From mild to wild Canadian Snowmobile Adventures is a happy camper now that it is kicking off the ’99 season with an exclusive contract to operate on Whistler Mountain. The six year old company, formed by Doug Washer and Alan Crawford has been operating on Blackcomb Mountain since 1992 running snowmobile tours for all levels. With 32 out of 40 new snowmobiles and a staff of 35 Canadian Snowmobile Adventures is anticipating catering to large numbers of visitors keen on riding through the local waves of snow. As well as providing transport to the Yurts on Blackcomb Canadian Snowmobile is also ferrying people to the Roundhouse for corporate and convention get togethers. Other aspects of operation include applying the staff’s backcountry knowledge to the Remote Control Wilderness Services. In response to the growing film and television industry in the area this division provides wilderness location scouting, transport and production services for commercial and film shoots. In the extreme division of operations the company guides teach the finer art of backcountry snowmobiling in the Callaghan Valley. Mush Mush Operations at Whistler Snowmobile are also expanding for the new season. After operating motorised tours for the last 15 years the company is now adding snow shoeing and the only dog-sleds in the area to their adventure board. The dog sled team will be run out of the Cougar Mountain Wilderness base which has also been the location for their snowmobile tours over the years. A two-hour adventure for a maximum of three people will take in the surrounding scenery while between five and 11 Inuit sled dogs pull passengers around the trails. Musher and dog owner Greg Oliphant says the dogs are native to Canada and are the only type of sled dog used for expeditions to the North and South Poles. He seeks to allay any fears from animal lovers when he says the dogs enjoy the work. "I am convinced that these dogs have as much fun as the customers do. This type of dog was bred to work. If they aren’t out pulling a sled they just aren’t happy." The snow shoeing will focus on a scenic nature tour through the backcountry of the Coast Mountains. The company says no experience is necessary and there will also be special activities for children.
