Backcountry Snowmobiling Takes Off in Sweden

From AmSnow

XX: The Female Chormosome

Freerider: Passionate people of like mind

Setting: SWEDEN

Add these three together and you get an amazing time in a beautiful country where snowmobiling is taking off in a HUGE way.

I have had the privilege of traveling again this February to the beautiful village of Saxnas, Sweden to coach at XX Freeride Camp. I had 60 girls distributed through two camps, six guides, three photographers/videographers and two amazing ladies who organize us all. If asked about last year's camp, I would have answered, “what a huge success,” but we definitely surpassed last seasons XX Freeride Camp with this season's. We have a waiting list as long as the original attendees list. Booked in a matter of minutes when released this fall over the internet only means one thing: XX Freeride Camp is what women want.

Ladies arrive from various countries, cities and villages by plane, train or automobile. Towing their trailers with Audis or SUVs to transporting their sleds on decks of trucks. The reception banquet to start the camp breaks the ice and they soon realize there is no need for nerves, I’m gentle.

The skill level of these women never fails to amaze me. This year, we offered a beginner camp as well as an advanced camp.To say I was impressed would be minimal. These ladies are sponges and absorb details so quickly and NEVER, and I mean NEVER, stop trying or pushing themselves. I had several girls return from last year's camp and all I can say was I was completely blown away at the progression of these girls. I strive to see this in any camp or clinic that I do and I wasn’t disappointed, but rather had to step my game up, a great attribute that they have learned, practiced and strived to keep being better.

Language barrier? Are you kidding? The international language we used was laughter. Anyone who has ever participated in any of my camps or clinics knows that your smile muscles gets a work out, it’s a must. Swedes, Norwegians or the ladies from Finland, it didn’t matter, we all were in the beautiful mountains, snowmobiling, learning and laughing. One thing I absolutely love about the culture in Sweden is, no matter where you are, on the mountain, or in the city, lunch time is a time to stop, gather and eat a hot meal. We are often too rushed in North America to enjoy the simple things again and this still makes me smile every time. Our wonderful lodge, Saxnas Garden, looked after us from meeting on-mountain with HOT lunches to wonderful meals and accommodations. It truly adds to the whole experience.

I get asked almost every clinic or camp WHY I do this…it's simple and once you attend a camp or clinic it's apparent - I LOVE helping ladies in the backcountry. Gaining confidence and understanding, pushing themselves and obtaining goals, all while being out in the mountains on a snowmobile, it makes my heart happy and full. It's pretty easy to see the effect it has on me when it’s time to say goodbye..the words don’t come out of my mouth as easy as they usually do. I am so, so proud of every girl and I take a mental picture of that moment. The tears flow not because I will miss them, although I definitely always do, but because these girls have allowed ME to be a part of their life for a few days and help them reach their goals or give them tools to obtain those goals. I am blessed and I will always feel that way. This season, our wonderful photographer captured some of these moments on my face, seeing these girls progress and gain confidence. Those moments for me will never fade and never get old. Corny? You bet it is and I own it!

Erika Lindblad and Caroline Ohhlson, along with many sponsors and supporters, have made XX Freeride Camp possible, and I can’t thank them all enough. It has always been so much more than a trip to Sweden. After backcountry snowmobiling in Sweden, they are my extended family and our passion is the same: girls in the backcountry on our sleds having a blast. It truly takes an army as they say, none of this would ever happen as smoothly without so many people offering up their time, energy, sleds, days and weeks. I feel at home when I arrive in Sweden and that is the part of this journey I never expected, and also what makes it so hard to leave. Yes, I help a lot of girls progress on their sleds and that is what XX Freeride Camp wants, but we also give these ladies an experience of a lifetime and feel the flow, vibe and connection we all have to this sport of snowmobiling.

– By Stephanie Schwartz