West Yellowstone - Snowmobile Expo 2016

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FIND INSIDE: MAP AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

COVER PHOTO BY JEREMY WEBER

YELLOWSTONE

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SWOOP PRODUCTIONS MOTORCYCLE STUNT SHOW

OCTANE NIGHTS

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TAB L E

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2016

4 ................ EXPO 2016 overview 6 ................ Schedule of events 8 ................ Vintage racing 10 .............. Wild Bill Octane Nights 12 .............. Snowmobiling West Yellowstone 14 .............. Snow bike racing 16 .............. Swoop Productions stunt show 18 .............. Avalanche beacon park 20 .............. Map of EXPO events MIKE MOORE/WYNEWS

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the scoop

2016

MIKE MOORE/WYNEWS

West Yellowstone Snowmobile EXPO returns March 10-13 W est Yellowstone’s annual Snowmobile EXPO & Powersports Show returns for a 26th year Thursday, March 10, through Sunday, March 13, 2016. “It’s the best end-of-season power sports weekend in the West,” said Marge Wanner, West Yellowstone Chamber Snowmobile Events Coordinator. “EXPO is kind of like a family reunion. People bring their friends, look at new stuff and come to have a good time.”

EXPO combines a weekend of snowmobile and snow bike racing, motorcycle freestyle exhibitions, concerts on snow and a snowmobile airshow, along with the premiere of the new 2017 snowmobile models by the manufacturers. OHVs, boats, trailers, RVs, aftermarket parts, clothing,and more will also be on display at the EXPO hall at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center. A weekend pass is just $16(kids 12 and younger are free), and covers all events at the track and exhibition location. More information and a schedule are available at www.snowmobileexpo.com.

National circuit snow bike racing is new for this year’s EXPO. Snow Bike MX will present Round 3 National Snow Bike Race Series with plenty of knockdown, bar-banging, jaw-dropping, ski-to-ski action featuring really

MIKE MOORE/WYNEWS

snowmobile expo 2016 ▲ 5

fast guys on really fast bikes. Open to all snow bikes, practice starts Sunday, March 13 at 9 a.m.; racing starts at 10 a.m. Onsite demo rides will be available too (must be 18).

Arctic Cat manufacturer reps and regional dealerships will offer a chance to not only look at their new 2017 models, but to ride one.

Demo rides will be offered during the weekend.

Vintage snowmobiles and vintage racing are more popular than ever, and EXPO provides the opportunity to see both. The 13th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Exhibit and Show returns on Saturday, March 12, hosted by Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association and located at the EXPO Race Track on Iris Street. This annual show, competition and display is one of the largest gatherings of vintage and antique snowmobiles in the West, with U.S. and Canadian participants from all over the snow belt. The featured Year Class is 1975, with prizes and special awards for People’s Choice, Best of Show and WSVSA Sled of the Year.

Mountain West Racing (MWR) Vintage Racing returns with expanded classes, races and a specially designed race course. The entire race course is being reconfigured as an oval. MWR Vintage Snowmobile Oval Races start Friday, March 11, at noon two qualifiers. Finals start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday races will follow the same schedule. Classes will include stock and mod single cylinder, 340 and 440 fan cooled, and 340 and 440 free air, plus 440 Early Fan (74 and older), 340 L/C Mod, & 440 L/C Mod. Races are limited to snowmobiles Year 1980 and older. MWR will also run Junior SnoCross Racing, including Junior 10-13, Transition 300 and Transition 500. Junior SnoCross classes are offered Friday and Saturday morning.

The 120 Western Grand Championship brings upcoming superstars together to vie for the 2016 Champion 120 Title. 120cc racing is a special event for all youngsters, who compete in three classes: 120 Stock, Speed Limited and 120 Champ. Kids ages 4 to 12 have a chance to try racing or gain racing experience. Open to everyone.

Must register; no membership required.

Kids ages 5 to 10 can try out their own kid-sized snowmobiles with free M120 snowmobile rides at the M120 demo track located just south of the Vintage Snowmobile Show area on Iris Street. The free rides are offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Bigger “kids” can try out the new 2016 snowmobile models.

JEREMY WEBER/WYNEWS

expo scoop | continued on page 21

JEREMY WEBER/WYNEWS

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2016

Thursday, March 10 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

MWR Vintage Oval check-in and race registration at Holiday Inn Convention Center

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Casino Night at Holiday Inn

8:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Calcutta for vintage racers at Holiday Inn

Friday, March 11 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

120 & Junior SnowCross Driver Crew Meeting @ SnoCross Track

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

MWR 120 & Junior SnoCross Qualifying @ SnoCross Track

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Timbersled Demo Rides @ South of the Snocross Track

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Arctic Cat 2017 Model demo rides @ South of the Snocross Track

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. EXPO Exhibitor Opening Ceremonies at Holiday Inn Convention Center 10:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

EXPO Exhibit Hall & Tent at Holiday Inn Convention Center

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MWR 120 & Junior SnoCross FINALS @ SnoCross Track 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vintage Drivers Meeting @ SnoCross Track 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

MWR Vintage Snowmobile OVAL Racing – Qualifying @ Racetrack

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

MWR Vintage Snowmobile OVAL Racing – Finals @ Racetrack

5:30 p.m.

Concert gates open at Pioneer (City) Park

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Round Up Registration @ Three Bear Lodge Conference Room

6:00 - 10:30 p.m.

Wild Bill Productions Friday Night Concerts on Snow featuring Clare Dunn and Chris Janson at Pioneer (City) Park Octane Addictions Snowmobile Freestyle Show at Pioneer (City) Park

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Schedule of Events Saturday, March 12 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

120 & Junior SnowCross Driver Crew Meeting @ SnoCross Track

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Western Grand Championship M120 Races & Junior SnoCross Qualifying @ SnoCross Track 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Arctic Cat 2017 Model demo rides @ South of the Snocross Track 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Timbersled Demo Rides @ South of the Snocross Track 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EXPO Exhibit Hall & Tent @ Holiday Inn Convention Center 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Show @ SnoCross Track 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. F ree M120 Snowmobiles Rides for Kids (3-12 yrs) @ South of the Snocross Track 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Show at SnoCross track 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. M120 WGC & Junior SnoCross FINALS @ SnoCross Track 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vintage Drivers Meeting @ SnoCross Track 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. MWR Vintage Snowmobile OVAL Racing – Qualifying Rounds @ SnoCross Track 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Freestyle snowmobile – free practice session! @ Pioneer Park 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

MWR Vintage Snowmobile Racing – Finals @ SnoCross Track

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

SWOOP Motorcycle Street Freestyle Exhibition (Downtown)

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Wild Bill Productions Friday Night Concerts on Snow

5:30 p.m.

Concert gates open at Pioneer (City) Park

5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Wild Bill Productions Saturday Night Concerts on Snow featuring The Departed and Sawyer Brown at Pioneer (City) Park Octane Addictions Snowmobile Freestyle Show at Pioneer (City) Park

Sunday, March 13 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

EXPO Exhibit Hours at Holiday Inn Convention Center

9:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m.

Snow Bike MX Snow Bike Race Series – Practice @ SnoCross Track

9:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

Snow Bike MX Demos (Open to the Public)

10:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Snow Bike MX - Round 3 National Snow Bike Race Series

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Older

But not slower

JEREMY WEBER/WYNEWS

Oval track vintage racing returns for 26th Expo

By MIKE MOORE West Yellowstone News

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few years back, vintage snowmobile racing took center stage for the first time since the World Series of oval racing was held in West Yellowstone 36 years earlier. With the rise in popularity vintage oval track racing has seen in recent years, vintage events return for the 26th Anniversary of the World Snowmobile Expo with the addition of new classes that will fill two days of oval track racing.

Oval track snowmobile racing has a rich history in

West Yellowstone. In the 1960 and 70s, upward of 40 to 50 snowmobile manufacturers had factory teams that would come to town for oval track racing and speed runs. These events brought between 10 and 12,000 people to town annually.

In 1969, speed runs had grown into a big deal at the annual snowmobile gathering, with many manufacturers showing up with purpose-built sleds they believed would produce the fastest sleds. It was during that year’s event that a 1969 Ski-Doo Double Eagle ridden

by Idaho native Duane Eck set the speed record of 95.33 MPH. The Double Eagle is currently in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. German, Wisc. to this day.

Oval track racing returned to West Yellowstone for the first time in more than 30 years back in 2013, and has since become a staple event for the weekend of racing action, growing leaps and bounds with additional entrants each year.

Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association will be hosting the 13th annual

Vintage Snowmobile Round Up on Saturday, March 12, which will feature lots of unique vintage sleds that are seldom seen in this day and age. The vintage show will be held at the SnoCross track from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the oval track, this year’s vintage racing begins on Friday, March 11, and will run through the following day. Vintage classes included in this year’s event include the junior 10-15 stock single cylinder, junior 14-17 stock 340 fan, women’s stock 500 fan, masters 50-plus super stock 500, stock single cylin-

der, stock 340 fan and free air, stock 500 fan and free air, mod single cylinder, mod 340 free air, along with stock, fan and free air classes for 440s and more.

With the addition of more classes like the introduction of 500cc sleds, vintage fans will have plenty to keep them entertained throughout the weekend.

According to Thad Lawrence of Mountain West Racing, they want to keep the event fun and simple while also offering a less-expensive way for

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those interested in racing to join in the fun.

“We’re trying to develop an inexpensive way to race,” Lawrence said.

SnoCross racing has seen a drop in recent years for a myriad of reasons, one being cost. A new SnoCross sled can cost upwards of $10,000 before modifications are made, whereas a vintage sled can cost significantly less to get race-ready.

Back in 2013, Charlie Sweeten of Utah returned to West Yellowstone to relive his oval track racing roots after a 20-year absence.

Sweeten began racing in West Yellowstone in December of 1967, when he was 22-years-old.

The oval track veteran returned to race in 2013 with a 1977 Arctic Cat Panther that he found

in an old barn down in Utah. He paid $150 for the sled, proving almost anyone with a few extra dollars can get into vintage racing for considerably less money than SnoCross racing.

“Vintage racing is on a growth spurt; the average rider can go out and race for $1,000 and not spend $10,000,” Lawrence said. “Vintage sleds are all over and people have found a use for them.”

Lawrence says he expects more than 100 vintage racing entrants this year, but says he won’t know registration numbers until Expo weekend, as some racers wait to register at the event.

Vintage snowmobiles will range from sleds

manufactured in 1985 and older. Vintage fans can relieve past memories, while also introducing the unique sleds and oval track racing to a new generation of snowmobile fans.

Races will be held both Friday and Saturday, with a good mix of vintage oval and modern SnoCross races both days. Sunday will offer a new category of racing for the Expo, as the Snow Bike MX Snow Bike Race series will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A Calcutta will be held for the vintage racers at the Holiday Inn Conference Center on Thursday, where people can bid on their favorite drivers to win the Vintage Oval Snowmobile Races for Friday and Saturday.

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WELCOME SNOWMOBILERS, RACERS & EXHIBITORS

THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED, SO HAVE WE! All of West Yellowstone would like to thank-you for coming to our 2016 Snowmobile Expo and Races. We appreciate your loyalty and time to make this event a huge success. If there is anything we can do at Westmart Building Center to make your visit more enjoyable and successful, just stop by and see us.

-The crew at Westmart

406.646.9578

100 Faithful Ave. W.Yellowstone

Hours: M-F 7:30-5:00 Sat. 8:00-3:00 Closed Sun.

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SNOWMOBILE ROUTES IN TOWN

Riding the West’s best trails W

elcome to heaven: 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and backcountry powder access around West Yellowstone in the Gallatin, Beaverhead and Targhee Forests and Island Park, Idaho.

Whether you go up Two Top Mountain, one of the most popular rides in the area, to wonder at the “snow ghosts” and endless views into two states, or take a tour on the Madison Arm Loop by Hebgen Lake, or hit the deep backcountry, snowmobiling in West Yellowstone is a sledder’s dream.

Local businesses provide tours and guides for trips into Yellowstone National Park, national forests or the backcountry), snowmobile rentals, clothing and accessories, plus instruction for anyone new to snowmobiling.

From Dec. 15 through March 15, daily snowmobile and snowcoach tours travel into Yellowstone, offering the option to visit the Old Faithful or Grand Canyon areas. Authorized expert guides accompany each tour (10 sleds maximum) with stops for wildlife watching and lunch.

Saturday, March 15, is the last day for Yellowstone’s 2014-15 winter season, so be sure to reserve your trip now.

If you plan on heading into the back-

country, take avalanche rescue equipment; know how to use it; and check the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center’s daily report at www.mtavalanche.com. Remember, the speed limit on all groomed trails is 45 miles per hour.

Ride safe, and enjoy your stay in the Snowmobile Capitol of the World.

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Beacon park offers avalanche practice for sledders

By MIKE MOORE West Yellowstone News

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hen it comes to recreating in the backcountry during the winter months, owning avalanche survival equipment doesn’t cut it; you need to know how to use it, and fast. According to avalanche specialist Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman, knowing how to use essential avalanche survival equipment such is critical for survival and having someone with you to help in a dangerous situation is also a good idea.

“You should not go in the backcountry without avalanche gear,” he said. “Companion rescue is the number one chance in surviving an avalanche burial because 80

percent chance of survival if recovered in 10 minutes or less.”

Knoff says every minute counts, as the survival rate plummets to 40 percent after being buried 12 minutes.

“Your chance of survival drops dramatically.

This is why backcountry enthusiasts must be familiar

with their rescue equipment, and physically fit enough to dig through feet of snow to rescue their partner within minutes.

“It comes down to you and your riding partner having rescue gear and knowing how to use it,” he said.

With so many daily visitors and locals heading into

the winter wonderland that surrounds West Yellowstone, he says many don’t carry essential gear because they don’t think they’ll be venturing into avalanche territory.

“When you’re in the backcountry you are exposed to avalanche terrain a lot more than you think you are,” Knoff said.

Seeing the need to educate backcountry winter enthusiasts, the Friends of the Avalanche Center and the Gallatin National Forest installed an avalanche beacon training park at the old airport on the western edge of town.

Centered around a control box, the park has four buried beacons that users can switch on and search for using their probe. The concept seems simple, but Knoff says learning the proper way to locate a

beacon is critical, and practicing will help with response times in a real situation.

“If you don’t practice with that gear, avalanche rescue is incredibly difficult,” he said.

Essential avalanche rescue equipment includes a shovel, beacon and probe. These three items work together to make rescue possible.

Knoff says those who frequent the backcountry in the winter should practice with their avalanche gear monthly to keep their skills sharp and to ensure the equipment is in good working order.

“It’s a simple process people don’t take enough time to do,” he said.

The beacon park is free to use, and depending on snow levels, will remain at the old airport location until late March or April.

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Welcome Snowmobilers!

NEW YEAR. NEW LOOK. SAME GREAT COVERAGE. NEWS

YELLOWSTONE YELLOWSTONE

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PRSTD STD U.S. Postage PAID West Yellowstone, MT Permit No. 10

Best Photos of 2015 pg 12

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016 | VOLUME 31, NO. 1 | WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT

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By MIKE MOORE FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016 | VOLUME 31, NO. 1 | WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT West Yellowstone News

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t has been a snowy month of December in the West Yellowstone region, bringing deep mountain snow and the inevitable avalanche danger that follows.

Recent reports from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center indicate that their entire coverage area is currently under “considerable” avalanche danger, as deep snowpack throughout the whole region is sitting on top of sugary lose grains. This causes the snowpack to be unstable, as avalanches can easily break free near the ground due to the sugary grains.

“The grains will not get strong soon,” Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center director Doug Chabot said. “It takes months for them to strengthen.”

Chabot says avalanches won’t JEREMY WEBER/WY NEWS likely occur on their own at this Yellowstone National Park saw a record number of visitors in 2015 as more than 4 million people came from around the world to visit America’s time, but says snowmobilers and first national park. skiers can add enough weight on the snow to trigger avalanches.

“Human-triggered avalanches are still a major concern for us,” he said.

By JEREMY WEBER 1. Yellowstone National Park sees re- went missing and is believed to have The Gallatin National Forest West Yellowstone News cord numbers despite fire, deaths and bi- drowned during a backpacking trip near Avalanche Center puts out daily son attacks the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the 015 was another inadvisories, as avalanche dangers JEREMY WEBER/WY NEWS Yellowstone River. teresting year in West Yellowstone National Park sawrapidly a recordchange. number ofHe visitors in 2015 as more than 4 million people came from around the world to visit America’s can encourages Yellowstone National Park set a new visi63-year-old park clinic worker Lance Yellowstone. From record first national park. those heading into the backcountry tation record in 2015 with more than 4 milCrosby was mauled and eaten by a grizzly visitation numbers to fighting to check for the most up-to-date bear and cubs in a popular off-trail area near information. off the effects of a low snow season, the year lion visitors despite getting some unwanted attention.

Yellowstone Lake. The mother was later was full of compelling stories in and around He says there have been a lot of Two people died in the park this euthanized and the cubs were sent to a zoo the town. Here’s a look back at the Top-10 West

By JEREMY natural WEBER avalanches around 1. Yellowstone National Park sees re- went missing and is believed to have summer. In July, Feiyang “Isaac” Xiang, a in Ohio. stories from 2015.

West Yellowstone News cordcontinued numbers despite fire, deaths and bi- drowned during a backpacking trip near Top-10 continued on pg 2 Avalanche on pg 5 21-year-old seasonal concession worker, son attacks the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the 015 was another inYellowstone River. teresting year in West Yellowstone National Park set a new visi63-year-old park clinic worker Lance Yellowstone. From record tation record in 2015 with more than 4 milCrosby was mauled and eaten by a grizzly visitation numbers to fighting bear and cubs in a popular off-trail area near off the effects of a low snow season, the year lion visitors despite getting some unwanted attention.

Yellowstone Lake. The mother was later was full of compelling stories in and around Two people died in the park this euthanized and the cubs were sent to a zoo the town. Here’s a look back at the Top-10 summer. In July, Feiyang “Isaac” Xiang, a in Ohio. stories from 2015.

Top-10 continued on pg 2 21-year-old seasonal concession worker,

West Yellowstone’s Top-10 stories of 2015 2

West Yellowstone’s Top-10 stories of 2015 2

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PRSTD STD U.S. Postage PAID West Yellowstone, MT Permit No. 10

Best Photos of 2015 pg 12

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Avalanche Center keeping watchful eye on area slopes

By MIKE MOORE West Yellowstone News

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t has been a snowy month of December in the West Yellowstone region, bringing deep mountain snow and the inevitable avalanche danger that follows.

Recent reports from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center indicate that their entire coverage area is currently under “considerable” avalanche danger, as deep snowpack throughout the whole region is sitting on top of sugary lose grains. This causes the snowpack to be unstable, as avalanches can easily break free near the ground due to the sugary grains.

“The grains will not get strong soon,” Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center director Doug Chabot said. “It takes months for them to strengthen.”

Chabot says avalanches won’t likely occur on their own at this time, but says snowmobilers and skiers can add enough weight on the snow to trigger avalanches.

“Human-triggered avalanches are still a major concern for us,” he said.

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center puts out daily advisories, as avalanche dangers can rapidly change. He encourages those heading into the backcountry to check for the most up-to-date information.

He says there have been a lot of natural avalanches around West

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What to know ... before you go For those new to the EXPO, race events and demonstrations are held at the old airport at the western edge of West Yellowstone off Iris Street.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers work together to build the venues, erect snow fencing, and set up each area. The grandstands are all built from snow, 25 feet high and tiered.

Dress warmly for the outside events, including warm, waterproof boots. Dressing in layers is highly recommended. Layers can be removed for sunny, warm afternoons or added to stay warm in early mornings and evenings. If it is sunny, make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.

You can bring an outdoor chair or blanket to sit on in the grandstands while watching the races. Food, hot drinks, a beer garden, and outdoor toilets will

be available in the track area, along with outdoor restrooms.

The exhibition area displaying new snowmobiles and after-market parts is at the Holiday Inn on Yellowstone Avenue. There is a large, heated exhibition tent along with inside displays. The Holiday Inn is also the location for nightly events (free admission) including Thursday night’s casino night and Calcutta.

Parking is available throughout the venue and throughout West Yellowstone. Shuttles offer pick-ups and drop-offs from major hotels and downtown locations. Shuttles will also circle by the Swap Meet and downtown Swoop location on Saturday.

For information on lodging, call (406) 646-7701 or visit www.destinationyellowstone. com.

Welcome Snowmobilers, Racers & Fans!

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snowmobile expo 2016 ▲ 21

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expo scoop

from page 5

Manufacturers will be offering free demo rides. Timbersled will offer first come, first served demo rides (proper riding safety gear required) on Iris Street just south of the race track.

We can’t wait to have SWOOP Productions back for another Saturday afternoon exhibition of thrilling, inspiring sport-bike freestyle exhibitions for bike fanatics of all ages. This free show starts at 4 p.m. on Canyon Avenue in downtown West Yellowstone. Swoop Productions is a rider-formed company showcasing the exciting spectacle of freestyle street bike and Harley Davidson stunts and some of the most talented FMX riders in the world.

EXPO kicks off Thursday night with famous Casino Night, where anyone can become a millionaire (with funny money!), and a Calcutta for the vintage racers. Wild Bill Octane Nights concerts on snow return Friday and Saturday nights, featuring live music, back-flipping snowmobiles, a benefit auction and

more.

Taking the stage Friday night are upcoming country western artists Clare Dunn and Chris Janson. Saturday night features Cody Canada and The Departed, with returning favorite Sawyer Brown closing out the show. Between the bands on both nights, Octane Addictions will present an exciting freestyle snowmobile show with X-Game riders Willie Elam, Brett Turcotte and Josh Penner.

Parking is available near all EXPO venues and throughout West Yellowstone. Shuttles will offer pickups and dropoffs at major hotels and downtown locations, including the SWOOP and concert events Friday and Saturday nights.

West Yellowstone offers a full range of lodging options at www.yellowstonedestination.com. For more information on restaurants, shops, snowmobile rentals and other winter activities, visit www.destinationyellowstone./play.

Or stop by the West Yellowstone Visitor Center at 30 Yellowstone Ave. (406-6467701).

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22 ▲ snowmobile expo 2016

Montana snowmobilers must purchase new trail pass

By JEREMY WEBER

A

West Yellowstone News

rea snowmobiles should be aware of a new pass that is required in Montana beginning this winter season. The Groomed Snowmobile Trail Pass costs $18 and is valid for three seasons (July 1 - June 30).

The new pass will help raise money for the state’s snowmobile clubs to help pay for trail grooming. Those who rent snowmobiles are not required to purchase the pass. Failure to purchase and properly display the pass can result in a fine of up to $100.

The passes can be purchased locally at the following locations: Corner Cenex, Jerry’s Enterprises, Yellowstone Arctic Yamaha, Kirkwood Resort and Marina and the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce.

Information on the new pass is as follows: Montana Code Annotated 2015 23-2-636. Snowmobile trail pass -- fees -- penalties.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (4), to be eligible to operate a snowmobile or use motorized equipment or mechanical transport in snowmobile areas groomed with a grant or funding assistance awarded by the department, a person shall first purchase a snowmobile trail pass for $18.

(2) The trail pass is valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and must be affixed in a conspicuous

place to each snowmobile, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport used. A trail pass is not transferable between a snowmobile, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport.

(3) Application for the issuance of the trail pass must be made at locations and upon forms prescribed by the department.

(4) A person renting a snowmobile registered pursuant to 61-3-321(11)(b) is not required to purchase a snowmobile trail pass but shall carry proof of rental if operating a snowmobile in a snowmobile area that otherwise requires a trail pass pursuant to subsection (1).

(5) Money collected by payment of fees under this section must be deposited in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department and used as follows: (a) $2 must be remitted to the vendor who sold the trail pass if the vendor is not the department; (b) $1 must be used for the enforcement of snowmobile laws pursuant to this part; and (c) the remainder must be used by the department to award grants or funding assistance to snowmobile area operators for the grooming of snowmobile areas.

(6) The failure to affix the trail pass as required by this section or the making of false statements in obtaining the trail pass is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100.

M o n ta n a S tat e Pa r k s

New Groomed Snowmobile Trail Pass FAQs 1.What is the new groomed snowmobile trail pass in Montana?

• In 2015, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 300 the Groomed Snowmobile TrailPass. The Trail Pass is required to recreate on any of the 4000 miles of designatedgroomed snowmobile trails in Montana.

2.Who must purchase a trail pass?

• Montana residents that operate mechanized equipment on designated groomed trails arerequired to purchase the trail pass beginning October 1, 2015. The trail pass must beattached to the equipment. Mechanized equipment includes; snowmobiles, fat-tire pedalbikes and converted motorized snow bikes. Rental equipment is exempt.

3.Do nonresidents have to purchase the groomed trail pass?

• No, nonresidents are not required to purchase the trail pass, but they must purchase theannual $25 nonresident permit to ride in Montana.

4.How long are the trail passes valid and what do they cost?

• The trail passes are $18.00 and are valid for three seasons (season is July 1st to June 30th).

5.Where can you purchase a trail pass?

• Trail passes can be purchased from many local vendors or on-line.

A list of all the vendorsand a link to purchase them on-line can be found at;http://stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/snowmobileProgram.html

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