Whistler / Brandywine - Looking for someone to ride with

davedc · Mar 7, 2013

I'm David and I'm both new to this forum and new to the world of snowmobiling. I'm an avid skier, and in the past have spent my weekends at whistler, but I want to push the limits and see what the coast mountains really have to offer! I've been up riding in Brandywine a few times (trails & brandywine meadows), and am interested in exploring the area some more (grizzly lake, etc).

I am wondering if anyone is interested in spending some time helping me improve my sledding and showing me the areas available. I like to push the limits and I am a fast learner.

I've completed my avi course, and have all my own avi gear. I plan on renting a sled through Blackcomb Snowmobile (probably a Rev-XP 600 E-TEC 154") as they have very reasonable rates and are located right in the parking lot at the base of the trail.

I work Monday to Friday, but I can certainly get a day off if there are lots of freshies and the sun comes out!

If anyone is interested, send me a PM or post here

atkins13 · Mar 7, 2013

I am over the border just into WA and am looking to do some exploring too. I have the sled and some riding knowledge but don't have a clue about the area up there sadly. Maybe we can round up a local and see if they will let us tag along. I was hoping to get up Saturday with the forecast looking ok so far.

davedc · Mar 7, 2013

I know the trail to brandywine meadows - been there a couple times(1400-1600m). Haven't been up to enjoy the alpine yet.

I am free both days this weekend. I have a friend at work who may be able to 'guide' us. I'll let you know.

Bburrap · Mar 7, 2013

Had you thought of...

Hey davedc,

I would have said yes to ya, if not for the fact that tore my achilles in Dec.
Anyway, since there's the fact that you said your renting, and you also wanted to explore and that you needed practice i.e. have someone help you get unstuck!

Why not just do a private tour with Blackcomb Snowmobiles, your renting the sled already from them. Your given a guide, knows the area, riding with you in mind (your stuck he CANNOT ignore that has to come help, he's working for tips!), I use to guide for them. For the guides own benefit they will want you to get better saves time helping you get unstuck.

Don't settle with Grizzly lake push farther in see if you can make it to the snow cat.

I think you'd be surprised how fast you can learn 1 on 1. Oh and forget the 600, your better off with an 800.

That's your play!

davedc · Mar 8, 2013

Bburrap said:
Hey davedc,

I would have said yes to ya, if not for the fact that tore my achilles in Dec.
Anyway, since there's the fact that you said your renting, and you also wanted to explore and that you needed practice i.e. have someone help you get unstuck!

Why not just do a private tour with Blackcomb Snowmobiles, your renting the sled already from them. Your given a guide, knows the area, riding with you in mind (your stuck he CANNOT ignore that has to come help, he's working for tips!), I use to guide for them. For the guides own benefit they will want you to get better saves time helping you get unstuck.

Don't settle with Grizzly lake push farther in see if you can make it to the snow cat.

I think you'd be surprised how fast you can learn 1 on 1. Oh and forget the 600, your better off with an 800.

That's your play!

Bburrap,

I've definitely thought of that, but my main consideration for not doing that is price. I did a 4 hour extreme tour with a buddy, and the guide took us up to the bowl, parked his sled, and watched. For that price, I almost rent a sled for two full days. (250/day+tax includes fuel for a 2011 600).

The main reason I posted here instead of just booking a tour is because I want to meet people that I can sled with going forward - I will most likely be buying an 800 next year. :face-icon-small-hap

atkins13 · Mar 8, 2013

I am not familiar with Brandywine specifically but would love to get up above the trees if possible. Let me know if tomorrow works and if you convince your buddy to show us around. I am probably 2 hours or so drive away so I will have to have a decent idea of a time and location if something works out for you guys.

davedc · Mar 8, 2013

atkins13 said:
I am not familiar with Brandywine specifically but would love to get up above the trees if possible. Let me know if tomorrow works and if you convince your buddy to show us around. I am probably 2 hours or so drive away so I will have to have a decent idea of a time and location if something works out for you guys.

Just found out he is off today - apparently he is skiing at Whistler. Tough life!

atkins13 · Mar 8, 2013

So no go tomorrow? I can always ride local if nothing else pans out up there.

davedc · Mar 8, 2013

atkins13 said:
So no go tomorrow? I can always ride local if nothing else pans out up there.

I'm leaning towards the private tour right now. Might be the best option. If I do end up doing that, I should be pretty familiar with the terrain up top. Perhaps we can meet up the following weekend (or mid-week if you can get time off?) and I'll show you the area.

David

atkins13 · Mar 8, 2013

Sounds good. I will actually be out of town for a couple weeks after this weekend but I may get in touch when we get back if I get the itch to head north.

Bburrap · Mar 8, 2013

Hey Davedc,

I can promise you that the lameass that was guiding you is a stone! When you go into Blackcomb snowmobile you'd speak to the Jeff Drummond (lummox)he runs the base, if you were to tell him what happened last time with that stone of a guide, he'd make sure that wouldn't happen again! Important to mention how dissatisfied you were but only came back from necessity. Do it for sure. Try for a deal for both days. Tell him Bryan B sent ya, no promise but it might help.

Oh and for your sake don't mention your a rookie.

Oh bring a 6pack it helps to grease the wheels as well.

Have a good ride.

davedc · Mar 9, 2013

So I ended up doing a 4-hour extreme tour with Blackcomb Snowmobiles (Rob guided us). We went straight to chocolate bowl, then up to Grizzly Lake, up across the Powder Mountain Icecap, and all the way to "the snowcat".

Got a pretty good idea about the area, and definitely want to go back sometime before the season ends!

Here are some pics:

Chocolate Bowl:

Near Grizzly Lake:

Old, Broken Snowcat:

The Toys, and our Guide (Rob):

Up on top (Brandywine Icecap). Note the ridge in the background of the picture - it is 3km away!!:

SFC1 · Mar 10, 2013

coming up!

A couple friends and I are heading up to ride Brandywine and Pemberton on the 22nd of march.If u r interested in a ride let me know.

atkins13 · Mar 10, 2013

That's awesome. I ended up being up there the same day. Pretty sure I saw your group out there. I was the unlucky one with the blown motor. Hopefully they get it choppered out today. Tough introduction to Whistler but I will be back again for sure.

Bburrap · Mar 10, 2013

It worked out for ya good to see.

Blk88GT · Mar 11, 2013

Thanks for the pictures Dave. It looks like the snow is pretty setup, am I right?

What was the elevation range?

davedc · Mar 11, 2013

Conditions

The snow was really easy to learn and play in, especially up near powder mountain. Got some sidehilling in, and a little bit of airtime!

@Blk88GR - Snow was fairly set up, skis & track were probably cutting in about 10-12" on the untracked snow. Uphill side was cutting in about 18-24" when sidehilling.

The first photo was taken at 1750m, the second at 1950m, and the last three at the snowcat - about 2250m.

@Bburrap - the morning turned out to be fantastic. I don't think I could have asked for more. Have a very good sense of what is available out there now. I'll definitely be back for more.. and soon!

@atkins13 - Sorry to hear about the engine. Was that you somewhere between Grizzly Lake & Chocolate bowl? We were a little short from time and were ripping back to the lodge, but that was the only area that I remember seeing some people having trouble.

David

norsepeak · Mar 18, 2013

great pics. We were up there three weeks ago, had waist deep powder, but couldn't see more than about 100'. Headed back up there on Thursday, weather looks good for Friday, hope so. Awsome place.

davedc · Mar 21, 2013

Anyone interested in sledding Brandywine around Easter weekend? Post up if you are going to be in the area. It would be great to get a small crew together for a day.

David

Loden · Mar 21, 2013

Hi Dave,

Could do Friday (possibly and/or Monday).
But I'm a complete Newb. :face-icon-small-sad

-Dennis

'09 RMK 700 155"

Whistler / Brandywine - Looking for someone to ride with

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