WISE WORDS
Ride On: How to Level Up Your Snowmobiling
Beyond backcountry recreation, snowmobile coach Julie-Ann Chapman shares how you can enhance your snow machining skills and get the most out of the sport.
By Nicole Keen | Illustrations by Maya Nguyen
For a nation with vast stretches of backcountry that gets blanketed in powdery snow for several months of the year, snowmobiling is an ideal pastime. Originally developed as a way to get across the broad expanses of snow, it’s evolved into so much more than a mode of transportation — racing, stunt riding and communities of enthusiasts have grown around the sport. For snowmobile pro Julie-Ann Chapman, it’s both a passion and a profession. In 2011, Chapman founded She Shreds Mountain Adventures, a snowmobile clinic run by women for women, to create an entry point into a sport that was once dominated by men. “It’s cool being able to open a door for so many people,” she says. “Now when you go in the backcountry, every second or third rider is female.” As an ambassador for a leading snowmobile manufacturer, Chapman shares her passion for the sport and her commitment to safety. From what to pack for a day on the trails to the benefits of joining a local club, she offers advice for snowmobilers of all experience levels.
What materials are important when it comes to gear?
For outerwear, you want a breathable material, something that moves your sweat out but is also completely waterproof from the outside in, such as Gore-Tex. You want breathability for your boots, and you want some ankle support. And you definitely want a full-face snowmobile helmet. Carbon fibre is a nice route to go down. It’s light, and it’s less weight on your neck.
How do you recommend connecting with fellow enthusiasts?
Being part of a snowmobile club is the way to get involved on a community level. It’s all volunteers. These clubs maintain the trails and host events for families where there are games and lunch for the kids. There are bonds that form as far as the community goes, bringing people closer, meeting other groups, and doing outdoor stuff with the kids — no screen time!
What type of emergency supplies should you pack for a day out on the snowmobile trails?
The question that I always ask isn’t “Will it happen?” It’s “When will it happen, and am I prepared?” You need basic stuff to stay safe (if you’re stuck) in a winter location: food [with a mix of protein and fats like trail mix or energy bars], water; multiple ways to light fires, such as matches and a lighter; and a fire starter, too, because everything’s wet in the backcountry; extra clothing — a puffy jacket, gloves, socks; emergency communication devices; and basic tools — a screwdriver, wrenches, sockets. Companies like Rab [that has products available at SAIL, offering CAA Member benefits] make amazing little tents that squish into tiny balls to have in your pack. And it’s always good to carry rope, pulleys and carabiners in case your snowmobile gets stuck.
In terms of ice conditions, what are some snowmobile safety tips to consider?
As a rule of thumb, 13 to 18 cm of ice can support a snowmobile. Once the spring diurnal cycle begins, when ice melts in the day and refreezes at night, that’s when I start to be wary of lakes (you can drill or use a measuring tool to check when unsure). Try to stay away from creeks, because air pockets and holes in the snow can give out from under you. You can fall into the creek, and the snowmobile can fall on top of you.
How do you decide on the ideal snowmobile?
When you’re trying to learn how to ride a [big, heavy] machine, you need to take the weight into consideration [as you practise controlling its movements]. When looking for a crossover or trail performance sled: stable, wide front-end geometry, adjustable suspension, shorter track, smaller lugs (some [riders] like to stud their tracks for grip on ice) with good engine cooling system (if it’s not fan cooled). Also look for good functioning hand/thumb warmers, wind deflectors, good cargo system to pack stuff in on long hauls and strong local dealer support. When looking for a snowmobile [that’s more of a] workhorse pulling toboggans filled with wood or gear or traps etc., [you might also want] a wider track with moderate lug depth, high-torque engine and transmission, and a heavy-duty bumper and hitch.
Before heading out on the snow trails, what should you double-check on your machine?
[Ensure] that the throttle and the brake work, your brake fluid is topped up, you have enough oil, and you don’t have any electrical glitches or anything like that. These new snowmobiles — they’re great, they’re very well made. You’ve just got to stay on top of the maintenance.
Enjoy riding and stay safe — always ride sober and prepared for a day out.
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What materials are important when it comes to gear?
For outerwear, you want a breathable material, something that moves your sweat out but is also completely waterproof from the outside in, such as Gore-Tex. You want breathability for your boots, and you want some ankle support. And you definitely want a full-face snowmobile helmet. Carbon fibre is a nice route to go down. It’s light, and it’s less weight on your neck.
How do you recommend connecting with fellow enthusiasts?
Being part of a snowmobile club is the way to get involved on a community level. It’s all volunteers. These clubs maintain the trails and host events for families where there are games and lunch for the kids. There are bonds that form as far as the community goes, bringing people closer, meeting other groups, and doing outdoor stuff with the kids — no screen time!
What type of emergency supplies should you pack for a day out on the snowmobile trails?
The question that I always ask isn’t “Will it happen?” It’s “When will it happen, and am I prepared?” You need basic stuff to stay safe (if you’re stuck) in a winter location: food [with a mix of protein and fats like trail mix or energy bars], water; multiple ways to light fires, such as matches and a lighter; and a fire starter, too, because everything’s wet in the backcountry; extra clothing — a puffy jacket, gloves, socks; emergency communication devices; and basic tools — a screwdriver, wrenches, sockets. Companies like Rab [that has products available at SAIL, offering CAA Member benefits] make amazing little tents that squish into tiny balls to have in your pack. And it’s always good to carry rope, pulleys and carabiners in case your snowmobile gets stuck.
In terms of ice conditions, what are some snowmobile safety tips to consider?
As a rule of thumb, 13 to 18 cm of ice can support a snowmobile. Once the spring diurnal cycle begins, when ice melts in the day and refreezes at night, that’s when I start to be wary of lakes (you can drill or use a measuring tool to check when unsure). Try to stay away from creeks, because air pockets and holes in the snow can give out from under you. You can fall into the creek, and the snowmobile can fall on top of you.
How do you decide on the ideal snowmobile?
When you’re trying to learn how to ride a [big, heavy] machine, you need to take the weight into consideration [as you practise controlling its movements]. When looking for a crossover or trail performance sled: stable, wide front-end geometry, adjustable suspension, shorter track, smaller lugs (some [riders] like to stud their tracks for grip on ice) with good engine cooling system (if it’s not fan cooled). Also look for good functioning hand/thumb warmers, wind deflectors, good cargo system to pack stuff in on long hauls and strong local dealer support. When looking for a snowmobile [that’s more of a] workhorse pulling toboggans filled with wood or gear or traps etc., [you might also want] a wider track with moderate lug depth, high-torque engine and transmission, and a heavy-duty bumper and hitch.
Before heading out on the snow trails, what should you double-check on your machine?
[Ensure] that the throttle and the brake work, your brake fluid is topped up, you have enough oil, and you don’t have any electrical glitches or anything like that. These new snowmobiles — they’re great, they’re very well made. You’ve just got to stay on top of the maintenance.
Enjoy riding and stay safe — always ride sober and prepared for a day out.
For a nation with vast stretches of backcountry that gets blanketed in powdery snow for several months of the year, snowmobiling is an ideal pastime. Originally developed as a way to get across the broad expanses of snow, it’s evolved into so much more than a mode of transportation — racing, stunt riding and communities of enthusiasts have grown around the sport. For snowmobile pro Julie-Ann Chapman, it’s both a passion and a profession. In 2011, Chapman founded She Shreds Mountain Adventures, a snowmobile clinic run by women for women, to create an entry point into a sport that was once dominated by men. “It’s cool being able to open a door for so many people,” she says. “Now when you go in the backcountry, every second or third rider is female.” As an ambassador for a leading snowmobile manufacturer, Chapman shares her passion for the sport and her commitment to safety. From what to pack for a day on the trails to the benefits of joining a local club, she offers advice for snowmobilers of all experience levels.