The new president of the Sunshine Coast’s snowmobiling club is hoping for more places to snowmobile and more communication among outdoor winter sport lovers.
Doug Saunders took the helm as president of the Sunshine Coast Sledders (formerly Sunshine Coast Snowseekers) on Nov. 1, 2017, after being encouraged to do so by other members. “The main goal that I see is to sustain some safe riding areas throughout the Coast,” said Saunders of his new role.
“We need to respect our boundaries and in doing so, that allows us to have some say in keeping some of these areas as rideable areas,” said Saunders.
Much of the snowmobiling on the Sunshine Coast takes place in mountainous regions, such as Dakota Ridge and the Caren Range. Saunders said areas have been closed to snowmobilers in the past, such as Tetrahedron Provincial Park. He wants to increase membership, which currently stands at 40, to protect access.
“Lots of guys don’t understand that if we don’t sustain riding areas they’ll get closed down to snowmobilers and we’re just going to run out of areas to ride.”
The club has been working with the Southern Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky Recreation District to get permission to build a warming hut on Mt. Crucil using membership funds and donations. Other plans in the works include installing signage along trails once snow pack builds up at the peak of the current season.
Saunders grew up on the Sunshine Coast, but his parents are both from Northern Alberta, where snowmobiling was part of winter culture. He had his first snowmobile by age 10 and has owned a machine ever since. “I dirt bike and I quad and I boat, and it’s definitely my most favourite motorsport.”
Unlike snowmobiling in regions that get consistent snow cover all winter, Saunders calls snowmobiling on the Sunshine Coast more of a sport, and focused on backcountry riding. “There’s some entry level experience areas where you can just ride on the road and there’s some of the toughest tree riding you can find.”
He encourages those interested to sign up via the club’s Facebook Page. New riders are also encouraged to show up for club ride days and meet and greets. The next will take place Feb. 24.
