Round 1 of SledTown ShowDown 2021 is in the books. Just like that, the 64 entrants into the tournament have been sliced in half to 32. The first two weeks of the competition yielded some intriguing results. Here are a few of the highlights:
British Columbia:
Tumbler Ridge won the whole shebang a couple years ago and was rightfully crowned 2019 SledTown ShowDown champion. Early results this year indicate Tumbler Ridge will be a force to be reckoned with once again. Tumbler Ridge (173 votes, 77%) overwhelmed Fort Nelson (47 votes, 23%).
2018’s SledTown ShowDown winner was McBride and they look like they’re making a run at the title again. McBride (213 votes, 84%) shoved Smithers (40 votes, 16%) aside.
Revelstoke (338 votes, 91%) has always been a powerhouse in the sledding scene and they flexed their might against Kelowna (35 votes, 9%).
Sicamous (255 votes, 76%) looks to ascend to previous heights when they won SledTown ShowDown in 2017 as they drove over Blue River (81 votes, 24%) in Round 1.
Valemount (220 votes, 85%) yawned their way through the first round against Prince George (40 votes, 15%).
Radium Hot Springs (162 votes, 78%) is making noise by knocking off the 2016 SledTown champ Houston (46 votes, 22%).
Golden (176 votes, 65%) blew past their East Kootenay rival Fernie (95 votes, 35%).
Cranbrook (151 votes, 70%) crushed Fort St. John (65 votes, 30%).
Total votes from B.C. in Round 1: 2,117.
Alberta:
The two-time defending provincial champion for Alberta, Edson, began 2021 with a bang. Edson (333 votes, 86%) pounded Bonnyville (56 votes, 14%) into submission.
Crowsnest Pass (201 votes, 63%) showed some muscle in taking down Westlock (119 votes, 37%).
Whitecourt (172 votes, 56%) stood its ground against a very game Rocky Mountain House (133 votes, 44%).
Fox Creek (254 votes, 73%) handled Athabasca (94 votes, 27%).
Swan Hills (190 votes, 70%) cruised along past Smoky Lake (81 votes, 30%).
Grande Prairie (160 votes, 66%) spread its mass by dispatching St. Paul (84 votes, 34%).
Snowmobilers didn’t take it easy on Alberta Beach (151 votes, 60%), they voted for the destination in droves over Lac la Biche (100 votes, 40%).
Fort McMurray (212 votes, 62%) melted Cold Lake (132 votes, 38%).
Total votes from Alberta in Round 1: 2,472.
Saskatchewan:
Hudson Bay has represented Saskatchewan as the province’s provincial champion the last two years. If early results are any indication, Hudson Bay could make it a three-peat. Hudson Bay (383 votes, 86%) dispatched Esterhazy (61 votes, 14%).
Chitek Lake (160 votes, 60%) snuck past Yorkton (106 votes, 40%) in a battering bout.
Carrot River/Arborfield (233 votes, 70%) edged out North Battleford (99 votes, 30%).
Tisdale (155 votes, 60%) tussled with Melfort (105 votes, 40%) and came out on top.
Nipawin (205 votes, 54%) was in a tough fight with Archerwill (173 votes, 46%) and managed to make it through the other side.
It was a tense duel between Duck Mountain Provincial Park (151 votes, 57%) and Meadow Lake (112 votes, 43%) with Duck Mountain claiming victory.
Porcupine Plain (204 votes, 77%) hardly broke a sweat vs. Moose Mountain Provincial Park (62 votes, 23%).
Kelvington (224 votes, 80%) breezed past Prince Albert (57 votes, 20%).
Total votes from Saskatchewan in Round 1: 2,490.
Manitoba:
To the surprise of no one, the reigning, defending, undisputed 2020 SledTown ShowDown champion—Flin Flon—made it through Round 1 unscathed. Flin Flon (247 votes, 75%) toppled Interlake (83 votes, 25%) convincingly.
Swan Valley (222 votes, 79%), the inaugural SledTown ShowDown champion back in 2015, had similar success against Russell & Area (60 votes, 21%).
One of the tightest contests in Round 1 was Woodridge & Area (93 votes, 52%) vs. Powerview/Pine Falls (87 votes, 48%).
Lee River (218 votes, 85%) took down Beausejour (39 votes, 15%) easily.
Lac du Bonnet (204 votes, 79%) won in a landslide vs. Pinawa (55 votes, 21%).
In the battle of provincial parks, Duck Mountain Provincial Parks (139 votes, 66%) came out on top over Whiteshell Provincial Park (73 votes, 34%).
Snow Lake (140 votes, 69%) downed Thompson (62 votes, 31%).
The Pas (117 votes, 56%) edged out Gimli (93 votes, 44%) in a close race.
Total votes from Manitoba in Round 1: 1,932.
Total votes from all provinces in Round 1: 9,011!
The polls are open and it’s time to cast your votes in the 7th annual SledTown ShowDown. You can head over to the main contest page or vote by provincial bracket once a day until the current round closes:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Round 2 runs February 23 to March 7, 2021.
New to the contest? This is how it works: we start with 16 destinations from each Western province in Canada. Each round, our readers vote for their favourites and the destinations get whittled down. By Round 4, we’ll have our provincial winners, which will go head-to-head until only one town remains to be crowned the 2021 SledTown ShowDown Champion of Western Canada.
Here’s what the winner gets:
A shiny SledTown trophy, bragging rights and feature articles on SnoRidersWest.com. Plus, it is a chance to raise positive awareness of snowmobiling and to recognize local clubs for all their hard work.
Social media plays a big role in this contest so be sure to hit “share” after you vote to let your friends know about the contest. You can also follow SnoRiders on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for quick updates during the contest. Feel free to tag us in photos and use the #SledTownShowDown to promote your favourite town.
If you’re on our e-Newsletter list, you’ll also get SledTown ShowDown news, plus our best snowmobiling stories, each month. Not on the list? Sign up here.
Vote every day for the best chance at seeing your favourite SledTown advance to the next round. Good luck to you and your SledTown.
