Name: Todd Eberts
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Age: 37
Occupation: Avalanche Educator at Niko Weis Avalanche Education, Saltspring Island, British Columbia
First sled: 1971 Ski-Doo Olympic
Current sled: 2013 Polaris Pro-RMK 163” with Boondocker turbo
Where do you live? No fixed address. I am currently living in my toy hauler, travelling for work and chasing waist-deep pow and bluebird days.
How did you get into sledding? We grew up with snowmobiles in the rural communities around Lindsay, Ontario.
Where do you usually ride? Whistler, B.C.
Do you have a favourite area? I think I found a new one last year. If I told you, I’d have to kill you, but it’s in the Whistler area.
What’s your favourite kind of riding? Freeriding. As much as I love the rush of hucking a huge drop, there’s something indescribable about carving a smooth downhill line, handlebars deep.
How did you get involved with Niko Weis Avalanche Education? I met Niko about six years ago at a snowmobile show. I sat through his seminar and was hooked. The following year I completed my AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1), AST 2 and Level 1 Ops. I have volunteered with him for five of those years as a support rider and an assistant instructor, lending use of my truck and two sleds. Last year, he put me on staff, and I can honestly say I love my job!
What message are you bringing to riders this winter? That’s easy—take an avalanche course! You don’t know what you don’t know.
What does sledding mean to you? Freedom—you won’t catch me 'til I run out of gas. Peace of mind—it’s my escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Staying in shape. There are a lot of misconceptions that sledding is easy: “You just sit down and push the gas, right?” Not even close. Have you ever tried to get a 450-pound machine unstuck while treading through chest deep snow? Can we say cardio routine!
