When Emilie Moreshead started snowmobiling in 2005, she wore all-black riding gear and kept her hair tucked underneath her helmet—and you might never have known she was a woman. But all of that has changed. Now, Moreshead wears bright colours and she lets her long, black hair flow freely. Moreshead is not afraid to let other sledders know that she is a woman, and she has no problem keeping up with the men—even giving them a run for their money.
Moreshead, 34, lives in Spokane, Washington, and she was a competitive dirt biker before she became immersed in the world of snowmobiling.
“It was bit of a cross-trainer,” said Moreshead, “something to do in the winter. One of (my dirt biking buddies) upgraded to a new snowmobile and we had his spare sled sitting around, so they kind of dragged me out a few times.”
Moreshead was soon hooked on sledding, and in a few short years, she became known as one of the industry’s top lady riders. In fact, in 2009, Moreshead was the winner of Tahoe Films’ Miss Extreme contest and she was featured in Sledheads 5, Best of Sledheads and some productions by 509 Films. Moreshead is a member of the Polaris FreeRide team and she was a factory rider for Polaris Industries in 2011.
Her passion for the sport and quest for virgin snow has taken her to the Central Cascades of Washington as well as the states of Idaho, Montana and Colorado. Moreshead has also been to Castlegar and Revelstoke, British Columbia, to sled.
Snowmobiling is for girls
Two years ago, Moreshead joined a group of five women who were known as the SledBetties and she assisted in the production of an all-women’s sledding film. After that, she partnered with Brandy Floyd, who is the owner of Octane Productions Inc., and they produced another all-women’s sledding film, called Flirting With Danger.
According to Moreshead, the sport is changing when it comes to women riding.
“There are many more women on the hills now, but there are also women who take pride in being a woman and they are not afraid to show some feminine personality,” said Moreshead. “So you see some colours and graphics that are chick-oriented. You see flashy clothes and you see long hair flying.”
Moreshead encourages other women snowmobilers to learn about backcountry route finding, backcountry rescue and the mechanics of a snowmobile.
“I think it’s important that women become actively involved in all aspects of it so that they are part of the team,” said Moreshead. “Because when you head into the backcountry, you are heading into some dangerous terrain and you shouldn’t be a weak link in the team.”
For Moreshead, sledding is about pushing personal boundaries, exploring new terrain and meeting people.
“Many of my friends are snowmobiling friends or dirt biking friends,” said Moreshead, “and we have some pretty lasting relationships that we cross over and bring into our lives.”
