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LET HER RIP – Dec 2026 The Trench Article

Trench writer Jacquie Moore suits up with three noteworthy East Kootenay snowmobilers, each of them exemplary in their personal commitments to stewardship, heritage, and formidable hoonin’. For them, snowmobiling isn’t just about horsepower: it’s about access, beauty, and stewardship. A sled can get you places only a lucky few will ever glimpse from a helicopter. It’s about community, too, as friendships are forged on mountain ridges and in powder fields where skill and stoke matter more than anything else. And it’s about strength because snowmobiling is a full-body sport that calls for athleticism and confidence, making it a natural fit for those who want a challenge and a thrill.

Women aren’t just joining the sport, they’re shaping it. Through skill, visibility, and pure joy, they’re proving snowmobiling isn’t just for a few. It’s for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of winter.

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Fostering Diversity and Adaptability in Avalanche Education

In this video, Alex Ibbotson discusses the importance of diversity, inclusion, and adaptive leadership within the field of avalanche safety, particularly focusing on snowmobilers, a historically underrepresented group. She begins by acknowledging the Okanagan Nation’s land and expressing her hope for stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. Drawing on her personal experiences and her Master’s thesis, Alex explores how organizations can foster more inclusive environments by breaking down exclusive cultural norms and embracing diversity to drive innovation. She emphasizes the need for culturally safe spaces, adaptive leadership, and equity measures to create a more welcoming and resilient future for all outdoor professionals.

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Live Large Video interview

In this lively episode of John Faryon Live, John welcomes special guest Alex Ibbotson from Kimberly, British Columbia. The two share their passion for snowmobiling, avalanche safety, and the importance of community in the snowmobile industry. Alex, who runs Canada Backcountry Services, talks about her journey from growing up in the Rockies to becoming a snowmobile safety expert and advocate. She emphasizes the need to involve more diverse groups, including women and families, in backcountry snowmobiling while promoting safety and avalanche education.

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Avalanche hour PodCast (2021)

In this podcast episode, Alex Ibbotson, owner of Canada Backcountry Services, shares her journey as a female motorized professional in the avalanche world. She talks about her background, the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and her vision for changing the narrative and creating more inclusivity in backcountry sports. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, diversity, and shaping the future of avalanche safety.

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NACCA 2020 Role Model Campaign Video

In this inspiring talk for NACCA 2020, Alex Ibbotson, an Aboriginal businesswoman and owner of Canada Backcountry Services, shares her journey of empowering women and promoting avalanche safety in the backcountry. Alex discusses the transformational power of spending time in the mountains and reflects on the personal and professional growth she has gained by challenging the status quo. She highlights the unique perspective of Indigenous women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of support, creative thinking, and resilience in overcoming self-doubt and societal roadblocks. Alex encourages women to listen to those who believe in them, reject limitations, and pursue their dreams with confidence. She reminds us that success comes not only from the highs but also from learning through the lows and mistakes along the way.