Backcountry Access (BCA) announces the release of a new video dubbed "Snowmachine," filmed in winter 2021 in Alaska's Northern Chugach Range. The seven-minute short film documents the steps BCA and its ambassadors are taking to further avalanche awareness within the Alaskan snowmobile community. Co-produced by BCA and Hybrid Color Digital + Creative based in Anchorage, AK, the “Snowmachine” video documents the actions of three BCA sled ambassadors—Dove Daniels, Mike Buck, and Chris Yelverton. All three are Alaskan residents who have dedicated their time to educating current and future snowmachine enthusiasts about avalanche dangers and how to be safe while traveling in the backcountry.
About crafting the content of the video, Jack Beighle, BCA Marketing Specialist, explains, "We wanted to bring more storytelling content to the BCA brand. Stories create a common thread. The Alaskan snowmobile scene is unique, and we wanted to showcase that. The goal of the video is to highlight the amazing work that our ambassadors are doing within the Alaskan snowmachine community. Mike, Dove, and Chris are all coming at the avalanche and safety problem from a different perspective, and they are all extremely passionate about Alaska, snowmachining, and avalanche safety."
Dove Daniels, founder of AK Lady Shredders, reiterates the unique quality of the Alaskan snowmachine community. "I think the Alaskan scene is a lifestyle in itself," Daniels says. "It's very unique and much different from anywhere else. I think it's important to try and relay the message that Alaska can be very unpredictable, and you have to be prepared for anything. Our video will hopefully show a glimpse as to why it is important to have proper training while exploring the backcountry and that there are a wide variety of options out there."
Chris Yelverton, treasurer of the Chugach National Avalanche Center, says that for him, the goal of this video is education on a local level. "This video is mainly for reinforcing the importance of avalanche safety, which is much needed in our sled community. There is no shortage of content these days. Working with Hybrid Color, we believe we produced something different that will leave an impression. The AK sled scene has always had a reputation, and we're tapping into that."
"Avalanche safety awareness is growing in Alaska, and training opportunities are spreading across this massive state," Mike Buck, an educator at the Alaska Avalanche School and forecaster for the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, notes. "Many remote communities in Alaska have never had an avalanche awareness presentation in their community. BCA has been an important partner in providing avalanche safety gear and support for these efforts. If people can watch the "Snowmachine" video and see the passion that Chris, Dove, and I have for the sport and an understanding of the mountain rider mindset, maybe they might take that extra minute to evaluate and ride safer," he continues. Buck presents a series of snowmobile avalanche education videos on his YouTube channel AK Sled Shed.