2021 Algoma Travel Guide - Magazine - Page 41
I
was presented a great opportunity to experience incredible
snowmobiling first hand when tagging along with the
SnowTrax TV crew as they were filming an episode of their
popular show in the expansive winter terrain of Algoma Country.
SnowTrax TV was featuring snowmobile touring in the the Algoma
region. I had the designation of behind the scenes photographer,
documenting it all. It was no surprise SnowTrax wanted to film
there after all, this region is known for some of the most pristine
trails in Ontario.
This trip was unique in the sense that we’d be covering a ton of
miles over a relatively short time span, all the while stopping to
shoot segments for the TV show. Our schedule had over 600 km
on tap, spread out over various loops and this would be the most
time I’d ever spent riding during a photoshoot.
Typically on media rides my mantra is ‘ride less, shoot more’. I
was nervous at the prospect of completing our schedule on time
but considering the prospect of spending a week outside in the
fresh air with perfectly groomed trails seemed quite appealing.
We staged out of Sault Ste. Marie in a nice modern hotel with
all the amenities located right in the city centre. One thing I
particularly liked was the ample parking for trucks and trailers.
Thanks to direct trail access we unloaded and started our ride
right from hotel, headed for Searchmont. Trail conditions were
excellent after a heavy snowfall days before. We threw up the
drone and got some epic scenery shots; with blazing sun and
mild temps it was as perfect a scenario as one could ask for. Our
crew stopped in Searchmont for lunch on what would turn out to
be one of our last dine-in meals inside a packed restaurant.
The next day produced drastically different conditions, a big
change in just 24 hrs time. With a thick layer of grey clouds the
dominating the horizon and a light mist of freezing drizzle, we
set off on D trail for the winter oasis known as Halfway Haven (a
fitting name for the only sign of civilization between Searchmont
and Wawa). The section of the D trail that led out to Halfway from
Wawa is 110 km of snowmobile heaven. Big elevation changes,
wide sweeping corners, rock cuts, rolling mountains and enough
straightaways to cramp your throttle thumb the 3-hour ride there
went by surprisingly quick. With accommodations for up to 38,
hot meals, Wi-Fi and plenty of fuel, ‘Halfway’ is a much-needed
staple to the District 13 trail system.
On our final day we headed to Dubreuville, home of “The
Groomer Guy” (aka Luc Levesque). While the SnowTrax crew did
some interviews and filming, I stopped by Luc’s place. I’d heard
a rumor he parks his trusty groomer in the driveway of his home
and sure enough, his place was easy to find, it was the only
place in town with a bright red groomer sitting out-front.
In uncertain times we’ve all been gravitating towards things that
offer familiarity, comfort and most importantly, safety. If you’re
looking to try something new this winter that offers, all of these
things in abundance, book a snowmobile trip to Algoma Country!
algomaco u ntry. com
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