Our guides
Justin Boehm
Operations Manager, Lead Guide, Avalanche Education Instructor
Justin is the Operations Manager, Lead Guide, and our technical tree-line riding specialist. He started sledding out on the prairies of Saskatchewan before moving to Fernie, BC in 2006. With a background in high alpine construction in both Fernie and Nelson BC, he is no stranger to working in challenging mountain conditions. Justin is certified as a CMBGA Level 3 Lead Guide, Canadian Avalanche Operations Level 2, and Industrial Rescue Technician. When he's not slaying trout in the summer or playing with his border collies, you can find Justin hunting for new lines to shred. He enjoys making big mountain powder sledding accessible to a variety of riders through our skills development and mentorship programs.
Nicole Matei
Avalanche Education Instructor
Hunter gather of two-stroke, cold smoke, Fernie stoke moments, Nicole is the one who keeps us all organized and captures those epic sled shred moments in written stories and photos.
Nicole has worked in mountain safety operations as a Paramedic, Dispatcher, and Ski/Bike Patroller for 20 years. She holds a diploma in Tourism Recreation Management, is an educator for Avalanche Canada, trained in emergency management, ground and air search & rescue, and is in her final steps to complete the Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Avalanche Operations Level 2 program.
Matt Dolbec
Guide, Mechanic
Not only is Matt a rock solid sledder, this Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic can also throw down on skis and a snowboard out there. When he's not guiding for EVSS, pulling wrenches on our sleds or operating snowcats in his spare time, you will find Matt heli-ski guiding in Iceland.
Travis Senkow
Ass’t Guide
He may be relatively new to the EVSS Team but has been rocking the 'stache since before it was cool. With eleven years of riding experience, Travis excels at steep, technical tree lines but is also known for 'sending it' off almost anything he can find out there. Travis brings a wealth of big mountain experience and looks forward to helping people improve their riding skills.
MATHIEU MILLET
Guide
Born and raised in Mont Tremblant, 'Frenchie' moved to Fernie in 2007 to squeeze in more ski, bike, sled, and moto time. You can chat with Matt about his love of all things KTM, Heineken, and his lovely family. Matt has been with EVSS since the beginning, guiding with most of our french speaking groups as well as helping instruct our AST1 programs to share his search and rescue knowledge.
faq
What is a typical guided day like?
All our guided programs are uniquely curated based on the goals and skills of the individual booking group - no two days are exactly the same and we are happy to cater to any unique needs. After booking your trip, we match your crew with the perfect guide for your goals who will contact the primary guest to discuss conditions and create an itinerary. On the day of the trip, we meet at the staging area or a local rental provider to get sorted, complete waivers and introductions. Before leaving the staging area you can expect your guide to run through a safety briefing and rescue practice. We ride for about 8 hours, or until you are tired with stops for lunch and breaks as required. All groups aim to be heading down the mountain no later than 3:30 to be down before dark.
What gear is required / What do I have to bring?
When needed, we are happy to assist organizing equipment and rentals through one of our reputable local suppliers. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE AN AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, AND PROBE on their person while in the backcountry - no experience is necessary and we will help train you how to use this equipment. Your Guide will provide radios for group members and carries additional first aid, rescue, and communications equipment.
Please bring:
Warm clothing suitable for outdoor weather (ski clothing is great!)
$25 cash for trail day use fee or FSA annual membership, payable at trailhead
Food, drinks, snacks (see below)
Any medical requirements such as inhalers or epi pens. Please let your guide know of any medical conditions prior to trip.
Snowmobile (rentals available upon request $400-$600/day)
Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe. Airbags are a plus but not required (rentals available upon request $35 - $65/day)
I am worried about avalanches. Will we be in avalanche terrain?
Your guided snowmobile trip takes place in an uncontrolled winter backcountry environment. As such, at times during the day you may become exposed to avalanche terrain; however, we generally operate on the periphery of this terrain to limit our exposure to avalanche hazard so we can provide your trip no matter what the avalanche danger is on that given day. All of our guides have professional level certification from the Canadian Avalanche Association, first aid and rescue training. Your guided day is designed to provide a good platform for adventure and learning and is not meant to exceed your personal limits or to put you or our staff at risk. Our focus is on fun so we find appropriate riding areas to maximize your experience.
Where should I stay in Fernie?
The great thing about being a destination recreation community is the wide variety of accommodations available; whether you are looking for a five-star experience, private residence, budget hotel, or bed and breakfast - Fernie has exactly what you need. There are no accommodations in Fernie which currently offer riding directly from their doorstep. However, we strongly recommend the following businesses who offer ample / well lit parking, are conveniently located next to food and gas, and who, most importantly, are SUPPORTERS OF OUR LOCAL SNOWMOBILE COMMUNITY. Please return the favor by choosing them for your visit this winter.
Fernie Fox Hotel or Best Western Fernie
Can you provide lunch?
We would be happy to arrange a delicious prepackaged lunch from one of our local suppliers. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to pre-arrange food and beverage pick up / delivery for your group. Please note that alcohol is not permitted on any of our guided trips, clinics or courses.
What is your cancellation policy?