Ski-Doo Elevation Blog

<p>Riders like you from the Ski-Doo VIP demo tour stop in Whistler, BC tried mountain sleds with the REV-XM platform and give you their impressions on its performance, design and accessories.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...ild-your-skidoo"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Build a 2014 Summit or Freeride</span></a>.</p>
<p>Find a demo stop near you: <a href="www.skidoodemo.com">www.skidoodemo.com</a></p>

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<p>by Rob Hoff, backcountry expert</p>
<div id="attachment_2883" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://mountainblog....NF24015_FB2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2883 colorbox-2881" alt="_NF24015_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....NF24015_FB2.jpg" width="640" height="426" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Rob Hoff Sending it on his Ski-Doo Summit this Spring</p></div>
<p style="text-align: left;">It’s that time of year that we are looking forward to sledding with less layers and wearing sunscreen.  It is the best time to really explore places you have wanted to go all year and search out some late season pow shots. I want to share with you how I get the most out of Spring conditions.<span id="more-2881"></span></p>
<p>We have the most snow of the season now and it tends to be pretty set up, so you can climb most hills you normally wouldn’t climb.  You still need to know your local avalanche conditions on that day and assess with your avy skills before you make that climb.</p>
<div id="attachment_2887" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://mountainblog....MG_1976_FB2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2887 colorbox-2881" alt="IMG_1976_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....FB2-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Spring Snow Sets Up Well</p></div>
<p>In Spring, I <strong>go to the high elevation zones that hold the most snow</strong>.  That’s where you have the best chance of still catching some late season pow in shady north facing zones.  Also, hillclimbers can really get some crazy lines in the trees or up big chutes.  Hill climbing through the trees in the spring is pretty fun because if you take your time, ride consistently and steadily, you can really pull off some stuff that will blow your mind.</p>
<p>Once up high, I <strong>look for the north-facing slopes</strong> that are keeping shade and holding the most snow. North face slopes tend to have a safer snowpack as well in the spring, since the sun doesn’t heat it as much as a south facing slope.</p>
<p>I  attack the mountain when I ride.  As I explore, I’m <strong>looking for pockets along the trees holding deep snow</strong>, because they’re normally untouched.  Especially with the<a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...summit/overview"> REV-XM based Summits</a>, you can start out slowly, linking nice pow turns around the trees.  Once you get more comfortable, you can hammer down and really get carving!</p>
<p>I find some of the best spots by just exploring in the spring, unlocking epic views!!   As I mentioned earlier, now that it’s spring, you will be able to get most places.  It is a good time to go exploring and find out new terrain.  But <strong>use your head</strong> and don’t just drop into places that you can’t see the bottom.  You don’t want to end up in a trap like a Cliff, terrain trap, open creek etc.  If you can see the line, it looks good and within your abilities –  go for it!</p>
<div id="attachment_2886" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 730px"><a href="http://mountainblog....MG_1924_FB2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2886 colorbox-2881" alt="IMG_1924_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....MG_1924_FB2.jpg" width="720" height="537" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Some shirt-sleeve riding last Spring</p></div>

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<p>by <a href="http://mountainblog....ashley-chaffin/">Ashley Chaffin</a>, backcountry expert</p>
<p><a class="fancybox" href="http://mountainblog....Doo-pic_FB2.jpg" rel="gallery"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2872 colorbox-2867" alt="Ski-Doo pic_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....Doo-pic_FB2.jpg" width="800" height="533" /></a>People who I ride with or have seen me ride in popular sledding films often ask me:  <b>“How does a girl ride a snowmobile the way you do?”</b> I assume they’re not really asking because I’m female, but because I’m pretty small compared to most men.</p>
<p>Before you click away because you’re a guy, hang with me here.  My answer can help you be a better rider whether you are a male or female, a beginner or experienced rider.<span id="more-2867"></span></p>
<p>So the first thing to understand is that <b>it’s about technique </b>more than strength or how much you weigh.  How do you improve your technique?  By working on it.</p>
<p><a href="http://mountainblog....o-pic-2_FB2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2870 colorbox-2867" alt="Ski-Doo pic 2_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....FB2-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a>I try to always set a small goal for myself for the day.  For example, I know I like to carve to my right more than my left, so I might decide to carve only to my left all day. Or if everyone is sitting around taking a break, I might start up my sled and try to carve 10 circles in a row on my left hand side. I make it a point to always learn AND have fun while I’m out in the backcountry.</p>
<p><b>Don’t worry what others think.  </b>Being a female in the backcountry you’re almost always riding with a group of guys. Something I learned at a young age is to never be embarrassed or feel like you are going to look dumb in front of guys. Everybody gets stuck or wipes out, so it shouldn’t be any different if you do it.</p>
<p><b>Visualize what you want to do before you do it.  </b>Whether it’s a jump or a crazy side-hill, I always picture myself doing it before I attempt it. Top athletes in all sports do this.</p>
<p><b>Keep your body as prepared and well-tuned as your sled. </b>Your timing won’t be as sharp if your body is too weak or fatigued to do what your brain wants it to. I try to hit the gym as much as possible in the summer and ride every day the weather allows me to in the winter. You burn a lot of energy while riding, so start off with a good meal.  Eating a big breakfast is really important for me (blueberry pancakes are my favorite).  Pack good snacks, too.</p>
<p><b>Know your equipment.</b>  The Ski-Doo <a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...summit/overview">Summit</a> – and now <a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...eeride/overview">Freeride</a> – sleds with the REV-XM platform, tMotion suspension and FlexEdge tracks really make it easy for a novice rider to maneuver in the backcountry, and let experts enjoy their rides even more.  But you need to ride any sled a good amount so you can really understand how much input you need to make a move…where the power is…do that and your sled really will become an extension of your body.</p>
<p>Use these tips and maybe they’ll say you “ride like a girl.”</p>
<p><a href="http://mountainblog....SC00268_FB2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2869 colorbox-2867" alt="DSC00268_FB2" src="http://mountainblog....SC00268_FB2.jpg" width="800" height="533" /></a></p>

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<p><a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...summit/overview">Click here</a> to learn more about the 2014 Summit.  <a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...8;p=SP#StepID=2">Click here</a> to build &amp; price one.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...eeride/overview">Click here</a> to learn more about the 2014 Freeride.  <a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...46-154#StepID=2">Click here</a> to build &amp; price one.</p>
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<p>by Dave Norona, Ski-Doo backcountry expert</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2833 colorbox-2857" alt="Norona New YEars" src="http://mountainblog....-8.04.42-PM.png" width="800" height="270" /></p>
<p>Well, let me first say a big “Happy New Year” to all my fellow sledders and their families! I hope you all had a great holiday season with lots of miles on your Ski-Doo Snowmobiles!</p>
<p>Since arriving home from Baja on December 13, the West Coast of British Columbia has been hammered by awesome winter storms bring a total of over 20 feet (6 m) of epic powder! I have spent every day on snow, sledding, skiing and every one of those days has been amazing!<span id="more-2857"></span></p>
<p>By now most of you have put a some good miles on your 2013 <a href="http://www.ski-doo.c...t/overview.aspx">Ski-Doo Summit snowmobiles</a> and I hope you are enjoying them as much as me. I was privileged last year to ride the REV-XM platform and you all now see why I was so pumped about it! The REV-XM provides a totally new snowmobile riding experience that puts a smile on your face!</p>
<p>I have just turned 1,200 miles on my machines (900 on my Summit X model and 300 on my Summit SP) and they have run flawlessly from the first pull. I have done the first 10-hour service on both machines and was amazed how the drive belt has shown no wear and the recent chaincase oil change showed no chain stretch at all. This machine not only rides easier but it is easier on everything mechanically, which means lower service bills – I’m loving that!</p>
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<p>If you’re still sitting on the fence about REV-XM Summit sleds, the Ski-Doo Demo Tour is your chance to get out in real conditions to ride the machine. You will also get to test out the latest <a href="http://bit.ly/Helium_fb">Ski-Doo Helium clothing</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/Ski-DooABS">ABS airbag backpacks</a>, and <a href="http://bit.ly/about_LinQ">LinQ cargo system</a>, all while out enjoying the spectacular backcountry! Of course this is all on Ski-Doo, so don’t miss this awesome opportunity and head over to <a href="www.skidoodemo.com">www.skidoodemo.com</a>!</p>
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<p>Well that is it for now.  Ride on!</p>

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