Kayli Dentman’s snowmobiling story started early. At just three years old, she was cruising the fields beside her family’s home on a 1974 Polaris 340. When her dad upgraded her and her brother to a bigger sled and introduced them to mountain riding, those childhood laps became something much bigger. Her first trip into Revelstoke’s Boulder Mountain backcountry was all throttle, adrenaline and the occasional unplanned dismount. Before long, Dentman was eager to join her dad and his riding crew, working her way through the terrain and finding her place in a sport that would shape her life.
By her teens, snowmobiling was more than a winter pastime. Dentman was buying and upgrading her own machines, working in the powersports industry and eventually building a life around riding in the mountains near Revelstoke, Sicamous and Golden. A serious crash at 15 gave her a lasting perspective on the risks of backcountry riding, reinforcing the importance of awareness, preparation and staying connected with people back home. Today, she still loves technical tree lines and a good jump session, but some of her favourite rides now include her partner, Brett, and their son, Jaxx. We caught up with her to talk about the moments that made her a lifelong sledder, the safety habits she won't compromise on and what she'd like to see change for women in the sport.
How did you first get into snowmobiling, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
My dad was and is an avid snowmobiler, he got me into the sport at age three. I had a 1974 Polaris 340. My brother and I would spend all winter cruising around the fields next to our house. I vividly remember singing at the top of my lungs in my helmet while on the throttle. My dad then got us a Polaris 550 and once we started hitting the mountains, I was hooked!
Can you tell us about your very first mountain ride?
My first mountain ride was in Revelstoke, B.C., at Boulder Mountain. A memory of pure excitement and adrenaline. To this day my parents joke about how I would be full throttle, get yeeted off my sled, back on and repeat! There was a clear shift from my years of riding as a young child to a preteen. I would beg to tag along with my dad Aarin and his crew, Dean and Shawn. Thankfully they saw my drive and were great sports… and shovelers. The excitement and adrenaline were the same, but now there were expectations from the crew to get around and keep up. At the time, it never occurred to me how intimidating that expectation could be. That says everything about the group I had around me.
Was there a moment when sledding went from being a hobby to becoming a huge part of your life?
Yes! I was 12 or so. I had always enjoyed it but it was a time where I realized I wanted sledding to be prioritized. I started working at 13 and by 16 I bought a new mountain sled, sold it, and bought an upgrade, that pattern continues. At 17 I graduated high school. I applied at a motorsports dealership doing accessories and parts. I enjoyed what I was doing and it introduced me to so many people in the snowmobile community that had the same passion and enthusiasm, it fueled my interest even more. My riding continually progressed and I naturally loved sharing content on my social media, I was offered and accepted brand deals before I really understood what that meant. Eventually my life had some shifts, I packed up my ‘97 Chevy and moved to Sicamous, Malakwa and Golden B.C., living out of a camper for some time and spending my winters riding and draining my bank account. I was offered more opportunities from coaching to guiding and accomplished my goal of eat, sleep, ride.
Where is your favourite riding zone?
Any place can be my favourite zone if the snow is right and the sun comes out for an hour! But if I had to pick I would say Joss on a sunny day or Eagles Pass if it’s socked in. Both locations are between Revelstoke and Sicamous, B.C., but Boulder Mountain holds a special place in my heart.
How would you describe your riding style today?
My style now is similar to what it’s always been. I love technical tree riding but I equally love a jump session. I try to work with what time, weather, and setting I have. I enjoy getting out with my partner Brett and our son Jaxx. Having them out and seeing them progress in the sport is so special to me!
What aspect of mountain riding are you still working to improve?
I am not focused on any one thing. I like to find techniques that eventually get engraved and feel like muscle memory. In sledding, the conditions are always changing so there is always room for improvement.
What's the biggest lesson the sport of sledding has taught you?
Awareness and safety! Any motorized sport requires caution but snowmobiling in the backcountry requires a constant state of planning and evaluating. From yourself, the group, conditions, supplies, machines, and being ready for the worst possible outcome. In 2012, at 15 years old, I experienced a snowmobile wreck while riding in low vis and went over a 50-foot drop. I broke my back and dislocated my hip inward. Revelstoke emergency responders were unable to assist until the weather improved, we were told to prepare to spend the night on the mountain. The group did their best to prevent me from going into shock. Five hours later the weather broke and the helicopter landed. What an eye opener.
Describe your perfect day on the snow.
It would start with the group having no mechanical issues all day, maybe the sun hits or the clouds break. Nonstop hits and riding, smiles, laughs, a good lunch and attitudes. All would make for the perfect day.
Is there one safety habit you'll never compromise on?
This could have so many answers but one that comes to mind is consistent communication with someone in the outside world (thanks, mom). Sending location, weather updates, expectations for the day and an estimated time for when we will be down and a second time in which, if she has not heard from me, to send search and rescue.
What would you like to see the industry do to encourage more women to snowmobile?
Snowmobiling as a whole is not the easiest sport for anyone to get into due to the expense of it all. Snowmobiling has been and still is male dominated. That in itself can cause unseen barriers. The digital age we are at has introduced a positive layer of female specific content and community, which has increased the growth of women riders. That awareness has helped with some of the unknowns and anxiety for beginners. Aside from snowmobiling being expensive and intimidating, there is a complex dynamic of some, not all, men in the sport who have animosity towards women, content they share and accomplishments. It’s an odd thing to see repeatedly but it speaks volumes about their character.
