Klim Women Interview with Julie-Ann by Cassandra Prochera

I first met Julie-Ann Chapman three years ago during one of her She Shreds Mountain Adventures sled clinics hosted in Revelstoke, British Columbia. This was also during my first sled season and was my first time ever shooting a sled clinic. When I reached out to her to introduce myself and tell her about a project I was working on at the time involving content of women in the power sports industry empowering other women she didn't hesitate for a second to welcome me to join her for a day to tag along taking photos while she instructed the sled course. The content I shot was super amateur hour but the quality of Chapman's hospitality and presents as a leader was outstanding and is still a moment in my life I look back on that inspires me today. There is a lot to be said about this lady, but for now lets let her fill us in on just a few details of who she is both on and off the sled scene. Thank you Julie-Ann for the support you gi@KlimWomenve and for this @KlimWomen Q&A!!

1. How long have you been sledding and what originally got you started?

I have been mountain riding for 16 years. My snowboard sponsors told me I needed to get into the backcountry to start filming snowboard parts, then before I knew it, I quit snowboarding and took up sledding full time!

2. What sled are you on this season?

2021 Polaris Khaos 850 165” 2.75” QD2

3. Where is it that you like to ride most?

Tough one! These days it's been the west Kootenays of BC as Ive been really pushing my technical skills level in the trees and the west Koots has the best technical tree riding in most of BC! When I first started, I really enjoyed the coastal mountains of BC as its way more open, less treed, mellow slopes and very beginner friendly. When I'm spoiled and able to go down to the states, Wyoming is my fav spot to shred in the states

4. Your favorite gear to wear?

I honestly cannot narrow it down to just one piece from Klim. My top 5 pieces I don't leave home without are my Klim Solstice layers, Adrenaline GTX boots, Ripsaw Onsie, F3 Carbon Helmet & Powerxross gloves.

5. Food! Snacks. Fueling up for the big days! What are your go-to foods when riding? Also, how do you like to recover after a ride?

I'm a big fan of dehydrated Mexican chicken with chickpeas, black beans, yams etc., add rice and boiling hot water in the thermos and bam! Also, a huge fan of my kid’s apple sauce pouches lol oh and my homemade morning glory muffins with lots of shredded carrots, apples, raisins, coconut shavings etc.

6. What is something about you that most people don't know?

I have really messed up fingers on my left hand. My index was a sled accident, smashed it on my brake lever when one of my ski’s hit something hard in the snow. Ive had 2 surgeries on it and she just won’t go straight. And the pinky is a horse-riding accident. My horse reused a jump and I went hands first over its head into the pole and mangled that pinky. Had surgery on that one too and no bueno. Both knuckles are now fused. And one more thing you don't know - I used to help design and maintain the terrain park at Whistler Backcomb for 4 years.

7. What kind of riding are you into most? Tree riding or hill climbing?

Tree riding hands down these days. And free riding jumping off pillows and natural features.

Messed up fingers! Photo: Partick Winslow @mtnsledder

8. How are you excited to get your son, Jaxson, into the sport? Have any ideas crossed your mind yet?

Oh man, excitement is an understatement. Watching Chris Burandt and his son snowmobile these days together just gets me soooooo excited. I'll start him off on a little 120 hopefully when he’s 3 and when he's ready put him on a Polaris Evo 550!

9. Do you have an off-season cross training routine that keeps you feeling strong all year round and prepared for an upcoming sled season?

Yes mam. Mountain biking, horseback riding, yoga and high intensity interval training in the gym.

10. If you could give advice to anyone who is just starting out for themselves what would that be?

Don’t give up. Snowmobiling is the hardest and biggest learning curve you will ever take on, so be strong and don't give up. Also, set your expectations low and you will be happy with your progression every day you get out. Snowmobiling is supposed to be fun, so if you're not happy with your progression, then you’re probably not having fun. If you set your expectations too high, you won’t be able to crush goals and may loose motivation to continue the sport. Polaris is launching an interview they did with me about advice for someone who is just starting off in February. I expand with alot more detail about this question in this interview! Stay tuned!

Know your snow before you go! Edit: Cassandra Prochera @cass.pro

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