27 Feb,
2022

Backcountry on an ‘Extreme’ ski-doo

A 2-day raid in Quebec’s magnificent Charlevoix region riding ski-doo’s latest Expedition Extreme. The super punchy 2-stroke engine ski-doo reminds me of go-karting, but instead of 25hp it’s an 850cc 160hp engine and in place of a small go-kart track you have an unlimited expanse of mountains & forests. And when you have had enough of the trails, this beast can take you off trail in deep snow sections, that you would not dream to be able to ride on. In summary: an insanely fun weekend!

On Saturday morning Xavier and I are greeted by Alex from NordExpe who runs the operations, he is very welcoming, helps us figure out the gear that we are going to wear for the next 2 days and the series of waivers & deposits to be signed. These machines are no joke and you need to understand what you are getting into before you get out in the forest.

Paperwork done we get our ski-doo briefing: when to ride seated, when to stand-up, how to cross roads, leaning in the curves and more. For a motorcyclist, it’s not too foreign but still, its quite a different machine. It’s a cold -23C. We spend the morning on trails and learn to manage the power of the 850cc expedition extreme. We stop for lunch at the Lac des Oreilles de cochon near lac noir, its beautiful.  There are dozens of snowmobiles parked here, covid almost feels like a distant memory, people want to enjoy their passion again and ride in Quebec’s incredibly beautiful nature.

Down on the lake a vintage snowmobile drag race is taking place. We eat a quick poutine and head down to see the race. Its a real snowmobile cultural experience, young and old race their machines on modified engines, wheeling off the line and blasting down the 500 feet track.

We learn some off-trail techniques in the afternoon and soon after we are off to climb a small mountain on the ski-doos, fun to get up there and breathtaking views. 

We arrive at the inn in the night after a long ride.

Next morning we are off for some serious off-trail fun in deep snow, we do not see any other snowmobiles for hours as we are off-trail and very few want to risk it in deep snow. It’s technical & very physical but amazing fun. We are really discovering what these machines can do.

 

 

8 thoughts on “Backcountry on an ‘Extreme’ ski-doo”

  1. Xavier says:

    Cool photos and article, what a trip!

  2. Graeme Bradshaw says:

    Awesome Ben, and you’re a wonderful inspiration! Cheers from Covid infested HK!

  3. Lars says:

    In on the next trip

  4. Ruth says:

    I’m sure the expedition guide was pleased to be able to take you guys off-trail on day 2! If I were there, we’d be on the ‘bunny trails’ the entire trip. Ha! Keep on blogging, Ben. Love reading about these adventures.

  5. Sarah says:

    Great post and amazing photos. I can’t believe I’m only seeing them now! I look forward to doing some ski-dooing together one day. Also, if I may, with everything you’ve learned maybe you could write a list of ski-dos and ‘ski-don’ts… hahaha

  6. Narelle Hicks says:

    Sounds like in a James Bond movie. Thanks for sharing. Must be super fun!

  7. Carol says:

    What an amazing weekend !!

  8. Dan B says:

    Excellent write up, Benjamin. Looks like fun!!

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