BCSF Launches New Mental Health Support Hub for Riders, Clubs & Volunteers
Snowmobiling supports both mental and physical well-being. It gives us freedom, purpose, and community — but when things go wrong, the impact can be lasting.
photo: JS Media House
Whether you're a rider, responder, bystander, club volunteer, or family member, mental health is part of backcountry safety, and it's okay to talk about it. We prepare for the physical risks every season, but critical incidents can affect anyone in unexpected ways. Even the most experienced riders can be left with stress, self-doubt, or a sense of isolation.
We’re here to change that.
This month, the BC Snowmobile Federation is launching the BCSF Mental Health Support Hub, a new resource designed specifically for BC’s riding community. It brings together clear, approachable information to help riders understand critical incident stress, recognize its signs, build resilience, and know where to find support.
Why We Built This Resource
Over the past several years, we’ve been hearing a growing message from riders, rescuers, industry partners, and our member clubs: critical incidents were taking a toll — and people didn’t always know where to turn.
As conversations about mental health have become more open across society, more riders have felt comfortable sharing their experiences. Stories from trailheads, rescues, and debriefs made it clear that our community needed tools that were easy to access, simple to understand, and grounded in the realities of snowmobiling.
That need was reinforced earlier this year when we launched the Rider Check-In: 2024 Mental Health Survey for Sledders. More than 200 riders responded, offering honest insight into what they’ve experienced:
These numbers tell us one thing: riders want support — they just need a starting point.
What You’ll Find on the Hub
The new Mental Health Support Hub provides:
A clear explanation of critical incidents and why they affect riders
Recognizable signs of stress that can appear days or weeks later
Simple ways to build mental resilience over time
Tips on checking in with someone after a difficult event
Guidance on when to seek additional or professional support
This resource doesn’t replace mental health professionals. It gives riders, clubs, and families a place to begin.
Explore the Mental Health Support Hub
The hub is now live and available to all snowmobilers in British Columbia. We encourage riders, clubs, and partners to share this resource widely. This is about recognizing the unseen impacts, opening the conversation, and making mental health a natural part of how we ride and support each other.
Stronger together. Safer together.
WITH SUPPORT BY
