Kylee Gardner has been snowmobiling since childhood, beginning her journey on vintage machines in Northern BC. Now based in the Shuswap, Gardner combines her love for snowmobiling with her career as a photographer, capturing the beauty of the mountains and the thrill of every ride.
We caught up with Gardner to hear stories of her early days on a sled, her progression in the sport, and her philosophy of embracing the adventure, no matter the conditions. From safety tips to her must-have gear, Gardner offered insight into what it takes to enjoy every ride to its fullest.
- Photo courtesy Kylee Gardner
How did you first get into snowmobiling?
I have always been an outdoors kid. Growing up in Northern BC we had a pair of 95 Formula Z Ski-Doos. Me being the oldest of the group of siblings and family friends, I was the one driving the sleds on our homemade track and towing the group around on toboggans! Thirty years or so later my husband and I moved back to BC and bought a couple of mountain sleds. Him being an Alberta farm kid, he grew up on vintage machines also.
What attracted you to snowmobiling in the Shuswap area?
It's our backyard! We are super lucky to have some of the best riding areas as our local stomping grounds. I will always try to ride a weekday over a weekend for the fact you could get a whole zone or two all to yourself. Depending on snow pack, the Shuswap has so many hidden gems to explore.
Do you have any sledding goals for the future?
To ride as much as possible of course—number one, just to progress. Perfection is progression. It always amazes me how every season it just makes a little more sense. It takes seat time, a little aggression and to give yourself that push to try new things.
- Photo courtesy Kylee Gardner
Can you tell us about your first snowmobiling experience?
Funny story. When my husband and I started mountain sledding, we had a pair of cats. We went to one of our local smaller hills for the day. When he looked back I gave him a thumbs up but hit the throttle simultaneously. I flew right off the back, got back up, caught up with my sled and hopped back on before he knew what happened. That's when I thought to myself, this aint the '95 no more! I can now give a thumbs up and hold on!
How do you stay safe while snowmobiling in potentially dangerous conditions?
Making sure you always have an avy bag (shovel , probe), beacon, emergency essentials, radios and a good crew to use them, being mindful of where you are and recognizing the potentials for disaster. Taking an avy course is a good place to start. Also riding with your good friends helps. When you ride with your regulars, you are super comfortable to have open communication, you get to know their riding styles and can predict their decisions in certain situations. March of 2022 I had my sled land on my leg, resulting in a dislocation of my knee and breaking tib and fib. Hellied off the hill. My crew and I definitely learned some things that day!
What type of snowmobile do you ride, and why did you choose it?
Oof, the great debate! Haha!
I started with an Arctic Cat, and wasn't a huge fan, it was so hard for me to throw it around. I ride a Summit 850 now, it works for me, I definitely improved my riding ability once I got on a Ski-Doo. Also when most of your crew rides the same it's nice to be able to share parts (as long as it's still running).
- Photo courtesy Kylee Gardner
What are your must-have accessories or gear?
My camera and drone! I am a real estate photographer so naturally strapping a camera to the back of my sled was a great idea! Once I finally figured out the right system for storage and took my first series of photos I was hooked. The pure excitement of not only having a stellar day out but coming home to see what images you caught is the best. Outdoor and sports photography give me the freedom to get creative, it's all for fun and the love of the sport. I love being a creator and being able to share it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a little side note on the story of Gumboot Riding Production. I always used to ride in my Boggs (gumboots) and my friends used to make fun of them. I said "when I start an Instagram page for sled photography I'm calling it Gumboot." And that's how it all started.... it's all about having a good time with your friends and like-minded people, being outdoors, trying new things, and fueling a passion. I try not to take it too seriously, after all, it's just a picture on Instagram. As I always say, "A crappy day on the hill is better than a day on the couch!"
Keep up with Kylee Gardner's adventures by following @gumboot_riding_production on Instagram!
