I ride with the boys and I’ve always wondered how they can cut across sidehills on their sleds and do those fancy turns in the powder. Well, I’ve figured it out: you have to turn left to go right.

My epiphany occurred when my husband, Monte Smith, and I went for a ride up Sulphur Creek. This area is accessible via Hartley Pass Road, which is north of Fernie, B.C. The Fernie Snowmobile Association maintains the trail through Hartley Pass, and when we were there in January, it was groomed right to the junction of the Sulphur Forest Service Road (FSR) Trail.

We followed the Sulphur FSR Trail and found some open meadows to play in. That was where I learned that the key to powder riding is a combination of proper throttle application, weight transfer and turning the skis in the opposite direction of where I want to ride—which is more of a mental challenge rather than a physical one. When I figured that out, I felt empowered on my sled.

After doing some turns in the powder and climbing a few hills, I was all smiles as I returned to the spot where Monte was watching me. A few seconds later, however, I understood the folly of parking uphill. Monte helped me get my sled unstuck and we kept riding for a couple of hours before heading home.

Now that I’ve had a taste for powder play, my zest for sledding has doubled. The next step for me is testing my new-found riding skills in treed areas.

The Buzz > Fernie

Due to active logging on the Morrissey Forest Service Road southeast of Fernie, the Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA) has been working on an alternate family-friendly route through the Rolling Hills corridor. This newly completed trail offers snowmobilers access to the Wrangler’s Cabin and the Notch without having to use a plowed logging road.

The FSA is also constructing a new cabin at the entrance to the Rolling Hills sledding area. Club members are planning to complete the cabin this summer.