SLED RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Some will say, there’s never a bad day snowmobiling and for the most part, that’s a pretty accurate statement. There are however some things that can transform a potentially great day into a disaster. We would love to suggest some key ingredients to incorporate into your day, which we hope will help you and your crew have the best ride ever.
INGREDIENTS
People - Your sled crew is one of the most important components of this recipe. Two to five people in one group is usually the perfect amount of riders to execute great group management, and one person is too little. Riders should never go out alone.
Training - For this recipe to succeed, Avalanche Skills Training is a must. A minimum of AST 1 is recommended for riding in the mountains of British Columbia.
Equipment - All riders must have fully functioning avalanche and safety equipment that they are familiar with. Transceiver, Shovel, Probes, Radio and a backpack are all base ingredients that you must implement or this recipe will fall flat. An Avalanche Air Bag is another addition to your equipment list that can be of great value.
Trail Navigation - It’s most important to know where to go, before you go. Hire a guide, ride with those familiar with the area, and implement a trail navigation tool like the Never Lost Trails App which turns your cell phone into a trail navigation tool, even where cell service is unavailable. Never just assume an area is safe because you see tracks heading into it. Know where to go, before you go.
Snow - This is a key ingredient, and if your powder is deep and dry, you’re in for a wonderful day. It’s important to note that while advanced riders cherish bottomless deep powder, this snow condition is not user friendly for brand new riders just learning to ride. Endless stucks in impossible snow conditions can absolutely affect a new rider’s self esteem and desire to go out again. Try to match the terrain choices with your group’s skill set to ensure success.
Machines - Snowmobiles or Snowbikes are a must. If you’re new to backcountry riding in BC, a minimum track length of 153" is recommended. Days can get deep in BC, so the extra track length will give you the flotation when you need it most.
DIRECTIONS:
Before you leave home. Check the Avalanche Forecast on www.avalanche.ca for the area you intend to ride. You should also check the Weather forecast and create a pre trip plan, which allows others to know of your plans for the day and when to expect you home.
Create a clear and concise time to meet your crew either at the staging area or at some other predetermined muster point. Ensure everyone is fueled up and ready to ride at the designated time. If your machine is in need of some wrenching, the time for this is not the morning of your ride. Prepare your machine the evening before your ride to ensure you aren’t holding up your entire group.
Mix the people carefully. It is important to know the skill set of each rider before heading out. You will navigate terrain that day based upon the rider with the least skill or experience.
Ensure you do a transceiver check. When leaving the staging area, ensure everyone’s transceiver is turned on and functioning properly. Cell phones should be off or on airplane mode to avoid electronic interference.
Get out and Get some! Have fun, using the buddy system always keeping track of where the others in your group are at all times. Check in with your group periodically, especially if you have new riders with you. It’s important to make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable and enjoying their day.
Head back to staging with plenty of daylight left. Heading out in the dark can present challenges especially if there is mechanical failure or an injury to deal with. Nothing ruins the day more than when Johnny Rocket decides to make “one last pull” and ends up yard sale-ing his sled at dusk.
These are just a few suggestions that will help you continually create the best day ever!
Ride safe... Ride Smart... and don’t forget to support the sport with your club membership and volunteer efforts!
