Heidi Henke of Fruitvale, B.C., wasn’t a youngster when she first took up snowmobiling. At the age of 42 she had enough of dreaming about sledding and tried riding for the first time with the help of a friend. Her first sled was a 2006 Ski-Doo Rev. She then transitioned into a 2008 Dragon 800 and is now on her dream snowmobile, the Pro RMK 800.
Now at age 52 Henke is still going strong. It simply is the freedom and physical exertion that fuels her passion for fresh pow. Henke lives and breathes fresh powder, especially in her favorite ride zone: Meadow Mountain near Kaslo, B.C.
Her favorite ride of last year was up Meadow Mountain on April 26. It was a Kaslo ladies ride, complete with the Betties Power Sports Network members and some of their partners.
“It was the perfect combination of great people, great snow and a great location,” said Henke. “It was everything I could ask for in a ride.”
The group jumped, carved and climbed up the Big John Bowl up Meadow Mountain. Henke’s classic catwalking move absolutely turned a few heads.
“I love the ladies rides,” said Henke, “because we are like a family out there, just having fun and always watching each others backs to be able to stay and play safe. There is no pressure.”
Known as Grandma Bettie, Henke not only lays a well-crafted smackdown on fresh powder, but she is a gifted photographer. Often published in magazines, Henke’s work simply amazes those who see themselves immortalized in her shots. In the early fall she will often be found up Meadow Mountain photographing majestic grizzly bears, a creature she calls her kindred spirit. This only makes sense, for this woman is tough as nails and as kind as the day is long.
Keep on shredding, Grandma Bettie.
