Being the Northwoods is the birthplace of the snowmobile (SAYNER, WIS.) it’s no surprise Wisconsin is considered one of the top destinations to ride a sled. There are thousands of miles of snowmobile trails across the Northern part of Wisconsin alone (Vilas County over 700, Iron County 300 & Oneida County over 1000 miles) not including the connection to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan adding over 3 thousand miles of groomed trails. When I thought about writing this topic, I wondered, while riding on these well-maintained trails how many snowmobilers considers the following.

* Who pays for the groomers and drag equipment * Who maintains that equipment? * Who pays for trail maintenance? * Who builds new snowmobile trails? * Who repairs bridges if needed? * Who talks to property owners (NOT EASY) to secure private land that the trails pass over? * Who puts up the signage for snowmobiling safety, like when to stop, curves ahead or arrows placed at intersections that give distance and directs snowmobilers to the next gas station or restaurant? WHO? IT’S ALL LOCAL SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEMBERS.

I also wondered, how many people know the amount of work and hours snowmobile club members put in besides grooming? How many snowmobilers know that club members are working on the trails well before the snow hits the ground. These members are repairing bridges if needed, removing trees and other obstacles from the trail, widening trails or building new trails to connect with other trails/towns, (brushing) cutting overgrown vegetation on the side of trails and replace or repair trail signs. All of this is done so when there is enough snow base (4 to 6 inches required) the club members can begin to flatten and smooth the trail surface for snowmobilers to enjoy the best riding conditions. Where do these snowmobile clubs get the much-needed money? Each club get a portion of sled registration, trail passes and a gas tax formula, but that is not enough to cover operating expenses, so money from club memberships helps, clubs will have fundraisers, some clubs receive donations and support from local businesses. For all the reasons above are why EVERYONE that rides a sled should join their local snowmobile club.

Let me add one more benefit if you belong to a local snowmobile club. Trail passes (MANDATORY) cost $30 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, but if you are a member of a snowmobile club, your trail passes cost only $10 and you get an AWSC (ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN SNOWMOBILE CLUBS) membership, subscription to Wisconsin Snowmobile Magazine and (I HOPE YOU NEVER USE IT) a $3000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance policy. So, if you don’t belong, please join ($20 to $45 for a year) a snowmobile club in an area. Also, if you are a nonresident being a club member, you get to meet new people that have the same interest as you and that could turn into a lifelong friendship. So, please support the business that supports them and their fundraisers, like cook outs, chili feeds, bonfires, breakfast, lunch buffets, meat raffles just to name a few. BOTTOM LINE, JOIN AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SNOWMOBILE CLUB.