Krista Muncaster of Calgary, Alberta, grew tired of ski hill ticket prices, lift lineups and the limits of resort snowboarding. She originally bought a snowmobile simply to allow her access to the backcountry, but instead she quickly found a new sport to love.
Muncaster then decided to invest in the sled she’d purchased—and she decided to do the work herself.
“I really had no option,” she said. “Things kept breaking or needed to be replaced . . . so the guys I had quickly become friends with through sledding took me under their wing and helped me with every issue that arose.”
Muncaster had no mechanical background, so she was surprised to find that working on the machine required a steep learning curve—and a significant financial commitment. Two years have since passed and today you wouldn’t even recognize her sled from the one she started out with.
Another hurdle came in learning to ask for help, but Muncaster said she was fortunate to find a great group of guys who taught her to ride and wrench.
“One thing people don't realize if they don't snowmobile is that the sense of community in the sport is mind blowing,” Muncaster said. “People seem to always be willing to help no matter what. Of course, you always get ribbed here and there for being a girl, but for the most part it's all in good fun and most guys welcome and encourage more women getting into the sport and getting their hands dirty.”
For anyone who wants to get involved in doing their own wrenching, Muncaster recommends getting the shop manual and joining a sled forum. Another valuable tip is to place any loose parts in plastic bags, and to label them.
“Lastly, don't be afraid,” said Muncaster. “It's actually a lot simpler and less complex than it looks.”
Muncaster has found she only wants to become more involved in the sport, and she said she’ll travel just about anywhere to snowmobile. She also believes in being involved in the community, and has helped host several events.
Overall, however, it’s all about the sport and her machine.
“(Working on my snowmobile) has been one of the most worthwhile and rewarding experiences in my life,” said Muncaster. “To look at my sled now and be able to say, ‘Yep, I did all of that’ is absolutely incredible. It might seem petty to a lot of guys—or even women—out there, but it was basically going through an apprenticeship, learning about my sled, and I came out on top.”
