The Elkford Snowmobile Association grooms a number of trails in the area that cater to all calibres of sledders. Occasionally, the groomer is manned by David D’Andrea, the public relations officer for the Elkford Snowmobile Association.
D’Andrea began sledding in 1996; he said his interests in mountain activities such as backcountry skiing and his love of motorsports got him on a sled. He now has a few snowmobiles at his disposal, including a Ski-Doo Summit XP 800 with a 163-inch track and a 2005 Ski-Doo Rev with a 151-inch track.
Twists and turns aplenty
“I prefer mountain riding—getting into the basins and bowls—to trail riding,” said D’Andrea, “not that there isn’t something to be said for trail riding, for families.”
D’Andrea gets out as often as possible—generally once or twice a week—and sometimes slices the snow with his 21- year-old son.
“He was quite small when he started,” said D’Andrea. “We had a used Tundra for him and he learned how to get it in the air. Now he’s away at school but he still comes home to ride.”
Where do the snowmobiling enthusiasts go around Elkford? Koko Claims is a popular zone that is excellent for intermediate riders, while east of Elkford there are regions with lower avalanche risks and gentler hills.
