Robert Melnyk, 64, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, is a frequent wintertime visitor to Smoky Lake. He is a member of the Smoky Lake Trail Twisters.
What kind of a sled do you drive?
I have a 2006 Ski-Doo Renegade 800—I bought it new. It’s pretty well my dream machine. I’m looking at trading it in on a newer one, but only because they have improved the emissions. It’s good on flat land and for the mountains, because of the track. It’ll do deep snow if it has to, and it’s really good for cornering—it’s more stable because of its wider ski stance.
What do you like about sledding in the Smoky Lake area?
I like the variety of trails out here, with lots of riding through bush and some tall timber, and some through open fields. Our club has purchased a groomer, so we haved good trails with nice warm-up huts and we have lakes for ice fishing. I really like the terrain. We sometimes find seismic lines that nobody else has discovered, and sometimes the snow is three or four feet deep, and it’s just fun to be the first to play there. Our trail joins up with the Trans Canada, which now goes all the way to Saskatchewan.
Is there another area that you like?
I also like going to the mountains, where there’s deep snow in the bowls. We go to Sicamous (B.C.) every winter for one week, and play until we drop. There are beautiful long trails with cabins at the top, where you can regroup when you need to eat or get warmed up. It’s a good day when by the time you get back to your room you’re almost too tired to even have a beer.
One of my other favourite areas is around Whitecourt (Alberta). You can go from there to Fox Creek to Swan Hills and back to Whitecourt. We have sometimes done this as a two-day ride and it’s great.
How old were you when you first started sledding?
I started riding in 1970—I was in my early 20s. My first sled was a Ski-Doo Nordic 399.
How often do you get out on your sled?
If there’s snow, I’ll go to Smoky Lake every weekend. We sometimes do a club ride, where club members get together for riding and hotdog roasts and lots of fun.
Is there somewhere special that you’d like to sled in the future?
I’ve heard of good snowmobiling around Chetwynd and McBride (in northern B.C.). It’s mountain sledding with big bowls and lots of snow.
