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The FSA Gumball Challenge back for round two

The snowmobile event will cover hundreds of acres of terrain
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Team Sasquatch and team Dirt Squirrel pose during last year’s Gumball Challenge. Photo Submitted

The Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA) wants to know if you and your friends are Fernie’s best sled crew.

The FSA will be hosting their second annual Fernie Gumball Adventure Challenge on March 21, 2020. The event was started last year as a small competition between friends but has now blossomed into Fernie’s largest sledding event.

“The event was created and designed to really just be a great day out on the snow with friends,” said event organizer Nicole Matei. “Of course, nothing is better than a little rivalry and heated competition to spur you on.”

Teams for the event are made up of four riders. The teams have six hours to find hidden checkpoints and complete a variety of skills challenges in order to earn points. According to the FSA, “the event involves navigation, strategy, skill, great costumes, and a bit of luck to win.”

“It really has nothing to do with speed or your technical riding ability,” Matei added. “If you can function well as a team and employ some creative strategy, you can totally win.”

This year’s Gumball Challenge will be set over several hundred acres of backcountry terrain that is accessible via the groomed trail network. Teams must contribute an $100 entry fee but the winners take all.

Last year, Team Sasquatch was victorious. They generously donated all of their winnings to Avalanche Canada. Team Dirt Squirrel came in second place but won big points for sportsmanship after giving a competing team a ride to the next checkpoint after they “blew both a track and engine during the event.”

This year’s event promises to be another fun-filled day for snowmobilers in the Elk Valley.

Teams that are interested in competing in the event his year can email info@ferniesnowmobile.com for a team registration package or for more information. The deadline for registration is March 14, 2020.



editor@thefreepress.ca

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Team Ramrod poses in front of a checkpoint. Photo Submitted