Flatland sledder from Toronto

[Ross haines]

Hello all I just moved to Calgary and i am interested in trying out some mountain ridding. I just bought a 2016 summit 800 with 250 k this sled has been in storage for the last three years. I was hoping some one can point me in the right direction. I need to find a place close to Calgary to take it down the road or field, where just in case it breaks down it will be a easy recovery LOL
Once i make sure all the kinks are out of it i will follow up to find places to ride.
I am a newbie to this mountain stuff so i will need to ease in to this, looks crazy but fun

thanks for your help

 

[RXN]

Welcome to the site.
There are plenty of good guys here that will let you tag along.

Just make sure you dont cheap out on the beacon, probes and shovel. Those are your 3 most important pieces.
And knowing how to use them proper.

But if you hook up with the right crew they'll share their knowledge on all that.

Happy riding.

 

[rsmorin1]

Hi Ross, check out the Calgary snowmobile club. There’s some riding areas in Kanaskis - Cataract creek. There’s a lot of new riders this year. It’s a great way to grow your riding ability with new riders all in the same boat.

 

[snopro]

Welcome to the site!

 

[Ross haines]

Thanks Can you recommend a place to get the safety gear that i need

 

[RXN]

Thanks Can you recommend a place to get the safety gear that i need

Pretty much any sled dealer ship will have.
Myself I run the BCA tracker 3 beacon. (And have a Tracker S as a spare, can get the tracker S at Cycle works for $320.00, assuming Calgary has a Cycle works).
But Pieps, Mammutt, Orthovox beacons are good too.
Can buy from Zacstracks online store as well.

Probes. Go big. Get 320cm ones.
I keep a set of 320 orthovox in my tunnel bag and 320 mammutt in my back pack (you only need one set, and keep it in your back pack)

And stay away from the Costco shovels.
I run Volie. Zacstracks sells these, I keep one in my tunnel bag and one in my back pack.
(I think Lori and her Husband that run Zacstracks lives around Calgary somewhere).

Those are the big safety gear items.


Next would be a pack.
You dont need an Avy bag. But it is a very good idea to get one. I rode for 20years before I bought one. With the packs find one you like. That feels good.

A radio is also a good to have. The BCA radios are good. I much prefer the Boafeng radios. Sold my BCA and went that way. Also Garmin Rhino has a radio GPS some guys like. Up to you there.
A GPS is another good investment. Again I'll tell you what I run, but ultimately it's up to you to find what fits your needs.
I'm using the Garmin InReach paired to the earth mate app on my phone.

Then the rest of the safety gear is the small stuff
Compass
Saw
Matches
Fire start
Flares
Toilet paper
1st aid kit
Kind of an ever green list.


When you do buy a beacon
Find someone willing to work with you and show you how to work it.
I'm north of Edmonton, otherwise I'd show you.
But I'm sure others will show you. Go bury a beacon in your yard and try to find it.

Then if you really like the mountains and want to get into it more often.
Take an AST1 (Avalanche Safety Training level 1) class.
Many places put this one.
Zacstracks
Hang fire
Frozen pirates
Theres more, just can't remember.

Hope this helps

 

[Summit 934]

If you ever want to venture to Crowsnest Pass shoot me a PM, I’d be happy to show you around. Lots of groomed trails and I can show you places with no avy risk until you get more comfortable in the mountains and get the gear and training. We have a great store in Blairmore, RPM, that has a good selection of clothing and safety gear at competitive prices. Cheers!

 

[turbonator]

Welcome to the site...