During the Motorized Recreational Sports Show held in Québec City, I met briefly with Mr René St. Onge. Later, I got in touch with him to learn more about himself and the Eagle Valley Lodge.
Here is my special interview with Mr St. Onge.
1. How did you start snowmobiling ?
I was 10 when my father’s friend taught me how to start his snowmobile and where the accelerator was. Then, I went hunting coyotes in McBride fields, B.C. After a while, I got bored. So, I jumped and started to jump over my 6 year old brother while filming it !
Photo by Jonathan Reich
2. Did you always ride off-trail ?
Trail ? What does this world mean ? I know nothing about trail.
3. You had a role in many films on snowmobiling in the last years. Are you going to be part of any movie this year ?
It depends on sunshine and from where will the cameras be, I guess. I know that 2Stroke, Slednecks and Braap will be here this year.
Photo by Jonathan Reich
4. On which snowmobiles are you going to ride this year ?
I am going to ride on a new XM 163" this season. I can’t wait to execute drops and jumps again this year. I will also ride on my 2 Yammies turbo; I am just addicted to their power ! Nick King, from Kelowna Yamaha, modifies them for me (10 000 km on each odometer) and Courtenay Motorsports takes good care of my Ski-Doo machines !
5. What are your goals for the coming season ?
My goals are to become an even more technical pilot after each ride and to help sharing my passion of snowmobiling with others !
Photo by Jonathan Reich
6. What do you have to say about the beginning of your season ?
The first day, we had snow up to the balls, then up to the breasts, and yesterday, up to the goggles !!!
Photo by Jonathan Reich
7. What can you tell us about Eagle Valley Lodge ?
I am the owner / operator of Eagle Valley Lodge, located 2 km east of Sicamous, since the last 5 years. We offer 18 beds, a poker table, a pool table and a shop. You can rent one room or all of them. We also rent snowmobiles and we offer you to be accompanied by photographers on the mountains for outstanding pictures !
8. What do people like about Eagle Valley Lodge ?
I think visitors appreciate snowmobiling on infinite powder snow without seeing anyone else. Each year, they come from the Province of Québec, from United States and from all over the word. And they come back year after year …
9. Finally, would you have any advice for off-trail riders ?
When you ride off-trail, you must always have planned your next two or three moves to come. Boondocking is like playing chess ! Come and ride with me at Eagle Valley Lodge, I have many tips I will love to share with you !
For more details on Eagle Valley Lodge, please visit their web site .
Many thanks to René for taking time to answer my questions ! I would also like to thank
Mr Johathan Reich and Mr Hans Wardell who offered us these great photos !
