- BC Snowmobile Federation

By Erin Hart, President
WHY SO MANY
AVY DEATHS?
New approaches are coming to address the problem
By the time you read this edition of
SnoRiders magazine, I will officially be past
president of the BC Snowmobile Federation—June 2011 to April 2016 has been
somewhat of a blur.
As I write this, it is presently the middle of
March and we have lost more snowmobilers
in B.C. due to avalanches.
Our Region 2 zone director, Penny
Cartwright, has quickly become our media
person and is dealing non-stop with the barrage of media requests due to the recent
deaths in the backcountry. She’s handling
the task (as a volunteer) like a professional,
but I can tell by our chats that it is taking a
toll on her, her family, her friends and the
rest of us within the BCSF.
The posts on Facebook have been numerous about the various snowmobile/avalanche
tragedies. I read them and I shake my head
in disbelief. With all the messaging from the
BC Snowmobile Federation, Avalanche Canada and the various avalanche safety
providers, we seem to have gained no ground
in the safety message to the snowmobiling
public.
I look back on my president’s message of
September 2011. In response to the Boulder
incident at the time, we had been summoned
to Victoria by a number of the ministers and
the attorney general. They wanted to know
how organized snowmobiling was getting
the safety message out to the rest of the
snowmobiling community.
I fear another visit to Victoria is likely imminent. Do I know what I need to say to government officials when they ask what needs
to be done? No, not really. Do I have a sarcastic comment in my head that I would like
to say to them? Yes, definitely! Ask me sometime what I would like to say and I will tell
you in confidence.
In my past five years, I feel as if we have
made no progress whatsoever. The Canadian
Avalanche Centre (now Avalanche Canada)
produced a fantastic safety video called
Throttle Decisions about three seasons ago. A
lot of time, effort and money went into the
production of said DVD/video series, but has
it helped? The manufacturers have stepped
up and held safety meetings at their respective dealers across the province before each
season starts—has that helped? Many clubs
host avalanche safety classes through the
winter—has that helped?
To say that I am a little disappointed,
angry, frustrated (and whatever other description you would like to add) about the
tragedies we are experiencing in the B.C.
backcountry would be an understatement.
I read a statement on Facebook that really
resonated with me and I want to share it (I
take no credit for this, I just want to share).
“Seems like every week another loss due to
avalanche. Having gear and training does
not give you a free pass on the mountain. I
have received several criticisms for not riding steep enough terrain this season. Yep,
that’s right. I want to live to ride another day.
Dying in an avalanche is not dying ‘doing
what you love’ . . . you are crushed and suffocating alone in total darkness.”
And let’s get this straight. From my point
of view and many others, it is just not you,
the rider, that is affected by such a tragedy.
Let’s point out the people that have to deal
with it. Our friends at Search and Rescue
(SAR), all volunteers, have to respond to said
incidents. They most often have to put themselves at risk to respond to these problems.
What about family, extended family, friends
and members of your snowmobile club—it
all takes an emotional toll, a toll that is paid
by the people you leave behind. It’s unfortunate that my final message deals with such a
harsh reality but as the saying goes, “It is
what it is.”
The BC Snowmobile Federation will have
hosted its spring AGM in Pemberton the
first weekend of April by the time you have
read this. It is expected that vice-president
Richard Cronier will be voted into the president’s position and I couldn’t be more proud
of a guy stepping up to volunteer his time
and effort in such a pivotal position.
For several years, Richard has worked
closely with myself and the BCSF executive
director, Donegal Wilson. He and his family
are avid snowmobilers, and Richard is the
president of the Paradise Valley Snowmobile
Association. His dedication is unquestionable and the BCSF is in good hands for the
next five years. And so, it is my complete
pleasure to introduce to you Mr. Richard
Cronier of Dawson Creek, your new president of the BC Snowmobile Federation. Congratulations, Richard!
• • •
Thank you, Erin, I guess you’re right—the
torch has officially been passed and I have
big boots to fill. I have read Erin’s letter several times by now and I have to agree with
him that these are dark days for snowmobilers, the families left behind and the BC
Snowmobile Federation. Our hearts are
heavy for the snowmobile clubs left to deal
with the fallout. This spring meeting was not
just an election of officers but was a celebration of Erin’s legacy and a celebration of inroads made, goals accomplished and the
awards gala celebrating volunteers and their
actions. But without a doubt, safety is on
everyone’s mind and where to go with the
messaging required.
We have summer months ahead, hopefully
with sunshine and blue skies. And although
the majority of snowmobilers will be taking
the time off in anticipation of the fall’s first
flakes and those shiny new Snowchecks, the
BCSF will still be working, and we will be
working on your behalf. We will be working
diligently on a new, in-your-face approach to
snowmobiling safety. That’s right—love us or
hate us—the message is going to be coming
and it will include some of the public shaming we feel is required to raise hair on that
redneck of yours. The truth is that 14 per
cent of snowmobilers are going to pay the
price of 86 per cent of the safety ignorant,
and I cannot sit and watch that happen. That
shaming is going to happen on social media,
in parking lots and in riding groups where a
very distinct valley is going to grow between
two groups of snowmobilers—the haves and
the have nots. I have the training, I have the
gear, and I have the ability to choose the
right terrain versus I have no training, I have
no gear, I have no idea where I am at. It’s
time for a long look in the mirror by snowmobilers in B.C., and there are no excuses in
2016-2017 for not knowing better.
SP RIN G 2016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM / 17
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
The FROSTBITTEN Rider
By Richard Cronier, Vice-President
I wonder if this is the last Frostbitten Rider
I will write. What started out a few years ago
at the request of my local newspaper in Dawson Creek turned out to be a regular part of
the club newsletter, and then it reached the
likes of SnoRiders magazine as a regular article—who would have thought? My mother
wondered how I ever passed an English
class, let alone be writing regularly for fun.
The photograph below is of me riding on
the BCSF Commemorative Ride and looking
out into the mountains as we were headed
for the night in Likely, B.C. It’s a reflective
moment for me that means a lot as I move
forward to be the next president of the BCSF.
The BCSF ride will forever be a favourite
memory for me. Never have I had the opportunity to share an eight-day ride with people
who I have never met but have become such
a big part of the memory. My mentor in the
Windsor Plywood side of my life has always
told me “life is all about the people” and so I
have learned to carry that motto into every
aspect of my life because I have found it to be
so true—my employees, my community, my
friends, my family and my wonderful wife. I
need to thank all the riders
who were on the trip for
making this the most enjoyable time I have ever
had on a snowmobile.
The ride conditions were
sketchy some days, but the
people, communities and
clubs along the way made
up for the scratchers and skags we burned
up.
The horizon will soon be placing me into
the president’s seat—your president. Snowmobilers across B.C. will be counting on me
to represent them in the most positive light
possible, trying to fight against closures and
helping clubs. As in the photo, the horizon
looks intimidating, and in lots of ways I feel
like I am not worthy of the task.
I would like to thank Erin Hart for his fiveyear commitment to organized snowmobiling in B.C. You have been a leader and a
mentor worthy of others to look up to. Meeting your father on the ride was a real honour.
It was easy to see how you came to be the
man you are—you’re the spitting image of
the great man ahead of you.
I would like to thank all the board members who I have served with in the past and
who currently are part of the BCSF board
18 / SPR I NG 2 016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM
» WHAT’S HAPPENING
From the office
By Crystal Durnin
and working very hard on behalf of snowmobilers across B.C. Your volunteer time has
not gone wasted. We, together and under the
presidency of Erin Hart, have accomplished
much, overcome hurdles and worked
through some tough personalities. I consider
this a great team, and you were all a part of
it.
I also want to thank Donegal Wilson, our
executive director, for the endless hours she
puts in to keep the BCSF moving. It can’t be
easy dealing with the multitude of personalities at the table, but somehow you do it. I
look forward to working with you.
So what will your next presidency look
like? Well, I like to think that my passion for
family and community can be intertwined
into my snowmobile life. You see, I truly care
that volunteers are being recognized for their
hard work, and I care that snowmobile clubs
become assets to their communities so that
government, city officials, parks, forestry and
the other 90 per cent of snowmobilers see
that we are a relevant force to be dealt with.
Snowmobile clubs who prosper in their communities are needed and are a vital part of
the health, well being and
economy of communities
across B.C. We can no
longer be a small working
force. Our numbers must
increase, and it will take
more work at the club
level to win over the other
90 per cent of snowmobilers who choose to not join a club. I look forward to working with the board of directors
at the BCSF to bring the needs of clubs to
government but also to help clubs become
thriving and important community assets
that work to encourage safety, environment,
youth and a club movement across B.C. This
life is not just about the trails you build, it’s
about the people in the clubs who help build
the trails. Those people will build memories
with you that can encourage a lasting legacy
within our great province.
Donegal hasn’t told me if my Frostbitten
Rider column must die now and become the
president’s message, but I am hoping I can
still bring a comical look at my life and family into the future where the BCSF lives. But
mostly I look forward to meeting many more
people along the way and, in particular,
meeting clubs at events across the province
of B.C.
I am looking out the office window at the
sun blasting off the hillsides and watching
the snow retreat slowly up the mountain. I
see temperatures around the province continue to rise and I know
that means one thing—
the end is near.
On April 2nd, we met
in Pemberton, B.C., for
our spring AGM, an afternoon of workshops
with guest speakers and
the BCSF Awards DinCrystal Durnin
ner and Gala. The BCSF
team of directors put a lot of time and effort
into planning this event, and we think it was
the best one yet. Two separate guided rides
on Sunday by our very own BCSF president
Erin Hart and BCSF treasurer Tyler
Kraushar made it a memorable event.
Memberships are still trickling in, and we
currently sit at nearly 6,500 members. Your
support means the world to these clubs that
rely on membership sales to support the
growth and maintenance of these volunteerbased community organizations. Speaking of
volunteering, Volunteer Appreciation Week
is in April, and what better time to give a
shout out to the big-hearted, hard-working
individuals who share their time and energies with their community. I, myself, find
that volunteering has helped me make genuine friendships and created a feeling of personal pride for my community. I also believe
that it teaches our youth the value of teamwork and respect for people, property and
themselves. So don’t be shy—reach out to
your local club and lend a hand!
Executive director Donegal Wilson and I
are co-existing quite comfortably in our cozy
little office, and even though we share it with
a furball named Tubby, who is prone to violent outbreaks, the day-to-day operations
keep on flowing. My most-recent project has
been the BCSF Member News, a new
eNewsletter we have created to keep members in the know and on the go. Each member will receive the Member News via email
and also can download it from BCSF.org.
The BCSF Member News will be packed with
event highlights, regulation updates, member stories and links to all things snowmobiling. This being a brand-new baby for me,
I would love to hear your input and feedback. Sock it to me at [email protected].
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
A thank you letter
» CLUB NEWS
“I know how great camp is and how lifeaccessible and have 24-hour medical care.
changing it can be because, thank you to
Also each counsellor is trained to support
everyone who donates to Easter Seals, I was
each child’s special needs. Here’s what one
able to attend camp for several years and it
camper family had to say:
truly changed my life. I would not have had
“Our son, Nathan, is in a wheelchair and is
as much confidence and would
pretty much dependent on
not be the person I am today
others for his care. That first
without this valuable camping
year of dropping him off at
experience.” —Nathan (former
camp was a bit scary—we
camper and Easter Seals amcouldn’t help but wonder if
bassador)
anyone else could take care of
Each summer thousands of
him the way we did at home.
parents sit down with their
When we returned a week
children and look at all the oplater to pick him up, there was
tions for summer camp. But if
no doubt that sending him to
you have a child with a physicamp was the best decision we
cal or mental disability, you
had made for Nathan. Nathan
quickly realize that your son or
was
full of stories and new exNathan and family
daughter won’t be able to atperiences he got to try at camp
tend these camps. The camps aren’t accessiand he was already talking about returning
ble, they don’t have specialized medical care,
next year!
the staff aren’t qualified to care for a child
“Often kids with disabilities face life with
with special needs. That’s why so many famimany people just seeing the disability inlies are grateful to hear about Easter Seals
stead of the beautiful spirits and huge potenCamps—three camps in B.C. that are fullytial these kids have to offer, but not at Easter
Seals camp. At camp, all the kids face the
same challenges, allowing them to focus on
what they can do, not what they can’t.
“Nathan gets to connect with other youth
who see him as he is, and the counsellors are
so fabulous. He has never been so excited
about anything else as he is when it is time
to go to camp. I would say that it is probably
one of the biggest things that has added to
his quality of life.
“And for us as a family, the week that
Nathan is away gives us time to relax and do
things with our younger son, Jason, that we
can’t always do the rest of the year. We are
so thankful for all the people who donate towards camp. It is not just ‘camp,’ it is an irreplaceable experience.”
Thanks to events like Snowarama, fundraising dollars go towards supporting Easter
Seals services in the province such as Easter
Seals camps (Squamish, Winfield, Shawnigan), where over 800 children with disabilities are able to have the best week of their
year and interact with other children who
face many of the same challenges they do.
Snowarama is a family-oriented fundraising event in which snowmobilers organize
events in support of Easter Seal Services.
Support Easter Seals Services and Coordinate a Snowarama Event!
Visit bcsf.org/cpages/snowarama
Together we can make FRESH TRACKS for
BC’S Children with Disabilities.
In support of:
Easter
Seals
TM
Hosted by:
British Columbia/Yukon
SP RIN G 2016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM / 19
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
50th Anniversary
Commemoratıve Ride
A highlight was meeting up with club members along the ride
he group consisted of 20 riders who
were all in to ride eight days straight.
They covered 1,600 kilometres with
skis on snow all the way. Many riders in B.C.,
me included, have never taken part in this
kind of adventure. There was trail riding,
cross-country riding, lake riding and mountain riding in some of the most spectacular
terrain in the province. Some likened it to an
all-inclusive snowmobile holiday as they did
not have to think or plan anything for the
eight days. They just got to ride and experience a huge portion of B.C.
So while there were 20 that did the whole
thing, I think the best part of the ride was
meeting up with the clubs along the way. In
some sections, we were upwards of 50 riders
keen to join in the fun. They rode out to meet
the group and show off their area and clubhouses. It was snowmobile clubs at their
best—sharing their passion for snowmobiling with like-minded people. With seven
clubs involved in the planning and execution
T
20 / SPR I NG 2 016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM
by Donegal Wilson | Photos by Geoff Moore
of the ride, it was really neat to see what they
had planned for the group in their area.
On Day 1 we were guided out by members
of the Kamloops Snowmobile Association,
who also joined us for the whole ride. They
were met by members of the Green Lake
Snowmobile Club, who rode out to meet the
group and bring them in with a warm welcome and awesome dinner at their clubhouse, which is more like a community hall.
Riders get a warm welcome in Historic Barkerville.
I would estimate there were 80 people seated
for a baron of beef dinner, and the clubhouse
is papered with pictures of club rides and
potluck dinners. Some of the Green Lake
club members joined us for Day 2 as we rode
to the 108 Mile Resort.
On Day 2 we were met by members of the
100 Mile Snowmobile Club, which brought
us to their clubhouse overlooking the old
oval racing track. We had an awesome lunch
catered by BJ’s Donuts & Eatery out of 100
Mile House before we continued on to the
108 resort. So even though the group only
travelled 38 miles, it was a 158-kilometre
day. Due to private lands, the trail zigzags
several times to reach our destination.
On Day 3 the group rode out with the 100
Mile club to meet with the Williams Lake
Snowmobile Club. The group travelled on for
an awesome lunch stop at the Anvil Pub in
Horsefly before continuing on to the Likely
Lodge for the night. The Likely Lodge was a
very quaint lodge with a restaurant and pub
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
» RIDE SPONSORS
Thank you to
our sponsors
Host hotels & restaurants
• Likely Lodge, Likely
• Hubs Motel, Wells
• Wind & the Pillows Retreat,
70 Mile House
• Little Horse Lodge, 70 Mile House
• 108 Resort, Golf & Outdoor
Adventures, 108 Mile Ranch
• BJ’s Donuts & Eatery,
100 Mile House
• Anvil Pub, Horsefly
• Jack O’ Clubs General, Wells
• Wells & District Legion, Wells
Host clubs
• Quesnel Snowmobile Club
• Wells Snowmobile Club
• Kamloops Snowmobile Association
• Green Lake Snowmobile Club
• Williams Lake Powder Kings
• Prince George Snowmobile Club
• 100 Mile Snowmobile Club
Ride sponsors
• Arctic Cat Canada provided a
snowmobile for the videographer
• Leading Edge Motorsports,
Kamloops, provided a backup
snowmobile for participants
• Atlas Drilling, Kamloops, provided
a truck to pull the support trailer
• Destination BC provided funding
support for the photo-video team
• IceRock/Choko
Special thanks
The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail has it all . . . breathtaking views, epic snow and vistas for miles.
overlooking the river.
On Day 4 the Williams Lake Powder Kings
took us from Likely up to their Yanks Peak
chalet. The club went all out with a hot
lunch, goodies and a great day of riding.
Members of the Quesnel Snowmobile Club
met the group here and brought them down
to Barkerville. The Wells Snowmobile Club
had made arrangements with the Barkerville
Historic Town & Park to bring the sleds right
down the main street. They had the site open
and actors in costume for the event. It was
quite a sight to see and an experience that is
not likely to be forgotten by the riders.
• Phil Molto - Snowmobilier TV
(videography)
• Geoff Moore (photography)
• Chris Wheeler (drone)
• Meridian RV - 100 Mile House
• Wells RCMP
• Barkerville Historic Town & Park
• Spectra Power Sports Williams Lake
• Big O Tires - Williams Lake
• Schickworks Signs & Stitches –
Williams Lake
And all the snowmobile dealers
along the way that provided exceptional service and support to the
ride. There are too many to list but
without you the ride could not have
happened.
SP RIN G 2016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM / 21
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
BCSF CONTACTS
B.C. SNOWMOBILE FEDERATION
B.C. Snowmobile Federation office
P.O. Box 277, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N0
Ph. 250-499-5117 • Fax 250-499-2103
Toll Free 1-877-537-8716
Executive Director:
Donegal Wilson • [email protected]
Admin Assistant:
Crystal Durnin • [email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Erin Hart, Surrey, BC
[email protected]
Vice-President
Richard Cronier, Dawson Creek, BC
[email protected]
Secretary
Tyler Kraushar, Pemberton, BC
[email protected]
Treasurer
Richard Christenson, Clearwater, BC
[email protected]
Director at Large
Gerald Gelderman • [email protected]
REGIONAL DIRECTORS:
Region 1: Northeast
Marlon Spooner, Mackenzie, BC
[email protected]
Region 2: Northwest
Penny Cartwright, Prince George, BC
[email protected]
Region 3: North Cariboo
Vacant - Richard Christenson (interim)
[email protected]
Region 4: Lower Mainland
Pam Cole, Langley, BC
[email protected]
Region 5: Sea to Sky/Vancouver Is.
Rob Hanna, Nanaimo, BC
[email protected]
Region 6: North Okanagan
Craig Moore, Vernon, BC
[email protected]
Region 7: Rockies
Ron LaRoy, Revelstoke, BC
[email protected]
Region 8: South Okanagan
Tracy Senio, Merritt, BC
[email protected]
Region 9: Kootenays
Doug Dean, Fernie, BC
[email protected]
CORPORATE AFFINITY MEMBERS
Affinity members offer reduced rates to club
members and clubs. They rebate a portion of
BCSF member purchases to the BCSF Trails,
Safety and Environment Enhancement Fund.
Amsoil
www.bcsnowmobile.wboil.com
Contact the office for your member
discounts on all Amsoil products.
Bank of Montreal/MasterCard
Dan Bell, 3300 Bloor St. West, 6th Floor,
Center Tower, Toronto, ON M8X 2X3
416-232-8152 • Fax 416-232-8015
www.bmo.com/bcsf
Capri Insurance
204 - 1835 Gordon Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Y 3H5
www.capri.ca/snow • 1-888-818-5821
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Arctic Cat Sales
Curt Shirtliffe • [email protected]
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
Rod Arnold • [email protected]
22 / SPR I NG 2 016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM
Koocanusa Publications Inc.
Keith Powell, Cranbrook, BC
[email protected]
Polaris Industries Inc.
Cory Davidson
[email protected]
Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
Randy Swenson
[email protected]
HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS
Gordon Galloway Elkford, BC
Arnold and Pat Wied Valemount, BC
George & Darlene Dance Kamloops, BC
Ralph Sunderman Clearwater, BC
Clayton Prince Kelowna, BC
Gordon Hume Creston, BC
Bob Zimmerman Quesnel, BC
Herb Shaede Revelstoke, BC
Ron LaRoy Revelstoke, BC
Al Horning Kelowna, BC
Nelson Bastien Whistler, BC
Roger Frost Lake Country, BC
Stan Matthews Lone Butte, BC
Larry Blackburn Chetwynd, BC
John Wren Williams Lake, BC
Patti Wren Williams Lake, BC
Rose Prince Kelowna, BC
Tom Dickson Revelstoke, BC
Jack Fisher Crescent Valley, BC
LIFETIME MEMBERS IN MEMORIUM
Toby Cave Quesnel, BC
Frank Parker Smithers, BC
Pat Whiteway Kelowna, BC
Jack Barnett 100 Mile House, BC
SENIOR COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Field instructors are located throughout the
province. Please call the office for one near you.
Herb Shaede Revelstoke • 250-837-8715
Rob Hanna Nanaimo • 250-756-7669
Craig Beattie Pemberton • 604-932-0888
Doug Ellis Vernon • 250-306-1713
Dave Merritt Prince George • 250-565-8558
MEMBER CLUBS
Region 1: Northeast
Contact: Marlon Spooner 250-997-4561
Fort Nelson Snowmobile Club
Wayne Wheeler • 250-321-0144
Northland Trailblazers
Peter Bueckert • 250-261-8734
Paradise Valley Snowmobile Association
Richard Cronier • 250-719-7214
Pine Valley Trail Blazers
Sheldon Belcher • 250-788-6089
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club
Randy Cutler • 250-257-4541
Rocky Mountain Riders
Marlon Spooner • 250-997-4561
Region 2: Northwest
Contact: Penny Cartwright
250-961-0010
Burns Lake Snowmobile Club
Dennis Firomski • 250-692-4172
Houston Snowmobile Club
Tanya Reitsma • 250-845-8216
Kitimat Snowmobile and Hikers Club
James Gairdner • 250-639-9426
McBride Big Country Snowmobile Assoc.
Barry Walline • 250-569-0226
Prince George Snowmobile Club
Penny Cartwright • 250-961-0010
Quesnel Snowmobile Club
Guy Berlinguette • [email protected]
Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association
Adolph Lubke • 250-638-8792
Wells Snowmobile Club
Todd Madill • [email protected]
Region 3: North Cariboo
Contact: Richard Christenson (interim)
250-676-9443
100 Mile Snowmobile Club
Alan Reichardt • 250-791-6322
Blue River Powder Packers
Bill Karras • 250-674-1125
Clearwater Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club
Tom Meland • 250-674-3228
Green Lake Snowmobile Club
John Sullivan • 250-456-2145
Interlakes Snowmobile Club
Marcel deRepentigny • 250-395-5363
Kamloops Snowmobile Association
Peter Doyle • 250-318-0144
Mica Mountain Riders Association
Brian Henderson • 250-395-0301
North Adams Snowmobile Association
George Allen • 250-672-0396
Valemount & Area Recreation
Development Association (VARDA)
Curtis Pawliuk • 250-566-4817
Williams Lake Powder Kings
Mark Snowball • 250-398-5328
Region 4: Lower Mainland
Contact: Pam Cole [email protected]
Burke Mountain Snowmobile Association
Marcel Marsolais • 604-521-3116
Chilliwack Snowmobile Club
Brian Romak • 604-866-1200
Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club
Gerald Gelderman • 604-316-1600
Summit Seekers Snowmobile Club
George Scott • 604-533-0136
Region 5: Sea to Sky/
Vancouver Island
Contact: Rob Hanna 250-756-7669
Black Tusk Snowmobile Club
Tony Cailes • 604-818-8456
Bridge River Valley Snowmobile Association
Josh Roger • 250-238-2692
Mid-Island Sno-Blazers
Rob Hanna • 250-756-7669
North Island Snowmobile Association
Robin Schopp • 250-923-7179
Pemberton Valley Snowmobile Club
Al Bush • 604-894-6442
Powder Mountain Snowmobile
& Outdoor Recreation Club
Ryan Thorley • 604-902-6066
Sunshine Coast Snow Seekers
Richard Scofield • 604-886-2595
Region 6: North Okanagan
Contact: Craig Moore 250-307-6766
Crowfoot Mountain
Snowmobile Association
Martin Lucas • 250-319-1331
Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club
Gord Bushell • 855-836-6600
Hunters Range Snowmobile Association
Karla Schubert • 250-838-9827
Lumby/Mabel Lake
Snowmobile Association
Tom Luszcz • 250-547-8781
Monashee Snowmobile Club
Don Main • 250-542-6209
Salmon Arm Snow Blazers
Robin Fleury • 250-838-2668
Seymour Arm Snowmobile Club
Marcus Schrott • 250-307-4360
Spa Hills Snowmobile Club
Jason Richoux • 250-306-5222
Vernon Snowmobile Association
Ben Drodge • 250-542-2649
Region 7: Rockies
Contact: Ron LaRoy 250-837-4708
Arrow Lakes Ridge Riders
Mark Aichelle • 250-265-4684
Golden Snowmobile Club
Colin Wallace • 250-520-0711
Revelstoke Snowmobile Club
Daniel Kellie • 250-683-9403
Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society
Mark Starr • 250-341-7169
Region 8: South Okanagan
Contact: Tracy Senio 250-315-1082
Boundary Snowmobile Club
Derek Pankoff • 250-442-9795
Christina Lake Snowmobile Society
Dan Marcoux • 250-447-9373
Kelowna Snowmobile Club
Dave Leimert • 250-317-3898
Merritt Snowmobile Club
Frank Douthwright • 250-378-1322
Osprey Snowheelers
Alan Holmgren • 604-728-3131
Penticton Snowmobile Club
Sylvain Gagnon • 250-809-2851
Similkameen Snowmobile Club
Forrest Nelson • 250-499-6522
Timberline Cruisers Snowmobile Club
Leah Ward • 250-295-4311
Region 9: Kootenays
Contact: Doug Dean 250-425-5044
Beaver Mountain Snowmobile Assoc.
Gilbert Desrosiers • 250-367-6667
Corbin Country Club
Curtis Hagley • 403-563-3101
Cranbrook Snowmobile Club
Doug Hogg • 250-421-1144
Elk Valley Mountaineers
Jason Bursey • 250-425-2599
Elkford Snowmobile Association
Rhonda Down • 403-331-1914
Fernie Snowmobile Association
Bob Arnott • 250-423-3790
Kokanee Country Snowmobile Club
Trish Drinkle • 250-428-7531
Moyie Lake Snowmobile & ATV Club
Ken Philpot • 250-829-0519
Nelson Sno-Goers Club
Doug Brackett • 250-505-2110
Scaia Scamps Snowmobile Society
Brad Makortoff • 250-365-3102
West Kootenay SnoGoers Association
Mark Martin • 250-362-7129
ARCTIC CAT DEALERS
ALL SEASON’S MOTOR SPORTS LTD.
Cranbrook • 250-426-4009
BIG TOP POWERSPORTS
Chilliwack • 604-703-0221
GHOSTRIDER MOTORSPORTS
Fernie • 250-423-9251
GORDO’S RENT-ALL
Williams Lake • 250-398-7300
LEADING EDGE MOTORSPORTS
Kamloops • 250-372-8534
NEID ENTERPRISES LTD.
Terrace • 250-635-3478
SOUTH CARIBOO MOTORSPORTS
100 Mile House • 250-395-2366
TRAN-S-PORT ARCTIC CAT
Fort St. John • 250-785-1293
VALLEY MOTORSPORTS KELOWNA
Kelowna • 250-765-3400
VERNON MOTORSPORTS
Vernon • 250-545-5381
BOMBARDIER DEALERS
BANNER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS
Kelowna • 250-979-2889
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
BCSF CONTACTS
BANNER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS
Vernon • 250-542-0418
COURTENAY MOTORSPORTS
Courtenay • 250-338-1415
EVERGREEN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
Smithers • 250-847-4456
FOREST POWER SPORTS LTD.
Prince George • 250-563-1021
GREATER VANCOUVER POWERSPORTS
Chilliwack • 604-795-7800
GREATER VANCOUVER POWERSPORTS
Surrey • 604-888-8700
H20 MOTOR SPORTS
Sicamous • 250-836-2541
KICKSTART MOTORSPORTS
Terrace • 250-635-1623
MOTOR TECH ENTERPRISES
Golden • 250-344-2888
NO LIMITS MOTORSPORTS
Squamish • 604-815-4444
NORTHERN METALIC SALES LTD.
Fort Nelson • 250-774-6101
PERFORMANCE ALL TERRAIN
& RENTALS LTD.
100 Mile House • 250-395-2550
PLAYMOR POWER PRODUCTS LTD.
Crescent Valley • 250-359-7111
REICHERT SALES & SERVICE LTD.
Tulameen • 250-295-6489
RTR PERFORMANCE
Kamloops • 250-374-3141
TRAIL BLAZ’N POWER LTD.
Dawson Creek • 250-782-6685
TRAIL BLAZ’N POWER LTD.
Fort St. John • 250-785-6675
VALLEY CHAINSAW &
RECREATION LTD.
Pemberton • 604-894-6442
POLARIS DEALERS
BACKUS RACING RECREATION
Mara • 250-838-7611
CARIBOO SUPPLY & MARINE LTD.
100 Mile House • 250-395-3663
CYCLE NORTH
Prince George • 250-964-9091
FIVE STAR MOTORSPORTS
Chilliwack • 604-792-8804
FOUR SEASONS MOTOR SPORTS LTD.
Vernon • 250-549-3730
HI-PERFORMANCE MOTOR SPORTS
Fort St. John • 250-785-8125
HYPER TOYS
Dawson Creek • 250-782-4415
KEN’S MARINE
Terrace • 250-635-2909
M & M PERFORMANCE
Kelowna • 250-491-4800
MAIN JET MOTORSPORTS
Nelson • 250-352-3191
MAKE TRAXX RECREATION
Quesnel • 250-747-8415
RED LINE RECREATION
Fort Nelson • 250-774-3630
SCHULTZ MOTORSPORTS
Kamloops • 250-828-2200
SEA TO SKY MOTORSPORTS INC.
Langley • 604-888-1400
SPECTRA POWER SPORTS
Williams Lake • 250-392-3201
TRAILS NORTH
POWERSPORTS LTD.
Smithers • 250-847-2287
WESTERNONE RENTALS
Comox • 250-339-4518
BCSF Rewards
MasterCard
YAMAHA DEALERS
ALPINE MOTOR SPORT
Salmon Arm • 250-804-4334
BARRETT HONDA/YAMAHA
Fruitvale • 250-367-6216
BIG TOP POWERSPORTS
Chilliwack • 604-703-0221
CAPTAIN’S VILLAGE MARINA
Scotch Creek • 250-955-2424
DIAMOND HEAD YAMAHA
Squamish • 604-892-9700
ELDORADO RECREATION LTD.
Quesnel • 250-992-5602
FORCE ONE YAMAHA
Yellowknife • 867-920-2225
G.A. CHECKPOINT
Abbotsford • 604-854-3440
G.A. CHECKPOINT
Port Moody • 604-461-3434
GHOSTRIDER MOTORSPORTS
Fernie • 250-423-9251
KELOWNA YAMAHA
Kelowna • 250-763-1010
KEN’S MARINE
Terrace • 250-635-2909
MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS
Golden • 250-344-6100
NICOLA CHAINSAW &
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Merritt • 250-378-2234
PARKER MARINE (COURTENAY)
Courtenay • 250-334-4808
PEAK PERFORMANCE MOTORSPORTS
Cranbrook • 250-417-3310
PENTICTON YAMAHA & MARINE
Penticton • 250-492-8300
PRINCE GEORGE MOTORSPORTS
Prince George • 250-562-4151
SCHULTZ MOTORSPORTS
Kamloops • 250-828-2200
SOUTH CARIBOO MOTOR SPORTS LTD.
100 Mile House • 250-395-2366
SPECTRA POWER SPORTS
Williams Lake • 250-392-3201
VERNON MOTORSPORTS
Vernon • 250-545-5381
YUKON YAMAHA
Whitehorse • 867-668-2101
RENTALS/GUIDES
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SP RIN G 2016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM / 23
SPECIAL REPORT
BCSF SnoScene
Coast to Coast by Dennis Burns
Embracing the code of ethics
The CCSO is very excited to announce a new
partnership in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
with the NL Snowmobile Federation (NLSF) and
Gros Morne National Park (GMNP). The partners
have agreed to embrace the National Snowmobile
Code of Ethics. The messaging is tied in with a new
snowmobile video, addressing additional restrictions when riding in designated
corridors.
This new partnership was
launched very successfully and embraced by all visitors to the spectacular national park. This is what
the National Snowmobile Code of
Ethics says:
I understand and accept the risks
associated with snowmobiling and
I will take responsibility for my
own actions. As a responsible
snowmobiler:
• I will ride in a manner that is a credit to our
recreation;
• I will influence other snowmobilers to adhere to
this Code of Ethics;
• I will respect the rights of others including
property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts;
• I will protect our natural environment;
• I will ride in a responsible manner and will use
only marked trails, areas or roads open to snowmobiles;
• I will not harass or harm wildlife or the natural
surroundings;
• I will minimize my impact on
the environment;
• I will ride smart, be prepared
and stay in control;
• I will check ice and weather
conditions before riding;
• I will help those in distress;
• I will obey all laws and rules
governing our recreation;
Leave Tracks,
Not Trash
• I will promote proper snowmobile education and training;
• I will practice Zero Tolerance
with respect to impaired driving.
Parks Canada is very impressed with the stand
that snowmobilers take on the environment and
agreed that together we would have a greater impact. This messaging also works hand-in-hand
with the new snowmobilers’ permit required for
The CCSO would like to thank our
sponsors for the 2015/2016 season.
Please support businesses that support the CCSO—the national
voice of organized snowmobiling!
OPTIMISÉ PAR / OPTIMIZED BY ITURAN
Dennis Burns
Clarity
Conferencing Inc.
24 / SPR I NG 2 016 / RIDERSWESTMAG.COM
CODE OF ETHICS
» Continued from left
each sled riding in the park as
well. We thank Jane Brewer
and Tony Sheppard for their efforts to make this full launch in
the park such a success.
Spring has sprung in many
parts of Canada. Mother Nature still has a few surprises
though—as I write this, the City
of Thunder Bay is cleaning up
from an overnight storm.
Everything looks like a winter
postcard outside with over 30
centimetres of fresh powder.
Many regions are cutting grass,
polishing boats and getting
their clubs ready but Northern
Ontario just got another two
weeks to play in the snow.
Mountain backcountry users
have experienced more challenges this season than in recent years. We ask that all user
groups entering the backcountry gain knowledge on the particular area and practice good
group management.
Get the gear: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe on his or
her person and knows how to
use them.
Get the training: Take an avalanche course.
Get the forecast: Make a
riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather
forecast.
Get the picture: If you see
recent avalanche activity, unstable snow exists. Riding on or
underneath slopes is dangerous.
Get out of harm’s way:
Don’t go in a group to help your
stuck friend: only one at a time
on all avalanche slopes. Don’t
group up in runout zones.
The goal of the project is to
reduce the amount of avalanche
incidents and, in turn, reduce
injuries and deaths in the
snowmobiling community.