World Freestyle Snowmobile Competition to be held outside of Pemberton
The last three years haven’t been easy for World Freestyle Snowmobile Competition organizer Linda Stang. To get the last two events off she has had to deal with everything from last-minute venue changes to government paperwork to snow storms.
This year things are a lot easier with a guaranteed and readily accessible venue for the event, which includes a snowmobile big air contest and snowmobile Expo.
"It’s still just a huge amount of work, but compared to last year and the year before this is easy," said Stang. "Putting on an event like this, there’s a lot of red tape you go through. I’m actually very happy that I had to go through the channels I went through because I really learned the way around. I learned the hard way."
The new venue is in the centre of the new stock car racing oval that’s being put together by the Pemberton Stock Car Association – a cleared area with lots of parking that’s close to Pemberton and Whistler.
Because it’s in the shade most of the time, Stang expects to be able to push enough snow together to build and in-ramp, table top and landing ramp for snowmobilers for the April 18 contest. To provide consistency, Slednecks is providing the contest with an artificial jump that is snowmobile friendly.
Within the next few weeks, Stang will be hosting a casting day for snowmobilers wishing to enter, as well as musicians, DJs, and event volunteers. She is also looking for local freestyle motocross jumpers that want to be part of the show.
With film crews from the major production companies in the snowmobile business attending, Stang says it is a good opportunity for young athletes looking to break into the industry.
Athletes already confirmed for the contest include Jason Fentiman, BJ Murray, Grey Rodier, Chris Dimma and Scott Rattray.
In addition to athletes and musicians, she is also looking for volunteers to help out with the gate, security, and co-ordination of the event.
Part of the proceeds from the event will go towards the Pemberton Stock Car Association, and part will go towards an avalanche awareness foundation, and backcountry awareness programs.
The casting will take place in the next few weeks at a location to be announced.
You can also reach Linda Stang at linda_stang@hotmail.com.
