Arctic Man! Shopping by Snowmachine Forecasting in the Field

Transcription

M ARCH 2 014
Arctic Man!
WHERE ALPINE
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AND HORSEPOWER
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Shopping by Snowmachine
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OFF THE
THE GRID,
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FUN RIDE
RIDE
AA SLED
Forecasting in the Field
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2 • E4093_YMC_SpringSurge_MTN_AK_Snowmobiler_FA.indd
Alaska SnowRider • March 2014 • www.RideAlaska.com
2/20/14 11:54 AM
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2014 • Alaska SnowRider • 3
Volume 24, Number 4
PUBLISHER
John Woodbury
S ALE S & M ARK E TING D IR EC TO R
Jill Tillion
EDITOR
Andy Hall
KEVIN HITE ASSA President
MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa DeVaughn
SnowTrac 101
O FFIC E M AN AG ER
Linda Cushman
WRITER
Learn more about how this snowmachine
program is funded, managed
T
HIS
MONTH
FEATURES
A
COMPREHENSIVE DESCRIPTION
of our present SnowTrac program. I
certainly am not the leading expert on the
DNR structure and organization, but will
make every attempt to be informative and
accurate.
The Point of Sale Snowmobile Registration
Program, internally known as SnowTrac,
is administered by the State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Alaska
State Trail Office. Quite a mouthful. The
Director, Ben Ellis, has two Natural Resource
Specialists in the State Trail Office. There
is some bleed over of specialists when
dealing with grant administration, but the
majority of the program administration
is done out of the two person State Trails
office. Coordination of the grant program,
scheduling of the meetings, updating the
operating procedures, etc. The Department
of Outdoor Recreation has over 3.3 million
acres of responsibility.
In addition to the SnowTrac program the
Trails Coordinator is also tasked with the
same duties regarding the ORTAB (Outdoor
Recreational Trails Advisory Board) more
informally known as the Recreational Trails
Program. SnowTrac has a citizen advisory
board to advise the director on how the
snowmobile program funding should
be distributed; the ORTAB board has an
extremely similar setup. These citizens make
suggestions, but are not empowered to drive
changes within the program.
While the SnowTrac program is funded
solely by the registration of snowmobiles
through our State appropriation process,
the ORTAB program is a federally funded
program managed by each of the participating
states. Much of the federal funding comes
Justin Matley
from federal fuel tax and used to provide
reimbursable matching funds to develop and
maintain recreational trails and facilities
for both motorized and non-motorized trail
use. Environmental, safety and educational
projects are also authorized. We mentioned
that the total funding source for SnowTrac
comes from registrations of snowmobiles
in Alaska; this number has been slated for
issue at $250,000 per year. Last year’s ORTAB
grants totaled over $830,000. As most of you
are better at math than I am, you can guess
which program garnished the majority of the
DNR’s administration time and effort. Add
into that the coordinator’s responsibility for
other trail programs (non-motorized) and
you begin to see the pattern of time allocation
that is a natural result of too many tasks for
the time allotted.
There has been a historic cooperative effort
between the SnowTrac board and the ORTAB
board that has allowed additional funding to
come into the SnowTrac process from the
ORTAB program. Federal guidelines require
ORTAB to allocate a portion of their funding
to motorized programs, and the SnowTrac
program was one chosen to benefit. This
program has seen its funding threatened and
is likely to be much more limited in its grant
process as well and the SnowTrac board has
correctly inferred that the additional funding
is not going to be unending.
So, the bottom line is that the $250,000 that
SnowTrac has for program administration
and grooming, trail creation and Safety
programs is getting squeezed by ever
increasing demands for new trails, expanded
grooming programs, and increasing fuel
prices. When you consider that there are
more miles of trails being groomed now than
4 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2014 • www.RideAlaska.com
Continued on page 6
L AY O U T A N D D E S I G N
Mike Kirkpatrick
GRAPHICS
Mike Kirkpatrick
Alaska Adventure Media
6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207
Anchorage , Alaska 99507
(907) 677-2900 • Fax: (907) 677-2901
www.RideAlaska.com
[email protected]
ED ITO RIAL CO NTAC T
John Woodbury
(907) 677-2900
[email protected]
Published by Alaska Adventure Media under exclusive written
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Contents of the Alaska SnowRider are not the official
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Alaska SnowRider is the official publication of the Alaska
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DEADLINES: All advertisements and news are due by the
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www.AlaskaSnowRider.com
O N T H E C O V E R : Driver Chris Olds pulls
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SnowTrac 101, continued from page 4
back when fuel was $2.00 a gallon, it is a measure of how far these
dollars are being stretched currently.
The 2013/2014 funding formula used by the SnowTrac advisory
board reflected the reality of these impacts. The advisory board
scored each grooming proposal and funded 15 grants from Chena
SRA to the Trail mix projects in Juneau. Once again, reflecting the
realities of funding, the SnowTrac board was limited to allocating
each grant at 75% of requested funding. There were no advisory
board recommendations to fund any safety programs. Director Ellis
was successful in transferring some funds out of a unfulfilled grant to
give safety a nod, but only a small one.
As you can see, the grant process had developed into primarily a
trail grooming program. That is not a bad thing in the whole scheme
of things. Survey after survey has indicated that the trail grooming
was where the majority of the public wants to see their money go.
While the grooming requirements have a signage portion that
is considered pertinent to the safety of these trails, it was the only
concession to safety that was made.
While you can see how this has evolved, and taking into
consideration that the current position giving grooming the lion’s
share of funding is popular with the snowmobile community, it
leaves a huge gap in the stated purpose of the Point of Sale program
in regards to the commitment to both a statewide trail system as well
as the biggest gap of all, a statewide safety program. Over the past
few years, different safety programs have been suggested and several
funded. They have all tended to be piecemeal programs that are
difficult to gauge the success rate for and have not had a long lasting
impact on safety.
When the subject of increased funding comes up, the majority of
the organized snowmobile groups in Alaska have expressed several
caveats: That increasing the funding source through registration
increases is supported by the majority of organized snowmobilers
who want a successful program directed at snowmobiles.
That the increase in funding be applied directly to the programs
being administered with an absolute minimum of administration
fees being subtracted.
That a Statewide trail system consisting of the tree trunk of major
trails supported by branches going off to local communities is a
preferred goal.
That a Statewide Snowmobile Safety program is implemented as a
part of the registration increase. This program must be transferrable
and applicable for the entire state, regardless of geographic differences.
Next month’s edition is going to break down each of those caveats
and include a recommended path forward for each one. For more
information on SnowTrac, go to www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aktrails/
COURTESY OF C.WRIGHT
COURTESY OF C.WRIGHT
index.htm . The minutes of the SnowTrac meetings are there. Pay
special attention to the minutes of the 8/28/2013 SnowTrac meeting.
These guys and gals are doing as good a job as they can under the
circumstances. Next month we are going to begin the path to creating
a better program that we can participate in with deserved pride.
— Kevin Hite
2013 National Dealer of the Year!
Snow Sojourn
Snowmachiner heads to Colorado seeking fresh powder, fast riding A
laska’s winter took a
vacation to the east coast
this year, leaving us with a pretty
dismal snow situation. Some of us have
admitted defeat and covered up our sleds,
leaving them to collect dust. Others unable
to accept winter’s rejection have resorted
to using our machines as rock finders and
stump locators.
But sled enthusiast Sean “Sully” Sullivan
decided to pay his good friend Sahen Skinner
a visit and take advantage of Colorado’s
generous snow at Burandt’s Backcountry
Adventures. We caught up with him, envying
his close proximity to real snow, to talk about
his adventure.
AKSR: How do you know Sahen Skinner?
My nonprofit organization North Road
Productions hosted the 2013 Amateur Sled
Video Awards last May. We contacted Sahen
to come up as a guest celebrity. Sahen’s a
super down-to -earth guy, and we have a lot
By Joy Sullivan
in common. We stayed in touch following the event
and I consider him family.
AKSR: What was your first impression of BBA?
When I first arrived I went into the shop where the
office is. Initially there was a wow factor, especially
meeting Chris Burandt. But overall, everyone there is
so friendly, that wore off quick and the environment
is just really relaxed. The lodge is straight out
Valhalla – it’s a Viking paradise. The view is out of
this world, with deer roaming the property. The food
was five star, nothing like coming back from a day
of riding to a delicious warm meal. When you’re not
riding there is plenty to do at the lodge. The staff at
BBA is top notch – professional and genuine.
AKSR: What sled did you ride at BBA?
I rode Sahen’s 2014 PRO RMK mod with a Carl’s
cycle 900 motor that Sahen had dubbed “Redwood.”
It’s like the 18-wheeler of the mountains, so much
power and it never quits. Coming from sea level
on an 860 big bore I was surprised at how much
elevation affects the horsepower of a sled.
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OPPOSITE PAGE: Ryan Berchtold, Sahen Skinner and Sully Sullivan
get ready to ride, Colorado style. COURTESY SULLY SULLIVAN
LEFT: Sully plays on the sled, while Sahen Skinner, below, plays
around. COURTESY SULLY SULLIVAN
BOTTOM LEFT: Chris Burandt, center, holds the metal art Sully
Sullivan (left) made for Burandt’s Backcountry Adventures. Sahen
Skinner is on the right. COURTESY SULLY SULLIVAN
BOTTOM RIGHT: Sahen Skinner calls his monster sled the
“Redwood.” COURTESY SULLY SULLIVAN
AKSR: Describe riding in Colorado vs. Alaska?
If you’re proficient at riding in Alaska’s backcountry, you can
handle Colorado. The trees are larger and less dense, allowing for
some of the more nimble riders to take on the tree picking. Snow
conditions are a step above the typical Alaskan crud snow, they have
more consistent quality snow, never a problem finding some powder.
The BBA crew is always nearby to assist if needed, although they will
leave you enough room to problem solve on your own. The use every
situation you encounter as a teachable moment, to improve you as a
rider, and challenge you.
AKSR: What are some skills you left BBA with that you didn’t have
prior?
The biggest one is “work smarter and not harder.” Everything out
there requires you to preplan 20 to 30 yards ahead, pick out your
lines (or even more than one) beforehand. Another skill I gleaned is
“the hop,” taking your weight off the sled with just a small hop so it
can keep momentum and get back on top of the snow. This is not to
be confused with a big jump or leap; you are literally just hopping
two inches off the sled to get your weight off the running boards. It
works amazing – you may look goofy but it’s legit. I also learned that
momentum isn’t necessarily speed, it could be 30 mph or maybe even
3 mph to get you over, or through, an obstacle. Throttle control is key.
I also learned the art of breathing down to avoid fogging up your
goggles. The biggest lesson I learned was look up, look up, look up!
You will always go where you look, it’s a simple concept. It’s all stuff I
knew, but BBA fine-tuned.
AKSR: Did you go with the crew guiding clients?
A group of crazy Canadians, a rambunctious foursome, were there
when I was visiting. On my last day I even got a chance to guide for
BBA running sweep and getting everyone unstuck for the day, one of
the highlights of my trip. The crew from Canada was a blast!
AKSR: Watching BBA interact with clients – what is something
that stood out to you?
All the guides get to know their clients personally; they take time to
find out what each person is looking to get out of the experience. They
don’t just spend the day with you on the mountain, they also have
breakfast and dinner at the lodge, which I think is pretty awesome.
AKSR: Burandt’s is up in the mountains. Describe the physical
challenges of riding at that elevation?
Riding at 10,00 feet is crazy difficult. Coming from sea level, I
found it hard to breathe, having to stop constantly to catch my breath.
It takes a few days to acclimate; I would recommend riding one day,
taking a day off then resuming the rest of the trip. That first day’s a
doozy.
AKSR: What is something you would do differently when you go
back?
I would get in better shape beforehand, keeping up with the best in
the industry isn’t for the faint of heart! I’d like to think I’m in shape,
I lead an active lifestyle, but after spending a week at high elevation, I
realized I might be wrong, and why professional athletes train there.
IF YOU GO: If you’d like to see some real live
BBA action check out www.YouTube.com/
AK49Sully for Sully’s video ‘NRP crashes BBA
2014.’ For more information on Burandt’s
Backcountry Adventures, go to www.
burandtsbackcountryadventure.com/
Practicing What They Preach
Chugach avalanche forecasters can now join snowmachiners in the field
F
rom an avalanche forecaster’s perspective,
the motorized user group is the enigma. With few
exceptions, forecasters have a background on skis – either at a
ski area, in the backcountry, or perhaps as an avalanche instructor
or guide. Forecasters intimately understand the nuances of skiers:
where they go, how they perceive the snowpack, and route-finding
considerations.
Unfortunately, snowmachiners have become the group most
likely to get killed by avalanches – forcing a shift in the mindset of
backcountry avalanche forecasters. Since 1998, 86 percent, or 12 out
of 14 of people killed within Chugach National Forest by avalanches
have been snowmachiners.
The recreationists in Chugach National Forest who routinely travel
in avalanche terrain include snowmachiners, skiers, snowboarders,
snowshoers, mountaineers and hunters. About half of the total use
is by backcountry snowmachiners. The Chugach National Forest
Avalanche Information Center recognizes this user group as the
most important to connect with for forecasting and education. To
further that goal, it is vitally important the forecasting staff has
the knowledge, skills, riding abilities, and equipment to access the
same terrain for field data collection in common riding areas in the
National Forest.
Unfortunately, snowmachiners have become
the group most likely to get killed by avalanches
By Kevin Wright
Backcountry riding at Turnagain Pass and deeper into Chugach
National Forest is a favorite pastime of many. From the Placer River
to Seattle Creek, Resurrection Pass to Lost Lake, the Kenai Peninsula
is a high-end winter playground for snowmachiners. Unlike the flats
of the popular riding in the Susitna Valley, the Kenai Peninsula is
mostly mountainous and full of avalanche potential. The CNFAIC
works hard to provide information to sledders who spend time in that
terrain.
New to the CNFAIC in the last year are two powerful tools to enable
forecasters to collect snowpack stability information in areas open to
motorized use, and work directly with riders in the field for education
opportunities. BRP/Ski-Doo and local dealer Alaska Mining and
Diving has donated a 2014 Summit Rev XM for forecaster use. This is
an ideal platform to enable forecasters to get into the field to collect
field data, maintain remote weather stations, and interact with the
public out in the backcountry. With so much steep terrain being
accessed by the current generation of sledders, a modern mountain
machine is a necessity to provide relevant avalanche information for
the motorized users. In addition to the new sled, Conoco-Phillips
contributed a matching grant that allowed the purchase of a used 27foot snowmachine trailer. This new trailer will enable the CNFAIC
to host education events on location with a warm and dry classroom
space.
To fulfill the message of avalanche safety, the National Avalanche
Center, Canadian Avalanche Center, and International Snowmobile
Manufacturers Association have been developing a simple, yet
TOP LEFT: Graham Predeger leads an avalanche observation
workshop with snowmachiners at Turnagain Pass. He is
demonstrating snow pit evaluation and stability test techniques.
CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER
BELOW: Wendy Wagner, avalanche forecaster with the CNFAIC,
performs stability tests on the snowpack near Crescent Lake on
the Kenai Peninsula. CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER
OPPOSITE PAGE: CNFAIC forecaster Graham Predeger
investigates a natural avalanche in Chugach National Forest.
CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER
A uniquely
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ge t the ge ar : Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver,
shovel and probe on their person and knows how to use them.
ge t the tr aining :
Take an avalanche course.
ge t the for ecast : Make a riding plan based on
the current avalanche and weather forecast.
If you see recent avalanche activity, unstable
snow exists. Riding on or underneath steep slopes is dangerous.
ge t the pic tur e :
ge t out of har m ’ s way : Don’t go to help
your stuck friend. One at a time on all avalanche
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At 42 miles to the nearest road, the sled’s the way to go
You never know what you might
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Snowmachines are the tools of the
trade. COURTESY LAURA EMERSON
L
iving in the bush,
we don’t have a
car, because no roads
penetrate the surrounding
forests or cross the infinite
number of rivers, lakes
and bogs. To “drive to
town,” (42 miles or 3.5
hours by snowmachine) to
the closest road, we wait
until the two turbulent
rivers that separate us from
civilization freeze enough
to support snowmachine
traffic, for a duration of six
to eight weeks in February
and March. Suddenly,
every remote homesteader
like us grabs a carefully
prioritized shopping list
and turns those icy river
valleys into busy winter
highways.
During that short shopping season, we pass others headed upriver
hauling sleds, some store bought, others made from old metal
rowboats carrying 55 gallon drums of gasoline, mattresses, kayaks,
and furniture piled high like icy versions of Conestoga wagons.
My most vivid memory, stark in our black-and-white winter
landscape, was of a family hauling a huge load of fluffy, bubble-gum
pink insulation.
One year, when we owned only one snowmachine, I decided to
accompany my husband on a trip into town. While Bryan loved these
trips, feeling like Nanook of the North, I felt like the Michelin Man
with a bad hair day and a runny nose. The heavy, full-head helmets
jolted with every bounce, like a bobble head on a car’s dashboard.
Bryan drew warmth from the sheathed hand warmers on the
handlebar and from the engine beneath his seat. I was sitting behind
him without those amenities, and unlike walking or snowshoeing,
I wasn’t generating any warmth. The best I could do was stick my
hands under his butt until the next mogul jump separated us. Along
the bumpy river, wooden markers outlined the recommended path,
which was often precariously close to open water and thin, green ice,
identified by a warning pair of crossed branches.
Even with four layers of socks, pants, tops and three layers of gloves,
I was exceptionally cold, particularly in open areas of frozen lakes, or
downwind of mountains, strafed by horizontal snow and wind.
I don’t know what heaven looks like, but I know exactly what it
feels like: the heated bathrooms at Deshka Landing. After three hours
of cold, wind and discomfort, this became my 20-minute haven,
my sanctuary, until our sled was loaded, tied and tarped. Before
emerging, I pulled on additional layers from our emergency bags and
steeled myself for the long trek home.
Our departure was delayed however, when we discovered that the
tread had frozen to the machine’s frame. Bryan had to lie down in the
By Laura Emerson
snow to chip away the ice with a small hammer before we could move.
Altogether, our round trip of 84 miles to get 750 pounds of gasoline
(about 90 gallons) took 7.5 hours, about the time it takes to fly from
Houston, Texas, to Anchorage.
Multiple discomforts aside, it was a lovely excursion. My favorite
section, not far from our home, was a narrow winding trail through
a confectionery wooded wonderland. It was straight out of Grimm’s
fairy tales, all menacing trees and biomorphic snow shapes that
looked like they could come alive and grab Hansel and Gretel at any
moment.
Occasionally, we passed a few isolated cabins like ours, mostly cold
and forlorn, and some scattered groups of ice fishermen clustered
around their planes or snowmachines, warmed by campfires and
bonhomie.
Returning home, we headed west. The sun setting over the Beluga
Mountains was a beautiful sight – purples and pinks sharply defined
by the glacial spires, but that scene started the countdown toward
traveling in the dark, through moose country, our trail marked
only by occasional skinny track stakes stapled with a square inch of
reflector tape.
We passed two moose – the first at a distance, across a wide lake.
We startled the second just ahead of us in the woods. Bryan slowed
to a stop and got his gun out in case he needed to fire a warning shot.
Moose want to be on the packed snowmachine tracks for the same
reason we do – the deep powder on either side means tough going.
Each winter features stories of hungry, irritable moose defending
“their trail” by charging and stomping sled dogs and snowmachiners
with their long, gangly legs. We waited while the moose moved of
her own accord off the packed track and some distance into the deep
snow. She did not want to give it up, lumbering up to her torso with
each arduous step, expending precious calories needed to survive
the rest of the winter. She kept looking back at us to gauge nature’s
precarious balance of safety vs. ease. As if I needed another reason to
get home before the sun set on a very dark world, this large moose at
close quarters was a good one.
The world was fully dark by the time we arrived home, clouds
obscuring the starlight. Bowlegged and stiff, I creaked my way along
the icy steps we’d cut through several feet of snow down to the back
porch. Once inside, I felt around for the matches to light the propane
lamp and reignite a fire in our woodstove. In the 50-degree chill,
I sympathized with trappers, who returned from their multiday
trapline checks, to sullen, dark cabins and a pot of frozen stew.
The next day, I stayed home, and the one after that. But soon, I took
a short excursion by myself to try out those hand warmers. The next
year, I bought a snow machine for myself.
Folks improvise sleds for carrying
supplies to remote cabins.
COURTESY LAURA EMERSON
in this guide
- Preview
- Race roster looking hot
- Following the race (online updates)
- If you go (warnings and tips)
- Getting there (directions)
- Side events and entertainment
- Snow conditions
- What’s it take?
- Unofficial economic impact
- Arctic Man on TV
- Bar tent and shuttle bus
- Roadside services caution
- Cellphone coverage and ATMs
- Outhouses
- Firewood
- Camping registration
- Fuel and propane
- Message from Howard
(Be safe not,x stupid…)
- Interview with rider MoAnna Hollers
Having completed a first downhill run, the Hookup and an uphill tow at up to 90 mph, the skier is then released to launch into his or her final
descent toward the finish.
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NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT
ARCTIC MAN’S 29TH SKI/SNOWMACHINE
By Justin Matley
RACE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 11
Skiers meet their snowmachining teammate at the Hookup where they’ll take hold of a tow rope or bar and be pulled away at high speed,
usually catching a little air before starting the uphill run.
W
ith the passing of the 2014 winter olympics, exciting
snow sports are fresh in everyone’s mind. Visiting Sochi,
Russia, for the games would’ve been awesome, but Alaskans
are fortunate to have numerous winter competitions that
are every bit as entertaining right here at home.
One such event is Arctic Man. Another of Alaska’s iconic races,
Arctic Man differs from Iditarod and Iron Dog as the only known
race of its kind that pairs downhill skiers and snowboarders with a
snowmachiner. Teams focus heavily on coordination while enduring
unheard-of speed and uphill racing that you won’t find in an average
ski race. To fully understand you have to see it for yourself, this April
11, in the Hoodoo Mountains north of Paxson.
“If you’re a racer it’s an adrenaline rush,” says race founder Howard
Thies. “If you’re a spectator it’s one of the most profound races in the
world. There’s nothing like it.”
The skier or snowboarder will take a plunge from a 5,800-foot peak
known as the Tit, drop 1,700 feet at incredible velocity, and navigate
a creek. Eventually they’ll appear in an open valley where hundreds
of spectators gather to watch the most important phase of the race.
There, the snowmachiner tries to match speed with the skier, allowing
he or she to take hold of a tow rope, similar to a water-skiing rope, to
be hauled off at high speed, uphill. It’s tricky, and failed attempts are
common—yard sales, too. With luck, the team is in sync and they’ll
rip off without much time lost, catching a little air before disappearing
into another creek, the 2.25-mile uphill portion.
If the snowmachiner has the skill to ride hard and fast despite the
tugging on the rear, and only if the athlete in tow can stay on course
and handle the excessive speeds of up to 90 mph, they’ll be contenders
for the championship.
Cresting another mountain top, the skier is released in somewhat of
Arctic Man also includes snowcross, hillcross, jumping and drag races. The fun never ends!
a shuttle. The shuttle is for anyone
who has been drinking … not just
the lightweights. So hop on board
and tip the driver. After all, he or she
is putting up with a rowdy bunch.
If you plan on drinking, walk –
don’t ride – to the bar. Make a plan
to use the shuttle. Watch out for
friends and family. If needed, put
them on the shuttle to save them the
embarrassment of winding up on the
Alaska State Troopers TV series. It’s
a poor representation of Alaska, and
gives Arctic Man a bad name.
Roadside services caution
According to race organizers, the
Paxson Lodge and fuel station likely
will be closed. If driving up from the
south (Wasilla, Anchorage, Valdez)
fuel up in Glennallen, and plan accordingly.
RACE ROSTER
LOOKING HOT
“W
e’ve got some real studs
coming,” says Howard
Thies, Arctic Man race
founder. “Marco Sullivan
and all the winners that are in Russia will
be back, Nate Holland will be back, Daron
Rahlves will be here being pulled by Levi LaVallee who’s the No. 1 snowmachiner in the
world, and we’ve got some neat things going
on and still processing and moving ahead,”
he says.
Expect the race roster posted to the Arctic
Man website by March 1.
Continued on next page
ARCTIC MAN 2013 5
Continued from previous page
IF YOU GO
Cell phone coverage
Arctic Man organizers would like
to thank AT&T for the cell phone service they’ve provided for the past few
years. 4G service will again be available.
A
rctic man has two credos. Everyone knows the first one: “Go fast or
go home.”
But the second and most important one is a Howard Thies exclusive: “Bring
your common sense.”
The A-Man compound will be full of people to include State Troopers and medical
support, so the dangers are greatly decreased,
but no one wants to have to rescue you, give
you propane because you forgot yours, or
share their doughnuts when you run out of
food. A trip to Arctic Man requires preparation and planning.
Food vendors are usually present, but
bring enough eats with you to last the duration of the event. Be sure to have ample fuel
for your generator, snowmachines and vehicle. Fuel is expected to be available for sale
at the compound, so in the very least bring
money to buy it. Propane will not be available, so top off and bring extra.
April is considered springtime for much
of the northern hemisphere, yet spectators
have experienced temperatures in the minus20s at Arctic Man, which means ultra-warm
clothes and reliable equipment are crucial.
Outhouses
If you plan to ride in the mountains and
nearby trails, be sure to tell someone where
you’re headed, carry a GPS, carry a beacon
and avalanche probe (everyone in the party),
ride within your limits and, by all means be
cautious of others and wildlife. Ride with
others who know the area and stay clear of
glaciers, ice bridges and sketchy terrain.
Do not drink and ride. Consider this a
warning, Thies says, because if you drink and
ride, you’ll likely end up in jail. Also, don’t
fight. The Arctic Man compound is a small
city, complete with your average city laws and
regulations. Follow the rules and have a good
time.
www.arcticman.com
www.coast-magazine.com
Photography by John Woodbury
6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99507
Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go
Classic guide produced by:
Alaska Adventure Media
Coast magazine
SnowRider magazine
WINTER RV RATES:
$20/50 amp hookup $15/30 amp hookup
Rooms $99 and up
Limited Space
Reserve Today!
Do you consider yourself a king
or Arctic Man? Then you deserve a
proper throne. If you don’t want everyone messing up your RV toilet or if
you don’t think it will function properly
in the extreme cold, then call (907)
452-1480 to secure your very own
outhouse.
Firewood
Fires are permitted in your camp
area. Bring your own wood or purchase wood from the provider at
Arctic Man. Just be sure to call well
in advance to make arrangements so
you’re not left out in the cold.
Rules of the camp include no
burning of pallets (nails have been a
problem in the past) and no throwing
glass in the fires.
To purchase firewood, call Brad
Russell at (907) 378-6312.
[email protected]
(907) 677-2900
Project Managers: Justin Matley,
Melissa DeVaughn, Howard Thies
The Perfect Beginning
on your Trail
to a Great Ride!
7 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 days
On-site access to groomed trails
www.trappercrkinn.com • 907-733-2302
6 ARCTIC MAN 2013
ARCTIC MAN 2013 7
Campground reservations start at $130 if paid early. Sites
are secured for the previous occupant each year until
March 1. After that, sites are given up to the waiting list.
CAMPING REGISTRATION
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8 ARCTIC MAN 2013
The Arctic Man compound is plowed and constructed
annually and offers limited space for campers and RVs.
Camping groups must reserve campsites and register with
Arctic Man organizers. The cost to do so after Feb. 15 is
around $130. PayPal credit card payments are available
online.
Campsites include plowed parking, access to the medical
tent, outhouses, garbage dumpster and the opportunity to
be close to all the action. Previous Arctic Man campers have
the first opportunity to reserve their campsite. After March 1,
however, all sites are up for grabs.
Find the registration form online at www.arcticman.com.
Be prepared to be placed on a waiting list as sites are often
claimed long before event day.
FUEL AND PROPANE
Fuel will be available for purchase at the Arctic Man
compound, but it’s an excellent idea to bring extra fuel to
ensure your vehicle or generator can keep you warm for the
duration of the event. Propane will not be available, and folks
have been known to run out.
The nearest fuel station is a long haul away, so plan
accordingly.
ARCTIC MAN 2013 9
AFTER 29 YEARS,
WHAT’S IT TAKE TO PUT ON
ARCTIC MAN?
L
ike many iconic Alaska competitions, Arctic Man was
conceived during “spirited” conversations in a bar.
While enjoying an evening in the nearby pub, skiers and
snowmachiners confronted one another with the question of who
could descend the local mountains slopes the fastest.
So, what’s it take to put on such a a massive event as Arctic Man?
“Probably two years out of my life every year,” jokes race founder
Howard Thies.
He admits it’s a lot of work and people don’t realize what goes into it.
“It’s a process to say the least,” he says. “But, you know, I enjoy doing it,
and it’s a lot easier now because we’ve been doing it so long.”
And it’s hard to believe this wild event has withstood the test of time.
“This is the 29th anniversary of the race,” Thies says. “Next year’s our
30th anniversary, and I hope I’m still alive to see it happen. We’re gonna
make a big deal next year if I can make it happen. We try to make it big
every year, but next year, even better.”
Aside from faster machines and more competitors, the great things
about Arctic Man, fun and people, have remained the same. But, things
have changed in one way or another.
Thies says, “Thirty years ago I combed my hair with a comb. Not any
more.”
Watch the race from the Tit (experienced riders only), the Hookup,
the Release as shown here, or from the finish. As a crucial part
of the race the Hookup is perhaps the most popular location.
ARCTIC MAN’S
UNOFFICIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
“B
etween fuel, motorhomes, beverages and everything
else you buy, if we’re not a 3- to 4- to 5-million dollar head
for the economy, you can kiss my ass in front of city hall,”
says Howard Thies of his famed Arctic Man event. “Think
about it; 11,000 motorhomes driving from Anchorage and Fairbanks
spending on fuel, if they don’t own them they rent them, buying food for
the show, everything they buy traveling along the road. If we didn’t sell
400,000 gallons of fuel I’ll be shocked. Rentals at $275 a day, propane—
people just don’t realize what this means for the economy. We are a huge
economic boost is the bottom line,” he says.
For those who have been to Arctic Man and anyone that purchased
new gear, a generator, space heater or purchased a new RV specifically for
this annual event, that sounds like a convincing argument.
Before and after the races play around in the Hoodoo Mountains
with some of the best snowmachining and views in the state.
10 ARCTIC MAN 2013
ARCTIC MAN 2013 11
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ARCTIC MAN 2013 13
ARCTIC MAN
SKI & SNO–GO CLASSIC
5.5
88.3
4:01.49
MILES,
course length
MPH, record speed by
Johnny Martin & Petr Kakes
START elevation 5,800'
MINUTES, record time by
Scott McCartney & Tyson Johnson
6,000'
5,500'
Skier’s/boarder’s release point. Fastest
point in the race. Site of crashes in past.
5,000'
FIRST AID/RELEASE
4,500'
4,000'
3,500'
6
5
FINISH
4
Watch the competitors roll to a stop and the
results roll in. Finish line antics are legendary.
14 ARCTIC MAN 2013
3
2
HOOK UP
1 mile
3,000'
One of the most difficult parts of the race,
where snowmachiner and skier connect.
ARCTIC MAN
PARKING LOT MAP
RICHARDSON HIGHWAY MP 197.5
< ANCHORAGE
FAIRBANKS >
PRIVATE
PRIVATE
HELI-PAD
600-699 ZZ
RUNWAY 700-955
800
SPECIAL SITES
BAR
700
SNOW CROSS
600
955
HOWIE LANE
SPECIAL SITES
VENDORS
599
MAIN PAD 101-599
CE
R A RSE
IN >
N U
MA F CO
F
TICAY O
C
AR S T
TO E A S
PL
< OUT
E
R1-R45
1-100
101
530
488
444
487
443
397
352
396
351
307
260
306
259
217
171
216
170
ARCTIC MAN 2013 15
2014 ARCTIC MAN
EVENT
SCHEDULE
MONDAY, APRIL 7 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Course closed for course setup and packing.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please watch for preparation crews.
Course sections open for practice. Watch for ‘section closed’
signs.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please watch for packing crews and
set up crews. Course sections open for practice. Watch for
‘section closed’ signs.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Canyon Pull closed (no access to canyon).
Skiing sections, hookup and drop-off open for practice.
10 a.m. Media meeting – film and photo crews in tent.
2 p.m. Mandatory racers’ meeting at release point for course
inspection and start-position drawing.
7 p.m. Mandatory racers meeting at main tent for bib pickup,
pre-race instructions, questions and answers.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
10:30 a.m. Tech inspections at hookup.
11:00 a.m. Forerunners start, with race to follow.
Noon Race start. If race is psotponed, the race will be held
on Saturday with the same schedule as above.
3:00 p.m. AMMC will hold a hill-cross race following Arctic
Man from Finish line back up the Hill.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
7 p.m. Awards ceremony and raffle drawing in the main
tent. Raffle held at 10 p.m.
Backup day if race not held on Friday.
AMMC will have snocross, drags and jumping contest behind the main tent. Times to be announced.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Backup day if race not held on Saturday.
16 ARCTIC MAN 2013
ARCTIC MAN ON TV
ADAM RICHMAN’S
FANDEMONIUM
H
e was there: Watch segments of the Adam Richman Travel
Channel Fandemonium Arctic Man episode online at http://www.
travelchannel.com/tv-shows/adam-richmans-fandemonium/
episodes/arctic-man-alaska.
Segments lack in race action but do showcase some fun Alaskans
enjoying the cold weather and making the most of life in the Last Frontier.
MORE TRAVEL
CHANNEL
COVERAGE
Travel Channel’s Adam Richman visited Arctic Man last year
to experience this one-of-a-kind event, the food and
the wild fans for his TV series, Fandemonium.
A
ccording to arctic man organizers, a one-hour documentary
of Arctic Man was set to air in February or early March. No doubt
this will include some of the footage shot during Richman’s visit,
but will focus on the event and race action as well.
This may—as has been the case with other events and locations
featured on prime time—send Arctic Man into a new decade of spectator
and competitor participation. We’ll just have to wait and see.
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18 ARCTIC MAN 2013
THE ROPES
A FEMALE DRIVER’S PERSPECTIVE
ON ARCTIC MAN By Justin Matley
“FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
THE PEOPLE BEING TOWED
ARE ALL NUTS.”
- MOANNA HOLLERS
Sunny Hamilton, left, and MoAnna
Hollers pose with the yeti after
accepting their women’s snowboard
second-place award in 2010.
JUSTIN MATLEY
I
n 2013, moanna hollers of valdez towed her snowboarding partner sunny hamilton into a first-place finish during the
Women’s Snowboard race at Arctic Man. She’s pitted herself against
the boys to assist Hamilton with a Men’s Snowboard Top 10 finish,
and in 2014 this Arctic Queen will be towing an additional competitor.
The plan is for Hollers to team with national ski-cross champion and
X-Games competitor Langley McNeal in the Arctic Man Women’s Ski
event.
Hollers will have more work to do at Arctic Man than ever before,
with less time in the seat due to poor snowfall. Nonetheless, she feels
up to the challenge.
“I’ll be ready,” Hollers says. “We’ve got snow now, so I’ll be able to
get out and ride.”
Fortunately most everyone will be in the same boat, and Hollers will
have three opportunities to assist a teammate with a win. As they’ve
done in the past, Hollers and Hamilton will compete against the boys
and pay the additional race entry fees for their time to qualify for the
Women’s Snowboard. McNeal’s race will, of course, be the third chance
at taking home some winnings.
Hollers is a veteran driver who likes winning, but also enjoys the
competitive excitement and uniqueness of Arctic Man.
“From my perspective the people being towed are all nuts,” Hollers
jokes, and then continues to describe the action. “The skier takes off
from high altitude, over 5,000 feet from the Tit, skis down a canyon,
and then the snowmachiner has to pull out and meet up with their
skier while they’re still moving, hand off a rope, tow them up a nasty,
bumpy, twisty canyon, and once you get to the top that’s where it gets
pretty scary, at least for me. That’s when you’re going your highest
speed and you can’t look back to see if anybody’s there, you know, that’s
where the focus happens.
“Then after the Release is usually when reality hits, and if you see
your partner go by it’s a great feeling. Once they pass you, I can’t describe that feeling.”
Hollers’ and Hamilton’s success is certainly due to skillful snowboarding and snowmachine racing, but their signature Hookup routine is a definite help.
“Generally we use that fishing pole method, with PVC pipe, with the
handle hanging off the end of it,” explains Hollers. “It keeps my partner
away from the sled at a safe distance because usually when they come
down, you see them coming down, and the best thing you can do is let
them barely pass you, you pull out and chase them, and as you pass
them they grab it. Then you just accelerate from there.”
The “fishing pole” is specifically a length of PVC pipe with the rope
running through it. A knot is tied at each end of the pipe to keep it
stationary. The tow handle is at one end of that with additional rope at
the other end, which is tied off on the machine. Hollers can hold the
pipe between her legs or under an arm and over a shoulder, allowing it
to extend the handle to her teammate. A method developed by Hamilton, the goal is to allow Hollers to focus on riding and matching speed
without having to take her hands of the handlebars. She can steer the
tow handle right into Hamilton’s hands and take off.
Continued on page 21
ARCTIC MAN 2013 19
2013 ARCTIC MAN RESULTS
PLACE SKIER SNOWMACHINER START TO HOOKUP HOOKUP TO RELEASE RELEASE TO FINISH FINAL TIME SPEED
WOMEN’S SKI
1
Danielle Shannon
Carly Davis0:01:33.160:01:56.300:00:47.980:04:17.4477.5
2
Kayla FryLelah Crowley
0:01:32.140:02:30.160:00:44.860:04:47.1668.1
3
Rebekah Coats
Danielle Levine
0:01:58.36
0:02:43.98
0:01:05.54
0:05:47.88
54.8
WOMEN’S BOARD
1
Sunny Hamilton
MoAnna Hollers
0:02:02.240:02:19.420:01:03.500:05:25.1674.9
Kiana Putman
Dora Mae Hughes
0:01:58.840:02:43.010:01:05.340:05:47.1954.6
2
3
Betsy Sanborn
Rebekah Coats
0:02:06.61
0:02:50.53
0:01:08.67
0:06:05.81
58.8
Lelah Crowley
Kayla Fry0:02:16.180:02:50.230:01:14.190:06:20.6038.2
4
ADAPTIVE SKI
Tyler WalkerPaul Thacker
0:01:49.430:02:33.640:01:00.100:05:23.1767.2
1
Andrew Kurka
Charlie Potter
0:01:48.830:02:39.640:01:01.720:05:30.1975.7
2
Nathan Casey
Harold Egan
0:01:55.300:03:08.900:01:07.110:06:11.3153.3
3
Allen TonkinBrian Jurenka
0:02:11.750:02:48.040:01:12.320:06:12.1164.8
4
Kevin Bramble
Chad McClurg
0:01:45.710:03:44.700:00:58.310:06:28.7252.1
5
MEN’S SKI
Marco Sullivan
Tyler Aklestad
0:01:20.040:01:54.400:00:38.280:03:52.7279.2
1
Chris Beckmann
Spike Laskey
0:01:20.950:01:56.400:00:38.920:03:56.2771.8
2
Dan McKayEric Quam0:01:24.060:01:54.070:00:39.960:03:58.0974.4
3
4
Wiley Maple
Mike Vasser
0:01:22.73
0:01:59.63
0:00:39.40
0:04:01.76 78.1
Petr KakesScott Davis0:01:25.070:01:54.780:00:42.000:04:01.8579.2
5
David Duclos
Mike Morgan
0:01:26.570:02:01.980:00:42.670:04:11.2276.3
6
7
Ryan Wolosyn
Carly Davis
0:01:29.06
0:01:58.19
0:00:44.04
0:04:11.29
78.5
Shannon Denning
Kyle Connor0:01:28.800:01:57.890:00:45.190:04:11.8877.5
8
9
John Huff
Corky Jones
0:01:27.74
0:02:01.70
0:00:43.23
0:04:12.67
76.8
Darin Gamba
Casey Boylan
0:01:28.870:01:59.850:00:44.240:04:12.9674.9
10
James Binkley
John Binkley
0:01:30.640:01:59.050:00:44.600:04:14.2979.2
11
David Osborn
Cody England
0:01:30.770:01:58.750:00:45.000:04:14.5275.1
12
Troy Murdough
Dane Ferguson
0:01:32.630:01:58.700:00:45.320:04:16.6578.9
13
14
Joseph Swensson
Robert Masson
0:01:25.96
0:02:08.06
0:00:43.26
0:04:17.28
71.3
John MayJake Evans0:01:30.190:02:03.400:00:44.700:04:18.2975.1
15
16
Mike Oshea
Rick Cullen
0:01:30.10
0:02:09.90
0:00:43.09
0:04:23.09
75
17
Jackson Kelleher
MoAnna Hollers
0:01:32.140:02:09.820:00:46.270:04:28.2378.6
18
Marsh Gooding
Ryan Sottosanti
0:01:24.18
0:02:23.99
0:00:40.44
0:04:28.61
75.5
Luke SmithJason Gunderson
0:01:24.800:01:57.250:01:08.330:04:30.3875.3
19
Andreas Adde
Michael King
0:01:30.300:02:14.180:00:46.410:04:30.8974.1
20
21
Jeremy Riddle
Nathan Azhlem
0:01:30.51
0:01:59.12
0:01:03.37
0:04:33.00
74.6
Nick Posenti
Mike Posenti
0:01:39.370:02:08.430:00:49.360:04:37.1678.3
22
Brad KrupaChris Carrol0:01:32.020:02:05.700:01:04.970:04:42.6973.5
23
24
Hayden Wright
Ryan Goldfuss
0:01:41.72
0:02:11.23
0:00:50.97
0:04:43.92
70.8
25
Tim Mahon
Geoff Coon
0:01:38.17
0:02:30.55
0:00:52.47
0:05:01.19
66
Scott Montalbo
Tyson Johnson
0:01:22.820:01:51.62DNFDNF80.7
26
Eric HeilLen Story—DNFDNFDNFDNF
27
28
Willie O’Malley
20 ARCTIC MAN 2013
Trent Larson
0:01:36.32
0:02:04.23 DNF
DNF
77.2
The ropes, continued from page 19
Having towed skiers prior to Arctic Man, Hollers knew the ropes
when she first paired up with Hamilton, but she admits there’s a trick
to towing gracefully and successfully.
“There was definitely a learning curve of knowing when you could
hit the throttle, when you’re gonna rip their arms off if you don’t do
things right, so as far as Arctic Man goes, I was already well informed
on how to tow,” she says. “But there’s definitely a learning curve because they speed up a lot faster when you slow down, they catch you,
and when you try to take off and accelerate too fast you can pretty
much give them the smack down.”
The rider needs to be highly aware of other dangers on the
course. A couple stand out in Hollers’ mind each time she tows.
“The pedestrians are always scary; I’m always wondering if somebody’s going to pop out on the course when you’re coming around a
corner,” Hollers says. “It doesn’t happen often but it has happened in
the past. Other than that, my biggest worry is injuring the skier, having
my skier or snowboarder go down, get caught in the rope, and I don’t
stop fast enough.”
She encourages new racers to think hard about who they team with
to run the race.
“If you have an inexperienced skier, they should probably have an inexperienced driver,” explains Hollers. “Your teams have to match, have
good communication skills, understand how to work together, and if
you’re starting from scratch usually it’s a lot easier just because, you
know, if an experienced driver is trying to tow someone inexperienced
in the race, the odds of them getting hurt are more likely because the
driver is going to push them too hard,” she says.
And when it’s all said and done, Hollers’ best advice is the have fun,
which is what Arctic Man is all about. People often think of Arctic Man
as being a rowdy atmosphere, but it’s the simple things Hollers enjoys
most.
“Being able to spend time with your friends, you know, and we have
a group, a team, that actually gets together and we all go out and train
together and do all our practicing and do the events … at the tent, and
its basically just a good way to get together with friends and do something other than just snowmachining every weekend, which is what we
always usually do,” says Hollers. “There’s a purpose.”
She expects anyone would be impressed with Arctic Man and enjoy
it just as much. It’s a great way to experience how Alaskans make the
most of winter.
“Things are just a little more extreme up here,” she says. “We’ve kind
of adapted to our surroundings and since we’re so isolated we’ve come
up with different events and techniques for having fun.”
MoAnna Hollers, left, matches speed with teammate Sunny
Hamilton at the Hookup during the 2010 races. Notice the
“fishing pole” method for passing off the tow handle.
JUSTIN MATLEY
ARCTIC MAN 2013 21
2013 ARCTIC MAN RESULTS
PLACE SKIER SNOWMACHINER START TO HOOKUP MEN’S SKI CONTINUED
HOOKUP TO RELEASE RELEASE TO FINISH FINAL TIME SPEED
MEN’S BOARD
1
Nate Holland
Tyler Aklestad
0:01:38.190:02:01.530:00:47.360:04:27.0877
2
Jayson HaleTyson Johnson
0:01:44.750:01:55.520:00:51.540:04:31.8180.8
3
James Scott
Casey Boylan
0:01:40.680:02:02.380:00:50.130:04:33.1975.6
4
Pat HollandMike Vasser0:01:43.230:02:02.690:00:52.820:04:38.7480.4
5
Sean Weidmaier
John Wood0:01:46.210:02:06.110:00:55.070:04:47.3972.8
6
Cory KoopKevin Kornack
0:01:48.300:02:06.290:00:55.880:04:50.4771.7
7
Will Durdick
Roger Brown
0:01:47.16
0:02:10.91
0:00:54.66
0:04:52.73
69.5
8
Yancy Caldwell
Spike Laskey
0:01:52.590:02:05.450:00:55.940:04:53.9874.5
9
Jonny Hammond
Larry Levine0:01:43.210:02:18.160:00:55.020:04:56.3966.8
10
Gordon Emery
Nicholas Martin
0:01:49.780:02:12.790:00:54.310:04:56.8873.1
11
Wyatt Caldwell
John Dean0:01:52.940:02:07.340:00:59.460:04:59.7473.6
12
Grayson Raymer
Chris Olds
0:01:58.68
0:02:07.59
0:01:02.80
0:05:09.07
74.7
13
Blake Hurlbut
Tony Greene
0:01:57.860:02:16.330:01:00.220:05:14.4176.2
14
Ben Fagan
Rick Cullen
0:01:56.49
0:02:20.22
0:01:03.46
0:05:20.17
71.6
15
Josh SzmydStephanie Barney
0:02:03.770:02:42.950:01:07.850:05:54.5765.4
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Awards banquet after the race at 6pm Eagles Hall
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2nd annual Snowfest
SATURDAY MARCH 29TH
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ARCTIC MAN 2013 23
24 ARCTIC MAN 2013
SAFETY MATTERS
Lurking dangers
A sad outdoor truth: Even simple outings can turn deadly
A
By Debra McGhan
laska, especially in winter, is often a harsh and
unforgiving environment. On foot, skis, or snowshoes, you
can be swallowed by the wilderness in no time. Climb into
a car or aboard a snowmobile, ATV, boat, aircraft, or helicopter and
you can be in the most rugged of places within minutes. If something
goes wrong you can quickly find yourself in a life or death situation.
Are you prepared?
Thousands of snowmachines roared to life, splitting the normally
silent morning air surrounding the Hoo Doo Mountains near Paxon.
It was April 2013. Arctic Man was once again in full swing.
I was attending this internationally renowned event as the executive
director of the North America Outdoor Institute on a mission to raise
awareness about avalanche danger and glacier travel. I’d secured a
small budget from the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the
Alaska Division of Parks. With the limited funding to cover the
training costs for the four-day event, we scrimped and got creative
in our efforts. With one professional instructor and seven amazing
volunteers, we were ready to pull off this monumental task.
We arrived on a Wednesday in the heart of a snowstorm. Visibility
was minimal, and if it didn’t clear by Friday the race would be
postponed. The weather improved on Thursday, and our team headed
out into the field to figure out our best location for staging our ‘safety
training game.’
That evening, we set up a game in the ‘big tent’ and sold tickets for
a chance to win a 2013 Skidoo Sled donated by BRP. Our objective
was to raise awareness about backcountry hazards while bringing in
revenue to cover some of our expenses and support our continued
community outreach training programs.
By Saturday morning the weather cleared, the race was in the
history books and we’d raised almost $10,000. Our ‘training game’
had reached more than 2,000 individuals, and thousands more had
seen our flyers, banners and safety reminders.
With a few hours of downtime in front of us, everyone on the team
wanted to get out and play. I will never forget strapping on my skis
that morning and heading
out for some peaceful
Nordic skiing to relieve
stress and celebrate our
Shjon Brown
accomplishments. I glided
PHOTO COURTESY ROGER BROWN
solo across an expansive
snow field toward the toe of
the glacier just beyond the commotion of the Arctic Man community.
I wasn’t the only one who had chosen human power; another lone
skier glissaded along at a good clip toward the foothills of the glacier,
and as we passed I lifted my ski pole in salute.
Not long after this chance encounter, I headed back to set up for
our final round of activities before the big awards ceremony. But
by the time I got back tragedy had already struck. An Alaska State
Riders head out to play near the scene of Arctic Man.
DEBRA MCGHAN
Trooper greeted me and asked if our team could assist with a searchand-rescue mission. A young boy had fallen into a Moulin—a watercarved hole in the glacier that can be hundreds of feet deep.
An emergency room doctor on a solo cross-country ski—probably
the skier I had seen—had stumbled upon the scene. Without
the gear needed to rappel into the glacier, he quickly called for
help. Fortunately we were ready to roll. Bryan Roerick, our hired
professional instructor, headed for the scene and reported back a few
hours later.
Tragedy had struck. Nine-year-old Shjon Brown was buried under
a snowmachine deep in the glacier and hadn’t survived.
“Shjon was my right hand man,” said his father, Roger, who had
raced in the Arctic Man competition the day before. “We went
everywhere together. Shjon cheered me on. In fact, he convinced me
to enter both the Arctic Man and the Iron Dog.”
Roger Brown said they had been riding in the area for several
hours, pulling friends who wanted to snowboard.
“We were waiting for the skiers and boarders to come down and
decided to take a break with some of the wives who were waiting for
their husbands. We were in a big, open field and Shjon just wanted
to ride around. He’s been riding for years so I didn’t think anything
about it. I just made him promise to stay in sight.”
Brown watched his son riding about 100 yards away when he went
down into a little depression and then didn’t come back out.
“I just figured he’d gotten the machine stuck.”
But what Brown found when he went to investigate left a huge hole
in his life. The glacier had swallowed the boy and his snowmachine.
The Alaska Avalanche Information Center and NAOI will continue
to support Arctic Man by providing free training about such hazards
lurking beneath Alaska’s the epic powder fields.
Whether you attend Arctic Man this year or not, take the time to
get educated before any outdoor adventure.
To help this effort or learn more visit urocksafety.com or
alaskasnow.org.
Riders enjoy the fields
around the Arctic Man
competition.
DEBRA MCGHAN
White-out Wipeout
After falling from 50-foot cliff, snowmachiner must ride out pain, and storm
I
t was dark, and the only thing that distracted don
feltman from the frigid blizzard raging around
him was the pain surging through his body. He watched as his
son Josh and their friends rotated firewood duty, using a meager
hand saw to retrieve wood for the fire, their only heat source.
Despite his own pain, Don’s concern for them grew: Fatigue
and hypothermia were very real threats. With menacing wind
diminishing their hopes of rescue until morning, he worried they
might not survive this frigid night in Alaska’s backcountry.
It was Feb. 5, 2010, when Feltman, his son Josh, and nine friends
pulled into the parking lot of Nelly Juan Lake, near Seward. The
sunrise hid beneath a thick layer of cloud cover that would occasionally
sputter out a light dusting of snow. It had been dumping in that area
for days and the group was undeterred by the lack of bluebird skies.
They fired up their sleds and navigated through the fresh powder into
Nelly Juan.
At around 3:30, though, a blizzard set in, forcing the group to call it
a day. They split up and headed for the parking lot. Feltman and two
of his buddies decided to take a short cut down a slope to the lake,
unaware that the flat light had duped them. What looked like a slope
was actually a 50-foot cliff, and they were straight for it.
Surprisingly the first two escaped without injury, but they had no
way to warn Feltman. As he began his descent, he quickly realized the
carnage that awaited him. In moments like these, rational thought
often evades us, and survival instincts kick in. Feltman decided that
his best bet would be to divorce the sled and hope that he would make
contact with snow instead of machine on the landing. Instead, his
hopes were dashed as he came down hard onto the pile of sleds at the
base of the cliff.
Feltman was met with a mixture of agony and panic – the pain
muted by the fact that he couldn’t feel his appendages. His left arm
was clearly dislocated, draped haphazardly behind his neck. His
twisted position made it clear to his friends just how dangerous the
situation was.
Soon, the rest of the group came to their aid, including Josh.
One group decided to send for help, while the other agreed to stay
Don Feltman
credits the
support of fellow
riders, and the
use of a SPOT
transceiver, in
his February 2010
snowmachine
rescue outside of
Seward.
COURTESY DON FELTMAN
By Joy Sullivan
behind with Feltman. As they waited, they were able to straighten
out Feltman’s arm, and he regained feeling in his arms and legs,
alleviating some fear.
His left arm was clearly dislocated, draped haphazardly
behind his neck. His twisted position made it clear to
his friends just how dangerous the situation was.
However, the weather was their new danger. It was now 4:30 p.m.,
growing dark, and the blizzard had extinguished visibility. Feltman
understood the chances a rescue crew could get to him were unlikely.
Collecting as much composure as he could muster, he told his son he
was going to ride out. They put him on Josh’s sled, sitting up on the
gas tank and they began the journey out. Even with Josh’s calculated
maneuvering, the pain was unbearable and they made it mere feet
before Feltman halted the mission.
As most riders know, when you ride hard all day, you sweat through
your gear, and by now, the group was beginning to get cold. They
needed another plan. If they weren’t riding out, and a rescue crew
was most likely not coming, they needed to get a fire going and find a
suitable place to weather the storm.
They spotted a grove of trees on a hillside and carefully took
Feltman to it. Josh and his friend Richard Derkevorkian began the
arduous task of limbing trees with a handheld saw, and started a fire.
Taking the seats off their snowmobiles they created a makeshift chair
to keep Feltman as comfortable as possible. Now there was no other
option but to wait.
A buddy took his sled out to Nelly Juan lake and set off the SPOT,
a transceiver that sends out GPS coordinates along with a preselected
message to communications satellites alerting emergency response
crews. He left it on the sled and hiked back to camp.
By the time a rescue crew arrived in the parking lot, along with
Alaska State Troopers, it had already snowed more than a foot. George
Derkevorkian, a close friend of Feltman’s, led a Trooper, U.S. Forest
Service ranger, and emergency medic back in, trudging through the
full-on blizzard.
At the makeshift campsite, the most worrisome of problems seemed
resolved, as the medic determined that none of Feltman’s injuries
were life-threatening. What was a problem, though, was surviving the
night. With the blizzard still raging, the emergency crew departed,
leaving them with two cold-weather sleeping bags and assurance of
rescue at daylight.
Meanwhile, George and his son Richard, Josh and the others took
turns sawing through the night to keep the fire going and Feltman
warm. Feltman’s wife, who had been notified of the situation and
stayed the night at the Trooper’s outpost, awaiting daylight and
hoping for a break in the weather.
By morning, that break had not come. The blizzard continued, and
back at camp, Feltman considered that the men would have to stay
CALENDAR • ALASKA SNOWRIDER EVENTS LIST
Ma rch 2014
Post your snowmachine events on Alaska’s snowmachine calendar, www.ridealaska.com!
Ma rch
Ma r. 4
Membership Meeting
6:30 p.m., Caribou Hills Cabin
Hoppers
Ma r. 6 -9
Susitna River Lodge Family Ride
Overnighter, Anchorage
Snowmobile Club
Ma r. 6 -9
7 p.m., Anchorage Snowmobile Club
Ma r. 15
Caribou Hills Family Fun Day
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Caribou Hills Cabin
Hoppers
Ma r. 15
Valdez Mayor’s Cup
Alaska Motor Mushers Club, Valdez
Snowmachine Club
Ma r. 15
Alpine Creek Family Ride
Snowmobile Club
Bunco Bump
10 a.m., Curry Ridge Riders
Ma r. 8
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Overnighter, Lake Louise
Snowmachine Club
Wolf Pack Weekend
Overnighter, Lake Louise
Snowmachine Club
Ma r. 8 -9
Alpine Creek Lodge
Overnighter, Fairbanks Snow
Travelers
Ma r. 12
ASC Board Meeting
Ma r. 15 -16
Ma r. 19
General Membership Meeting
7 p.m., Anchorage Snowmobile Club
Ma r. 21-23
Talvista Lodge
Snowmobile Club
another night, and banishing that thought began to mentally prepare
himself, yet again, to ride out.
As they were gearing up, the faint echo of chopper blades resonated,
and soon the distinct U.S. Coast Guard logo descended from the
heavens on the side of a rescue helicopter. The Coast Guard hovered
over the lake and unable to touch down in the deep snow, lowered a
paramedic. They stripped Feltman’s riding gear off and secured him
in the basket. Feltman recalls the ride in the basket to the helicopter
to be one of the more disagreeable experiences, but he was thankful
nonetheless.
Once Feltman was safe in the chopper, Josh and the rest of the crew
loaded up and rode out of Nelly Juan, reuniting with his mom in the
parking lot. They made the two-hour drive to Anchorage to Providence
where Feltman was being transported.
Feltman’s injuries were extensive. He had two compound fractures
in his left arm, dislocated shoulder, chipped vertebrae in his back, two
broken ribs, and mild hypothermia. Although he has made almost a
full recovery the nerve damage to his left deltoid muscle limits some of
his mobility.
When asked if this experience affected how he feels about riding,
he quickly responded, “No! It’s who I am.” Now, however, he equips
himself differently on day trips. Their trailer now has a survival kit,
complete with tents, a chainsaw, dehydrated food, and an extensive
medical kit. Feltman also advocates carrying a SPOT, crediting it as a
key factor in his rescue.
Most important, Feltman says, is to surround yourself with riders
similar to his band of buddies and son Josh – whose unwavering
determination and courage throughout the perilous ordeal helped him
survive.
Ma r. 22
Snug Harbor Advanced Ride
10 a.m., Anchorage Snowmobile
Club
Ma r. 22
19th annual Antique Fun Run
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Ma r. 28
Hatcher Pass Advanced Ride
10 a.m., Anchorage Snowmobile
Club
Ma r. 28 -3 0
Talvista Lodge
Snowmobile Club
Ma r. 29
Shulin Ridge
10 a.m., Curry Ridge Riders
Ma r. 29
31st annual Spring Fun Run
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Ma r. 3 0
Board Meeting
10 a.m., Caribou Hills Cabin
Hoppers
5K GRAZE TO RAISE
Mark your calendars for the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk,
May 9, 2014! Raise money for local charities while feasting on
fabulous food. Represent a local charity? Form your team now.
For more information visit
Anchorage.net/charitywalk
BRIEFS
Team CC’s
Aklestad,
Cronquist
take fourth in
Michigan race
A
laska’s Tyler Aklestad and
Korey Cronquist took fourth
place in the 2014 46th annual Soo
International 500 snowmachine race,
held Jan. 27-Feb. 1, in Sault Sainte
Marie, Mich. The winners of the race
are Gabe Bunke and Aaron Christensen
of Bunke Racing. Bunke, of Moorhead,
Minn., raced with Alaskan Scott Faeo,
in the 2014 Iron Dog. It was Bunke’s
fourth win, and Christensen’s third.
“Team CC is proud of Tyler Aklestad
and the amazing fourth-place finish,”
wrote Barbara Cronquist of Team CC.
Brian Dick wins
Seven Clans
Casinos I-500
I
Tyler Aklestad and Korey Cronquist
celebrate their fourth-place finish in the
Soo International 500 snowmachine race
in Michigan. TYLER AKLESTAD
“From 30th to fourth – amazing for a
rookie.”
The I-500 is a track style race in
which racers attempt to complete
a full 500 miles on the only one-mile
snowmachine race oval in North
America. Racers often reach speeds in
the 100-mph mark during their quest.
ron Dog racer Brian Dick took
home the winner’s trophy in the
2014 Seven Clans Casinos I-500 in Thief
River Falls, Minn., last month. Christian
Brothers Racing had their machines
dialed in all the way to the finish, as
Brian Dick (Cat) and Zach Herfindahl
(Cat) battled for first and second. In an
exciting finish, Polaris’ veteran rider,
Justin Tate, was able to capture the
third-place finish to add some color to
an otherwise green podium.
The competition on Feb. 8 also
featured vintage and junior riders
tackling the tough Warren, Minn., loop,
the most grueling of the three-day race.
Dick’s win did not come easily.
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BRIEFS
Yamaha Pro
Class riders
went out
according
to their
elapsed
time
gaps, and
Dick had
teammate
Herfindahl
Brian Dick
breathing
down his
snowflap all day. At the first fuel stop,
Herfindahl, who is just 18, had closed
the gap to under a 90 seconds.
“I knew Zach was close, within just
over a minute at the first stop,” Dick
said in a press release. “I just started to
feel more and more comfortable on the
sled as the day went on, but I didn’t like
the second loop, it was pretty rough out
there.”
That second run had a lot of rockhard drifts and technical running that
most riders said tested their stamina.
On Snow Magazine women’s champ,
Jolene Bute (Cat), agreed with Dick’s
assessment of the day’s second loop
“I finally just had to slow down a little
and ride smarter so I could finish in one
piece,” Bute said.
Dick won $10,000, courtesy of Seven
Clans Casinos, along with additional
factory and sponsor contingencies. He
also won the race in 2011.
SEVEN CLANS CASINOS
I-500 RESULTS:
Yamaha Pro Stock: Brian Dick (Cat);
Speedwerx Pro Open: Brian Dick
(Cat); Semi Pro: Benjamin Langaas
(Cat); AMSOIL Semi Pro Improved:
Benjamin Langaas (Cat); Drift Racing
Super Stock: Sam Vandeputte
(Doo); Polaris Expert 85: Kevin
Tinjum (Cat); Ski-Doo Masters
40+: Jon Arneson (Cat); Legends
50+: Dan Fischer (Cat); Trophy 85:
Ryan Weidemann (Cat); Trophy 600:
Jared Christiansen (Pol); C&A Pro
Trail: Kevin Tinjum (Cat); On Snow
Magazine Women’s: Jolene Bute
(Cat); Team Industries Classic IFS:
Brad Naplin (Cat); Fly Racing Vintage:
Michael Fugelberg (Pol); Arctic Cat
Vintage Legends: Gerry Mattison
(Cat); Junior 10-17: Ross Ilstrup (Cat);
Junior Girls 10-17: Kelsey Pladson.
Willow Winter
Carnival race results
T
he annual Willow Winter
Carnival at tracted 4 0 racers to
its vintage snowmachine racing event
in early February, and the relatively
Continued on page 44
THE FUN
AROUND EVERY CORNER
HURRY IN TO YOUR
POLARIS ® DEALER NOW
TO ENTER TO WIN ONE
OF SIXTY 2015 SLEDS AND
G E T G R E AT D E A L S L I K E
0
%
FINANCING
for 36 mo.
ON POLARIS SLEDS.*
Tues-Fri 9:30-6 p.m. Sat 9:30 - 5 p.m.
907-279-9478 • 1-800-478-4555
See the Ride Like Never Before.
TerrainDomination.com
TERRAIN
DOMINATION
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the United States (excluding FL), District of Columbia, and
Canada (including Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Starts 12:01 am Central Time (CT) 12/27/13. Ends 11:59 pm (CT) 3/3/14. PRIZES: 60 Grand Prizes—2015 models of Polaris sleds.
HOW TO ENTER. To enter you must visit an authorized Polaris dealership to receive a code. Then go online to www.terraindomination.com/sixty-sled-giveaway to enter using the code. See complete official
rules at this site. Each code can only be used one time. Limit one entry per person. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and
regulations.
SPONSOR. Polaris Industries Inc., 2100 Highway 55, Medina, MN 55340.
©2014 Polaris Industries Inc. Polaris, INDY®, RUSH®, Switchback®, Assault®, and RMK® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc.
*Offer subject to credit approval. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change, and may be extended or terminated without further notice. Terms up to 36 months available
for purchases based on credit-approval criteria. Fixed APR of 0.00%, 3.99%, or 6.99% will apply. An example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 0.00% is $27.78 per $1,000 financed. An
example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 6.99% APR is $30.87 per $1,000 financed. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. Valid only on 2011–2013 full-size
snowmobiles. Offer ends February 28, 2014.
Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.
BRIEFS
continued from page 43
mild temperatures, at 20 degrees, made
for some enjoyable riding. The course,
according to racers, was fast and
smooth.
The Open Class and the 0-400cc
class racers were extremely
competitive. Tom Whitstine blew away
the Over 35 Class and won the very
close Open Class. Cody Hannaman’s 80
SRX let go on lap 10. Word is, the crank
burned up.
RESULTS:
Jr Class
1) #4 Brad Klein, Yamaha ET340;
2) #66 Robby Schachle Jr.,
Yamaha ET340; 3) #79 Cohen
Hannaman, Yamaha ET340
Women Open Class
1) #240 Shyla Schachle,
Yamaha SS440; 2) #66 Kelcy
Schachle, Yamaha SS440
Single Cylinder Class/>300cc
Twin Fan/FA
1) #242 Robby Schachle,
Yamaha ET300; 2) #222 Dave C.
Jensen, Polaris Colt TX250
Any 0-400cc
1) #44 Martin Brown, Yamaha
ET340; 2) #242 Robby Schachle,
Yamaha ET340, 3) #8 Chuck
Eppilito John Deere 340
IFS Open
1) #283 Charlie Bailey,
Polaris Indy600; 2) #73 David
Locklear, Arctic Cat 580
Open Class >600cc
1) #173 Tom Whitstine, Moto-Ski
Sonic 521; 2) #762 Charles Balzarini,
Ski-Doo Blizzard 521; 3) #66 Chris
Schachle, Yamaha SS440
Any 0-500cc
1) #179 Cody Hannaman,
SRX440; 2) #187 Kenny
Chaos, Yamaha ET250/485;
3) #242 Robby Schachle,
Yamaha ET300
Over 35 Open
1) #173 Tom Whitstine,
Moto-Ski Sonic 521; 2) #246
Craig Clayton, Yamaha
EX440; 3) #166 Donnie
Bull, Sno-Twister440
Snowmachiner Brian Dick gets a congratulatory postIron Dog race hug from family. JOHN WOODBURY
GOOD LUCK RACERS!
Open Sundays | C.O.D's Welcome!
Mon - Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday : 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
907-694-6700 • www.eagleriverpolarisarcticcat.com
ALASKA STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS
President & Southcentral Rep.
Kevin Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
Vice President
Vacant
Treasurer
Brant Grifka, Eagle River
694-3458
Membership
Cindy Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
BOARD MEMBERS
Central Representative
Glenn Swan, Eagle River
694-8747
Western Representative
Vacant
COMMITTEES
ASSA Convention
& Trade Show
522-6373
Public Relations
Vacant
Alaska Snow Rider
Steve Wilhelmi, Anchorage
567-3215
STATEWIDE CLUBS
ALASKA MOTOR MUSHERS
PO Box 871753 • Wasilla, AK, 99687
Fax: 376-7966
President: Wayne Devore
FAIRBANKS SNOW TRAVELERS
P.O. Box 80053
Fairbanks, AK 99708-0053
479-4933
ALASKA TRAILBLAZERS
P.O. Box 36 • Tok, AK 99780
883-7669
JUNEAU SNOWMOBILE CLUB
P.O. Box 32882 • Juneau, AK 99803
723-8948
ANCHORAGE SNOWMOBILE CLUB
P.O. Box 232196 • Anchorage, AK 99523
Hotline: 566-02726
anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
KODIAK SNO BRUINS
Box 3492 • Kodiak, AK 99615
486-3828
AURORA INTERNATIONAL INC.
P.O. Box 520581 • Big Lake, AK 99652
892-6372
CARIBOU HILLS CABIN HOPPERS
P.O. Box 375 • Clam Gulch, AK 99568
252-1782
CHEECHAKO SKI BENDERS
P.O. Box 834 • Kenai, AK 99611
283-7664
Southeast Representative
Vacant
Raffle
522-6373
Interior Representative
Stephen E. Enochs, Fairbanks
452-5845
Access Chair
Joe Gauna, Anchorage
243-6776
CHILKAT SNOWBURNERS INC.
P.O. Box 870 • Haines, AK 99827
Diane Lapham, 766-2503
Kenai Peninsula Representative
Vacant
CONTACT
ASSA Hotline: 566-0210
Industry Representative
Bruce Friend, Anchorage
349-8575
ASSA Hotline Toll Free:
1-888-825-7669
COPPER COUNTRY
SNOWMOBILE CLUB
HC 01 Box 300 • Gakona, AK 99586
822-3440
Business Representative
Nick Olzenak, Anchorage
277-1741
Find event specifics and
updates on these club and
event websites:
Alaska Motor Mushers Club
www.ammcracing.org
Anchorage Snowmobile Club
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.
com
Alaska Trail Blazers
Located in Tok,
online via Facebook
Arctic Man
www.arcticman.com
Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers
www.akchch.org
Curry Ridge Riders
www.curryridgeriders.com
Fairbanks Snow Travelers
www.snowtravelers.org
Homer Snomads
www.snomadsonline.org
ASSA Website:
www.aksnow.org
Oxygen & Octane
www.oxygenandoctane.com
Tired Iron Vintage Races
www.fairbankstirediron.org
CURRY RIDGE RIDERS
P.O. Box 13218 • Trapper Creek,
AK 99683
Hotline: 689-7669 or 352-3669
President: Randy Crosby
Email: [email protected]
website: www.curryridgeriders.com
DELTA SNOW SEEKERS
P.O. Box 137
Delta Junction, AK 99737
Tom Waggoner, 895-4196
LAKE LOUISE
SNOWMACHINE CLUB
HC01 Box 1684B
Glennallen, AK 99588
Corky Mathews, 250-2098
MAT-SU MOTOR MUSHERS
P.O. Box 876135
Wasilla, AK 99687-6224
MAT-SU VINTAGE
SNOWMACHINE RACERS CLUB
Email: [email protected]
website: matsuvintageracers.com
President: Craig Clayton, 232-7518
NORTHERN LIGHTS
SNOWMOBILE CLUB
2039 B Coman Dr.
Eielson AFB, AK 99702
David Lemelind, 372-2016
RESURRECTION SNOW RIDERS
P.O. Box 2132 • Seward, AK 99664
224-3537
SNOMADS, INC.
P. O. Box 3646 • Homer, AK, 99603
[email protected]
www.snomadsonline.org
VALDEZ SNOWMACHINE CLUB
P.O. Box 3689 • Valdez, AK 99686
Laura Sax, 835-2373
Trek Over the Top
www.trekoverthetop.com
Valdez Snowmachine Club
www.valdezsnowmachineclub.com
Valdez Snowmachine Club
www.valdezsnowmachineclub.com
Willow Winter Carnival
www.waco-ak.org
Don’t see your
event yet?
Submit
snowmachine
related events to
ridealaska.com.
WE DO
Event
GUIDES
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club,
the Wolf Pack
www.lakelouisesnowmachineclub.
com
To advertise: 677-2900 • [email protected]
17 Locations Statewide
1-800-PAIN FREE
Now Open In
ANCHORAGE (907) 27-REHAB (277-3422)
BETHEL (907) 543-7601
BARROW (907)852-3099
DUTCH HARBOR (907) 581-2204
FAIRBANKS (907) 451-7246
ALASKA STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 240405, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99524-0405
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
PERMIT #936
ANCHORAGE, AK
A S SA 2 013 -14 M E M B E R S H I P F O R M
The Alaska State Snowmobile Association is not liable for personal Insurance. Therefore, I hereby release and discharge ASSA, its agents, and /or officers from any and all claims, demands, actions, judgements and
executions which the below signed now have or may have in the future for themselves or for the below signed heirs, executors, administrators or assign for any and all personal injuries and property damage which
have been caused by or may arise out of the participation of myself or my family in any ASSA Sponsored event. I, the belowsigned, hereby acknowledge that have read this release and understand all of its terms. I
execute it voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance.
signature:
date:
Recreational Snowmobiling is being threatened in Alaska. To retain access to your favorite places
to ride and in order to represent snowmobilers’ rights on statewide issues in Juneau, we need your
support. We encourage every Alaskan Snowmobiler to:
•
join your local club
•
join your state association
•
register your snowmobile - it ’s the law
ALASKA STATE SNOWMOBILE
ASSOCIATION
- Be represented on Local Issues
CONTACT US
1 (888)-8AK-SNOW
(1 (888)-825-7669) OR LOCALLY 566-0210
- Be represented on State Issues
president
- These are the only numbers Federal,
State and Local governmental officials will use for funding and access issues.
KEVIN HITE
www.aksnow.org
An ASSA membership provides each Alaskan Snowmobiler with:
purpose and objectives
• A subscription to the Nationally acclaimed Alaskan Snow Rider!
• Eligibility for membership with Denali Alaska Federal Credit
Union (Financing for that Snowmobile or Tow Vehicle!)
P.O. BOX 240405
ANCHORAGE, AK 99524-0405
• Representation on Statewide issues.
To encourage the formation of clubs statewide
and promote good Sportsmanship, safe
and responsible use of snowmobiles
Sponsor enactment of favorable regulations
concerning ownership and use of snowmobiles
Cooperate with Public Land Use Regulatory
Agencies while reserving the right to
oppose regulations deemed unfair or not
in the best interests of our members
NEW MEMBERSHIP
Maintain a legislative commit tee
to serve members statewide
Support the use of snowmobiles pertaining
to an individual’s livelihood.
RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP
Support local search and rescue efforts
name
address
city
state
zip
phone
email
R EGULAR MEMBERSHIP - $20 per Season (October 1—Sept 30)
F
AMILY MEMBERSHIP - (up to 4 People) - $35 per year
SNOWMOBILE CLUB - $50 Per Year
ASSA BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP - $100 per Year
Recognize competition as an important
part of recreational Snowmobiling
and support such competition.
The Association treasures the natural beauty
of Alaska and values its natural resources;
therefore we will promote the protection of
the environment from irrevocable harm.
2013-2014 goals
The #1 goal for this season is increasing both our
member numbers as well as participating clubs
around Alaska. We will be actively pursuing
new board members who represent a wide
range of snowmobile activities and regions.
ASSA will be participating in legal
and advisory boards that seek to
develop a statewide trails system.
We will also continue to be the main legal resource
and information clearinghouse for the ongoing
battle for statewide access for motorized winter
recreation in Alaska and will develop constituent
relationships that benefit our organization.
ASSA will continue to monitor and offer
input to the Sno-Trac Board concerning the
allocation of Point of Sale Revenues.

Arctic Man! Shopping by Snowmachine Forecasting in the Field

Transcription

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