It’s not for the faint of heart. Sledding the mountainous terrain includes days of preparation, sometimes hours of driving, leading to a day or more of self-induced, heart-pumping exercise. But, for those moved by their deep-hearted passion, the gains far outweigh the obstacles. The exhilarating speed of the machine, the cool, crisp mountain air and the off-chance of a day of white, dusty powder glistening below a brilliant blue sky make every ounce of effort worth it. This is snowmobiling, and if you haven’t tried it, then ride along with local enthusiasts Dustin, Shawn and Orin and see why they heed the call of the sled.
» Dustin Ainsworth Preferred sled:
A 2012 SkiDoo 800c with a 163-inch track. Dustin calls it his “trusty steed.”
Trail of choice:
Dustin rides to the east, indulging in the overabundance of snow along the Lookout Pass mountain range, which has been known to average some of the highest snowfall totals in the nation quite frequently. As an added bonus, the terrain’s tree saturation helps with low-lying fog and enhances visibility.
13 years, racking-up over 900 miles each plentiful snow season, and recalls some “amazing” days for snowmobiling over the past few winters. But one stands out. Last February, the weather gifted outdoor enthusiasts with an unanticipated 40 inches of fresh, light powder in the mountains east of Coeur d’Alene. Dustin was anxious to play in it.
“When there’s a winter storm, excitement creeps into my body knowing that while everyone else hunkers-down and waits out the storm, a few of us are heading out into the eye of it,” he says.
Dustin remembers the miserable weather in town and the treacherous one-lane drive on I-90 clear into Wallace, then north to their destination on Tiger Peak. Fortunately, the hard-fought journey was well worth the end reward.
Once Dustin and his crew ascended near the top of the mountain peak, the weather cleared, the sun displayed brilliantly and they were granted miles of untouched terrain — all to themselves.
“It was so surreal,” he says. “Just the three of us riding… no one else for miles. These were legendary conditions that come around once every few years.”
Story continues after a quick message from our sponsor below.
The landscape was a picturesque blanket of snow to play in. He recalls the fresh powder washing over the hood of the snowmobile as he glided the 450-pound machine at near full-throttle. At full stop, they sunk deep into the snow. As they stepped off their sleds, they were waist-deep in the white stuff.
“I have an epic photo of just the top of my helmet peeking out of the snow as I landed after a small jump — the snow was so deep!”
To stop riding, however, was to encounter a new, slightly less rewarding challenge. Stopping the sled meant getting lodged in the white powder and spending precious time digging out to restart (another challenge trumped by the thrilling reward of the ride itself).
On this particular day-long ride, Dustin says, everyone was filled with laughter, smiles and a spiritual tank that was full for days afterwards.
“Just thinking about it gets my juices fired up for this winter season,” he says.
» Shawn Anderson Preferred sled:
A 2017 SkiDoo 850c with a 155-inch track, customized with a special turquoise, blue and yellow wrap. “It’s pretty girly… made just for me,” she says.
Trail of choice:
The general terrain of the Priest Lake area, as it’s diverse and accommodating to all riders’ experience levels The mountains of Seeley, Mont. are also a favorite, as there’s an enjoyable balance of narrow trail and wide-expanse terrain and mild elevation and extreme heights for climbing.
For Shawn, snowmobiling days often play out as a family event, leaving them in search of a wide expanse of options for kids and parents alike.
“I’m the mother of two sons and the wife of an outdoor adventurist, so snowmobiling is a way for me to connect with my family on a whole new level,” she says. “And, it’s a heck of a workout.”
With a smile on her face, she recalls a special family snowmobiling day at Priest Lake. The family ventured up to the mountain with a couple of friends and their kids. Priest Lake terrain, Shawn admits, is extremely popular and can get covered with tracks (“tracked up,” as snowmobilers like to say) making fresh powder hard to come by.
In some cases, a sledder looking for untouched terrain may go for miles to find an open area, requiring one to weigh search time against play time.
In an unlikely gamble for an escape to some solitude and serenity, Shawn’s family and friends decided to ride until they found a worthwhile spot. They finally came upon an area where the landscape opened up and the mountain presented a large, untouched hillside illuminated by glistening white powder and radiant sunshine.
“I was in complete awe,” she says. “I remember thinking that I live in this amazing place with the people that I love and we and have the opportunity to do something so thrilling and unique together — how grateful am I!”
Basking in outdoor reverence, Shawn and her family rode their sleds to the paradise and devised a strategy to seize the welcomed gift. Shawn, taking in the view and environmental inspiration, managed to tackle her first big climb — a nearly 60-degree incline — with her heart pumping out of her chest.
“I was so excited once I finally hit the top.”
A breathtaking scene of Priest Lake, a pristine blue, radiant sky, and the smell of hot dogs and sausages roasting on the hot pot made for a memorable day for the whole family, and a longing to return for another day of adventure.
» Orin Moses Preferred sled:
A 2014 Polaris 600 RMK with a 155-inch track, which he personally deems a “powder machine.”
Trail of choice:
As a well-versed rider, Orin’s snowmobiling complaints are few and his favorite trails are many. He strongly endorses trails in McCall, Idaho and also enjoys snowmobiling in West Yellowstone, Mont.
The president of the Coeur d’Alene Snowmobiling Club, Orin is an avid snowmobiler. He manages to ride nearly 1,200 miles each winter.
“In 1975, after a friend introduced my wife and I to the sport, we bought two new Polaris Colts to ride… and I’ve been snowmobiling ever since,” he says.
This depth of experience has resulted in knowledge of expansive backcountry terrain that’s sought after by many and touched by few.
For Orin, many snowmobiling days stand out. But he recalls one day, in particular, when he and nine others from the Snowmobiling Club took a week to venture to McCall to experience the dynamic terrain the area has to offer. He recalls plenty of blue-sky, off-trail detours to find the fresh, “good” snow that hadn’t been ridden since the last snowfall, and swimming in a scenic hot springs nearby. Among all the outdoor fun they encountered, the camaraderie was one of his favorite parts.
“Snowmobiling is especially fun when you’re sharing it with others who enjoy it as much as you do,” he says. “Never a dull moment with this group. Never been left out in the cold either.”
As a snowmobiler who’s experienced a broad range of landscape — and conquered all types — his heart longs to discover a place all his own and forge the first tracks in the snow for the day. This longing to pioneer the expanse, coupled with the company of rarely seen wildlife, tranquility, and the smell of a hot pot warming the meal along the ride, were all experiences this particular group sought out as they began their journey. And, to their satisfaction, they were given the opportunity to fulfill every one of these longings in the serene mountains of McCall.
“It was so peaceful out there,” Orin says. “When you turned off your sled, you could hear the trees swaying in the breeze.”
Orin sees snowmobiling as a way to leave the world behind and appreciate the gift of nature in the presence of others — providing him both a uniquely personal and social experience. N
By Chelsea Thomas
As Featured In: 2019 Winter/Spring CDA Edition
2 Comments
Looks great!where do I go for the powder?
It is at Gold Creek Lodge!