>> CLUB NEWS HAPPY SEASON IS NEAR From the office

SPECIAL SNORIDERS SNOSCENE REPORT

HAPPY SEASON IS NEAR

SNOWMOBILE VIDEO TEASERS ARE STOKING THE EXCITEMENT BY ERIN HART, President

Happy, happy, happy. That pretty much sums it up for me as I scribble this president's message to you in early September. I think September is my favourite month. The weather is always great (at least where I am), kids are back in school, NHL hockey training camps are soon underway, the NASCAR chase is about to begin, the NFL season has just started and the anticipation of the 2013/2014 sled season is to the boiling point.

We have been inundated with the latest snowmobile video teasers from the likes of Fourcast 3, Thunderstruck 12, Slednecks 16, Boondockers 10 and Alpine Assassins since late July in anticipation of the new season. All that being said, there are two video series that I am looking forward to the most. Last spring, SnowTrails TV from the U.S. was up here in B.C. and profiled Pemberton and Fernie. In co-operation with the Let's Ride BC program and a ton of effort from many volunteers within the BCSF, we really look forward to the exposure this U.S.-based show will offer snowmobiling in B.C. Stay tuned to in October and November as we post these videos and please share with all your snowmobile buddies across North America. Finally, a video teaser that most of you would have seen last spring--the CAC, in co-operation with a federal funding program called SARNIF, are about to launch Throttle Decisions, an eightto nine-part video series focusing on avalanche safety awareness. This will be a must-see for all sledders who recreate in mountainous terrain.

The big four (Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha and Arctic Cat) are fuelling the much-anticipated season as well. Hay Days in Minnesota seems to be the launch point of the new sled models. Judging by all the Facebook posts and pictures, the 2014 models are creating some keen interest.

But let us not forget the 2013 fall show season to kick everything off.

? Edmonton - October 18 to 20 ? Puyallup - October 19 to 20 ? Toronto - October 25 to 27 ? Saskatoon - November 1 to 3 ? Vernon/Lumby/Mabel Lake - November 16 The BCSF and Let's Ride BC will be at Ed-

monton, Saskatoon and Vernon. Make sure you stop by and enter your name into the contests for some really cool prizes.

On a personal note, I am entering year three of a five-year term as the volunteer president of the B.C. Snowmobile Federation. Alongside the BCSF office manager, Donegal Wilson, and the BCSF board of directors, I want to welcome you all to the 2013/2014 season. This past summer season has been a busy one with plenty of initiatives on the burner. I would specifically like to recognize three new directors to the BCSF board of directors: Neil Girard representing Region 1 Northeast, Jen Luszcz representing Region 6 North Okanagan, and Doug Dean representing Region 9 - Kootenays. A hearty welcome to these three people and thanks for stepping up and volunteering your time towards organized snowmobiling in the province.

I take extreme pleasure in announcing a B.C.wide video contest to all snowmobile clubs regardless of affiliation. Through the Let's Ride BC program, we wish to profile snowmobiling in all areas of B.C. To accomplish this, we are challenging all snowmobile clubs to come up with a three- to five-minute video profiling their respective riding areas and surroundings. This contest closes at the end of March 2014, so you have a ton of time to get organized.

Content that your video will be judged on will be as follows:

? Profile of your club ? Profile of your riding area ? Profile of your town ? Profile of your local dealers, hoteliers, sponsors and volunteers that make your club go. We have asked the DSMs from Ski-Doo, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Yamaha to be the judges for the videos that are submitted. All videos will be posted on the Let's Ride BC website. Some awesome prizes will be awarded to the three winning clubs with the best entry (in our opinion). Now, we are not looking for a professionally produced video. Instead, we are looking for what you might call a home movie using your

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>> CLUB NEWS

From the office --by Donegal Wilson

As I write this the first week of September I have to continually remind myself that you will not be reading this until mid-October. While I am working on the administration end of things to launch a new season you will all be looking for snow reports and a place to scratch the sled itch when you read this. I would recommend liking the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation on Facebook to find out where everyone is riding and the latest snow reports.

We have created a new Membership Benefits booklet for our members this year that outlines all the benefits of supporting your local BCSF club. We have some new member benefits for 2013/14 including discounts at Geoff Kyle's Freeride, Bulldog Decks, Sutton Hotels, Wide Open Throttle Motorwear, Broken Boundary Adventures and Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours. Of course, we still have our other great discounts with Sandman Hotels, Amsoil, Mark's Work Wearhouse and InReach Canada. All of our members will continue to receive a free SnoRiders magazine subscription and Capri Insurance continues to provide great discounts and pricing for all your toys as a BCSF member. Please support those businesses that support organized snowmobiling in B.C.

For a list of all membership benefits and discounts go to memberbenefits.



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Ten questions for the v-p

THE SNOWMOBILING LIFE CREATES GREAT MEMORIES BY RICHARD CRONIER , Vice-President

1. How long have you been snowmobiling? Ever since I can remember my father pulling us

around in a cutter at our property in Pembroke, Ontario. We had an old Alouette XL14 that he used and it always got stuck, but it was a lot of fun. We graduated into a 1981 Ski-Doo Citation and we rode for hours on weekends, saving every penny we could to buy enough jerry cans of gas to get us through a Saturday or Sunday. When we didn't have enough money, Dad was always gracious enough to let us siphon the gas out of his dump truck. I couldn't wait to turn 16--it meant with my learner's licence I could travel along the ditch and cross highways, allowing me and my buddies to ride into town from the country. 2. What do you ride?

Currently I ride a Polaris 600 RMK, but when the kids are with me I have the honour of riding a 96 340 Indy, while they ride the crap out of mine. 3. Where is your home club?

Paradise Valley Snowmobile Association out of Dawson Creek. 4. How long have you been involved with your club?

This will be my 10th year as club president, but I have been with the club for 13 years. 5. Why did you join the board of the BCSF?

I would love to blame a young lady at the office of the BCSF for twisting my arm, but in all seriousness there is no question in my mind that I thought my passion for snowmobiling and community could be used to promote snowmobiling in B.C. I moved to B.C. after watching a television commercial promoting B.C. while a teenager in Ontario. I told my parents I was coming

here to live and I did. I have been here for over half my life, and I love the people and the scenery. My two biggest passions are snowmobiling and people. If I leave any mark on Planet Earth, I hope it involves promoting snowmobiling and great memories of people enjoying snowmobiling. 6. Where is your favourite place to ride?

I must say I now have a great memory of riding in the Graystokes area of Kelowna, but my fondest memories are in Hassler, B.C., where a man named Ernie Wilfur taught me to ride the mountains. 7. If money and time were not an object where would you like to ride?

Pemberton, B.C., with all my sons. There is no point enjoying it if my kids were not with me. 8. What new snowmobile-related item have you secretly been coveting?

Yamaha Nytro with a turbo--it's no secret! My wife has been giving me the "don't you dare stare" for some time. 9. If you could ride like anybody, who would it be?

Ernie Wilfur--the guy is in his 60s and rode like he was 15. He has since retired from the sport, but he was one heck of a prankster and good for a million laughs. 10. What do you do for fun in the off-season?

Currently I have two children still in school, and all four still at home. Fun for me is influencing them to be community-minded, people-orientated, hard-working and to love their mother. We camp and we love to fish, usually still together as a family as much as time provides.

International Snowmobile Congress

BY DONEGAL WILSON

I attended the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on behalf of the BCSF in early June. These four-day meetings bring together the presidents and administrators for each provincial and state association in North America. There were also delegates who attended from Russia.

The following groups met during this meeting: International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA), Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), International Snowmobile Manufacturers Asso-

50 ? FALL 2013

ciation (ISMA), International Snowmobile Media Council (ISMC), International Snowmobile Tourism Council (ISTC), National Snowmobile Federation (NSF), Friends of Snowmobiling Political Action Committee (FOSPAC), Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC), International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF), the Iron Dog Brigade, the Thirsty Dogs and, obviously, the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC). I also met members of the Snowmobile Engineers Council while lost looking for my meetings.

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>>

CLUB NEWS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Continued from page 49

iPhone, Android or GoPro (whatever works for you). Add in some music, graphics, etc. and make your submission to the Let's Ride BC Facebook page or office@. This should be a lot of fun and we look forward to seeing your creativity that, ultimately, the sledding world will have access to once it is posted on .

Enjoy all the hype as we ramp up to the new season. The BCSF will have hosted its fall meeting on September 28 and 29 in Winfield at the Easter Seals camp. This is the launch of the season for us and we hope that you enjoyed yourself or are planning to attend next year.

Check the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation Facebook page for pictures from the fall meeting and snow shows. Until next time, stay safe!

Terry Poirier from Kelowna Yamaha (R) receives his Dealer of the Year award from Erin Hart (L).

Award recipients

For the 2012/13 season the following B.C. Snowmobile Federation Exemplary Service Awards were awarded.

? Snowmobiler of the Year: Julie-Ann Chapman, Pemberton Valley Snowmobile Club

? Groomer of the Year: Elmer Niezen, Chilliwack Snowmobile Club

? Dealer of the Year: Kelowna Yamaha

? Snowmobile Family of the Year: Bryan and Tracy Cont'd. on page 52 sidebar



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ISC continued from page 50

With so many important snowmobile people meeting in one place it was a little overwhelming at times. To be sitting in the grass eating dinner with Ed Klim or have a Hall of Famer buy you a drink was an experience that I will never forget. There were over 450 delegates registered for the meetings and each day started at 7 a.m. and finished in the wee hours of the morning.

Many people had questions about what snowmobiling in B.C. was all about. Some felt that we must be like the Wild West. I had comments like, what do you mean you cannot ride to a gas station? How do you get fuel? Many administrators wanted to know how

we managed to have trails at all without mandatory trail passes and provincial or federal funding. We are one of the few places that do not

have a province/state-wide trail pass and each club operates independently with mostly volunteers.

I know that after talking with me and with a little assurance that we do not all ride like the athletes in the videos, British Columbia was added to their bucket list of places they had

to ride. So if you see someone on a snowmobile holiday in B.C. please stop them and share some of our Wild West hospitality to make their stay extra special. I am looking forward to next year in Colorado and I will wear my Thirsty Dog tag proudly.

CAC Mobile app--a cool new tool

BY CAROL SAVAGE, Snowmobile Co-ordinator for the CAC

We all know that smart mountain riders always check and understand the avalanche forecast when making plans with their group for their riding day so that they can ride to the conditions, not the opportunity. As many of you are aware, the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) provides daily avalanche forecasts (some of you know these as avalanche bulletins) during much of the riding season for many areas of British Columbia and Alberta.

These forecasts can be accessed online at avalanche.ca, by calling 1-800-667-1105, or through mobile devices. In seasons past, many of you utilized the free mobile IPhone app, Avalanche!, which was the mobile version of the avalanche forecast. We have improved upon the Avalanche! IPhone app and we are replacing it with the CAC Mobile app. This new app works on Android or Apple tablets and smartphones, and it's free! Now checking avalanche conditions in the CAC's and partners' avalanche forecast regions before you head out for a day of riding has become even easier.

This upgraded app gives users all the information they have become familiar with--the icons describing the avalanche danger, current avalanche problems, a summary of avalanche reports, a snowpack summary and a weather summary.

We know from speaking with our users that the old avalanche forecast map was somewhat con-

fusing when trying to determine which forecast area covered which riding areas so we have created an interactive map as part of the app. The interactive map allows users to zoom in and scroll, and shows your location in relation to the avalanche forecast areas. The major highways and communities are also on the map for easier reference.

The interactive map will form the basis for our observer network, slated for release in early 2014. The map will have layers that allow users to view recent photos, observations, avalanche incidents, etc. in their area of interest. This further helps people to look at what is happening out there when planning for a day of riding. The

map used by DriveBC is a good analogy for what we're aiming for.

How many times have you read the avalanche forecast for your riding day, discussed it with your group, and then cannot remember all of the details when you are out in the field? The app also has an online mode, so you can download the forecast before leaving cell range. This makes it possible for you to review the details of the avalanche forecast while you are out enjoying your riding day. If you do turn on your smartphone, remember to do so in an area that is safely away from avalanche terrain and always turn your smartphone off again before travelling into avalanche terrain.

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>>

CLUB EVENTS

October 18 - 20, 2013 Alberta Snowmobile & Powersports Show

October 20, 2013 Cranbrook Snowmobile Club annual general meeting

October 25 - 27, 2013 International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show

November 1 - 3, 2013 Saskatoon Snowmobile Show

November 16, 2013 Vernon/Lumby/Mabel Lake Snow Show

February 1 & 2, 2014 Burns Lake Cold Smoke Drags

February 22, 2014 Cranbrook Poker Run

COOL NEW TOOL

Continued from left

Electronics have been known to interfere with avalanche transceivers.

Remember, checking the avalanche forecast is a skilled activity, and it is much more than looking solely at the avalanche danger rating. So take more avalanche training so that you can have a better understanding of the avalanche forecast and how it relates to your terrain choices for the day.

The price is right so check out the new free app. We know you will love it! Consider it another tool for your avalanche safety tool kit.

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: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don't go to help your stuck friend. Don't group up in runout zones.

And have a wonderful riding season!

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Making tracks for cancer research

BY STEPHANIE LaROY SCHWARTZ

Dads and daughters riding snowmobiles . . . a week-long ride . . . distances travelled . . . bonding . . . all for cancer research. We are Tracks for Cancer--Darcie Downey, Duane Parker, Stephanie LaRoy Schwartz and Ron LaRoy. Come February 2014 we will embark on a snowmobile ride starting in Athabasca, Alberta, to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., all in an effort to raise money for cancer research. Our goal is to raise $30,000.

Both Darcie and I have done this type of fundraiser twice before. This time we decided to switch it up and invite our dads along--having grown up in snowmobiling families we felt this was a given. We all have been touched by cancer in many ways, personally, and with family and close friends. We are doing this all by ourselves with our support trucks and trailers and generous donations from hotels, snowmobile clubs and many others along the way. We will be holding a raffle that is getting finalized now. Tickets will be sold at the Alberta Snowmobile & Powersports Show in Edmonton as well as at dealerships along the way.

We are starting our journey in Athabasca, Alberta, attending the ASA Jamboree. Here is the schedule:

? Sunday, February 23, 2014: Athabasca, AB, to Swan Hills, AB

? Monday, February 24, 2014: Swan Hills, AB, to Whitecourt, AB

? Tuesday, February 25, 2014: Whitecourt, AB, to Fox Creek, AB

? Wednesday, February 26, 2014: Fox Creek, AB, to Grande Prairie, AB ? Thursday, February 27, 2014: Grande Prairie, AB, to Dawson Creek, B.C. ? Friday, February 28, 2014: Dawson Creek, B.C., to Tumbler Ridge, B.C. ? Saturday, March 1, 2014: Riding Tumbler Ridge, B.C. We are excited to attempt this journey again and have received great amounts of support so far. We are still looking for gas sponsors for sleds and, of course, donations. You can contact us at either email address for donation information: darcie downey@shaw.ca or luv snow@hotmail.ca. Any donation over $25 receives a tax receipt. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or donations and also look for us on Facebook. We will be updating from the road. This is something so close to our hearts and with the amazing support of our families, friends and strangers along the way we have no doubt this ride will be a success and help find a

cure. We are honoured to be combining our love of the wonderful sport of snowmobiling with family with such a good cause. If you see us along the way please honk or wave. We are also looking forward to meeting any of you at our stops. Thanks again for the support!

SnowTrails TV project

BY DONEGAL WILSON

Last winter the B.C. Snowmobile Federation's Let's Ride BC initiative partnered with Destination BC to complete a tourism filming project in B.C. Video Mike from SnowTrails TV came to B.C. for 10 days and filmed two complete episodes highlighting why British Columbia is a go-to sledding destination. Video Mike has ridden all over North

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America and said, "Riding B.C. was the most impressive and expansive backcountry experience

we have filmed. B.C. should be on every adventure sledder's bucket list." From footage of exploring ice caves in the Pemberton Ice Cap to amazing Rocky Mountain vistas the footage is spectacular.

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CLUB EVENTS

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AWARD RECIPIENTS

Cont'd. from pg. 50 sidebar

Jackson, Kelowna Snowmobile Club.

Exemplary Service Awards program 2013/14 categories: ? Snowmobiler of the Year ? Snowmobile Family of the

Year ? Groomer of the Year ? Club of the Year ? Newsletter of the Year ? Government Champion of

the Year ? Dealer of the Year ? Trail Enhancement of the

Year ? Charity Fundraiser of the

Year To nominate someone for the 2013/14 season please send an email to office@ .

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SNOWTRAILS

Continued from left

The first episode highlighted

the community of Pemberton

and the Pemberton Valley

Snowmobile

Club as well

as the

Bridge

River Snow-

mobile

Club. The

Video Mike

second episode was

completed in Fernie and the

Fernie Snowmobile Associa-

tion toured Video Mike

around their great riding area

and he participated in one of

their Family Fun Days.

Both of these videos will be

airing in the United States on

the Velocity Channel and will

be available for viewing on

as well

as .

There is great footage and I

would recommend checking

them out!

If you would like a copy of

these videos to use to promote

snowmobiling in B.C. please

contact office@ and

we will send you a copy.



Clubs give back to Easter Seals

>>

CLUB NEWS

For 35 years B.C. snowmobilers have been making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and supporting Easter Seals families across B.C. by hosting Snowarama and Winterfest events in their communities. Since 1983 BCSF clubs have raised over $4 million for Easter Seals services in B.C. These funds have helped thousands of children with disabilities enjoy a week at one of three Easter Seals camps in Squamish, Winfield and Shawnigan Lake. These funds have also provided housing at their Easter Seals houses in Vancouver and Victoria for families who have had to travel away from home to get specialized medical treatment.

In 2013, 12 BCSF snowmobile clubs and five ABC snowmobile clubs showed how much they care by raising over $48,000 for Easter Seals services in B.C. by hosting Snowarama and Winterfest events across B.C. We would like to extend our appreciation to the following snowmobile clubs for all their volunteered hours: BCSF snowmobile clubs

Pemberton Valley and Black Tusk snowmobile clubs - $622.20; Clearwater Sno-Drifters $1,942; Elk Valley Mountaineers - $11,995.10; Fernie Snowmobile Association - $2,680; Kelowna Snowmobile Club - $1,188; North Island Snowmobile Association - $4,703.09; Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club - $820;

Revelstoke Snowmobile Club - $3,748.20; Rocky Mountain Riders - $1,670; Salmon Arm Snowblazers - $455.13; and Skeena Valley Snowmobile Club - $2,663.35. ABC snowmobile clubs

Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club - $8,445; Green Lake Snowmobile Club - $1,800; Logan Lake Snowriders Association - $1,000; Valemount VARDA - $2,283; and 100 Mile Snowmobile Club - $1,393.

We'd also like to take a moment to congratulate the following BCSF 2013 prize winners:

BRP Ski-Doo gift certificate valued at $500 Jason Bursey, Elk Valley Mountaineers; Choko gift certificate valued at $350 - Jeff Ruttan, Clearwater; Choko gift certificate valued at $350 - Loren Tabish, North Island; women's Divas SnowGear jacket - Connie Arnott, Fernie; two Divas travel mugs - Amber Schulte, Skeena Valley; Divas toque - Dianne Rusnak, Elk Valley Mountaineers.

Once again, we offer a sincere thank you to everyone who participated, donated and volunteered at the 2013 events; we look forward to another successful year in 2014. For more information on Snowarama or Winterfest please contact Amy at Easter Seals at akleckner@lions bc.ca or Donegal Wilson at the BC Snowmobile Federation at office@.

Let's Ride BC

The B.C. Snowmobile Federation was successful in obtaining $23,000 in matching funding from Destination BC for our Let's Ride BC program. The Let's Ride BC program will be promoting B.C. as the best place to snowmobile for people around the world and in B.C. We have several projects planned for the coming season including:

1. Design of a new Let's Ride BC brochure that encompasses all of B.C. in a general way

2. Design of four regional brochures that offer more indepth information on riding areas, maps and accommodations

3. Attendance at the Edmonton, Saskatoon and Vernon snow shows to promote riding in B.C. and contacting a BCSF club

4. A YouTube contest with some great prizes to create

MAKE EVERY

Thank You Clubs!

content for our Lets

u website and

Facebook page 5. Expansion of our mapping

technology on our website to

FRESH TRACK

allow for more detailed pins and zooming in on sled servic-

COUNT.

es in communities 6. Expansion of our website

platform to include more clubs

for consistency in image and

ease of maintenance.

Please like us on Facebook

to keep up to date as the pro-

gram rolls out and to get in on

some great prizes and give-

aways.

Over $48,000 raised for BC'S Children with Disabilities.

Thank you to all the clubs, participants, donors and volunteers that supported local Snowarama and Winterfest events this year!

Your support means so much to those that use Easter Seals Services.

In support of:

TM

Easter Seals

British Columbia/Yukon

Prizing Donors:

Hosted by:

events/snowarama

Remember...

It's a new season

Put new batteries in your

avalanche transceivers!

FALL 2013 ? 53

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