, no matter what conditions I’m facing.” After all, when you’re riding 120+ days a season, comfort is key.
AND A BIG SHOUTOUT TO…
Julie Ann extends her heartfelt thanks to the brands that keep her ready for every adventure—Polaris, Klim, Truckboss Decks, Cheetah Factory Racing, Backwoods BMP, Deviant Ink, Lynx OGT, and Mainjet Motorsports. Their unwavering support fuels not only her journey but also the growth of snowmobiling, with a special focus on empowering women in the industry.
Curious what adventures Julie Ann is up to this winter?
Follow her journey on Facebook or Instagram and stay inspired or visit www.sheshreds.ca.
