By: Jill Morris Chapman Have you ever seen a YETI up close?  I have and it was fabulous.   On, November 6 and 7 the annual SLEDFILM event was held in Bend, Oregon and I had the pleasure of attending with a large group of snowmobile peeps.  Nine years ago, SLEDFILM came into existence in response to actions taken by groups who wanted to see riding areas in Oregon closed to motorized usage.

Ben Hansen, along with his wife Christi and children Chelsea and Ryan, decided to recognize the snowmobile movies that were coming out every year, while at the same time raise money to support local groups that were fighting to keep riding areas open.  The fight continues each year and so does this event.  It has grown to an all weekend, family affair.  A few years ago, they decided to expand the event to include the YETI awards which recognize some of the outstanding backcountry riders and movies in the industry.  It has rapidly grown into one of the premier western snowmobile events of the fall pre-season.

Brandy Floyd was awarded the Pink Yeti award as the outstanding female rider of the year.  Not only is she a great mountain rider, she has also been a trailblazer for women in snowmobiling everywhere.   Brandy started the first Ladies Ride 15 years ago in McCall, Idaho and has now moved it to Halfway, Oregon.  This event brings together woman with a common love of snowmobiling for a weekend of shredding fun.  These ladies gain confidence, receive encouragement and make some lifelong friends.  Brandy is always pushing herself as a rider and will be taking on the new industry trend and will be riding a snow bike this year.  Yeti picked a good one when he came out of the woods to recognize her.

Nicole Sullivan made her film debut in the movie by Highcountry Octane, Sled’diction 5, which took home the Yeti award for Best Amateur film.  One of the most challenging and fun moves that can be pulled off on a mountain side is an "elevator".  It involves getting the sled laid over on one side and sliding down and across the mountain in a controlled fashion.  Nicole greatly expanded her riding abilities last year and added this move, along with some serious jumps and drops to her skill set.  Joe Gill, the movie producer caught her excitement perfectly on film.  Her giggle fit at the end of her elevator was, by far, my favorite clip of the whole weekend.  Nicole has also been signed by Divas Snowgear to be a pro rider this year.  She is definitely a woman to watch in the coming years. 

Left to Right: Nerissa Whipple , Jen Prusa, Tammy Schoen, Cassia Whipple, Sierra Gill, Sarah Whipple, Susie Rainsberry, Tammy McCloud, Marissa Madison, Jill Morris Chapman, Brandy Floyd, Suzanne Anderson, Yeti, Crystal Miller (PC: Kat Rudolph)

The best part of this event for me, however, was enjoying the company of the other sledders who attended.  There is a very special subculture in the west made up of those of us who ride the mountains.   This event was attended by many pro riders and many of the ladies who have come together through Brandy’s ladies rides.   As Ben had hoped, this has become a family event.  Wide eyed kids where there watching the films and meeting the actual riders in person. Yeti even climbed up on stage himself for a special picture with some of the ladies and younger riders. Thank you to the Hansen family for putting together such a great event.  I, for one,  will be traveling to Bend again next year for another chance to see Yeti.

ABOUT JILL

Jill grew up loving winter in Jackson Hole, WY. She was a downhill ski racer until knee injuries prevented her from racing. Injuries didn’t slow her down one bit though. This driven woman became interested in emergency medicine in college, and has maintained a successful career as a paramedic since then. Five years ago, she was introduced to snowmobiling and has enjoyed the crazy, wonderful ride ever since. Jill loves the thrill, excitement, and adrenaline, but most of all enjoys the wonderful people she has met during her adventures and travels.