cody schmidt

Calgary, AB

Cody Schmidt represents the ultimate success story in the backcountry progression pipeline. Starting on Ontario trails around age eight, Cody quickly developed a passion for mountain riding after moving west in 2016. What began as weekend trips quickly escalated—he quit his winter job and spent three years riding full-time in Sicamous, BC, dedicating himself entirely to mastering mountain snowmobiling.

Cody’s passion for teaching is as strong as his passion for riding. He co-founded Sled Nerdz to combine his love for backcountry riding with sharing the skills he gained over years of experience.

He believes that safety training and professional guiding are the only ways to responsibly push the limits of the sport.

His perspective is crucial because he understands the challenges of making that geographic and mental shift from casual riding to professional mountain engagement.

"I’m really excited to get out on the snow with you and help you grow as a rider. Show us how you’ve taken your riding to the next level—safely."

Cody Schmidt is the technical judge who ensures the winner of The Respect the Send Challenge has the skills and professional foundation to match their ambition.

Cody is not just a high-skill rider; he is a professional educator and guide, specializing in helping riders bridge the gap from beginner to advanced. He achieved the highest level of certification, earning his Canadian Motorized Backcountry Guides Association (CMBGA) Certification while working at the legendary Carl Kuster Mountain Park (CKMP).

Riding Style: Focused on precision, control, and terrain selection. He specializes in leading clients through complex mountain terrain in Sicamous and Revelstoke.

Safety Credentials: Cody’s commitment is absolute, backed by AST 1/2, Operations Level 1 (working toward Level 2), and 80-hour Wilderness First Aid.

What He’s Looking For: Cody will be grading submissions based on the successful progression of skill. For the Line Sharpeners (14–16), he wants to see evidence of riders actively applying new techniques, making clear, conscious decisions, and showing respect for the difficulty of the terrain they choose.

Safety training and professional guiding are the only ways to responsibly push the limits of the sport.