The Voice of BC Snowmobilers

The Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs extends our deepest sympathies to the families of Curtis Reynolds and Shay Snortland, these families have lost their loved ones forever. We wish a speedy and complete recovery to those injured in this tragedy and thank the snowmobilers and first responders for all that they did to improve the outcome.

If there is any good to come from this tragic accident it is our hope that all snowmobiliers that ride the mountains take the Avalanche Safety Training Course (AST-1) and then practice defensive terrain avoidance and rapid response.  

There are lessons that we can all learn from an event such as this.  Please review the Canadian Avalanche Association's preliminary report and discuss with your friends.

http://www.avalanche.ca/Default.aspx?DN=ac60b29a-6eaa-40a2-8ea9-373138567eba

SNOWMOBILE ACCESS TO THE BRITISH COLUMBIA BACKCOUNTRY

Following another recent newspaper article with regard to banning all snowmobile use on Crown lands in British Columbia, The Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs felt it necessary to respond again to these current comments.

Recreational snowmobilers have been accessing the backcountry of British Columbia over the past 45 years, and have been doing so in a very safe and responsible manner.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre has combined photos and information relating to selected incidents this year in which lives were lost. This is another component of the CAC ongoing awareness program to assist those recreating in the backcountry to make informed and safe choices with regard to the terrain they are in.

Read entire document here.

The Board and Members of ABC Snowmobile Clubs wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family's and friends of those who so sadly perished in the Harvey Pass avalanches near Fernie.

Our collective thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult of times.

Two trust accounts have been set up for the families.

If you snowmobile in avalanche terrain you should view Jeff Adams 20 minute account of this terrible tragedy. 

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE AVALANCHE CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU RIDE