December 2010 - Snowmobile Storm

Volume 3 • Issue 1
January, 2012
TM
IN THIS ISSUE:
•Pro-Rider Spotlight: Shane Kelley
• Snowmobile Safety Feature
...and more
Cover Headlines
Snowmobile Safety
Page 12
Photo by Lanny Grant
Photo by Alpine Assassins
Pro-Rider Spotlight:
Shane Kelley
Page 36
Rider- Mark Dixson - Photo by ThunderStruck FIlms.com
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January 2012
In This Issue...
Ad Directory................................4
Photo Contest..........................10
Pro-Rider Spotlight:
Shane Kelley.............................12
Dealer Lis+ng: Yamaha..............17
News.......................................18
A1er the Storm.........................26
Snowmobile Safety...................36
Reader Gallery...........................46
Avalanche Resources...............60
Industry News...........................62
Vintage Snowmobiles..............66
Safety.........................................68
Land Use and Legistla+on.........70
Marketplace.............................72
Rider Recipes.............................73
Coloring Contest....................74
A Moment’s Thought................75
On the Cover: Pro Rider: Shane Kelley
Cover Photo by
Ken Evans, Alpine Assassins
January 2012
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3
Publisher’s Ramblings
The Dangers of Snow Poo
Snowmobile Storm Staff
Editor:
Diana Grant
Publisher:
Minisa Robinson
Contact Informa+on
Advers+sing and Billing,
Photo or Ar+cle Submission:
970-625-4141
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
[email protected]
Ad and Graphic Design:
970-618-6170
15805 CR 245
New Castle, CO 81647
[email protected]
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and the
Snowmobile Storm name, masthead and logo
are property of Grant Publishing, LLC and are
protected by copyright. Any use or reproduc+on
in whole or in part without the express wriDen
consent of Snowmobile Storm is strictly prohibited and will be pursued to the full extent of the
law.
I'm sure we've all done it... Cruising along the trail or out in a
meadow, when suddenly we hit something reminiscent of the Titanic impac+ng the iceberg. If we are lucky, surviving the impact
means a dump of adrenaline and maybe a sore wrist, however the
not-so-lucky ending could result in ejec+on from the sled at a high
rate of speed. And when we finally calm down and clear out the embedded snow from our goggles, we look behind us to see what on
Earth we slammed into. At first we don't see a rock, or a log, or even
another sled. Finally, a1er scouring the trail behind us, we see a
harmless looking so1 pile of snow where our sled tracks took flight.
However, that is no ordinary "so1 pile of snow"... it is the dreaded
and dangerous "Snow Poo."
"What in the frozen under-land is Snow Poo?" you may wonder.
Snow Poo is a large, frozen pile of snow heaped up on the trail or
even out in a meadow. The cause of Snow Poo? Whenever a snowmobiler starts up their sled and hammers the throDle while taking
off, their track digs to China and squirts out a mountain of snow onto
the trail. If the Snow Poo is fairly fresh, it can easily be run over like
a bump... but the real danger comes when it freezes and it can cause
damage to both sleds and riders. We
should all exercise good throDle control when accelera+ng to avoid leaving
Snow Poo.
If you happen to create Snow Poo, or
see where someone else did, please
hop off your sled and kick the snow
around to spread it out. It only takes a
moment and your efforts are greatly
appreciated by other sledders.
www.snowmobilestorm.com
Copyright 2010-2011
Grant Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Published in U.S.A.
Let’s put an end to Snow Poo.
-Minisa Robinson
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Rider Matt Entz - Photo by Justin Cowett
January 2012
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5
Advertiser Directory
Alpine Assassins................................23
BackCountryRebels.com..................39
Electric Mountain Lodge......................49
Flying V Products..................................59
Habervision.........................................71
Hampton Inn & Suites..........................22
High Country Cabin...............................59
Lead Dog Helmetlight...........................47
Mountain Tech Yamaha.................6, 47
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January 2012
North Fork Snowmobile Club..............59
Pinedale Tourism............................29, 72
Rifle Area Chamber.............................39
Rifle Snowmobile Club....................47, 72
Rifle Truck and Trailer...........................29
Rio Grande County...........................59
Thunderstruck Films.............................16
Welch Automo+ve..............................72
Western Riviera...................................72
Photo by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
The Hidden Snowflake
The December
2011 Winner:
Congratula+ons to Marty Gunn of Durango, CO the winner of the December
2011 contest!
The snowflake was hidden on page 53
of the December Snowmobile Storm.
It was located on the lower right corner.
ly
n
ple O
Exam
Can you find it?
In each issue of the Snowmobile Storm there will be a hidden
snowflake. If you find it you could win $25! The color of the
snowflake may change from month to month but the image will
always be the same.
Send us your name, e-mail and mailing addresses and the correct page number of that month’s snowflake. You will be entered
into a drawing that month to win $25.
The winner of the drawing will be announced in the next issue.
Send your informa+on to:
[email protected]
Subject: “Hidden Snowflake”
We Reward our Readers!
Snowmobile Storm is a reader-based adventure magazine. This means that we rely on you, the readers, to
par+cipate in the produc+on of the e-magazine. For your involvement, we’d like to offer you an informa+ve,
exci+ng and entertaining magazine with contests, games and rewards.
Every reader submission that is published in Snowmobile Storm will be entered into a quarterly drawing for
a $50! So the more photos, ar+cles and fun that you submit: the beDer your chances are to win!
The next quarterly drawing will be held in March and the winner will be announced in the March edi+on of
Snowmobile Storm. Good luck!
Send your submissions to:
[email protected]
January 2012
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Featured Video
To view this month’s video go to:
hDp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwfrceElF7I
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January 2012
U P COM I N G
EVENTS
Photo by ThunderStruckFilms.com
Pinedale Snow Explorers
Avalanche Training
January 6-7, 2012
[email protected]
Interna'onal Snowmobile
Safety Week
January 15-21, 2012
Snowmobile Level 1
Avalanche Course
January 20-22, 2012
Silverton, CO
hDp://level1jan2022snowmobile
2012.eventbrite.com/
SnowJam 2012
January 21, 2012
Mapleton, ND
www.snowjam.org
1st Annual Central Oregon Drag
Races
February 11-12, 2012
www.centraloregonsnowbusters.com
Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
February 11-20, 2012
12th Annual One Lunger Vintage
Snowmobile Race and the Big Iron
Race
February 18, 2012
[email protected]
Annual D.C. Fly-in
March 17-20, 2012
44th Interna'onal
Snowmobile Congress
June 6-9, 2012
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine is for educa+onal and entertainment purposes and we are not liable for any
injuries or damages caused by extreme riding. Ride responsibly, sober and with a buddy. Be aware of avalanche dangers, always carry avalanche safety equipment and become educated on how to properly use the equipment.
Remember that he who rides and walks away can live to ride another day.
January 2012 Snowmobile Storm 9
Photo Contest
ce
a
l
P
t
s
!
r
0
Fi
5
s$
n
i
W
Take Your Best Shot
and send it to:
Snowmobile Storm
“Take Your Best Shot”
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
or E-mail: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Take Your Best Shot”
Photo of Andy “G
Photo by Ch
Please include :
Your name, address, and e-mail.
A cap%on for the photo and the name of the
photographer. JPEG and PDF files only please.
Contest Rules: Submissions sent by mail will not be returned. By submiRng your photo you agree that Snowmobile Storm Adventure
Magazine has the right to publish the photo and may use the photo anywhere in the publica+on with photo credits given. You also agree
that your photo is your own original work and does not violate any copyright laws. The first place winner will receive $50.
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January 2012
Thanks for participating and good luck!
Winner
Goat” Knouse • Location: Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado
had Kustus • Photo Submitted by Andy Knouse
January 2012
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11
Shane Kelley
NAME: Shane Kelley
AGE: 25
HOMETOWN: Quincy, CA
OCCUPATION: Wild Land Fire Fighter in summer and winter
Snowmobile Filmer and Rider.
YEAR YOU FIRST STARTED SNOWMOBILING:
1991
CURRENT BRAND OF SNOWMOBILE: Ski-doo
Freeride
FAVORITE ASPECT OF SNOWMOBILING: My favorite aspect of snowmobiling is getting out in the
back country with your friends and pushing the
level. There is nothing better than a blue bird day,
with three feet of fresh powder, and riding
with your buddies; slapping high fives hootin and
a hollerin having the time of your lives.
WHY: My favorite places to ride have to be Sonora
pass and Gold Lake in California. They are flowy and
fun to ride with big hills and endless jumps. Outside
of Cali I would say Tony Grove Utah and McCall
Idaho which offer the same type of riding.
WHAT YOU DO BEST: What I do best I would say
I’m a confident rider and who knows how to take
my sled to the limit. I am awesome at reading the
terrain and sled control.
WHAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY: What drives me crazy
are the greenies that are trying so hard to shut
down the land that we call our playground and
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TERRAIN TO RIDE AND don’t even know what they are shutting down.
WHY: My favorite terrain is big mountain, high elevation. This is my favorite terrain because down LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m pretty
lower you can play in the trees and boondock and darn good at bumper sleds
as you get into the higher elevations you have
huge peaks with gnarly chutes and hills. Plus you
DESCRIBE YOUR BEST SNOWMOBILING MOMENT:
have cliffs and endless possibilities to go big.
Some of my best moments snowmobiling would
have to be few years back in Utah with the BoonWHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SNOWMOBILE
dockers and Team Summit crews. It was perfect:
THAT YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE: I would
fresh snow, cold, no tracks. We were dropping
like to ride BC Canada and Montana those are
cliffs, hitting jumps, climbing having a blast. Anpretty much the only places I have not rode yet
other great time, Duncan Lee and I were up at Casand heard they are awesome but plan on it this
tle Peaks after about a 5ft dump no one out there
year.
just the 2 of us filming, then a heli showed up to
film. It was all time! All you could hear on the film
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE(S) TO RIDE AND was us screaming and yelling this is awesome and
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Photos by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
January 2012
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Photos by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
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January 2012
laughing.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORST SNOWMOBILING
MOMENT: Worst day of sledding would have to be
2 years ago at Huckfest.
I was riding the track we made, I had
jumped everything the day before
and had it all down. I jumped all the
smaller jumps that day and the first
time I hit the big boy that day I came
up short and wrecked pretty bad.
Knocked out for a few and could not
breath or walk I broke ribs, smashed
kidney and busted my knee all up so it
ended my weekend fast.
LIST OF SPONSORS: RSI Racing, HMK, Starting Line
Products, Alpine Assassins, Gnar Bar, Ice Age Rails,
Arctic FX Graphics, ARS FX, Mod Rods, Better
Boards, Torco Racing Oils, Avi Vest, Thin Air Motor
Sports, Cobe Motor Sports, 2Cool Air Vents, EVS,
509 Goggles, SnowDolls .
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF: I was born and
raised in Quincy California. It is a small town in the
heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I loved growing up there, only a 20 minute drive to some of the
best riding. I was never inside as a kid or even now.
(ha-ha) In the summer I was always out fishing, biking, and hiking and in the winter I went sledding as
many days as I could. I raced snowmobiles in Hill
Climbs and Hill Cross till 2004 and then started getWHAT DO YOU FEAR: My biggest fear ting into the sled film area. I started filming with
would have to be not being able to ride Team
Summit
Productions
actually
anymore due to land closers.
produced/filmed the last Elevation DVD. I have
rode for company’s such as Boondockers films, 509
WHAT ARE YOU BEST-KNOWN FOR: I films, and Alpine Assassins, and featured in 12 other
would have to say I’m best known for movies. If you see me in the mountain don’t be
being smooth in the back country. afraid to pull up and chit chat and ride with me. I’m
Whether its jumping, climbing, or boondocking. But always looking to meet and ride with new people.
most of all being able to have fun and laugh at all I recently moved to Boise, Id to live with my beautimes, living life to the fullest.
tiful Girlfriend and our cute little English Bulldog,
Macy. I plan on fighting fire here so look for me in
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OFF-SEASON
the mountains in McCall on the weekends.
ADVENTURES: In the off season when I’m not on
the fire line you can find me downhill mtn biking,
hiking or on the local
stream, rivers and lakes fly
fishing and bass fishing
FAVORITE MOVIE: Favorite
movie would have to be
Forecast. It was the first sled
film to really focus on cinematography and the roots of
snowmobiling. I feel it has
changed the way we are
doing sled films today.
FAVORITE FOOD:
I love Italian food.
January 2012
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15
COLORADO:
Mountain Tech Yamaha
28395 County Road 317
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-0438
www.mountaintechbv.com
Lis+ngs Cost $30 or less per month. • For more details click here.
Or call 970-625-4141
January 2012
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17
nowmobile orth aota ocs asatoon
rticle and hotos b eri anner
nowmobile orth aota
There is nothing like snow to get a person ready to
ride!!! And there is nothing quite like a snow show
to get a snowmobiler excited for the season.
Snowmobile North Dakota is always excited to attend Hay Days but for 2011 we decided to broaden
our horizons and set our goals higher to market
ND’s snowmobile trails. When the Saskatchewan
Snowmobile Association contacted us to have a
booth at the Snow Show in Saskatoon, we jumped
at the chance, eh!!!
These guys know how to do it right!!! All four manufacturer’s were present at the show. This snow
show TOPS the list and has everything you can
imagine. Trust me, if you walk out empty handed
you did something wrong!! Either that or I need to
teach you how to shop snow!!!!! Everything from
custom pipes, turbo’s, more clothing than you can
imagine, heck by a trailer or even visit the local
meat shop for the best jerky ever. And don’t forget
to take a walk down memory lane as you visit the
sea, yes I said sea of pristine vintage snowmobiles.
If this doesn’t have your thumb twitching and putting on your snowmobile gear like “Arctic Blast” so
you can watch TV while you wait for snow, I’m not
sure you can call yourself a true snowmobiler. Just
saying!!!! J But hey, this was the Mother of all
Snow Shows and an excellent opportunity to get
you pumped for the season!
Yes, and this all came after spending three days
next to the orthopedic show lady that of all things,
LOVES Obama!!! Thankfully we were so busy at
Snowmobile North Dakota’s booth; we didn’t have
time to chat!!! The Canadians were so excited
about us being at the show, they were even calling
us the following Monday requesting hotel information. Yup, North Dakota Rock’d the Saskatoon
Snow Show and we can’t wait to see them visiting
us on the trails, eh!!!!
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January 2012
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& dventre iders
Up-coming 2012 Adventures in Colorado - March 1st-11th
rticle b ac heets
S&W has chosen the Taylor Park area of Colorado for
our 2012 Adventure Ride.
(depending on weather). For the Long Weekend
trips, we will be riding on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (probably a short ride) March 2-4 and March 9We are trying something a little different this year. 11. You can drive to Taylor Park (the Gunnison side),
We will be having two “Long Weekend Rides” in con- or you can park on the east side of Cottonwood Pass
junction with our normal S&W ride. With this (outside of Buena Vista) and snowmobile into Taylor
change, we hope that other clubs in the state might Park.
be able to come and join with our club for one of the
Long Weekend rides. The Long Weekend ride also The Full ride for S&W will start with a kickoff dinner
gives individuals, who cannot ride for a whole week, at the Nugget Café (in Taylor Park) on Saturday night
an opportunity to join us for a short weekend ride. March 3rd. You can arrive early and ride Saturday, if
you want. We will ride out of Taylor Park on Sunday
We will have our normal S&W Adventure ride that and Monday, before starting our 3 day 2 night destiwill start on March 3rd (Saturday night) through nation over Napoleon Pass and on to Waunita Hot
March 10th (Saturday). This trip will include a 3-day Springs on Tuesday.
(2-night) destination trip to Waunita Hot Springs.
In closing, we hope the rides that we are planning
Taylor Park is an excellent place because there is will have an interest to the individual snowmobiler
great riding in many different directions AND you can as well as clubs or groups that have not been to the
ride directly from the cabins. All of the riding there is Taylor Park area.
dependent on good weather, as you will cross over
many high mountain passes; in bad weather it can So, make plans to join S&W Adventure Riders on
get quite nasty.
one or more of our rides. Come be a part of the Fun
and Comradery!
Going north you can ride over Taylor Pass and then
play your way to the top of Aspen Ski area for lunch. If you need any more information or want us to hold
Going north and west there is great riding in Italian a spot for you, on any of the rides, please contact
Creek, Cement Creek and Spring Creek. Going east
you can go to Cotton Wood Pass for some great Jack Sheets
areas to ride: i.e.: going over the top and down you 719-593-0711
can play in the BOWL and there are some terrific [email protected]
areas to climb as well. Going south and east, to the
town of Tin Cup, then over Tin Cup Pass to St Elmo Jack Welch
and over Hancock Pass will provide some great rid- 303-324-7185
ing, playing and climbing. From the town of Tin Cup, [email protected]
you can then go south and west to Napoleon Pass
Chuck Ramsey
and down to Pitkin or on to Waunita Hot Springs.
970-897-3124
As you can see there are a variety of riding choices [email protected]
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January 2012
assachsetts to ost the
!" #nternational nowmobile $ongress
Collaborate! Learn! Exhibit!
rticle b ena & mner
'xective irector of the nowmobile ssociation
of assachsetts #$ !" $hair
The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SAM) is proud to host the
44th Annual International Snowmobile Congress (ISC), June 5 – 9, 2012
in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Snowmobile enthusiast from all over the
world will gather at this premier international event.
ISC is the preeminent snowmobile
event of the year, featuring over 20
workshops covering an incredibly
wide range of topics, including
proper grooming techniques, trail
easements, planning saddlebag trips,
political impact, even vintage snowmobile restoration. A full list of workshops and ISC information is available at www.sledmass.com.
In addition to the workshops there will be meetings of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) and the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), a surprise off-site event,
an awards banquet, groomer displays, general exhibits, evening social parties and lots of fun.
The conference is also a forum where snowmobile leaders and administrators from U.S., Canada,
Sweden and Russia meet, share ideas and move the snowmobile recreational agenda forward.
Historic Sturbridge is conveniently located at the intersection of I-90 and I-84 in Central Massachusetts, an hour’s drive from three major airports. We invite snowmobilers, industry leaders and others in snowmobile businesses, big or small, to participate in this unique event.
We know that with your support, we can achieve our goal of showcasing ISC 2012 as “A Revolutionary Experience”.
www.sledmass.com
January 2012
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21
isconsin now rags in errill
January 14th, 2012
The Mid America Snow and Terrain Expert Racers, known since 1995 as the MASTERS Racing Circuit, will be sanctioning the Wisconsin Snow Drags just outside of Merrill, Wisconsin, on Jan 14th.
This is the first race of the MASTERS Racing Circuit Drag Racing Series for the winter of 2011.
Snowmobiles will be competing on a hard-packed, groomed snow surface. The 3 drag racing
‘strips’ are 500 feet in length. The MASTERS runs a Stock and a Modified Division. The Stock
classes include, 500, 600, 700, 800, and Open Stock. The Modified Division includes; 500, 600, 700,
800, Open, and TOP GUN.
The TOP GUN winner will receive $500 1st Place Cash and the Ed Dinges Memorial Trophy. TOP
GUN is for naturally aspirated, non-turbo sleds up to 1000 cc. The Open Class is for any snowmobile up to 1200 cc.
The races will also include the Copper River Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club ‘Beat-your-buddy’
races, along with the popular MASTERS Racing Circuit 120cc Class.
The MASTERS Racing Circuit will go from Merrill, Wisconsin on Saturday, January 14th to Lake Gogebic Ice Drags in Bergland, Michigan the following Saturday. Then MASTERS Racing Circuit drivers
will be competing for points at the St. Germain Ice Drags on Sunday, Feb 5th. The biggest cash
purse race of the year will take place at the Sidnaw Airport in Sidnaw, Michigan, on Saturday, Feb
18th. The most competitive race of the series takes place on Saturday, April 7th at Marquette Mountain, Marquette, Michigan.
Registration for each race is done either on line, www.mastersracing.net or by attending the PreRegistration Drivers Party the Friday Night before the race. No racer registration takes place the
day of the race. The MASTERS is looking at adding a race on Saturday Feb 25th and after the Marquette Mountain Uphill Drags.
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January 2012
#nternational nowmobile afet ee !"
anar "*+ "st&&& and ll ,earrticle b 'd lim
HASLETT, MI, January 3, 2012 – The
four snowmobile manufacturers
are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming
International Snowmobile Safety
Week January 15-21-2012. Snowmobilers have placed safe, responsible snowmobiling at the top of
their list for years and have made
great strides in safety education
and enforcement. Snowmobile
safety is a year around project that
is supported by safety trainers,
clubs, associations, enforcement
officials, dealers and the manufacturers throughout the world.
private property
5. Cross roads with care, don’t
become road kill
6. Ride smart, ride right, always
stay in control.
7. One is the loneliest number,
never ride alone
8. Know the risks and be prepared, make every trip a round
trip (be avalanche smart).
If you manage a club or local
snowmobile association and are
interested in participating in the
International Snowmobile Safety
Week, we have available the
Safety Week Campaign Action
In 1995 the snowmobile commuManual on our web site
nity joined together and developed the Safe Rid- www.snowmobile.org . The manual provides tips
ers! You make snowmobiling safe™ safety on how to organize a local safety campaign and
campaign, and since its inception, literally millions promote the Safe Riders! position. (Tip: We enof pieces of information have been distributed courage snowmobile safety year around and if
throughout the marketplace, encouraging and in- the weather doesn’t cooperate we always ensisting on safe snowmobiling behavior. The Safe courage you to promote safety in your area any
Riders! DVD is used by safety trainers throughout time during the year.)
the world. In addition to the safety DVD, the
manufacturers have also developed radio and TV If any snowmobile enthusiast, manager, club
public service announcements reminding snow- president, or safety trainer is interested in obmobile enthusiasts of the need to snowmobile re- taining any of the free Safe Riders! information
sponsibly and safely. Also available are the for distribution, please contact the ISMA Office at
Snowmobiling Fact Book, and Snowmobile Safety (517) 339-7788 for an order form. The order
brochure.
forms can also be requested through the ISMA
web site at www.snowmobile.org.
The Safe Riders! campaign focuses on key areas
of concern that are the major causes of snowmo- It is important that all of us remember to be safe
bile accidents. Those key issues are depicted in riders and that only we TOGETHER make snowour snowmobiling safety posters (also available mobiling safe. Encourage and insist on proper befree of charge from the ISMA Office) and include: havior by your family and friends while
snowmobiling, and with Mother Nature certain to
1. Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix, provide us with great snowmobiling condidon’t drink and ride
tions…..eventually……this winter, let’s always re2. Know before you go, always check local member the safety guidelines that are so
ice conditions
important to keep our winter recreation of choice
3. When night riding, slow down, always ex- alive.
pect the unexpected
4. Ride safe, stay on the trail, always respect
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January 2012
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25
Photo by Minisa Robinson
The areas that we ride are transformed into another world during the winter
months, sometimes morphing into an unrecognizable landscape of white.
Here’s a chance to enjoy nature’s beauty both before and after the storm.
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January 2012
Photo by Diana Grant
TAKE A “BEFORE AND AFTER THE STORM” PHOTO OF YOUR FAVORITE RIDING AREA
And send it to: Snowmobile Storm • “A<er the Storm” • 2410 Acacia Ave • Rifle, CO 81650
or E-mail: [email protected] • Subject Line: “A<er the Storm”
Please include : Your name, address, and e-mail. • A cap%on for the photo and the name of the photographer. JPEG and PDF files only please.
January 2012
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27
inners of the !""+ !"
.# and /0'+1'2 nowmobile /rants
KLIM Technical Riding Gear and GORE-TEX® are
proud to announce the winners of the 2011-2012
Snowmobile Grants. The KLIM and GORE-TEX®
snowmobile grants are awarded to five clubs, organizations or groups who promote the core
ideals of responsible snowmobiling and who best
represent and support the pinnacles of a true enthusiast group: Snowmobiling Family, Community
and the sport’s Preservation.
the Snowbusters are quickly becoming a model
club for the young guns in the country.
San Juan Sledders and Silverton Snowmobile
Clubs (combined), Colorado
A long list of efforts and local community involvement made this application stand out—including a Fun Ride for Handicapped members of
their communities, Big Brothers/Big Sisters ride,
cooperative grooming practices with dog sledThis year, we are proud to announce the follow- ders, Nordic ski clubs and local municipalities,
ing clubs have been awarded $1,000 each for snowmobile safety classes (taught by their own
their efforts.
grooming foreman), search and rescue assistance
and just putting in a ton of effort to make sure
The winners are:
snowmobiling is successful in the Durango/SilCentral Oregon Snowbusters, Bend, Oregon
verton, Colorado areas. Check out the video of
Matt Mahoney, President of the Snowbusters, their Fun Ride.
wrote in with some great focus and direction for
the club. We were impressed with their story and McHenry Sno-Birds Snowmobile Club, McHenry,
forward-thinking efforts. The Snowbusters is Ore- Illinois
gon’s youngest snowmobile club and were actu- The McHenry Sno-Birds’ is the longest standing
ally started because of the fall of one of the snowmobile club in McHenry County, fist starting
state’s oldest. After the old club became unsanc- in 1967. In fact, their current club President, Mr.
tioned and stopped grooming trails, the Snow- Albert Adams was one of the founding members
busters stepped up, big time, and started of the club and is 81 years old! Their reasoning for
organizing. They now groom more miles and forming a club back in 1967? The same as it is
more hours than any other club in the state. On today: to promote snowmobiling—simple! With
top of grooming, they are excited and focused on their $1,000 grant, the Sno-Birds look to purchase
the expansion of their young club (Mahoney is new trail marking stakes and signs, purchase split
only 29, after all) with tomorrow’s sledders. It is wood to heat the only grant-funded warming
their mission to get the next-generation, the shelter in the county, buy advertising in the
“young blood” of riding involved in club efforts. county wide daily newspaper promoting safe
How do you do that? Hold group rides one week- snowmobiling and fund the McHenry County
end a month this winter split into four groups to Snowmobile Association’s account to offset any
focus on a specific group of riders. This year, club landowner damage claims.
rides for Extreme Mountain, Ladies, Family Trail
and High Performance Trail groups will get their Frozen Few Snowmobile Club, Coggon, Iowa
own focused attention. Add in their re-introduc- Besides having a spectacular club name, the
tion to racing events in the area, cooperation with Frozen Few presented a great list of outreach and
different winter-use groups and positive media snowmobile-promoting goals for the 2011-2012
exposure for the snowmobiling community and season. They’re starting off by tripling their num-
28
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
ber of local Snocross events they host in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. The
1,000-plus fans in attendance at each round will
be introduced to the sport and club brilliantly.
Through this exposure, more riders can attend
the state Safety Training Program the club puts
on (required to all riders in Iowa age 12-17 and
chow down on free lunch. On top of these ambitions plans the Frozen Few plan on grooming
275+ miles of trails in Iowa, providing Trail Maps,
arranging landowner access and organizing multiple club events.
than any other PA county! With all that traffic,
their trail system definitely acts as a hub of riding
and links 162 miles of the Erie Crawford Snowmobile Alliance trails. Obviously the club sees a
lot of riders passing through, and a lot of them
are from out of state or non-local. In order to
make sure every rider understands the importance of staying on the trail—nearly all of it is on
private landowner property, after all—the
SnowRiders plan on purchasing all the required
signs, posts and literature to step up the safety
level of their system.
McKean SnowRiders, McKean, Pennsylvania
The McKean SnowRiders represents Erie County
in Northwestern Pennsylvania. While their 200member club might not have the largest membership in the country, their county certainly
doesn’t have a shortage of snowmobiles. Erie
County has over 2,000 sleds registered—more
KLIM and GORE-TEX® would like to express our
sincere appreciation to everyone who applied, all
applicants were truly worthy of the KLIM and
GORE-TEX® grant awards and we deeply appreciate their dedication the roots of our most-loved
sport.
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
29
"st nnal $olorado now n
March 9-10, 2012
The countdown has begun to the 1st Annual Colorado Snow Run on March 9th & 10th in Town of
Grand Lake. The two day event is open to both
men and women and will raise funds for both
men and women that are diagnosed with breast
cancer throughout the state of Colorado.
Whether you are a snowmobiler or not, the event
has something for everyone, music, auctions, bra
decorating contests and lots of incredible food!
As a snowmobiler you will be offered the option
of two days of snowmobiling and the scenery
views of a life time!
Party sponsored by Thunderstruck Films.
If you are interested in attending the event,
please register online at www.pinkribbonriders.com
The event is also looking for support of auction
items and donations, please email to: [email protected]
Supporters of the 1st Annual Colorado Snow Run:
Presenting Sponsors: Town of Grand Lake, Electronic Processing Systems of Denver (EPS)
The setting could not be more beautiful then at Gold Level: Thunderstruck Films
the Winding River Resort as the Resort is at the Silver Level: Colorado State Snowmobile Associabase of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The tion, Grand Lake Snowmobile Adventures
event will be the most unique winter wonderland Bronze Level: Habervision, Winding River Resort
experience on the Pink Ribbon Riders 2012 Snow Host Hotel Sponsors: Western Riviera, GateWay
Run Tour. This is one event not to miss!The area Inn
offers 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails as
2012 Snow Run Tour Sponsors:
well as deep powder riding.
Triton Trailers, HMK USA, Choko Design, Arctic
The support from around the state of Colorado Cat Corporation, Ingles Performance
has been tremendous to bring this first time
event to the area which will then create funding • PRR FACTS: The 2012 Snow Run Tour currently
for breast cancer patients to be eligible for the runs through 6 other states (New York, Michigan,
Pink Ribbon Riders Assistance Program in the fu- Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and
Wyoming) and raises funds for the Pink Ribbon
ture.
Riders Assistance Program. The funds raised stay
The 1st Annual Colorado Snow Run is a PRE-REG- in the states in which the events are held making
ISTRATION only event, and an early bird fee is it possible for all breast cancer patients, both men
$150. Per person for the two day event. If you and women, in that state to apply for financial ascannot attend both days, there is a FRIDAY night sistance. As a 501 C (3) non-profit organization
only party ticket available. Early bird registration the PRR are able to distribute funds directly to
has been extended to January 30th. After Janu- both men and women breast cancer patients that
ary 30th the registration is $175.00 per person. apply to PRR. Each patient receives a $500.00 gift
Each participant will receive a gift at the Welcome card to help with daily financial struggles.
30
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
"st nnal $entral 0regon rag aces
February 11-12th, 2012
rticle b att ahone
Free spectator admission, however, in Oregon
you must have a SnoPark Permit, attainable at the
and 3arb llwardt
resident and ecretar of the $en+ races or at area businesses in Bend.
tral 0regon nowbsters
As an added bonus, there will be concessions on
The Central Oregon Snowbusters and ProCaliber
Sports are excited to announce the 1st annual
Central Oregon Drag races on February 11-12th,
2012!
These races will be held at the Frank Ellis/Wanoga
SnoPark, Bend, Oregon.
This 2 day race will be double elimination races
in;
600, 700, 800 stock and improved class
800, 1000 open class
“Women’s only class
OUTLAW CLASS; “Run what you Brung”!
(Any cc, any motor combo, nitrous, turb & super
chargers welcome!)
There will be winners for both days with a guaranteed payout from ProCaliber Sports, of $1,000
for the winner of the Outlaw class and a $250
guaranteed payout for the Women’s only class
sponsored by Central Oregon Adventures!! Trophies and cash will be awarded each day!
We will have a 1/8th mile groomed track with
starting boards and a “Christmas tree” light system for accurate finishes.
32
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
site, provided by the Snowbusters and the famous “Reverend” Johnny Clapp’s BBQ!
We hope to provide you with one of the best
weekend trips you have ever made! Come join us
for racing and fun!
For up to date information, please check our
Snowbuster website, www.centraloregonsnowbusters.com . We hope to have a pre-registration
form on this site. You can also contact us at; [email protected] .
Frank Ellis SnoPark is truck/trailer, motorhome,
personal car friendly, with restroom facilities,
however, there is no electrical, water, or fuel facilities available, so if you are “camping out” for
the weekend, please be prepared! The city of
Bend is approximately 18 miles from the SnoPark.
We do have a very nice shelter with a wood stove
to keep all of you warm and dry! The Snowbusters also provide over 300 miles of groomed
trails and a lot of play areas for your “off-time”
leisure and welcome you to ride when you have
the time! We look forward to seeing you at the
races!
ocial edia and 1he nowmobile
rticle b /ar 3roderic
resident4 ew ,or tate nowmo+
bile ssociation 5 ember4 #nterna+
tional nowmobile edia $oncil
Facebook? Twitter? What? You’ve heard those
names, but do you know what they mean? In our
universe it means you can advertise your club and
the sport to millions for free. Yes, for free! We
live in the electronic age and social media is rapidly becoming the easiest way to reach out to
people. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has survey results
showing that eight out of every 10 non-snowmobilers out there are interested in snowmobiling
but aren’t sure how to go about getting involved
and don’t know who they should go to. To me,
the obvious answer is ‘to the clubs throughout
the world that are the backbone of snowmobiling’.
The one constant in our universe is that we need
members and we need members that will volunteer their time to help us accomplish the goals of
our clubs. So, how do we get the two together,
the 80% and the clubs that need them to be
members? Social Media is a great way to start.
I’ve heard many people say it’s really hard to accomplish this and it takes too much time to maintain. I disagree! Building a page on Facebook
takes a matter of minutes. Seriously. For Facebook, go to the bottom of the page and click on
the ‘Create a Page’ link and follow the instructions-they are fairly intuitive. Once complete, you
can invite everyone you know to ‘join’ or ‘like’
your Club page. You can also go to other pages
like the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) page, the International Snowmobile
Media Council (ISMC) page or the pages for other
clubs and associations. Once you’ve ‘joined’ or
‘liked’ a page, your posts will show up on their
wall and other members will see them. Our own
Facebook page for the New York State Snowmobile Association has over 3000 fans/members
since its inception in 2010.
Currently there are over 500 Million users on
Facebook alone. How many can you hit? As
many as you want to. Add content to your pages
on a regular basis-tell people what you are doing,
planning or have done. To make it even easier,
you can appoint administrators that can share the
load. Each administrator can add content and pictures, modify pages and such. Facebook is a great
way to chronicle your club’s adventures, triumphs
and tragedies and an even better way to attract
people that see your page and say, “gee, I’d like to
do that”. And again, all this at a cost of ZERO dollars. How hard is this? I personally have seven
different Facebook pages I am an administrator
on. It takes no more than a few minutes a day for
me.
The International Snowmobile Media Council is
dedicated to promoting snowmobiling as a safe
and exciting family recreation. Originally developed as a forum for state, provincial and national snowmobile publication editors to share
ideas, it has grown with the changing times to
include video and on-line media as well. It is
now comprised of a variety of media representatives who are directly involved with and support the organized snowmobile community.
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
33
rctic $at4 olaris and ,amaha
to #ntrodce !"6 odels this pring
In a series of 22 locations across the snowbelt,
Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha will give snowmobilers a “Sneak Peek” at their new models for
2013. Each manufacturer will display 15-18
sleds. That’s 50+ new snowmobiles for 2013
displayed on one show floor all at the same
time.
Snowmobilers can see, touch, sit on and inspect
the sleds that will be at their dealer in the fall.
Final decisions and taking advantage of the special incentives offered during the spring buying
programs can be made with hands-on inspection of the various models.
Outdoor events may have an admission charge
and show times will follow that event’s schedule. Indoor events are from 4-9:00 PM with free
admission. See special times for
Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center and Manchester.
Green Bay, WI. March 22, 2012
Shopko Hall - 1901 S. Oneida St.
Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. March 2425, 2012
Earle Brown Center - 6155 Earle Brown Dr.
Brooklyn Center, MN
Saturday from 2-8 PM and Sunday from Noon-5
PM
Grand Rapids, MI. March 28, 2012
Delta Plex Arena - 2500 Turner Ave NW
Buffalo/Hamburg, NY. April 2, 2012
Fairgrounds - 5820 S. Park - Hamburg, NY
Allentown, PA. April 4, 2012
Fairgrounds - Annex Bldg - 302 N. 17th St.
Manchester, NH. April 7, 2012
Radisson Hotel - 700 Elm St.
Show hours 2-8 PM
The schedule is:
Eastern Tour:
Colebrook, NH. March 2-3, 2012
Coleman State Park
Novi, MI. April 11, 2012
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave.
Augusta, ME. March 6, 2012
Civic Center - 76 Community Drive
Duluth, MN. April 19, 2012
DECC - 350 Harbor Dr.
Old Forge, NY. March 10-11
North street Recreational Center
Western Tour:
Syracuse, NY. March 13, 2012
NY State Fairgrounds - Horticulture Bldg.
Lake Geneva, WI. March 16-18, 2012
Geneva Grand Resort
Stevens Point, WI. March 20
Holiday Inn - 1001 Amber Ave.
34
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Denver, CO. March 13, 2012
Merchandise Mart - Expo Bldg II - 451 E. 58th
Ave
West Yellowstone, MT. March 16-18, 2012
Holiday Inn
Jackson Hole, WY. March 22-25, 2012
Snow King Resort
Davis Conference Center - 1651 North 700 West
Puyallup, WA. March 28, 2012
Americraft Showplex - Center & East
110 9th Ave SW
Fargo, ND. April 9, 2012
Fargo Dome - 1800 N. University Dr.
Spokane, WA. April 2, 2012
Spokane County Fair & Expo
404 N. Hauana
The Colebrook, Old Forge, Lake Geneva, West
Yellowstone and Jackson Hole shows are outdoor events and will follow the hours of that
event.
Boise, ID. April 4, 2012
Expo Idaho - Center Bldg. -5610 Glenwood
For more information: 1-800-746-8963
Layton, UT. April 6, 2012
Snapshot Spot
Photo by Diana Grant
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
35
January is the “Snowmobile Safety” issue
of the Snowmobile Storm
In honor of the International Snowmobile Safety Week (January 15-21st, 2012)
and for the benefit of all snowmobilers,
the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine
has dedicated its January issue to snowmobile safety.
Special thanks to the following people, websites and resources:
• www.snowmobilers.org
• www.snowmobile.org
• The W.I.S.E. Guide To Wilderness Survival by Papa Bear Whitmore
• The SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman
• Soldier’s Handbook For Individual Operations And Survival In Cold Weather Areas
by the Department Of The Army
• Members of the Rifle Snowmobile Club
Photos by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
36
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Want to Win?
Then Join in the Fun!
Check out the many contests, games and prizes that Snowmobile Storm offers:
“Take Your Best Shot” Photo Contest:
Winner receives $50 for the best photo. The contest is open to everyone and all snowmobile related photos will be considered.
“The Hidden Snowflake” Contest:
Can you find it? Each month a single snowflake will be hidden somewhere within the Snowmobile
Storm. The winner of the contest will receive $25.
“Reader Adventure” and “I Survived” Ar+cles:
Write an adventure or survival story and recieve $25 for each ar+cle published in Snowmobile
Storm. Tell us about your adventure! Anything from riding a new area, having a great ou+ng, to
running into trouble and more. Were you stranded or have a close call? Send us your survival story.
Send ar+cles to [email protected] Subject: “Reader Adventure” or “I Survived”
“Pro Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Get to know the pros! Learn more about the professional snowmobilers, industry leaders and upand-coming riders. If you are a snowmobiling pro and would like to be considered for the Pro Rider
Spotlight, answer the ques+ons from the Pro Rider Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to: [email protected] Subject: “Pro Rider Spotlight”.
“Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Nominate your friend or family member for the Rider Spotlight, or send us your informa+on if
you’d like to be considered for next month’s featured rider. Simply answer the ques+ons from the
Rider Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to:
[email protected] Subject: “Rider Spotlight”.
“Rider Recipes” Feature:
Do you have a great idea for lunch? Send us your recipes! Anything yummy that travels well while
snowmobiling, different places to carry lunch or easy fixin’s for a1er the ride. For each recipe we
use you’ll be entered into the quarterly drawing for a $50 gi1 card.
“Kids Coloring Page” Contest:
All kidos 10 and under can join in on the coloring fun! Simply print the single black and white page,
make it beau+ful and send it back to us. The winner will have their work of art published in the
next issue of Snowmobile Storm.
Permissions and Representations:
By submiRng photos and/or content to the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you are officially submiRng your photos and/or content for considera+on for use in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and on www.snowmobilestorm.com. By submiRng your photos and/or content, you agree that you are the author of the photos and/or content and you own or have the necessary rights to all copyrights
or other proprietary rights in your photos and/or content. You retain ownership of your photos and/or content that you submit to the
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, and if your photo and/or content is published in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you
will be aDributed using the photo/author credit informa+on you provide. However, by submiRng your photos and/or content to the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you grant the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display your photos and/or content in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and on
www.snowmobilestorm.com.
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
37
- Be Prepared When snowmobiling, your chances of finding
someone in trouble or having trouble yourself is
an ever-present danger. Survival often depends
on three things; your state of mind, the equipment in your survival pack, and your knowledge
of how to use that equipment.
FOOD
In addition to the above items you might consider
adding these items to your equipment.
AVALANCHE SHOVEL
SIGNAL MIRROR
Build your own survival kit to insure that you are BLAZE ORANGE CLOTH
carrying quality equipment that will be the most 2 35 MM FILM CANS OF CALCIUM CARBIDE
helpful to your specific outdoor activity. Store (SEALED WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE)
bought kits can be full of equipment that offer lit- #0000 STEEL WOOL PADS & 9 VOLT BATTERY
tle help.
MAGNESIUM FIRE STICK
DRY SOCKS
The following is a list of necessary equipment that NEWSPAPER
you should carry with you on every outing to in- SMALL SNOWSHOES
crease your chances of survival should something CYALUME LIGHT STICKS
unexpected happen. Never go snowmobiling FLASHING STROBE LIGHT
without your survival gear.
CELL PHONE
SMALL CAN OF LIGHTER FLUID
WATERPROOF MATCHES
THERMOS OF HOT BEVERAGE
2 OR 3 BUTANE LIGHTERS (CLEAR WITH AN AD- AVALANCHE BEACONS IF YOU RIDE IN AVAJUSTABLE FLAME)
LANCHE COUNTRY
CANDLE
50 FT NYLON PARACHUTE CORD (FOR BUILDING SUGGESTED SNOWMOBILE CLOTHING
A SHELTER)
60 X 90 INCH SHEET OF 2 MIL PLASTIC
Good quality winter clothing is critical to your enSHARP KNIFE
joyment and safety when snowmobiling. Ski type
2 OR 3 SILVER & GOLD SPACE BLANKETS
clothing is usually not warm enough due to the
PLASTIC WHISTLE (ACME DOG TRAINING WHIS- wind chill factor when riding. Bibs made specifiTLE)
cally for snowmobiling is a must. Waterproof all
SMALL FOLDING WOOD SAW
clothing, and layer clothing so that each addiSURVIVAL PAPER (KLEENEX OR TOILET PAPER)
tional layer is slightly larger in size to keep your
SMALL FLASHLIGHT WITH SPARE BATTERIES
clothing from becoming too tight and restrictive.
CANDY BARS AND HARD CANDY
Waterproof gloves and boots also. Avoid wearDRY GLOVES (SNOWMOBILE & WOOL)
ing any clothing made of cotton. It will quickly
WATER
become wet and cold and dries very slowly. The
ASPIRIN
phrase, “cotton kills” is well known within the
BASIC FIRST-AID KIT
search & rescue community. Polar fleece is an ex38
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
cellent replacement for cotton as long as it is not
used as an outer layer. It can also quickly become
wet, but it will dry quickly. Remember to add a
layer of clothing before you become chilled and
take off a layer before you become damp from
perspiration.
THERMAL TYPE UNDERWEAR
TURTLENECK
SWEATER (WOOL OR POLAR FLEECE)
WELL-INSULATED COAT WITH LARGE POCKETS
WOOL SOCKS (OR MERINO WOOL)
SNOWMOBILE BIBS (WATERPROOF)
SNOWMOBILE BOOTS (RATED AT -40 OR BELOW,
-100 FOR WOMEN)
WELL INSULATED GLOVES OR MITTENS WITH
WATERPROOF SHELL
GLOVE LINERS
NECK GAITER
BALACLAVA OR PROCLAVA
SNOWMOBILE HELMET WITH VISOR OR SNOW
GOGGLES
SUNGLASSES (DARK FOR SUNNY DAYS, AND YELLOW FOR LOW LIGHT DAYS)
EXTRA GLOVES
KNIT CAP
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
39
Rider Randy Swenson - Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
40
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Rider Julio Eiguren - Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
41
Rider-Shane Kelly-Photo by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
Rider Cam Hicks -Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
44
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Photo by Ken Evans - Alpine Assassins
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
45
Photo by Tina S
hields
Chris
hoto by
P
Kale
Send Your Photos to
[email protected]
Subject “Photo Submission”
All submissions are entered into the
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi1 card!
46
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
- Ice Safety Courtesy of www.snowmobilers.org
The safest snowmobiling rule is to never cross
lakes or rivers since it can never be guaranteed
that ice of any thickness will support a snowmobile. Ice is always dangerous. Do not venture out
onto lakes or rivers unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe.
If you choose to snowmobile on the ice, be absolutely certain that the ice is safely frozen. Don't
trust the judgment of other snowmobilers. You
are responsible for your own safe snowmobiling.
Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. If you ride on ice often, consider wearing a
buoyant floatation snowmobile suit. It is also a
Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, good idea to have a set of commercial ice picks,
you have far less traction for starting, turning, and with spring-loaded sleeves that cover the points,
stopping on ice than on snow. Always use ex- attached to a cord so they can be threaded
treme caution when riding on ice. Always travel at through the sleeves of your snowmobile suit.
low speeds. The machine is hard to control on ice,
so fast stops are impossible and spins are far too If you go through the ice, stay calm. Remember
common. To stop, let up on the throttle slowly al- that your snowmobile suit (even a non-buoyant
lowing the machine to coast to a stop. Control- one) and helmet may keep you afloat for several
ling your machine is best when seated.
minutes. Extend your arms out forward in front
of you on the unbroken ice surface to catch yourCollisions on lakes account for a significant num- self. Kick your feet to propel you onto the ice, like
ber of accidents because riders too often believe a seal. If the ice keeps breaking, continue moving
that lakes are flat, wide open areas, free of ob- toward shore or the direction from which you
structions. Remember, if you can ride and turn in came. Use anything sharp, like ice picks, keys or a
any direction while operating on a lake, so can knife to dig into the ice to help pull you forward.
other riders. Therefore, the threat of a collision Don't remove your gloves or mitts. Once you are
can come from any direction.
on the ice, crawl or roll away from the hole. Don't
stand up until you are well away from the hole.
RIFLE, CO
FEBRUARY 19TH, 2012
C ALL 970-625-0134
28395 County Road 317
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-0438
www.mountaintechbv.com
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
47
Photo by Caleb Wray
Photo by Diana Grant
- Shelter Fire and Shelter are the two elements necessary
to increase your chances of survival. You must
stay dry and keep out of the wind. There are
many different types of shelters; listed below are
a few of them.
roof domed so that any moisture will run down
the sides rather than dripping on you. Make a
vent hole out the side of the cave and in a downward direction for fresh air. A candle may be
used for light and heat but any more heat than 1
or 2 candles starts melting too much snow. If you
LEAN-TO- Use your saw, cord, and space blankets start seeing blue-green snow on the roof when
to construct a lean-to type shelter with logs and you are digging, this means you are 8-12 inches
pine branches. Use pine boughs to thatch the from the surface and should not take any more
roof and make a bed. Do not sit or lay on the snow from the roof. If you are hoping to be found
snow as you will get wet and lose too much heat by a search party, leave some kind of signal outthrough conduction. Put one space blanket on side the cave that clearly indicates you are there,
the under side of the roof to reflect heat back to since the snow insulates all sound from immediyou. Use the other space blanket under the pine ately outside the cave.
boughs for a bed. Face the opening of the leanto away from the wind. Build your fire in front of SNOW TRENCH OR PIT- Using your avalanche
the lean-to but far enough away so your shelter shovel, dig a pit clear to the ground saving the
doesn’t catch fire. (Keep the fire small) You can snow from the pit for later use on the roof. Cut
use a space blanket alone for a roof although it some poles and lay them across the pit or trench
may not hold up in a strong wind without rein- about 1 ft apart leaving one end open for a door.
forcing it with the sheet of plastic.
Cover the poles with a space blanket or sheet of
plastic and then thatch with pine boughs and
SNOW CAVE- It is not advised to build a snow cover the pine boughs with the snow from the pit.
cave if you soak your clothes in the process. The Make a seat or bed in the back of the trench using
temperature in a snow cave is between 26 and 28 another space blanket and at least 10 inches of
degrees F., and will raise a couple of degrees from pine boughs. A small fire can be built in the open
body heat in several hours. If you have good wa- end of the pit.
terproof clothes and the weather is extreme, a
snow cave is a good shelter. Start digging into a NATURAL SHELTERS- The fastest type of shelter
snowdrift, (away from avalanche danger), in a is to improve upon natural shelters such as fallen
slightly upward direction for 2- 3 ft., then make a trees, a group of close growing pines, or the tree
sharp right or left hand turn and continue for an- well formed under a large pine tree. Use some of
other 6-8 ft. or so. The upward direction and turn the methods listed above to improve upon these
will help keep the cold air and wind out. Start natural shelters using the least amount of energy
making the cave, just large enough to sit or lay in for the best shelter against current conditions.
comfortably without touching the sides. Keep the
50
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Photo courtesy of Lanny Grant
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
51
- Calling for Help By Lanny Grant
In the event of an emergency survival situation, accident or if someone is missing, a request for assistance should be made to the Sheriffs Department for the county you are in. If you are unsure as to
your exact location, provide as much information to the dispatcher as possible so that the appropriate agency can be notified of the situation. If calling by cell phone for assistance, carefully explain the
nature of the problem and give the dispatcher your number to call back if necessary. If you are unable to contact authorities by cell phone your request for assistance can be made by sending someone (preferably two people) to the nearest phone. An ill or injured person should not be left alone;
the chances for that person’s survival and yours are greater if you stay together. If a single person goes
for help and becomes lost or injured, a bad situation is only made worse.
Remember that search & rescue teams usually consist of dedicated volunteers that must leave their
families and jobs to respond to missions. It takes time to assemble the necessary equipment and personnel to safely conduct a search & rescue mission. Be patient and concentrate on keeping your fire
and shelter efficient while waiting for help to arrive. If you hear or see searchers, make yourself seen
and heard with your whistle, by waving blaze orange fabric, increasing smoke from the fire or by
flashing light signals if it is dark.
If you hear or see search aircraft approaching, get out in the open so that you have a better chance
of being seen. A signal mirror can be seen for many miles by aircraft. If you find yourself in a situation requiring a helicopter landing at your location, remember these important safety tips:
-Pack down an area in the snow at least 50’X 50’ for the helicopter to land on.
-The entire landing zone (LZ) should be a level area a minimum of 125’X 125’ in size and should be free
of rocks, trees, logs and other obstacles.
-Helicopters need to land into the wind; tie orange flagging tape to a small tree or hold it to give the
pilot an indication of the wind direction and speed at the ground surface.
-After the helicopter lands do not approach it unless directed to do so by the flight crew.
-Never approach the tail rotor of the aircraft and always stay within sight of the pilot.
-Do not smoke around the aircraft.
These procedures are necessary for the safety of both the flight crew and anyone on the ground and
must be strictly followed.
If you are prepared, properly equipped and determined to survive your chances of being rescued are
very good. Emergencies can happen to anyone; be prepared for the unexpected.
52
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Photos courtesy of Lanny Grant
January 2012
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53
- Alcohol Courtesy of www.snowmobilers.org
You should always choose to NOT consume alcohol or use drugs while operating a snowmobile.
Many of the snowmobile accidents that occur
happen because of alcohol consumption. Alcohol
and drugs negatively affect the body by affecting
the driver’s vision, equilibrium or balance and coordination, and reaction time. For the sake of
your life and the lives of others, do not consume
alcohol or drugs while operating a snowmobile.
Never let anyone drive any vehicle after they
have been drinking alcohol. Make responsible
choices by giving friends a ride home if they have
been drinking. Visit the Violations in the Laws
page for more information on operating while intoxicated (OWI/DUI).
Alcohol Affects your Equilibrium or Balance and
Coordination
Alcohol strongly affects the sense of balance and
coordination. This decreases your ability to drive
your snowmobile in a safe manner. You can become a hazard to yourself and to others on the
trail.
Reaction Time
Reaction time is the time a driver needs to react
after a danger is recognized. There may only be a
few seconds for you to react. Situations when you
may need to react quickly while snowmobiling
can include slowing down behind another snowmobile, when approaching a road crossing, when
making a turn or negotiating a curve in the trail,
Alcohol Affects the Driver’s Vision
Those who drive while intoxicated tend to focus or swerving to avoid an on-coming snowmobile, a
only on what is in front of them, similar to “tun- fallen tree or depression in the snow. Alcohol alnel vision.” The driver fails to pay attention to ways slows your reaction time. Operating a snowanything else around them or behind them, and mobile while intoxicated can lead to injuries that
only looks a few feet in front of the snowmobile. can be severe or even deadly.
54
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Photo by Diana Grant
- Injuries Courtesy of www.snowmobilers.org
If any injuries happen during your trip, the first
thing that needs to be done is to secure the accident scene to make it safe to ensure someone
else does not also become injured. Then assess
the situation. Decide whether or not you need
emergency services and if you do, call for or send
someone for help immediately. The emergency
operator may also be able to guide you with helping the injured. If the victim is awake and responsive, ask them to tell you what is wrong. If
what they say makes you suspect a spinal injury,
do not move the victim. By moving them, you
may risk injuring them even more. If the victim is
not responsive, assume they do have a spinal injury and do not move them.
Follow these do’s and don’ts next:
Do’s:
Do – Remain Calm
Do – Treat the victim for major bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. This pressure
can help slow or stop bleeding from the wound
Do – Evaluate and if necessary treat the victim for
shock:
Immediately following the crash or incident
Anytime a victim is or was unconscious
Following blunt trauma or severe jarring of the
body
If a victim has broken bones
Do – Keep the victim as dry as possible
Do – Stabilize
Do – Take precautions so that you do not become
the victim of an accident yourself
Do – Travel with an adequately equipped first aid
kit
Do – Take a basic first aid/CPR course; it could
save a life
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Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Don'ts:
Do not offer or allow an injured person to drink
any alcohol. Alcohol causes the body to lose heat
and can induce hypothermia. Alcohol can cause
complications for medical staff who treat the victim
Do not take or give drugs or medications, legal or
not. Let medical professionals prescribe medications
Do not attempt to set broken bones
Do not overstep your training
Do not move an unconscious victim unless there
is no alternative
Shock
To treat shock, the victim should lie flat on their
back and their legs should be elevated. Keep
them warm by covering them with extra clothing
or a blanket.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when your skin actually freezes.
Things to watch out for are the skin becoming
numb and a burning sensation. If the skin is already frozen, warm the skin. Do not let the skin
refreeze once warmed. Seek medical attention
immediately. Do not rub the skin with frozen
snow. Do prevent frostbite by recognizing the
danger signs and wearing the proper clothing.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the loss of body heat to a point
that the body can no longer generate its own
heat, or heat escapes faster than the body can
generate it. The first signs of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and slurred speech, followed by delirium and unconsciousness. If the
person is not treated, they can ultimately die.
Warming the victim is the only treatment. If
someone shows signs, warm them immediately.
Build a fire, hug them or huddle close together.
Do whatever you can to get the victim warm. Do
not give the victim alcohol.
This snowmobiler crashed into an extremely
dangerous sink hole and suffered a broken leg.
Search and Rescue was dispatched to aid the
injured rider. They also coordinated the
transporta+on of the pa+ent by helicopter
to the nearest hospital.
Photos courtesy of Lanny Grant
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
57
- Frostbite This condition can occur rapidly to exposed skin
due to the wind chill factor while snowmobiling.
Make sure your entire face is covered while riding
and watch your companions for signs of frostbite.
place them gently on the frostbitten area to thaw
it out, however do not let it re-freeze. If your
hands or fingers are frostbitten hold them under
your arms to warm them but do not massage.
Deep frostbite occurs when the lower layers of
tissue also freeze. There may be pain, but in
some cases of real deep frostbite there is no pain
due to nerve damage. This condition is very serious and the frozen tissue may slough off when
When the outer layer of skin freezes it may be thawed. If this type of frostbite occurs it is best to
mottled and turn white or grayish in color and leave the tissue frozen and get the victim to the
waxy in appearance. Do not rub the skin, as it will hospital as quickly as possible. The biggest dancause more damage by sending ice particles into ger comes when you slightly thaw frostbitten
deeper tissue. It is okay to warm your hands and flesh and then let it re-freeze.
When the skin is red and stinging from the cold
you should warm it to prevent further damage.
At this point it is all right to massage the skin to
help warm it.
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Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
A d v e rt i s e H e r e
Call: 970-625-4141 • E-Mail: [email protected]
Visit: www.snowmobilestorm.com
Photo by Diana Grant
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
59
Avalanche
Hotlines and Safety Resources
ALASKA
Chugach: Chugach Na+onal Forest Avalanche Informa+on Center • www.cnfaic.org • 907-754-2369
Cordova: Alaska Avalanche Informa+on Center • www.alaskasnow.org
Juneau: City & Borough of Juneau • www.juneau.org/avalanche • 907-586-5699
ARIZONA
Flagstaff: Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center • www.kachinapeaks.org
CALIFORNIA
Eastern Sierra: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center • www.esavalanche.org • 760-924-5510
Mount Shasta: • Mount Shasta Avalanche Center • www.shastaavalanche.org • 530-926-9613
Truckee: • Sierra Avalanche Center • www.sierraavalanchecenter.org • 530-587-3558
CANADA
Glacier Park • Rogers Pass • 250-837-7500
Regions in Alberta and B.C. • Canadian Avy Center • 800-667-1105
COLORADO
Colorado Avalanche Informa+on Center • www.avalanche.state.co.us
Crested BuDe • 970-349-4022
Front Range • 970-482-0457
Grand Mesa • 303-275-5360
Pikes Peak • 719-520-0020
Roaring Fork (Aspen) • 970-920-1664
San Juans • 970-247-8187
Sangre De Cristo • 303-275-5360
Sawatch Range • 719-395-4994
Summit County • 970-668-0600
IDAHO
West Central • PayeDe Avalanche Center • www.payeDeavalanche.org • 208-634-0409
Idaho Panhandle • 208-765-7323
Sun Valley / Sawtooth NF • Sawtooth Na+onal Forest Avalanche Center •
www.sawtoothavalanche.com
208-622-8027
Lola & BiDerroot NF • 406-549-4480
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Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
MONTANA
Bozeman • Galla+n Na+onal Forest Avalanche Center • www.mtavalanche.com • 406-587-6981
Northwest Montana / Glacier Country • Glacier Country Avalanche Center • www.glacieravalanche.com
406-257-8402
Southwest Montana • 406-587-6981
West Central Montana / Missoula • West Central Montana • www.missoulaavalanche.org • 406-549-4488
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mount Washington • Mount Washington Avalanche Center • www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org
603-466-2713
OREGON
Northern Oregon • 503-808-2400
Joseph • Wallowa Avalanche Center • wallowaavalanchecenter.org
UTAH
Utah Avalanche Center • www.utahavalanchecenter.org • 888-999-4019
Logan • 801-524-5304
Moab • 435-259-7669
Salt Lake City • 801-364-1581
WASHINGTON
Northwest • Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center • www.nwac.us • 206-526-6677
WYOMING
Jackson Hole • Bridger-Teton Na+onal Forest Avalanche Center • www.jhavalanche.org • 307-733-2664
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
61
BRP’s Ski-Doo Snowmobiles and
Carl Kuster Mountain Park
Launch New Riding Camp
Valcourt, QC, November 24, 2011 - BRP’s SkiDoo snowmobiles and Carl Kuster have joined
forces in creating a new riding camp designed
to deliver an unparalleled mountain snowmobiling experience. Riders will have the chance
to try the latest Ski-Doo technology from BRP,
learn from recognized backcountry experts,
and hone their riding skills while having a
great time in the deep powder snow of British
Columbia.
destination for mountain riders has been my
dream for over ten years,” said Carl Kuster.
“Partnering with BRP gives our team the opportunity to realize that dream and to share
our great riding areas and passion with everyone coming through the camps.”
Instruction and improving skills will be a big
part of what the camps offer, and people will
be learning from some of the best mountain
riders around. Carl with have some interesting guest instructors join him throughout the
year, including Rob Alford, Rob Hoff, Vincent
Clarke and Dave Norona. There will be also be
specialty events like ladies-only or mountain
beginner camps added as demand and time
permit. People can also set up their own private group rides and themes.
With two spectacular locations offering riding
that ranges from big meadows of fresh powder to play in to super technical steep-anddeep inclines, and even unique glacier areas,
the camp has something for everyone and
every ability. Classes offered will be one, two
or three days long for skill levels from intermediate to expert. Attendees can bring their
own sled or rent a state-of-the-art Summit at To reserve a riding experience at CKMP, riders
a special rate.
can sign up on line at: www.carlkuster.com
contact them at 250-836-3058
“Creating a permanent place for our loyal
snowmobile customers to experience all the Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP),
best in mountain riding, while using the a privately-held company, is a world leader in
newest sleds and clothing from BRP, has been the design, development, manufacturing, disa vision of ours for a while now.” said Robert tribution and marketing of motorised recreLumley, vice president of Sales and Marketing ational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and
Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo. “Partnering with Carl products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmoKuster Mountain Park brings it to reality in a biles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats,
stunning way. Everything from the experience Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Canand instruction to fantastic riding areas and Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and
great hospitality, this is a combination our roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP proddealers and customers will truly appreciate“ ucts are distributed in more than 100 counCarl Kuster grew up riding in the back-country tries.
of Alberta and British Columbia for 20 years
before leaving to race snocross at the highest www.brp.com
level in North America with Blair Morgan Racing. But every spring he returned home to his Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Lynx, Evinrude, Johnson,
real passion of backcountry riding and explor- Can-Am, Rotax, Summit, Freeride and the BRP
ing. Although fiercely competitive, Kuster is logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recremodest and friendly by nature and thrives ational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other
helping people push their limits and gain con- trademarks are the property of their respecfidence in all aspects of mountain riding. tive owners.
“Making Carl Kuster Mountain Park a premier
62
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Joey Hallstrom Joins other
Arctic Cat Hall of Famers
Arctic Cat Product Manger to be Inducted into Snowmobile Hall of Fame
Thief River Falls, Minn. (Dec. 22, 2011) – In
honor of his more than two decades of contributions to the sport of snowmobiling and
racing, Arctic Cat’s Joey Hallstrom of Thief
River Falls, Minn., was named one of four
2012 inductees into the Snowmobile Hall of
Fame (SHOF) in St. Germain, Wis. Prior to his
current position as Snowmobile Product Manager, Hallstrom was the Team Arctic Race
Manager from 1987 – 1999, during which the
company achieved outstanding success in all
forms of competition.
“By combining a deep passion for the sport
with the competitive heart of a racer, Joey
Hallstrom built the Team Arctic Racing Program into a winning powerhouse,” according
to Loren Anderson, founder of the SHOF. “In
addition to building a dominant race program
for Arctic Cat, Hallstrom also helped grow the
sport through key roles in launching the Jeep
500 cross-country race, initiating the first
NHRA snowmobile asphalt drag exhibition and
spearheading several key snowmobile models.”
Chris Twomey
Kirk Hibbert
Ole Tweet
Jim Herzig
Herb Yancey
Brian Nelson
Roger Skime
Dale Cormican
Larry Coltom
Charlie Lofton
Edgar Hetteen
Bob Elsner
Roger Janssen
Dave Thompson
“I grew up idolizing many of the Team Arctic
racers who have since been inducted into the
Snowmobile Hall of Fame,” said Joey Hallstrom. “To have helped rebuild the Team Arctic racing program into such a dominant force,
and now sharing that legacy with the Hall of
Fame, is a tremendous honor.”
For more information about the SHOF, go to
www.snowmobilehalloffame.com.
Hallstrom will be inducted into the SHOF on
Feb. 18, 2012, along with decorated racer Toni
Haikonen, race director Marcel Fontaine and
Wisconsin snowmobile advocate Larry Bosacki.
About Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls,
Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and
markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat® brand name, as
well as related parts, garments and accesHallstrom joins a distinguished list of Arctic Cat sories. Its common stock is traded on the
racers and industry icons who have been in- NASDAQ National Market under the ticker
ducted into the SHOF for their significant roles symbol “ACAT.” More information about Arcat racing venues, design and manufacturing tic Cat and its products is available on the Inarenas, local clubs, state associations and/or ternet at www.arcticcat.com.
national organizations, including:
Jim Dimmerman
Don Finck
January 2012
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63
Polaris to Sponsor iron Dog
Ambassador Team in 2012
Running of the Legendary
Iron Dog Race across ALaska
MEDINA, MN (Dec. 13, 2011) – For a second
straight year, Polaris will sponsor a team of
Iron Dog Ambassadors who will ride the route
of the legendary Iron Dog snowmobile race
across Alaska to promote the race and thank
volunteers for their help with the event.
Four Iron Dog Ambassadors on new 2013 Polaris snowmobiles will depart from Big Lake,
Alaska, on Feb. 17, 2012, with the Trail Class
teams. The Ambassadors will run throughout
Alaska to Nome, the mid-point of the grueling
2,000-mile cross-country race. As they did during the 2011 race, the Ambassadors will stop
in towns and villages along the route to thank
volunteers and raise awareness of the 28th
running of the race.
been an ideal real-world proving ground for
Polaris durability and Terrain Dominating ride
and handling. The race takes two-rider teams
deep into remote areas of Alaska across punishing terrain. The event’s results over the
years reflect Polaris Terrain Domination: Polaris teams have won 13 of 27 Iron Dog races,
including the past three.
The Polaris-backed Iron Dog Ambassadors for
2012 will be:
• Mike Bedard, Polaris Snowmobile Engineering Manager, Trail Performance and Race. This
former racer from Roseau, Minnesota, was a
2011 Ambassador as well.
• Lt. Col. Joseph Lawendowski of the Alaska
Since it was first run in 1984, the Iron Dog has National Guard, the race’s primary sponsor.
64
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Lawendowski was also a 2011 Ambassador.
About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the power• Evan Booth, who won the Iron Dog in 1992 sports industry with annual 2010 sales of
and 1994 aboard Polaris Indy snowmobiles.
$1.99 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality
• Dan Zipay, a five-time winner of the Iron Dog off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain
– all on Polaris Indy models – who is a member vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® sideby-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles
of the Iron Dog Hall of Fame.
and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Booth and Zipay won the race as teammates
in 1992 and 1994, and Zipay won it with John Polaris is among the global sales leaders for
Faeo as his teammate in 1986, 1987 and 1988. both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and
has established a presence in the heavyweight
“It was an honor to take part in the race last cruiser and touring motorcycle market with
winter, and we look forward to spreading the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Adgoodwill and appreciation to volunteers as ditionally, Polaris continues to invest in the
Iron Dog Ambassadors in 2012,” said Bedard. global on-road ultra-light electric/hybrid vehi“The race runs through some extremely re- cle industry with Global Electric Motorcars
mote areas, and the residents of those towns (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally
and villages are vital to the racers’ survival and developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure
the race’s success.”
Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, availThe Ambassadors team will not officially com- able at Polaris dealerships.
pete for the Trail Class victory, but they will
doubtless maintain a strong, competitive pace Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York
to reach Nome in time for the Feb. 22, 2012, Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and
halfway ceremonies. The race ends for Trail the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap
Class teams in Nome and only Pro Class teams 400 stock price index.
race on to the finish line in Fairbanks. But the
2011 Iron Dog Ambassador team left Nome Information about the complete line of Polaris
headed for Fairbanks, hoping to spread good- products, apparel and vehicles accessories are
will along the second half of the race route. A available from authorized Polaris dealers or
fierce winter storm near the coast forced anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.
them back to Nome, which they reached only
after a harrowing overnight battle through sea
ice and ocean overflow.
Polaris racers Chris Olds and Tyler Huntington
teamed up for victories in 2010 and 2011, and
in 2009, the Polaris team of Todd Minnick and
Nick Olstad won the race.
Race fans can learn more about the 2012 Iron
Dog and follow the race via real time tracking
at www.irondograce.org.
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
65
“Pictures of me riding my
1969 Ski-Doo 320 last February
2011 up at Craig Co,
a liDle hill climb and tree bashing it ran great!!”
Photos by Dan Lewis
Send Your Photos or Ar+cles to
[email protected]
Subject “Vintage”
All submissions are entered into the
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi1 card!
66
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
“Dude, what do you mean you
haven’t signed up for the
Storm?!”
Announcing the quickest way to send a message
since a note-on-a-rock.
(and slightly more civilized)
To join the Snowmobile Storm mailing list
text STORM to 22828
January 2012
Snowmobile Storm
67
SNOWMOBILING COURTESY & ETIQUETTE
By: Lanny Grant
Garfield County (Colorado)
Search & Rescue, Inc.
Common courtesy goes a long way in enjoying
any form of recreation but especially when snowmobiling. As our sport increases in popularity, so
does the number of sleds & riders on the trails
and in the backcountry. Each rider has the responsibility of being an ambassador for snowmobiling and needs to always be aware of reflecting
a positive image of the sport. The following are a
few suggestions for being a safe, responsible and
courteous snowmobiler:
• Obey all trail and travel restrictions
Plan your trip on a map and review any trail or
travel restrictions. Be aware of other winter
recreational activities such as snowshoeing, dogsledding and cross-country skiing; there may be
areas designated for motorized and non-motorized use.
• Respect private property
Be aware of property boundaries (especially
fences) and do not trespass on private property.
Know where you are when riding and don’t follow someone else’s tracks assuming that it is ok.
Obey all signage & ride only where it is permitted.
• Always:
-Operate in a safe & courteous manner
-Be sure to properly display current snowmobile registration decals and have registration
documentation with you
68
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
-Keep to the right side of the trail when riding &
then pull over to the far right edge of the trail in
single file when stopping
- Reduce your speed when there is oncoming
traffic
-Use hand signals, including left turn, right turn,
stop, slow down (and a common courtesy to oncoming riders of indicating with your fingers the
number of sleds that are immediately following
you)
-Give trail groomers the right of way
-Give uphill riders right of way when you are
travelling downhill
-Slow down when passing a parked snowmobile
on the trail
-Slow down and give the right of way to any
skiers, snowshoers or dogsleds you might encounter
-Report downed trees and trail maintenance
needs to the local snowmobile club or land
managers
-Report illegal riding
-Slow down when night riding or when visibility
becomes reduced due to overcast light or bad
weather
-Accelerate slowly when leaving a group of riders so you don’t throw ice and snow.
SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH
SIGNALING FOR HELP
It can be very diificult to spot a single rider and sled from the air.
Do what you can to make yourself
visible by geHng out of the trees
and into the open.
Make yourself as big as possible
by waving blaze orange fabric in
the dayIme and using a strobe at
night.
Write “SOS” in the snow with
your sled, footprints, pine
branches, sIcks or anything else
that stands out.
Photo by Lanny Grant
• Never:
-Drink or use controlled substances when operating a snowmobile
-Harass or chase any wildlife
A few other suggestions for being a courteous
snowmobiler include stopping to check on an-Discard litter (including broken drive belts or other rider if it appears that they need assistance
fragments) Take out what you
with getting unstuck, having a mechanical probtake in
lem or other emergency. If you stop to talk to others, be polite and remove your helmet so that can
-Drive with excessive speed; always stay in see and hear you better. Be courteous to others at
control when riding and slow down when ap- trailheads and parking areas as well as out on the
proaching blind curves and when cresting hills trails; avoid excessive ‘warm-up’ idling of your
sleds.
-Modify your snowmobile exhaust system to
the point of creating excessive noise or emis- Remember that you value your winter experience
sions
and the privilege of snowmobiling. Treat others as
you would them treat you-with courtesy and re-Stop on a turn or curve (if you need to stop, spect.
pull over to the far right side of the trail and
only do so on straight stretches-don’t stop BE PREPARED, RIDE SMART & BE SAFE!
side-by-side in the middle of the trail)
January 2012
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69
Yellostone Update
On December 15th Yellowstone Park Opened
to Limited Snowmobile Access.
Year-end Snowstorm Increases Access by Snowmobile to the Park!!!
By Jack Welch
Special Projects Consultant
BlueRibbon Coalition
overnight accommodations. Yes, you can start a
trip to Island Park at Flagg Ranch!
What about the recently announced Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)? The
SEIS process will begin in January 2012. The SEIS
purpose is to provide additional analysis of many
issues. From the previous EIS they include, variable preset use limits, air quality and sound modeling assumptions, proposed BAT for
snowcoaches, adaptive management framework,
cost of avalanche mitigation on Sylvan Pass,
10:30 entry requirement and the very important
issue of opportunities for non-commercially
guided access. Yes, the Park Service is looking at
NOT requiring snowmobilers to hire a commercial guide to access the park! The Park Service
goal is to complete the SEIS process and have a
new long range Winter Use Plan in place for the
Just a reminder on the level of snowmobile and
2012-2013 season and beyond.
snowcoach access for the 2011-2012 season,
under the Transition or One-Year-Rule, up to 318
In closing, yes, the Park Service listened and now
commercially guided BAT snowmobiles and up to
we have another chance to comment, be pre78 commercially guided snowcoaches a day will
pared to join in the new SEIS process. Your combe allowed into the Park this winter. These are
ments made a difference last time and will make
the same restrictions as the last two seasons.
a difference this time!
Yes, the gates to Yellowstone National Park
opened to Winter Use on December 15th with
limited access to the Park. However, on December 29th and 30th a major snowstorm brought
over a foot of new snow to the Park. This additional snow has allowed for increased oversnow
access to the Park! Both the South and West
Gates are open to oversnow access by snowmobile and snowcoaches. The only restriction to
oversnow access as of December 31st is from the
Northeast Gate. The Mammoth area only allowed rubber tracked snowcoaches. Remember,
the Park is open until March 15th for oversnow
access so please consider a visit this winter!
There is one additional update on snowmobile
access in Grand Teton. The Grassy Lakes Road
from near Ashton, Idaho to and from Flagg Ranch
is open to both BAT and Non-BAT snowmobiles
this winter. The Flagg Ranch store and gas island
are also open daily. However, there are no
70
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Note: As additional information on items covered
in this summary are announced by the Park Service they will be posted at our dedicated website
of www.saveyellowstonepark.com
Everything from Spark Plugs to Snowmobiles...
SNOWMOBILE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
SureLoad LLC
509-226-2716
O+s Orchards, Washington
[email protected]
www.sureloadonline.com
SureLoad LLC provides a safe way to load your sled on hard, slick surfaces. We also designed an easily accessible boFle holder that mounts
on your handle bars. The Hydra-Holder will hold most 20 & 24 oz bottles.
OILS AND LUBES
Jack Welch Independent
Amsoil Dealer
303-342-7185
Colorado - Wyoming
[email protected]
www.lubedealer.com/welchautomo+ve
Synthe%c 2-Cycle Oils: AMSOIL Synthe%c 2-Cycle Oils reduce harmful
heat and fric%on in high-revving snowmobile engines. They burn
cleaner than other oils for reduced plug fouling and engine deposits.
AMSOIL Synthe%c 2-Cycle Oils deliver increased reliability and overall
performance compared to conven%onal oils.
LODGING
Visit Pinedale.org
307-749-1533
Pinedale, Wyoming
[email protected]
hDp://www.visitpinedale.org/
A snowmobiler’s dream in the undiscovered Wind River Mountains...
trails and lakes galore... unencumbered by civiliza%on... your next adventure could be on us... enter to win at visitpinedale.org.
Western Riviera Lodging & Events
970-627-3580
Grand Lake, CO
[email protected]
www.westernriv.com
$495 Snowmobiles/Dinner/Lodging Package at Lakeside Motel in Village of Grand Lake at west entrance to Rocky Mountain Na%onal Park
(Valid December - March, holidays excluded)
• Lakeside King Room for two nights
• Dinner for two at El Pacifico Restaurant ($40 Value)
• Two single snowmobile rentals for four hours from Grand Adventures
POKER RUN
Rifle Snowmobile Club
February 19th, 2012
Rifle, Colorado
970-625-0134
Join us for a High Stakes Poker Run on the FlaFops of Western Colorado. First place is $500! Cost is only $6 per hand or 4 hands for $20.
For a small cash dona%on there will be chili, hot dogs, hamburgers,
hot chocolate, coffee and more. There will also be door prizes, so mark
your calendars and join the fun!
LISTINGS ONLY $15 PER ISSUE, PER CATEGORY
For more informa+on or to post a lis+ng: [email protected] • 970-625-4141
72
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
Spice Up Your
Sack Lunches!
If you are +red of turkey or bored with bologna,
then “Rider Recipes” is for you!
You’ve Got Good Taste!
What’s your favorite lunch-on-the-sled?
Minestrone Soup
Pot-on-the-Pipe
your faTo
rg
uce.
Take a la
ings and pizza sa
il and place
vorite pizza topp+ghtly. Wrap in aluminum fo
ll
ro
d
cheese an
muffler pot.
them inside the
with
ps
Pizza Wra
d fill the inside it with mozzarella
p
e flour tor+lla an
4 tablespoons buDer
1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 quart chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 tablespoons dried pars1 (19 ounce) can cannellini ley
beans
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded cabbage 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
tomatoes
cheese
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1.Melt buDer in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion,
celery, and carrots; saute for a few minutes.
2.Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, stock,
garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and
reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour un+l vegetables are barely tender.
3.Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning, and serve hot with grated cheese.
From: Snowmobile Storm Staff
orm Staff
From: Snowmobile St
Come Hom
PORK A
What’s Your Best Rider Recipe?
Send your recipe or food idea to:
E-mail: [email protected]
Subject: “Rider Recipes”
All submissions used will be entered into a
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi1 card!
e to Dinn
er
1 1/2 ND BLACK
loin, cu pounds pork BEAN CHILI
1 sm t into 2 inch tender- 3
(15 oun
choppeall onion, strips
1
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(
16 oun ce) cans black
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sely
1 sma
c
beans
1
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2
cup chice) jar salsa
coarsely red bell
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1
e
n
te
pepper
choppe
, 1 te aspoon driedbroth
d
aspoon
oregan
1.Comb
o
gro
2 teasp
black b ine pork
oons ch und cumin
t
e
il
e
a
i
n
p
d
owder
and ch ns, salsa
ili p
, ch erloin, on
owde
icken
ion,
cook
2.Breafkor 8 to 10 hr oin a slow cboroth, oregraed pepper,
n
oker. S
before up pieces o urs.
et to oL,ocumin,
serving
f
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w and
oked po
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rk to th
icken th
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Rider Recipe Rules: By submiRng your recipes and ideas you agree to allow Snowmobile Storm the right to publish them and also agree that they are your own
works and do not infringe on any copyright laws.
January 2012
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Kids Coloring Page
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Snowmobile Storm • Coloring Contest • 2410 Acacia Ave • Rifle, CO 81650 or scan your picture and e-mail it to:
[email protected] • Subject: “Coloring Contest”. We’ll publish the winning picture in next month’s magazine!
*Contest open to children 10 years of age or younger. For privacy children’s first name and home town only will be printed.
Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
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Snowmobile Storm
January 2012
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