It was a good season for snowmobilers in B.C. The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) heard back from most of its member clubs that the snow came early and lasted well into late spring. The BSCF also saw a slight increase in the number of memberships sold last season and it reported that 12 snowmobile clubs across the province were able to raise $32,467 for the Easter Seals Camps and Easter Seals Houses in B.C. The money came from their Snowarama events.
Snowarama is an annual fundraising initiative that was first held in 1975 in Bradford, Ontario. Snowmobile clubs in B.C. started organizing this event in 1978. Snowaramas often take place in February and March and they are usually geared toward the family. Activities held during the event include poker rides, a hot lunch and prize draws. It’s a day of fun and it’s all for a good cause.
Easter Seals Camps and Easter Seals Houses are services that are offered by the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. The camps provide summer camping experiences to more than 800 children and teens each year. Easter Seals Houses in Victoria and Vancouver offer affordable accommodations for parents of children receiving medical treatment.
Although it is a significant number, $32,467 is only a drop in the bucket when compared to what snowmobilers in B.C. used to raise through their Snowarama events. According to Donegal Wilson, who is the manager of the BCSF’s office in Keremeos, sledders in B.C. used to raise almost $200,000 each year. She is looking for ways to raise more money during next season and welcomes any ideas.
“It is still a relevant charity and you would be surprised at the usage statistics of the Easter Seals House,” said Wilson. “I encourage everyone to learn more about their camps (too).”
Summer activities
The sledding season may be over, but snowmobile clubs throughout B.C. are still busy repairing their cabins, clearing trails and gathering firewood. Wilson has her hands full at the BCSF as well. She is working on a new membership benefits booklet for next season, website updates and an online safety course, among other things.
The online safety course will be similar to the course that was launched by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association in November 2012 and it will consist of a four- to five-hour online test that requires an 80 per cent or higher score in order to pass. Snowmobilers in B.C. can expect the course to be launched during the 2013-2014 sledding season.
The BCSF is also trying to make some headway with the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail project. Right now, the BCSF and other key stakeholders are in the process of securing funds to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is a portion of the final trail that runs from 70 Mile House to 100 Mile House. The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail has been divided into four phases. When complete, the trail will allow snowmobilers to ride from the village of Clinton to the historic town of Wells on a groomed and signed trail. Wilson said there will also be a series of interconnecting trails that branch off the main trail, leading to other communities along the way. The BCSF is working alongside business owners and community groups to bring this project to fruition.
Memorable rides
It’s been a busy year for Wilson, but it hasn’t been all work and no play. This B.C. gal got to enjoy many rides in her local areas—which are the Ashnola Valley and Apex Mountain near Keremeos. Her most memorable ride of the year, however, was a group ride with members of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations in March. It took place in the Graystokes area near Kelowna.
“The Graystokes is a great family riding area with well groomed trails,” said Wilson. “I had never been on a formal group ride on a groomed trail before so for me it was a very tame trail ride. But I enjoyed all the great company, scenery and camaraderie that went with the group ride. It was also fun to share a piece of B.C. with people that had never rode a hill or been off a groomed trail. It was a heart-stopper for some of them.”
Wilson is eager to see what next season will bring.
She said, “I am always game for a new adventure, so I am looking forward to riding some new areas this winter.”
To learn more about organized snowmobiling in B.C., visit the BCSF’s website or email the office.
