When you’ve been sledding since 1969, you’ll have seen a few changes in the scene. Ken Harding, a director and community emergency response officer of Vancouver Island’s Mid-Island Sno Blazers, started sledding in Northern Alberta with friends, just as the sport was gaining in popularity. At the age of 13 he moved to Vancouver Island.
“There wasn’t too many sleds around here (then),” he said. “Everybody thought, ‘Where do you ride the things?’ But with the machines we have now, we can get up to areas we couldn’t before. That’s opened up a whole new ballgame here.”
Vancouver Island has a long history of sledding. The Sno Blazers were formed in 1970 with just a few members. Now, it has nearly 140 members who are active with fundraising, trail maintenance and more. Some of the earliest members are still active within the club.
“We’ve got the young riders with the high-powered stuff, and then we’ve got riders that are in their 70s,” said Harding. “I like the fact that everyone’s involved with community things and sticks together for the riding areas.”
From sleds to skis
Contrary to what someone may believe, snowmobilers on Vancouver Island have a surprisingly long season, often sledding into June. Sledding enthusiasts are able to climb 3,000 feet up Mount Washington, Holy Oak Mountain and many other areas, literally going from sea to sky.
“One of the things I like to brag about is that you can go snowmobiling in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon,” said Harding.
