Nelson Anderson, 57, is a woodlands technician at Weyerhaeuser in Grande Prairie, Alberta, but in his spare time he’s a snowmobile enthusiast.
Last fall, Anderson learned about snowmobiling when he made a trip to Barriere, British Columbia.
“I got hooked,” said Anderson. “I’m a late bloomer, but you know, I was quite surprised that I ran into a couple of folks my age who had just got into it too. It’s a sport that people from all walks of life can get involved with.”
Anderson ended up buying a used 2006 800 Ski-Doo Summit from his son-in-law. He spent last Christmas and New Year’s with his son, Chad, and his son-in-law, Jeff Thompson, at a cabin in nearby Kakwa—a popular place for snowmobiling in the Grande Prairie area—and they stayed for the whole weekend.
So far, Anderson said he has only used his new toy once, but he plans to make a habit of it.
Anderson got his first taste for riding last fall, but it wasn’t without challenges. The biggest obstacle for Anderson was learning how to balance his weight on the sled. He spent a lot of time pushing his sled and digging out of the powder, but the juice was worth the squeeze.
“The deep powder in through the foothills and in through the trees in the meadow—the view is just outstanding,” said Anderson.
Anderson said that he, his son and his son-in-law plan to ride every couple of weeks.
“I’m just thrilled to hell with all of it,” said Anderson.
