Meet Ryan Unrau! Ryan’s been an RSC member for the last two years, moving from riding on the prairies to big mountain riding in Revy.
How long have you been riding and where did you start?
Been riding on the Alberta praires since about the age of 5. Turned 12 and finally started mountain riding with my dad and brother and still going strong. Mountain riding now for 9 years.
What was your first sled and what are you riding now?
Started off a 1980 Yamaha 340 for around home. Used a Polaris Indy 500 for first year off mountain riding. Upgraded a few times to pro ride then 2 axys chassis Polaris 800s. Went turbo on my second axys and now riding a 2023 Khaos boost 155
How long have you been a Revelstoke Snowmobile Club Member and why do you love riding here?
This is now my second year with a Revy membership. I love the huge areas that are available and how you can always find untracked riding even if its 2 weeks since a snowfall. There is a lot of tight tree technical riding that I usually find untracked. Not many places have that, that I have actually been too.
What’s your favourite mountain to ride and why?
I would have to go with either Turtle or Boulder. Both areas have some awesome technical tree riding and just the breathless view of being up high.
Do you have any Avalanche Skills Training? If so, what level and what has it taught you?
I do not have any specific course training but I do understand the importance of knowing how to use all your safety equipment and how important it is to know the area and danger locations. That’s why we always ride tree areas or mellow slopes* unless avalanche risk is low and we have an exit plan if need be.
*RSC recommends you read “10 Commandments for mountain sledders” from Avalanche Canada and recognize that snowpack varies greatly between open and dense trees.
What piece of gear will you never be caught without in the backcountry?
509 heated goggles. I love them. Never get fogged and are a game changer on deep days with lots of snow.
Find Ryan on Instagram @Ryanunrau15.