Snowmobile
IG handle: @sheshredsmountainadventures
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@
Julie-Ann has been a leader in the industry for over 10 years, helping women get out into the backcountry safely and with confidence:
Just few questions to get to know and to be inspired by Julie-Ann...
Julie-Ann - Ashley Chaffin has always been someone I looked up to in the sled world. She sure can send it. Another gal I look up to is Jen Macpherson – she can sled in the trees like NO OTHER. Boondocking queen.
CFR - What is something unique about the sport of sledding that you may only appreciate after doing it for decades?
Julie-Ann - It still manages to push you no matter how long you have been riding to keep you fit and test your backcountry skills (navigation, survival, avalanche education, riding skills, etc) and keeps you humble your whole life.
CFR - Favourite sled terrain?
Julie-Ann - Asked me this 15 years ago and I would have said easy access groomed roads to wide open alpine terrain. Now I’m all about finding new zones by map navigating days prior and busting trails to new zones. Technical tree riding.
Video: @shredhousemedia
CFR - For female and smaller riders in general, how does riding a Polaris RMK help?
Julie-Ann - The chassis shape and specs are ideal for effortless riding, and as a smaller person, that’s exactly what you want. A narrow front end and a narrow seat/chassis between your legs make the machine feel lighter and easier to control. The throttle response is also very smooth, so when you’re learning balance and edging, that smooth throttle makes it easier to find your balance. Sled brands with very snappy bottom-end throttle response can sometimes be too much for beginner riders, because the sudden jerk of throttle makes it hard to find the balance point.
CFR - How does an aftermarket bar and riser help your riding?
Julie-Ann - You don’t know until you try, honestly. You wonder why your shoulders, hands, wrists, arms, and lower back hurt? Well, it’s probably because your bars/risers are not set up for you. Having the right height, draw back angle, and grip circumference makes a WORLD of difference. It means you do not need to put as much effort into steering, and you don’t put stress on the muscles that compensate when you try to steer with a setup that is too tall or too short for you.
It’s like adjusting the seat in your truck to your comfort of driving; perfect length for your legs, close to the steering wheel, perfect amount of gangster lean-back for your back, etc. If you don’t adjust it to you, you can’t drive comfortably!
Video: @shredhousemedia
Julie-Ann - We are a different breed. A little grit, determined, strong, big stamina, healthy, and so supportive as a community. We have each other’s backs. It might not be a “team sport,” but in the big picture it is a big loving family. Something you don’t get in many sports! Makes special bonds that’s for sure.
CFR - How has teaching and running She Shreds Mountain Adventures shaped your sled career?
Julie-Ann - It has taught me to be patient, supportive, strong, determined, and to have drive. It has allowed me to develop a way to respect the mountains and given me the drive to expand my education, learning about snowpack, terrain management, and route finding.
Julie-Ann - Go out with people that calm you, that you feel safe with, and that are supportive with every try you have on your sled. It takes determination, grit, stamina, strength, and being ok with feeling defeated at times. Set the expectations low (not just with sledding and your progression in the sport but with everything in life), and you will be happy.
Julie-Ann - When they try 10 times to do a move or get through a section of terrain, and on that 11th try, they get it. That feeling of defeat leaves, and the stoke and confidence settle in.
CFR - Any sled skill you are stoked to work on this season?
Julie-Ann - Always trying to get better at tree riding. Takes so much time before you get confidence in technical tree riding terrain.
CFR - Anything important about the state of the sport that the sled community should think about?
Julie-Ann - Seasons are getting shorter and weirder with freezing levels. The sport is getting expensive. Just think about the good times you have out in the mountains with your family and friends. Make it work, get out there and hoon! It's good for the soul.
CFR - Shoutout to your sponsors!
Julie-Ann - CFR, Polaris, Klim, Fox, Truckboss Decks, Backwoods BMP, Deviant Ink, Main Jet Motorsports.
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