Amber Wood is a busy lady. She works for Parks Canada and has spent much time over the past months in Roger’s Pass. She also runs her own avalanche safety business, Trigger Point Snow Services. Finally, she is the general manager of the B.C. Commercial Snowmobile Operators Association, comprising all of the tour operators in the province.
Wood worked for a company in Whistler, B.C., for a number of years as its first woman snowmobile guide, and for the past three years she has been living in Revelstoke. Originally from Ontario, Wood, who is a lifelong sledder, left behind the flat expanses of the Canadian Shield for B.C.’s mountain riding.
“It’s definitely a big learning curve going from flatland snowmobiling to mountain snowmobiling,” said Wood, “but I really enjoyed the challenge and caught on pretty quick.”
Getting out and about
Wood said that the snow this year has so far been excellent. She often rides with her friends and has been on some fantastic early-season rides.
“Those are the best times—when you’re riding with friends and exploring new areas,” she said.
Wood is a Yamaha fan and enjoys taking her 2010 Nytro to Frisby Ridge—her favourite sledding zone around Revelstoke—to carve the snow.
“I like it because there’s a lot of wide open meadows and great tree riding, as well as a lot of beautiful scenery,” she said.
Another popular place to sled in the Revelstoke area is Boulder Mountain. Snowmobilers who enjoy bowls won’t find a better place—the Sugar Bowl, Monster Bowl and Super Bowl are filled to the brim with powder. Well-known trails include Veideman Trail, Bezanson Trail and Kirkup Trail.
What’s next?
Wood has made a journey to Blue River, B.C., this year, but never fails to appreciate the high quality of the local snowmobiling.
“There’ll be lots of riding in Revelstoke because it’s so close and convenient,” she said. “It’s world-class terrain and it’s hard to leave home.”
