High Level/La Crete, Alberta
Fostering safe sledding
Doug Gramson cultivates safe new snowmobilers in his growing family
The Gramson family: Kordaro Poitras; granddaughters Brittany, Ashley, Cassidy; great-granddaughter Bridgette Poitras, grandparents Doug and Mary; son Brian—photo courtesy Doug Gramson
Doug Gramson, president of the Watt Mountain Wanderers in High Level, puts a lot of time and energy into teaching kids how to ride. Gramson believes in early instruction at home and is also a strong supporter of the Sled Smart program put on by the Alberta Snowmobile Association through the schools.
Gramson’s granddaughter, Cassidy, now eight, started sledding under Grandpa’s instruction when she was a preschooler.
As a Yamaha dealer, Gramson has a manufacturer preference, but for toddlers and preschoolers he has always used Arctic Cat Kitty Cats.
“My kids started on the Kitty Cat and my kids are 35 and 33,” he said. “I’ve had (Kitty Cats) since my son Brian was three years old—29 years ago.”
Even now, Gramson is keeping one for his great-granddaughter, who is one.
An accident-free record
In all Gramson’s years of instructing new sledders, the kids have not had an accident.
“We’ve had pretty well zero for accidents with my granddaughters—well, when you have a couple of Kitty Cats, they might bump into each other a little bit,” he chuckled affectionately.
Gramson said that Cassidy is fully capable of riding her Yamaha Ovation without a regulator and is known to get up to 60 km/h.
“If Grandpa’s not looking she might go a little faster,” he said. “If she takes it for a cruise behind the trees where I can’t hear her, she might open it up a little.”
Preparing safe trails
Gramson puts a great deal of time and effort into creating learning trails for beginning snowmobilers. His grandchildren do their riding in the meadows out by the family cottage at Hutch Lake. He starts trail preparation in the summer with his brushing equipment and cuts back the small growth and mulches the trails to keep them clear. Then, once the snow flies, Gramson tows the Watt Mountain Wanderers’ small groomer behind the big sled and creates a network of learning trails.
Gramson is careful to design the trails to cultivate safe riding practices.
“We make sure that there are no real straightaways where nobody will get too carried away for speed,” he said, “and we keep it so there are close corners so they learn how to manoeuvre properly before they go on to any big trails.”
With their Bombardier BR 400, the Watt Mountain Wanderers maintain 350 kilometres of groomed trails, a network that connects to the trails of La Crete and Peace River.
The Polar Cats of La Crete have 60 kilometres of partially signed trails that areoccasionally groomed. Together with the trails of High Level and Peace River, the network is extensive.
Northern Alberta contacts
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Sicamous, BC
Your Home Away From Home
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How Does Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?
As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.
Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of EnvironmentPHONE: (250) 565-6135 -
Rosedale, AB
It's back! The ABS Mono Airbag from ABS and RMX
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High Level, AB
Make yourself at home, at Super 8 Motel
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Grande Prairie, AB
A quality hotel with plenty to offer
Welcome to the pride of Super 8 in Grande Prairie. The Grande Prairie Super 8 is conveniently located off Highway 43 near restaurants, shopping and area attractions. Our property offers an indoor pool and fitness room. All rooms offer an in-room fridge, iron and board, in-room coffee and hair dryers. In-room pay per view movies, nintendo and music are also available. Enjoy our Super Start breakfast in the morning before starting your day. Pets are allowed for a fee.
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Slave Lake, AB
Experience Alberta's finest accommodations
Welcome to the Super 8 in Slave Lake. Located off Highway 2, our quality facility is conveniently near shopping, restaurants and area attractions. Enjoy our on-site hot tub after a day of touring, or sledding on the trails around Slave Lake. All rooms offer high speed internet, fridges, in-room coffee, hair dryers and 25" televisions. Join us in the morning for a Super Start Breakfast. Pets are allowed for a reasonable fee.
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