LAKE VERMILION
Connects to the Arrowhead & Local Trails
• Snowmobile rental
available from Lake Vermilion Houseboats
• Overnight & day fish houses available at Glenmore Resort
• Many cafes & pubs
accessible by snowmobile
• Fuel available at several locations including some marinas, resorts & gas stations
ED M O O R G ILE B O M W SNO TRAILS!
Winners are posted monthly on www.mnsnowmobiler.org, MnUSA Social Media, MnUSA Member e-newsletter and Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine (Sep-Mar) Prizes will be mailed out to winners on the 1st of each month for that month’s winners. MANY RESORTS OFFER LODGING Questions? Please contact the officeWINTER at 763-577-0185 or office@mnusa.org
right on Lake Vermilion and are accessible to the Lake Trail which connects to the Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail System:
Forest Lane Resort • Fortune Bay Resort Casino • Gruben’s Marina & Resort • Head-O-Lakes Resort Lake Vermilion Houseboats Lake Homes • Glenmore Resort • Pehrson Lodge • Pike Bay Lodge Polly’s Resort • Spring Bay Resort • White Eagle Resort • Marjo Motel
Weekly Trail Conditions available at:
LakeVermilionResorts.com or 218-666-5850
January 2025 Contents Minnesota Snowmobiling is the official publication of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA). The publication is a benefit of membership in MnUSA ($35 annual membership).
MnUSA Executive Board President Mike Clevenger Vice President Scotty Harder Secretary Janet Widness Treasurer Gordon Heitke Director at Large Scott Wakefield Past Presidents Scott Wakefield, Greg Sorenson, Rod Seibel, Mark Kavanaugh, Gayle Quistgard, Mark Steinmueller, Keith Twombly, Terry Hutchinson, Curt Berg, Harold Brace, Bob Linn, Diane Wallenta, Jeff Mausolf, Bob King, Larry Shepherd, Bill Kullberg, LeRoy Strehlo, Tom Decker, Mary Violett, Allen Eglinton, Al Lalim, Harold Tomkins Minnesota Snowmobiling (ISSN 1085-1054) is published seven times a year for $14 in September, October, November, December, January, February, and March by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices.
u FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 4 5 6 10 11 12 16 24 28 29 30 34 36
From the Editor From the President Directors From the Vice President Legislative News MnUSA News Safety News Surviving An Avalanche Milestones Racing News Vintage News Club News MnUSA Business Supporters
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303.
PUBLISHER Dan Ferris EDITOR Scott Wakefield ART DIRECTOR / COPY EDITOR Dena Gervasi ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Chuck Gekas ADVERTISING SALES Jim Gekas, Mark Hunkeler, Larry Ladowski, Roger Cormier, Greg Jones EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mike Clevenger, Scotty Harder, Christian Franzen, Scott Wakefield, Phil Little, Doug Pike, Terry Hutchinson CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Minnesota Snowmobiling is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part. ADVERTISING MWO Media Phone: 847-707-8511 chuck@mwomedia.com www.mnsnowmobiler.org Send all advertising materials to: MWO Media, 111 Shore Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Copyright © 2025 by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without consent of the publisher.
For all you groomer operators!
UPCOMING EVENTS Jan 3 • Minnesota Snowmobiling February issue editorial deadline Jan 28 • MnUSA Legislator Reception, Capitol Ridge Event Ctr., St. Paul Feb 6-9 • MnUSA Winter Rendezvous, South Shore Hotel, Bemidji Feb 15 • Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride, Grand Rapids For more info on upcoming MnUSA & club events:
www.mnsnowmobiler.org
3
From the Editor Scott Wakefield
Be Safe Out There Safety is tantamount to the success of MnUSA and our industry. Not only association wide, but club wide and individually. A certain amount of personal responsibility is needed when operating a snowmobile. Snowmobiles are not toys, nor are they something to take lightly. Snowmobiles can kill you and will, if not respected, not handled properly, or used in excess of their limitations. As a snowmobile safety training instructor for the last 34 years for the DNR, safe operation of a snowmobile has been embedded in my head since the day I took my own snowmobile safety training in the basement of the St. Boni Hall in October of 1974. I’m looking at my certificate right now, as it’s on my desk and I look at it daily. Question: What is the goal of the DNR Snowmobile Safety Program? Answer: “To make you a safe and responsible snowmobiler.” Who got that correct? You will see a theme throughout this issue on safety, as this is our Annual Safety Issue. We are still looking for a Chair for this committee. If you are so inclined, let Mike Clevenger or me know. Just announced! MnUSA’s Legislative Reception will be January 28th, 2025, at the Capitol Ridge Event Center (former Kelly Inn) from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. More information in this issue. At the legislative meeting at the Fall Workshop, a motion was made, seconded • On-site restaurant • Airport shuttle • Swimming pool/hot tub • Meeting room • Adjacent Trail Access
Safety in signage was also discussed at the Fall Workshop. A suggested example of a good caution sign and a better caution sign are shown above. It’s suggested to have signs located in appropriate areas, at suggested correct heights, and in suggested distances from one another. Hoping you had a great Christmas and that Santa gave you all the snowmobile items you needed.
Ask About Special Rates!
INTERNATIONAL FALLS/RAINY LAKE www.staycobblestone.com - 218-324-4660 4
and unanimously approved to pursue a snowmobile themed license plate for purchase. A survey was done through Newsledder last month and 70% of the 6,500 respondents said, yes, they would purchase a snowmobile themed license plate for an additional expense. We will continue down this path, stay tuned.
Now to the trails and time to ride. Use our Business Supporters section of this issue to make your hotel reservations and buy what you maybe didn’t get from Santa! Some business supporters offer benefits of showing your card discounts; if you save enough it might pay for your membership! So, patronize those that support us, the Snowmobiler.
Minnesota Snowmobiling
From the MnUSA President
A MnUSA Challenge International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week Mike Clevenger
Happy New Year to all fellow snowmobilers. I hope you are as excited for the snow season as I am. Let the snow fly and renew our faith in the rideable season. With the new season comes a chance for new members to be gained. MY CHALLENGE to all members is to sign up just one new member. We all know there are many snowmobilers out there that do not belong to our organization, and we definitely need to grow our membership. Clubs and businesses rely on membership dollars in order to function and provide services to our trail system. Speaking of memberships, I would like to emphasize how important our business memberships are. Businesses that rely on snowmobile purchases such as machines, winter wear clothing, gas, motels/hotels/ resorts/lodges and all the other expenses encountered by snowmobilers suffered last year. These businesses need us more than ever. The benefit of a business membership provides them with an opportunity to be published in Minnesota Snowmobiling. Many snowmobilers will look at the sponsorship of businesses prior to purchasing. With our new website, their dollars will provide even more visibility to MnUSA members. Our new website has the capability to display and rotate their advertising on our site. This gives added value and where else can you spend $100 and get this type of exposure.
is January 11-19, 2025. This is a great chance to have a display at our business members to draw attention to the business as well as your club. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association uses this program to promote safe riding and to emphasize that it is the snowmobiler that makes snowmobiling safe by following all safety rules when using the trails or simply just riding. Take A Friend Snowmobiling Week is Feb 8-17, 2025. Here is another opportunity to introduce nonsnowmobilers to our winter recreation of choice. Research shows that people want to go snowmobiling but don’t know how to get started. Plan a ride and invite new members or potential members to experience the joy of snowmobiling. With the change of the legislature this year due to elections, this is also an opportunity to invite those legislators that have not been exposed to snowmobiling.
January 2025
continued page 7 »
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MnUSA Directors Executive Board
Directors
President
Region 1 Dale Dahlen, 2321 Pebble Beach Rd NW East Grand Forks, 56721, 218-791-6679 dodahlen@ hotmail.com
Mike Clevenger-XM 7302 NW 97th Ave Morristown, 55052 507-838-5713 cmclevenger3@gmail.com Vice President Scotty Harder-XM 13126 Jenkins Dr. Becker, MN 55308 612-860-0606 sharder67@msn.com
Treasurer Gordon Heitke - XM 2270 300th Ave Mora 55051 763-234-6712 gheitke@gmail.com
Mike Boucher, 27528 230th St SW, Crookston 56716 218-280-3385 mjb86@yahoo.com Gail Friborg, 37857 Fairground Rd Bagley, 56621, 218-694-2840 pfgf@gvtel.com Jeff Lovold, 603 2nd Ave SE, Roseau 56751 218280-1941 Aaron Swanson, 10218 Beverly Dr NW, Bemidji, 56601; 218-689-6686 aaronleeswanson@gmail.com
Director-At-Large Scott Wakefield -XM 12620 Co Rd 30 Waconia 55387 612-483-5638 oliver1650@icloud.com
Region 2 Troy Johnson, 218-390-0046 tntjohnson547@hotmail.com
By-Laws: Rick Johnson-XM · 612-839-0956
Cindy Hansmann, 218-301-9496 cindy.hansmann@frontier.com
Charity/Awards: Janet Widness-XM · 218-731-6126
Mike Banovetz, 218-235-9969 mbanovetz2009@yahoo.com
Elections/Nominations: Scott Wakefield-XM • 612-483-5638 Fund Raising: Scotty Harder-XM · 612-860-0606 Land Access: OPEN Legislative/DNR/Trails: Terry Hutchinson-XM · 612-581-6627 Membership/Booth: OPEN Merchandise: Dick Theis · 763-494-3838 Safety: OPEN Site Selection: Mark LaBaw-XM · 952-221-2564 Website/Social Media: OPEN
Nicole Pankratz, 218-780-3853 pankratz.nicole@yahoo.com Ken Eckel, 612-910-5363 Region 3 Tom Jann, 21668 Peterson Creek Dr Deerwood, 56444, 218-839-1230 lakejann@gmail.com
Region 8 Dick Theis, 20575 Co Rd 10 Hamel, 55340, 763-494-3838 dickt.barbc@gmail.com
Bill Gehn, Red Wing, 651-388-7541 william_gehn@hotmail.com
Randy Baudler, 9259 FoxlineDr N Corcoran, 55340, 763-420-5526 rbslawn@gmail.com Mark LaBaw-XM, 1471 Independence Ave Chaska, 55318, 952-221-2564 mlabawstillafishn@yahoo.com
Brad Thacher, 55 1st Ave SW, Harmony, 55939, 586-899-0810, Brad.Biker@ATT.net
Region 9 Steve “Woody”Widness-XM, 43390 220th St Clitherall, 56524, 218-731-1286 jwstulk@prtel.com
Bruce Wemette, 18379 Marie Dr, Houston, MN 55943, Bwemette@gmail.com, 507-450-8802
Jeff Alberts, 17321 Otto Zeck Rd, Detroit Lakes 56501, 218-847-1241, mtnmtrs@arvig.net
Region 6 Bill Prinsen, 5011 121 St N, White Bear Lake 55110, 651-260-8508 billprinsen@hotmail.com
Greg Strommen, 1112 62nd Ave N, Moorhead, 56560, 701-212-7002, gstromm165@gmail.com
Jeremy Goebel 11210 7th St S, Cottage Grove 55016 651-308-0398 goebeljeremy1985@gmail.com
Jason Hendrickx-XM, 18539 93rd St SE Becker, 55308, 320-292-5926 jasonhendrickx@gmail.com
Region 7 Randy Laberge-XM, 5424 Lax Lake Rd Silver Bay, 55614, 218-353-7697 dandrlaberge@hotmail.com Ryan Boe, 5146 Jean Duluth Rd Duluth 55803, 218-349-5578 ryanboe@hotmail.com Dan Hamilton, Duluth, 651-398-2461 danielhamilton@aol.com
6
Gary Vezina, Duluth 218-722-2852
1
2
7
Ken Zak, 20629 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, 55044, 952-469-2246 kjnbaa@frontier.net
Scott Haley, 14394 105th Ave Milaca, 56353, 612-670-6027 cody30@frontiernet.net
John Olmscheid, PO Box 160 Elrosa, 56325, 320-250-3271 johnolmscheid@frontier.com
Scott Seeley, Two Harbors 218-830-1028, srseeley1@gmail.com
Region 5 Paul Maruska, 26276 Drexel Ave, New Prague, 56071, 952-212-2293 ptmaruska81@gmail.com
Brett Huneke, Hastings
Allen Beumer, 10234 410th Ave Hillman, 56338, 320-355-2257 abeumer1845@gmail.com
Phillip Lockett, 218-348-9161 lockettphillip@yahoo.com
Bill Ylatupa-XM, 43 Garden Dr Silver Bay, 55614, 218-220-8189 ylatupa2@gmail.com
Mike Brandt, 2600 6th Ave NW, Austin, 55912, 507-460-2002 brandtmj@live.com
Jerry Kujala-XM, 218-750-2234 jdkujala@gmail.com
Rick Johnson-XM, 4353 Briarwood Ln, Hopkins, 55343, 612-839-0956 rick@teampro.net
Dick Kuttner, 522 Shady Ridge Rd NW Hutchinson, 55350, 320-587-6536 richardk@hutchtel.net
Coy Borgstrom, 20 E Veterans Memorial Hwy, Kasson, 55944, 507-251-1199 coy3911@gmail.com
Randy Vannet, 218-244-6797 randy.vannet@gmail.com
Communications: Scott Wakefield-XM · 612-483-5638
Rodney Boesch, PO Box 337, Amboy 56010 507-340-2820 rod.boesch@boeschcrt.com Jeff Kack-XM, PO Box 55 Appleton, 56208, 320-289-1069 jkack@mchsi.com
Secretary Janet Widness - XM 43390 220th St Clitherall 56524 218-731-6126 jwstulk@prtel.com
Committee Chairs
Region 4 Sheri Gades-XM, 103 5th St N Danvers, 56231, 320-760-3526 gades@fedteldirect.net
Minnesota Snowmobiling
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3 8 6
4
5
MnUSA Office: 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303 ph.763-577-0185 fax 763-577-0186
MnUSA. QuickBooks is still an issue, but we are working with our hired accounting firm to get a few One of MnUSA’s missions is to keep snowmobiling a items straightened out. Reports may look slightly safe and enjoyable experience. If you see something different but, as we progress, we will be able to better out on the trail that doesn’t meet safety standards, say see all aspects of the finances. The website should be something. Your actions could save a life or, at the very functional by the time this article is published. Kelly has least, an injury that could have been prevented. You may worked hard to get all members into the new format. If even avoid an injury to yourself that out of no fault of you saw Kelly’s presentation at the Fall Workshop you your own happens. Remember to ride right and ride sober. know how “user-friendly” this new website will be. It It could save your life or someone close to your heart. will give clubs and associations more flexibility, ease and exposure to those trying to find a club near them. This Minnesota has the chance to be the host association has been a very large and time-consuming project. Randy this year for the American Council of Snowmobile Vannett and Kelly have put a tremendous amount of time Associations (ACSA) Trails Ride. The ride will be in and effort into the site so our organization can be in the Tower, MN this year with housing at Fortune Bay Resort 21st century. THANK YOU for all those who have been Casino. January 23-26, 2025, is the date for the ride. patient with the changes. The E-Board hears the concerns Snowmobilers will be from trailing riding areas. Trail and a monthly update through Newsledder is a task that rides will take place as well as a roundtable discussion. It will be done once per month to share information. would be fantastic if Minnesota had a large contingency to show off our trail system. Reservations can be made Should you have any questions or concerns I am by calling Fortune Bay at 800-992-7529. Mention ACSA available in the evenings to talk. Please see the or ID#2535 to get special rates for your stay. magazine for my contact information. May your winter From the
MnUSA President continued from page 5
Just a quick update on all the changes happening in
season be one of many trips, comradery, and a chance to explore our great state! See you on the trail!
Great Trails.
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7
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From the MnUSA Vice President Scotty Harder
Happy New Year everyone and hope you all had a safe and enjoyable New Year. Speaking of “Safe,” this is our annual Safety Issue of Minnesota Snowmobiling. I’d like to take this time to thank all the youth snowmobile instructors statewide for volunteering your time to teach our youth and, even in some cases the adults that attended classes this year across Minnesota. Every year the MN DNR certifies several people to aid in instructing these youth classes. This happens to be my 17th year of being an instructor and I still enjoy it just as much as I did my first year. Without volunteers like you, it would be impossible to teach all those who have attended classes over the years. Last year there were over 9,000 students statewide, so again, thank you!
e c r u o for Clutch Tuning S THE Components!
Dalton’s “Quick Adjust” Flyweights Our most popular, where the grams can be added or subtracted without even removing the flyweights from the primary. Designs for Arctic, Polaris, Yamaha. NEW! All new designs for the 22+ Arctic Adapt clutch Arctic and the Polaris P22.
Pro Tuner Series Flyweights -for Skidoo pDrive primaryDPT-902, 903 versions for 850 clicker type primary, and DPT-900-T, and 901-T, 901-TM series for the 900 Ace Turbo models pDrive. Models for 900 Ace Turbo primary clutch. DPT-901-T 900-T/901-TM series also feature some of the adjustability in the Dalton “Quick Adjust” method, which allows some DPT-902 fine tuning without having to remove the flyweight from the clutch. See website for details and gram ranges. Note: We, of course, still have plenty of versions of pins, springs, etc., for earlier Skidoo TRA! Springs We continually develop more springs for tuning. There are primary and secondary springs for most models, including some new versions for Polaris Team pDrive secondary, more Arctic versions, more versions for Skidoo, including pDrive Skidoo primary springs.
I’m hoping to have numbers for you again at Winter Rendezvous in regard to how many students attended classes this year and a report on last year’s citations written across Minnesota. By now clubs have signed and opened trails, assuming we have enough snow, groomers are ready, or hopefully out grooming at this time, as we are in the season now. At the time of writing this article, I have a trace of snow on the lawn, the UP Michigan has received 30 inches of snow, and Togwotee has received over 36 inches, so there is hope for snow this season. As I said a year ago, let’s have the safest year we have ever had, “Ride Safe, Ride Smart,” lead by example. Stay on the trail, keep to the right, watch your speed; the leading cause of snowmobile related deaths in Minnesota is speed. Hopefully you saw the billboards around Minnesota last year when we partnered up with Clear Channel Media. At the time of writing this article I’m still waiting for confirmation from Clear Channel Media as to whether we will have the same opportunity this year. If so, what do you think we should have on the billboards for messages? Email any suggestions to me at SHarder67@ msn.com. Remember, messages must be safety related. One of the main goals of MnUSA is to educate and strive for the safest riding seasons each year. Remember that January 11-19 is “International Snowmobile Safety Week” as well. I want to thank everyone who participated in selling MnUSA Raffle Calendars the past few months. Winners will be announced the second week of January on MnUSA’s website and sent out in the Newsledder. Hope to see you at Winter Rendezvous in February. Ride Right, Ride Safe!
Helixes We manufacture helixes for all brands, the list is always growing. See website for details of high quality construction, and available angles list. Choose a helix from our website, it most often gets cut and shipped within the next day or two. Fast Shipping! FedEx standard air shipping (2-3 business days) is $19 anywhere in North America, excluding Alaska. Priority overnight available in most areas of Canada and USA. Contact us for details and Alaska/international rates.
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Minnesota Snowmobiling
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Legislative News Christian Franzen
MnUSA is an organization of volunteers throughout the state that proactively advocates for the good of our sport and builds community when it’s needed most.
With the New Year comes a new Legislature! The Minnesota State Legislature will convene at noon on January 14th, 2025, and is scheduled to end on May 19th. For the second time in history, the House of Representatives will be equally divided between Democrats and Republicans. Only time will tell if they can work together for the common good or be reduced to a partisan standstill. The current organizational plan for the House (pending recounts and litigation) will be an equal number of Democrats and Republican members on each committee. All committees will have 2 cochairs—one from each party. Now more than ever every vote counts!
A great way to make a difference for snowmobiling is for MnUSA members to attend our annual legislative reception. We always have good turnout by legislators, and we all have the chance to personally engage and inform our legislators at a critical time in their decisionmaking. This in-person reception has always been a most useful way to develop strong relationships and emphasize the importance of our policy agenda and that these very policies are beneficial to all Minnesotans. As we move towards a likely historic legislative session, we can promote bipartisanship with policies and procedures which make snowmobiling safer for everyone.
MnUSA’s top priorities will be ensuring an adequate appropriation level, protecting our dedicated fund, and protecting our gas tax. Additionally, we will work to enact a sales tax exemption for materials used in the development and to maintain our trails. In January, our first task will be to meet with the new members to introduce (or reintroduce) ourselves, the sport of snowmobiling and the partnership role between the State of Minnesota and MnUSA. MnUSA has a proud history of leading on all snowmobile issues which result in a safer and more sustainable sport. Our priorities originate from our membership and are discussed in our legislative committee and brought to the Board of Directors at our Fall Workshop. Many of these ideas became law because their focus is always on safety, volunteerism, and providing fun in the outdoors. Recently enacted MnUSA initiatives include increased penalties on trespassing on private property and prohibiting loud mufflers. What is a consistent in all we do at the State Capitol is the promotion of safe winter outdoor recreation for all Minnesotans. This is exactly what each one of our legislators need to know about our organization;
MnUSA to Host Legislator Reception JANUARY 28, 2025
MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION cordially invites you to join us in honoring our friends at the State Capitol
Legislators’ Reception Tuesday, January 28, 2025 4:30 – 7:30 P.M. Capitol Ridge Event Center (Former Kelly Inn) 161 St. Anthony Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota
MnUSA’s members are invited to contact their legislators and invite them to meet you at MnUSA’s 2025 Legislators’ Reception to talk about snowmobiling and its importance to you. With the redistricting and recent elections, many members have new legislators. To find “Who Represents Me” and your legislators’ contact information, go to www.leg.state.mn.us and enter your address. On the top of the MnUSA priority list is protection of the dedicated fund and the sales tax exemption for trail maintenance materials.
January 2025
11
MnUSA News Shared Trails
by Terry Hutchinson, Chair MnUSA Trails Committee
shared use work for all. ATVMN has, and is, continuing to develop its own winter trails for their membership. Our groups, along with the DNR, have designed, and the DNR has installed, numerous signs on these trails and in the designated parking lots, to inform riders of the shared use. According to the DNR website, the specific policy for the Nemadji/St. Croix ATV/Gandy Dancer Winter trail use is that:
Nearly all groomed, signed snowmobile trails are closed to off highway vehicles (OHVs) and highway-licensed vehicles (HLVs) beginning Dec. 1. As it’s been nearly two years since much snowmobiling has occurred, we felt the need to remind everyone that, in addition to designated OHV trails, there are approximately 129 miles of groomed • ATVs are to stay off the groomed trails if temp is snowmobile trails that are designated to be shared with above 30F to keep groomed trails in good condition. The registered ATVs during the snowmobile season. trails are posted with this information. • If snow depth is less than 7 inches, then trail is open These trails were designated to be shared use during to OHVs as signed, unless posted closed. Master Plan updates for the Nemadji State Forest, and • If snow depth is greater than 7 inches, then trail the St Croix State Forest several years ago. Very little packing and grooming operations begin. Let the trail set ATV use was happening until a few years ago when up. ATVs became side by sides with heated cabs and their • Closed to offroad vehicle use once grooming begins. owners started looking for winter places to ride. In addition, these trails are to receive extra grooming ATVMN and MnUSA have been working together with to maintain the trail quality and safety snowmobilers the DNR and other OHV groups to attempt to make this expect.
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Minnesota Snowmobiling
MnUSA News Voshart Receives Region 5 Unsung Hero Award
N E W AD D R E S S : MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION
14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L Ramsey, MN 55303
Congratulations to Rick Voshart on receiving MnUSA Region 5 Unsung Hero award for 2024! Rick is with the Caledonia Sno-Gophers Snowmobile Club. He has been active with the club since the ‘70s doing almost everything at one time or another for the club, including many years of safety training. Thank you, Rick for everything you have done over the years!
LIMITED-EDITION JACKETS Now available in two different styles
Al Christian with the Sno-Gophers submitted Rick for the award and is presenting it to Rick here.
Call Dick for sizing and color info at Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
FRTP Grant Application Deadline Feb. 28 Federal Recreational Trail Program (FRTP) grants are available for motorized and non-motorized trail projects; maintenance/restoration of existing recreational trails; equipment; development/rehab of recreational trail linkages, including trail side and trail head facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs relating to the use of recreational trails; and redesign/ relocation of trails to benefit/minimize the impact to the natural environment. A 25% cash or in-kind match for eligible elements of the project proposal is required. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement. The minimum grant request is $2,500, and the maximum trail grant award is $200,000. Maximum request per equipment grant is $75,000. Equipment grant requests also require a 25% secured match. Trail Improvement Grants can be used as a match for RTP grants. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ grants/recreation/trails_federal.html Questions? Contact Dan Golner, Grants Specialist Coordinator, 651-2595599 Daniel.Golner@state.mn.us January 2025
763-350-9351
Honor and Ride! Join MnUSA for the 16th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ride
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025 GRAND RAPIDS, MINNESOTA All veterans are welcome to enjoy a day snowmobiling, including lodging and meals. Bring your own sled or if you don’t have equipment, there will be snowmobiles, helmets, and clothing available. Co-sponsored by MSEAF and MnUSA Contact MN Snowmobile Education & Advancement Fund (MSEAF), PO Box 28486, Minneapolis, MN 55428 763-560-8281; mnveteransride@gmail.com www.mseaf.org
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! 13
MnUSA News
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association 2025 Legislative Priorities Protection of the integrity of the Snowmobile Dedicated Account – protect against raids on the account for non-snowmobile related uses. The snowmobile dedicated account is funded by snowmobile registration tax, snowmobile trail fees and unrefunded gas tax attributed to snowmobile use. Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association believes funds in this account should only be used to provide the snowmobile opportunity in Minnesota.
land and on easements purchased by the State, and will oppose legislation that prohibits or limits such use.
Support legislation that provides a sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies purchased by non-profit clubs to construct, reconstruct, or maintain or improve state or grantin-aid snowmobile trails. Everything the clubs, as agents of the state, do to maintain the snowmobile trails is for public benefit. Protection of the unrefunded gas tax attributed to snowmobile use. The gas tax paid on fuel purchased for snowmobile use provides approximately 1/3rd of the funding for the snowmobile program. Without such funding, trail maintenance and grooming, and enforcement and safety programs would suffer greatly. When trails are adequately funded, they can be properly maintained, creating a more enjoyable and a safer trail experience for the snowmobilers who paid for this recreational opportunity. Good trails increase tourism, generate income for local businesses, and taxes for the State. Protection of the use of snowmobiles on public land. Snowmobiles have been allowed on state owned land since their inception. Land sales and subdivisions have a significant impact on the 22,000 mile snowmobile trail network in Minnesota, a trail network which generates millions of tourism dollars to Minnesota. Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association supports the continued responsible use of snowmobiles on State 14
Support of programs and policy that encourage continued access to private land for public use. Landowners permit public use for snowmobile trails to allow for thousands of miles of snowmobile trails across private land. These permits are essential to the interconnected trail system enjoyed by Minnesota residents and out of state visitors alike. The Legislature should promote prudent policies to support and encourage landowners to permit public recreational use on their land. Support of the use of a portion of the Parks and Trails Legacy Funds and other state funding sources for capital improvements on trails that benefit snowmobiling. Again, when trails are adequately funded, they can be properly maintained, creating a more enjoyable and a safer trail experience. Good trails increase tourism, generate income for local businesses, and taxes for the State. Support of legislation that will ensure any new laws protect and accommodate recreational trail alignments and crossings for new development, specifically for any new publicly funded rail developments for both light and heavy rail. Support of legislation and/or policy that will allow Grant in Aid trails to remain and/or be added to all existing or new WMA/AMA’s. Support of legislation that requires all snowmobiles, including collector snowmobiles not in a registered event, have either a current registration or a trail pass to operate on a designated state or grant-in-aid trail.
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Thank You!
The following members have paid an extra fee to protect our trails! Join them by doing your share. Contact the MnUSA office today. XM Members:
Rob Abear Jeff Alberts Adam & Wanda Alsleben Darren Amdahl Mark Anderson Keith & Michelle Anderson Chris & Doreen Anderson Denni Apfelbacher Terry Baar Eric & Angela Bachinski Mitchell Bahr Deb Pomroy & Ray Barnes Edward Barnick Wally Barry Tony & Val Barthel William R Barthold Troy Beckers Thomas Behm Bruce Bekkerus Michael Belanger Randy Benson Richard & Lilly Berg Jake Berger Keith & Heather Berndt Steve & Carolyn Blake Chad & Shelly Boegeman Josh Boettger Gretchen Bonik Berdell Boraas Tim & Karen Bothun Mike & Joelle Boucher Scott & Lorrie Beth Bradt Mike Brandt Jill & Randy Brandt John & Linda Braunwarth Gordon Brekken Brian Brown Charlie & Carol Brown Kelly and Toni Brown Ken Brown Jim Bryant Richard Buresh Jill Erickson-Buresh Jim & Laura Bush Gary Butz Jim Carlson Robert Carney Tom Chamberland Tim & Linda Clark Dale & Sonya Clementson Mike & Cheryl Clevenger Michael Clevenger Mark & Lori Coleman Elmer Cone J. A. Connelly Chuck & Jacqueline Coryell Tim & Nancy Coughlin Steve Cowing William & Kelly Cox Randy Demmer Charles & Sandy Doherty Trent Dore Bill Douglas Raymond Driver Wade & Melissa Dykema Mike & Chris Eck John Ehlert Rusty Eichorn Mark & Patti Eldred Jill Erickson-Buresh Rick & Shelley Evenson Rolf Flaig Jim & Belinda Folz Paul Fossum Joe Frederick Kyle Fredrickson Sheri & Russell Gades Mark Garcea Joe Gerrits Bill Gibson Shay Godse Alex Gould Larry Grabanski John & Patty Grausam Myk Greenfield Ed & Judy Grelson Grudell Family Allen & Michele Gruidl Jeremy D Haak
Troy Halvorson Donald & Thelma Hansen Scotty Harder Dan Hartel Dane & Barb Hasbrouck Logan Haueter Brian & Rosanne Hauge Arne & Sharon Heggedal Joseph & Katie Heidelberger Dennis Heimerman Kason Heinecke Glen & Jane Heino Gordon & Diane Heitke Bob Hellerud Bob Hennenfent Jack & Julie Hensley Daniel Herberg Troy and Kelly Hesli Kent & Laurie Hicks Robert Holt Rex & Arlene Holzemer Bruce & Lee Ann Hughes Terry & Debbie Hutchinson William & Sherri Jarvis Kevin & Julie Jergenson Richard & Judith Johnson Terry Johnson Charlie & Sue Johnson Todd Johnson Jeff Jones Jeff & Louise Kack Kathy Karkula Steve & Terri Kast Jerry Kastner Mark & Susan Kavanaugh Ed Kedzierzawski Paul Kirscht Bob & Stacy Klemetson Earl Klersy Brent Klomps Steven & Linda Knopp David Koehn Dustin Knutson Marlys Knutson Neva Kueffer William Kuehn Jerry Kujala Kenny Kukacka Greg Kunz Mark & Kathy LaBaw Randy LaBerge Mark Langevin Orv & Dee Langohr John & Karen Larsen Scott & Cindy Larson Brian & Paula Larson Ken Larson Larry & Donna Larson Levi & Kristen LaVallee LaVallee Inc Kevin & Lisa Leary Tim & Tammy LePage Roger & Donna Letcher Ken Lewis Kevin Lewison Anders Lindstrom Jay Loeffler Michael Lommel Dave & Laurie Lorence Gary & Judy Lothenbach Brian & Janeen Lucker Nathan & Angela Lund Brian & Penny Lund Barbara Lyall Paul & Barb Maki Mike Manderfeld Mike Manthei David & Dianna Martin Mark & Laurie Martinson Joel Matter Shawn Mayer Trace & Lisa McCoy Nate McNeilly Peter McTie Steve, Brittni, Skylar, Sven & Serenity Meier Jeff & Terri Jo Melo James Merzenich Richard Meyer Jim & Barb Mickow
Rick Miller Michael Milner Paul Molohon William Moreland Dave & Patti Myers Eli Nelson Bill & Sharyn Nepsha Martin Newberg Doug Nigon Robert Nistler Mike & Judy Nodsle Brent & Jenny Oberdieck Karen Opp Jeff Orth Daniel Osterkamp Brian & Cathy Pazzelli Lowell Peterson Ron Peterson Terry & Dianne Peterson Craig & Yvonne Peterson Douglas Peterson Lowell Peterson Roz Peterson Timothy Peterson Petschl Family Scott & Lisa Pichette Matt & Amy Plautz Bill Plombon Jeffrey Price Ramie Ramsden Brian Reckow Mike & Peggy Reis Joe & Cindee Reis Steve & Kim Renslow Scott Riggs Mark & Sue Ringham Mark Sampica Grant Scheibe Richard & Barbara Schmidt Kurt Schmidt Chuck Schreiber Dean Seeck Patrick Shea Gregory Shepard Larry & Judy Shepherd Tom Shurson Stuart & Jennifer Simek Rob Sipe Brian Sjerven Bob Skoglund Jim Skoglund Rod & Jennifer Skorich Mark & Wendy Slagle Nick & Gretchen Slavicek David & Rebecca Slininger Dan & Barb Snee Steven & Jane Spaeth Mark & Sue Steinmueller Russell Stolen Shannon Tatro John & Melanie Tevik Mike & Vicki Thelen Mark & Karen Thompson Mark Tiede Chad Timonen Jeffrey & Jolene Trippe Keith & Jennifer Twombly David Van Wie Kyle Voelz Todd & Abby Volden Paul Vranish Scott & Lisa Wakefield Ron Warhol Merle Weidemann Ryan Weidemann Dan & Jen Wenzel Kim Werkmeister Rick & Ruth Whitcomb Rob White Steve “Woody” & Janet Widness Randy Windsperger Dave & Tammy Wolf Don Kline & Paula Worts Bill & Fran Ylatupa Danny & Fay Yochum Rich & Ruth Zeman Craig Zweber
Wherever the trail leads, there’s an AmericInn nearby waiting to offer you friendly service, a comfortable and quiet night’s sleep, and always a place to park your sled.
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January 2025
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Safety News Nominations for 2024 Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, division of enforcement, safety training section, will be accepting nominations for the 2024 Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the year. Who is eligible to be nominated? Any active Minnesota DNR certified volunteer snowmobile safety instructor who has actively promoted snowmobile safety for youth in training and education. When writing a nomination, focus on the following key points: • The nominee takes the time to mentor other safety instructors. • What makes this nominee stand out? • Describe the character of the nominee. Examples: organized, caring, and inclusive.
PROUD TO BE YOUR TRAIL GROOMING PARTNER IN MINNESOTA
WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE? Scan the QR code to access the 2024 Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year Form
• List good teaching technique examples, list safety training aids that make learning fun and thoughtprovoking. • Longevity as an instructor. How long has the nominee been actively involved as a safety instructor? Number of classes and/or students taught. • Tell us about the nominee’s involvement in other community activities, public relations or other volunteer roles. EXAMPLE: “Jane is in charge of the props for the hands-on training course, a member of the Region 3 snowmobile committee and a 17-year member of the Sno-cats snowmobile club” How to submit a nomination? All nominations must be submitted through the online nomination form portal. Once the form is completed, the user will click the “submit” button to automatically send the completed form to Recreational Vehicle Coordinator Bruce Lawrence. Deadline: Nominations accepted through Jan 4, 2025.
• Discounted snowmobile rates • Easy access to Heartland Trail System & Leech Lake
• Friendly professional staff • Hot complimentary breakfast • Clean comfortable rooms & whirlpool suites
REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL SALES REP Bob Wolf bob.wolf@prinoth.com (612) 251-4094
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SCAN THIS CODE TO LEARN MORE!
(218) 547-1400 | www.walkercountryinn.com Minnesota Snowmobiling
Safety News
ICE IS NEVER 100% SAFE!
Recommended Minimum Ice Thickness (Guidelines for New, Clear Ice Only)
KEEP OFF
4"
7-8"
On foot
<4"
Keep off
5-7"
13-17"
Side-by-side ATV
Truck
9-12"
Snowmobile
Car
mndnr.gov/icesafety
20+"
Heavy duty truck with wheelhouse shelter
©2024 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota DNR is an equal opportunity provider. ENF_0016_2024
January 2025
17
Safety News
3 0 Y E ARS of Educating Snowmobilers
Scott Wakefield (above) and Mark LaBaw (below with CO Alex Birdsall) are both 30-plus-year DNR Snowmobile Safety Training Instructors.
MNDNR Volunteer Safety Instructor Information Reminder to All Instructors Each and every class requires both Rosters A and B to be completed and returned to the Staff at Camp Ripley within 5 days of class completion. Changes to Class Registration In an effort to simplify the process and prepare for a new system in the future we have made some changes to the class registration process. You will go online to register your class(es) as you’ve done in the past. But under the CLASSROOM portion there is now a question - Will you allow Hybrid Students to your field day? If you answered yes, you will be sent materials for both the Classroom and Hybrid portion. Keep in mind, the Hybrid students need to complete the fundamentals class prior to the field day. Hybrid students cannot just show up for the field day! The message that posts on the website will be the same for each and every class, if there is something specific you want the students to do or know you can tell them upon their registration. Below is what will print on the web (if you are requesting us to do so) for each class: Provide the following when registering: 1. Students full name 2. Age 3. Parent/Guardian name and contact information
Adventure starts here.
www.visitcranelake.com
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Minnesota Snowmobiling
Requirements: Must be 11 years of age before class start Do you need additional instructors certified or have date listed above to be eligible to take this class. Parent/ program/training questions? Contact the Regional Guardian is required to attend the first part of class Training Officer (RTO) in your area: (approx. 30 mins) to complete paperwork. Student must NW - Joe Stattelman attend all classroom sessions and pass the final exam. 218-849-1768, joseph.stattelman@state.mn.us When complete, students will participate in the field day. Course Materials After registering your class with us, you will be sent supplies based on the number of students you anticipate attending. Immediately upon receiving your materials please open and inspect for accuracy, discard any old materials you have lying around and contact our office if anything is missing. Register your class 30 days prior Please use this link when submitting the registration of your safety course and ordering your supplies: Register your course | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us) All classes, Classroom or Hybrid, must be registered. Please list the PRIMARY instructor as the one registering the class.
N Metro - Amber Ladd 218-392-0689, amber.ladd@state.mn.us NE - Dave Schottenbauer 218-226-8243, david.schottenbauer@state.mn.us SE Metro - Phil George 507-475-2686, philip.george@state.mn.us SW Metro - Brett Oberg 320-552-1344, brett.oberg@state.mn.us SW - Jen Mueller 320-552-3697, jennifer.mueller@state.mn.us Recreational Vehicle Coordinator/ Trail Ambassador Program - Bruce Lawrence 763-267-8534, bruce.lawrence@state.mn.us
NOTE: Filling out this registration gives us your class information, protects you under our insurance and provides us with the number of supplies needed. It DOES NOT automatically post your class on the DNR website. We add your class to the website only if you request it to be advertised. Once your class is full, please contact the team at Camp Ripley (800-366-8917 or enforcement.education@state. mn.us) to mark the class full, your contact information will be removed at that time. All we need is your name, the start date of your class, and town it will be held, we will do the rest. Snowmobile Manuals As a reminder for those of you that teach the Snowmobile classroom course, last winter we put the finishing touches on the new snowmobile manuals. When you receive your supplies, look through the manuals prior to your class to familiarize yourself with them. Please recycle or throw away any old manuals and if you have questions or comments, feel free to reach out to your Regional Training Officer. Thank you, volunteers, we couldn’t do this without you!
January 2025
19
NEW FRONT END TO STAY IN FRONT
BUILD YOURS AT SKI-DOO.COM The new RAS RX front suspension adds race-proven geometry reducing body roll for flatter, more predictable cornering. Paired with the new stepped keel design of the Pilot RX skis, riders can confidently choose — and hold — their line in any snow conditions, putting them further ahead of the pack.
VISIT YOUR LOCAL DEALER
®
©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. , TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc. †All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BRP reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Product performance may vary depending on weather, temperature, altitude, driving ability and driver/passenger weight. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. All adult snowmobile models are meant to be used by drivers of age 16 and older. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a helmet. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit https://www.ski-doo.com.
Safety News You Must Fight to Survive in Cold Water
– IMMERSION HYPOTHERMIA
After at least 30 minutes of immersion: • The body’s core temperature gets dangerously low, eventually resulting in loss of useful consciousness. • Drowning if not wearing a life jacket.
1-10-1 PRINCIPLE – 1 MINUTE • Get breathing under control – 10 MINUTES OF MEANINGFUL MOVEMENT • Assess the situation and make a plan • Perform most important functions first, such as locating other party members • Self-rescue if possible • Signal or call for help
– POST RESCUE COLLAPSE
After victim is rescued: • Blood pressure often drops, inhaled water can damage the lungs and heart problems can develop as cold blood from the extremities is released into the body core. • Proper medical attention is essential to re-warm the body safely.
– 1 HOUR (OR MORE) OF USEFUL CONSCIOUSNESS • Focus on slowing heat loss WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA? Hypothermia means the body is losing heat faster than it can produce it and the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. Falling into cold water can increase your chances of hypothermia. Signs/symptoms of hypothermia include:
• Shivering • Slurred speech • Abnormally slow breathing • Cold, pale skin • Loss of coordination • Fatigue • Confusion or memory loss • Bright red, cold skin (infants)
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THE STAGES OF COLD-WATER IMMERSION – COLD SHOCK RESPONSE
Within the first 2-3 minutes: • Gasping, hyperventilation and panic. • Drowning if not wearing a life jacket. – SWIM FAILURE
Within the first 30 minutes: • Loss of muscle coordination and the rapid cooling of arms and legs impairs the ability to keep the head above water. • Effects occur regardless of swimming ability. • Drowning if not wearing a life jacket. Minnesota Snowmobiling
TIPS FOR AN EMERGENCY If you fall in the water, stay with the snowmobile and get all or most of your body out of the water. • Most capsized watercraft will still float. • A craft in the water is easier for rescuers to locate. • If you have to remain in the water, do not attempt to swim unless it is to a nearby boat or floating object. • Keep boots and clothes on. Almost all clothing will float for an extended period of time. SLOWING HEAT LOSS Reduce the effects of cold-water immersion with the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.). • Cross ankles. • Cross arms tightly across chest. – Hands should be kept high on the shoulders or neck. • Draw knees to chest. • Keep head and neck out of water and focus on breathing.
Safety News Caring for Someone with Hypothermia All victims pulled from cold water should be treated for hypothermia as signs and symptoms usually develop slowly. People with hypothermia typically experience mental confusion, so they may be unaware that they need emergency medical treatment. Call 911 or emergency medical assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, monitor the person’s breathing. If breathing stops or seems dangerously slow or shallow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Move the person out of the cold. If possible, keep the victim in the same position as they were rescued to prevent a stroke caused by moving them incorrectly. If moving is necessary (such as from a boat to shelter), carefully lay the victim on insulation from the cold
ground in a level face-up position. Protect the person from the wind and cover their head. Carefully remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with a warm, dry covering.
Body to body rewarming. In remote areas where assistance is delayed, and victim’s shivering is ineffective, practice “body to body” rewarming. Surround the victim with body heat in a sleeping bag, tent or other sheltered spot.
Apply warm compresses to the center of the body — head, neck, chest and groin. Do not apply direct heat. Do not use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person. Do not attempt to warm the arms and legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal. Give the person warm beverages. Do NOT give the person alcohol. Handle people with hypothermia gently. Don’t massage or rub the person because their skin may be frostbitten, and rubbing frostbitten tissue can cause severe damage.
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23
Surviving an Avalanche PART 1 by Doug Pike
It was a cold dark night in the mountains of Montana and the avalanche had turned this day upside down. The firelight was the only light in any direction, and in any other situation, it would have been breathtaking, but on this night, this was the last place I wanted to be. Danny was a local we had been snowmobiling with and he had ridden out far enough to get cell service, so we knew help was on its way, but it had been a long time, and we hadn’t seen anyone. He had told them we were on the back side of Tiger’s Paw, so they had a rough idea where we were, but finding anything in the mountains after dark is tough. Danny knew his way out and could have ridden out on his own, but we had been on goat paths all day and riding that alone at night is a bad idea for anybody. His wife, Brandy, also knew the area, but she had been helping with the fire to keep us warm and I had been sitting on the ground for a long time and my legs were completely numb. The second time Danny had ridden out he came back to tell us the weather had the helicopter grounded in Idaho and he was going out further to meet the Search 24
and Rescue crew. I remember thinking it was cold but clear so we must be above the bad weather. Tiger’s Paw is a well-known feature to the locals. Danny said they were taking the shorter route over the top to get to us which required a blind drop of 20 feet. A blind drop in the daylight can be exciting, but at night it can go wrong fast. It truly must have been a sight to see. I saw the headlights long before I heard the pipes on the sleds, and I remember thinking that on any other night it would have been fun to listen as they worked their way up and over each of the hills. With Danny in the lead, it turned out to be 23 other sleds who had answered our call for help. I had heard stories about waking the dragon in the mountain, and the headlights really did look like a giant tail moving our way. Danny was leading them directly to us, so I breathed a sigh of relief and knew more help was near. This was my fourth day of mountain riding, and my plan had been a simple ride out to Old Faithful, continue the route through the park, load the sleds, and head back to Minnesota. Eighty-six hours earlier, I caught an open
Minnesota Snowmobiling
spot in a truck with two people I had never met before. Snowmobilers are a dedicated group, and a love of riding is often enough to make new friends. This trip was in February, and my wife had told me I should go and try to find some peace. Two days after Christmas, I had carried a good friend’s casket and brought my wife and newborn child home all within a five-hour period. Missing our friend’s wake to deliver our son was a complete emotional roller coaster for both me and my wife. We had ridden three wonderful days, and I thought an easy day seeing the park was a good way to end this trip. That was until the 45-mph ride on the snow-covered road out to Old Faithful. I was 25 years old, and the idea of making the park loop seemed like torture and had lost its charm. I thought about it for a minute and told the third member of our group that I was heading back to town to see if I could catch Paul the other member of our group and he was meeting a couple he had met on a previous trip who had invited him for a day of riding. Like I said, we snowmobilers are dedicated to the sport and it’s often easy to make friends. There were hundreds of people riding the park loop that day, so I left my riding partner and headed back to town.
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The most important thing to bring on a snowmobile trip is a buddy.
We loaded Paul’s truck that morning and I knew if I caught him before he checked out of the motel that I might still get in a day of riding. Boy, was I in for a day of riding! When I pulled up to the truck and trailer Paul had checked out of our hotel. I saw him leaving the continued next page » January 2025
Olson’s Outdoor Sports Mahnomen 218-935-2355 olsonsoutdoor.com Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. ©2021 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.
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motel next door eating an apple and a muffin so I knew I could still make it. He smiled as I rode up and said let’s get going. When we pulled up to Danny and Brandy’s home, their sleds were sitting outside, and I felt like I was out of my element. Here I was riding my short track Arctic Cat 580 and going boondocking with three people on long-track sleds. I was comfortable with my sled, but I was hoping I wouldn’t hold them back too much. Danny showed us the garage he had under his house for his toys, and I really felt out of place, but Danny and Brandy were so cool I instantly felt like a friend and figured it would be a fun day. The opportunity to ride off trail where the locals ride is a gift that not many people get to experience, and I enjoyed that day of riding like no other. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that we found ourselves at the bottom of that fateful hill, and it would be hours before we would leave it. Off to the side of the hill, there was a small bowl that seemed to slow the avalanche and that is where we were when the Search and Rescue crew pulled up. My sled was at the bottom of the slope, but it got really crowded with the other 25 sleds sitting there by the fire. In the fire light, I couldn’t see faces, but I saw a badge on the jacket of the first man that walked up to me. He asked me how I was doing. I told him I was fine but that I had been sitting behind Paul for hours to keep
The avalanche field is not only fast and wide, it’s powerful.
him off the snow and I just needed to get moving before I could trust my legs. At hearing that I was ok, someone grabbed me under each arm and launched me out of the way so they could get to work. I sat there for a minute until my blood got moving and then stayed out of the way.
Calendar of Events
Jan 8-9 • The MN Great Show-Snowmobile Trail Grooming Equipment and Training Show Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort, Deerwood
Jan 10-11 • Pirtek Snocross National Canterbury Park, Shakopee www.snocross.com/pirtek-snocross-national Jan 11-19 International Snowmobile Safety Week www.snowmobile.org Jan 16-18 • Pequot Brush Pilots 31st Anniversary Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous Pequot Lakes, www.facebook.com/pequotbrushpilots/ Dave Guenther – ascoa921@tds.net or 218-831-1636
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Jan 25 • New Market Snomads Vintage Snowmobile Show The Doublewide 421 Saint Joseph St, New Market, MN 55054 A free to enter 2000 and older snowmobile show and fundraiser. Trophies, door prizes, and more. Feb 6-9 • MnUSA Winter Rendezvous South Shore Hotel on Lake Bemidji • www.mnsnowmobiler.org
Feb 7-9 • Lutsen Trail Breakers Vintage Snowmobile Weekend At various venues in Cook County, MN www.visitcookcounty.com/event/blast-from-the-past-vintagesnowmobile-weekend/1973/ Feb 8-17 • Take A Friend Snowmobiling Campaign www.snowmobile.org
Jan 23-26 • ACSA Riding Area Roundtable / 2025 Trail Ride Fortune Bay Casino, Tower (mention ACSA or ID #2535 for room rate) www.snowmobilers.org
Feb 15 • Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride Grand Rapids – Pre-registration required – www.mseaf.org/
Jan 24-25 • Midwest Vintage Snow Shows Midwest Ride-In ERX Motor Park, Elk River • Featured: Yamaha • www.mwvss.com
For more information on club events: www.mnsnowmobiler.org/get-involved/our-clubs/club-events
Minnesota Snowmobiling
I was at the bottom of the hill when Paul highmarked it the second time and he dug in while turning out of it. I thought I might be in his way when he came down, so I started my sled and made a loop out of the way. When I shut my sled off and took off my helmet, Danny came flying up to me asking where is he, where is he? In that short time, the hill had slid. There was no dust; I could barely see it had moved. Danny and Brandy were one hill over, and I think they saw it let loose. They started grabbing shovels and probe poles while I started climbing the hill. Danny and Brandy were riding prepared, but Paul and I didn’t have avalanche beacons, so we knew that wasn’t going to be an option. I had looked into beacons before the trip, but Paul had been in the mountains dozens of times, and I had eerily been told we didn’t need them. Danny met me halfway up the hill and he yelled, over here, over here! Sure enough there was the bottom of a boot in the bowl off to the side of the hill. We instantly started digging. I thought Paul would be scared if he was still awake so I tapped his boot and continued to talk and tap as we pulled chunks of snow and ice out of the way and dug like crazy. I don’t know how long it took, but he was upside down and
we knew time was running out. I was talking to myself and wondering why I was here as I dug with the shovel and my hands. Paul was face down as we dug the snow off his back and we had yet to see any movement, but when we got to the back of his head my heart sank as I saw the face shield of his helmet where the back of his helmet should be! I thought for sure this was it, but then I noticed the helmet liner around the face of his helmet and realized the face shield had been pushed up and over the top of his helmet. I took off my gloves and started digging the snow from around his face, neck, and chin. This was the first time we saw Paul breathe and then he opened his eyes! We had no idea how bad his injuries were, but he was breathing and that was a small relief! Paul later told me he had felt the hill break free and after going under the snow something across his stomach stopped him. He then said it felt like more and more people standing on his back until he was pushed past the rock or tree that had stopped him. It’s my belief that this is what moved him at an angle across the hill into that bowl, and ultimately, put him where we could find him. Continued...read Part 2 in the February issue.
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Milestones
In Memorium – DeLyle Pankratz System in northeastern Minnesota. He served as a committee chair for the local trail association, Board of Directors of the International Snowmobile Association (ISA), MNUSA, ISHOF, and numerous other snowmobile related committees, including Range Trail Committee (RTC).
DeLyle Pankratz, age 78, of Ely Lake, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Essentia Health in Virginia, Minnesota. DeLyle was born on November 11, 1945, and grew up at his family farm in Mt. Lake, Minn. After he graduated high school, he went on to attend Mankato State University. He earned his Masters degree in Geography. He married his high school sweetheart, Merlys Elaine Dougherty, on August 28, 1965, in Butterfield, Minn. They made their home and started their family in Mankato, Minn., as DeLyle worked at Mankato State University. Together they raised three daughters.
In 1977, DeLyle was appointed by Governor Rudy Perpich to the Governor’s Advisory Trail Committee (GTAC).
In 1970, they moved to Mt. Iron, where the couple resided for 25 years. He began work as a college professor at Mesabi Community College, where he taught geography and math. He went on to work for Saint Louis County planning and zoning. His final part of his work career was when he was appointed and worked for IRRRB as a snowmobile trail Divisions Coordinator before retiring in 2006. DeLyle enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting in Crane Lake and Buyck. In the early years, he enjoyed family camping in the Thistledew area. He loved spending time at their cabin in Buyck, there was always a project to be done. He welcomed the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and great granddaughter sharing in many of their activities. DeLyle was a force of nature in his activities and memberships. In 1974, he recognized the need for a groomed snowmobile trail. He pulled together nine area snowmobile clubs, formed a non-profit corporation and commenced the 48-mile Grant-In-Aid (GIA) Trail 28
DeLye was hired in 1984 by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) to develop a Winter Recreational Trails program to help diversify the economy of Minnesota’s Iron Ranges. DeLyle was instrumental in re-establishing the Eveleth Trailhawks, connecting the GIA trail system from Duluth to and around Eveleth. DeLyle has many accomplishments as a passionate leader in the snowmobile industry including being named as MN Snowmobiler of the year in 2020, inducted into Iron Dog Brigade and being named for 3 consecutive years in the American Snowmobiler magazine “Who’s Who List.”, and inducted into the ISA’s snowmobile Hall of Fame. In February 2023, DeLyle was honored by having two snowmobile trails dedicated in his name. DeLyle is survived by three daughters, six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, three sisters, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews, and many friends he met through the years on and off the snowmobile trails. DeLyle was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Merlys Elaine and his parents, William and Althea (Lindstrom) Pankratz.
Minnesota Snowmobiling
MN Great Show
Racing News
Snowmobile Trail Grooming Equipment and Training
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Experience the Trails of St. Germain, Wisconsin Welcome Snowmobilers! – Open-concept 2-acre lake home – Sleeps 15, 7 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths – 120’ of shoreline on Lake Content – Connected to Big Saint Germain Lake – Just 100 yds from the Bo-Boen Trail Immediate access to 4 trailheads linking 500+ miles of groomed trails in Vilas Visit Our Property at: County stretching into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Large Groups Welcome! hillervacationhomes.com/blue-jay-getaway Just a 2-mile ride to Hiller’s Radar Run — the Largest Winter Lake Race & Bikini Run in the Midwest!
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Blue J Getaway Book by Phone 1-800-445-5370 Or Scan Code January 2025
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Vintage News by Phil Little
Grand Prix. The truth
he hired an ex-Polaris employee, Roy Baumgartner to manage winter products. Mathews made practical models called Trailmakers, similar to the early Polaris Sno-travelers. Their line did include a semi-interesting model, the Ski-Bird.
1972 Grand Prix. Gene Anderson collection
Jim Klapmeier owned a successful boat manufacturing company in Mora, MN. Initially they made pontoon houseboats then the product line expanded to include profitable excursion boats. Boatel like other manufacturers in the mid-‘60s, Klapmeier wished to add a contra-seasonal product. He selected the wildly expanding snow machine business. Wisely, in 1964 he bought an existing company—the Abe Mathews Trailmaker in Hibbing, MN. Boatel excursion cruiser from the ‘70s. About this time,
IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!
1964 Abe Mathews Trailmaker powered by an 8hp Kohler 305cc single linked to a forward/ reverse transmission. Gene Anderson collection
The Ski-Bird was a typical Ski-Doo clone with boogie wheels, narrow skis and a tunnel mounted engine. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the Ski-Bird except one feature which should have been stolen by other manufacturers. Ski-Bird engineers conceived of a box-shaped cage into which the engine, clutches and jackshaft were mounted. The cage bolted to the chassis with a few fasteners. The cage eliminated clutch flexing and improved belt alignment and reduced wear. Grand Prix later used this design too.
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30
Skibird photo by Pat Bourgeois. Pat is a well-known snowmobile industry writer and photographer.
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Vintage News The Ski-Bird had a giant plus. It was so ugly and slow selling that Klapmeier and Baumgartner had to dump it for a more progressive model. The snowmobile industry was a tough nut to crack with hundreds of models. Klapmeier decided on an end-around tactic and attempted to carve out a high end/luxury market-slice which didn’t exist. The concept was smart but execution was the key. In the late ‘60s I was working for the Erle Savage advertising agency. Polaris was my first account. I really liked Al Hetteen, Dave Johnson and the Roseau guys. We lost that account to another agency but we picked up the Boatel account. Happily, they involved me in snowmobile advertising and also cosmetic-graphics was our promotional brochure issues. The name the agency This cover. I suspect we used an illustration or Boatel came up with was (a very excellent one) because the GP sled wasn’t ready for photos. “Grand Prix,” stolen from prestigious European formula car racing. I was so pumped up that I submitted a sled design I thought matched the concept.
Grand Prix introduced in 1970 To give Boatel’s credit, they did use unique features in their new sled. The tunnel and skis were aluminum. The pan was Cycolac plastic. The company selected a 20-inch polyurethane track which was supposed to be a weight saver. They wisely spec’d a ski stance of 33 inches. Widely set skis had a positive effect on cornering. By contrast, Ski-Doo in 1969 was making wide-track Nordics and T’NTs with just a 27-inch ski stance. Boatel selected the quiet Donaldson muffler which housed a tuned megaphone for more power. As stated, the Ski-Bird power cage was used in the Grand Prix. Cleverly, they employed a mounted a band brake on the drive axle to obviate chain case failure and ensuing crashes. Naturally, a high-end sled had to have the latest gadgets—electric start, ski shocks, full instrumentation, under-seat storage and surprisingly, a fitted cover. continued on next page »
SPECTACULAR
Sledding
In ‘69/’70, this design would have been quite progressive. It was rejected and later I learned why.
Explore miles of beautiful groomed trails, a full-service community and snowmobileaccessible lodging.
G o Di gi ta l!
Too much mail and on the move without time to sit down and read Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine, but still want to be informed? Contact the office and we can send you the magazine digitally. The same as a printed version but without the paper and postage. Contact the office TODAY!
www.rainylake.org || cvb@rainylake.org | 218.283.9400 www.rainylake.org cvb@rainylake.org | 218.283.9401
January 2025
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Vintage News Perhaps the most unusual feature was the Butterfly Steering, which I suggested to them. I should have kept my mouth shut. I had no idea they would make it from an aluminum casting with a rubber dip-coated surface. I think it added unnecessary cost to the sled. It did however have “talk” value. Matt Anderson remembers hearing a story that after two years of Grand Prix production from 1970 to ‘71/72, Boatel ceased building sleds because they had supply issues with the tracks as they would not stay together. That and low sales encouraged them to throw in the towel. In 1972 the company went back to building boats. Grand Prix was another fizzle among hundreds who died on the dinosaur trail. The Grand Prix didn’t die immediately. A company called Glarco Company (A.K.A. Aitkin Iron Works) in Aitkin, MN acquired Grand Prix parts and probably the tooling too. There are two different stories about how the Glarco/Aitkin Iron Works Company acquired
1972 Grand Prix. Gene Anderson collection
the parts. One was that they bought all the remaining parts when Boatel discontinued building snowmobiles. The other story was that Boatel owed Aitkin Iron Works so much money for metal that Aitkin came and took everything and started a new company building snowmobiles. Their Snowmobile was called GP Mark II. The GP was marketed in 1973 and a few sleds from leftover parts were sold until 1975. Boatel later achieved immense Butterfly steering. success with long, stylish excursion boats and offshore Bluewater yachts. Boatel closed during the early 2000s due to a poor economy. Jim Klapmeier could not find a buyer to continue the boat line. He sold the buildings and all assets to a dairy manufacturing company. They auctioned off all boat building equipment. I understand the building was later used for stainless steel fabrication.
715-794-2561 lakewoodsresort.com
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I was so jazzed about the Grand Prix as a possible racer that I spend huge money at the time to build a ported and fuel-injected 440cc CCW engine with everything including stuffed cases. Megaphones (sans convergent cones), were slapped on because the builder didn’t have time to develop chambers. I gave it a nifty graphics job and took it to its first race. This was the day I learned the “Truth” about the Grand Prix. It howled like a banshee. The course was a rough
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Vintage News The photos with the caption Gene Anderson collection have a back story. Gene Anderson lived in Mora and had an affinity to things made there. Among the sleds in his collection before he died in 2021 were: a Boatel TrailMaker, two Ski-Birds, a Mach X, two Grand Prixs and one Glarco GP Mark II. Gene’s wife Jan asked her son Matt Anderson from Anoka (and two helpers Greg and Ryan) to pull out the sleds from a trailer. They washed them and removed mouse reembraces for these nice photos. We thank them all for the effort.
Rare photo of Grand Prix cover. Gene Anderson collection
aluminum skis. Boatel might have made a market dent if the sled had performance attributes. As I recall the Grand prix sold for $1795; in those days was ‘dear’ money. Lots of snowmobilers looked at the Grand Prix but few bought.
A rare photo of a rare sled. A Glarco GP Mark II in gold metal flake. Gene Anderson collection
swamp bottom. The Grand Prix with boogies started major bucking and threw the hood off. Subsequent snow on hot parts created a steam fog which reduced visibility. I didn’t even finish the heat. That race and the machine as a racer were disgusting. I never road it again and parted it out. That is when I discovered Boatel had simply cloned a wide, heavy Ski-Doo Nordic, boogies and all. They were not at all interested in creating a breakthrough If you’ve tried the rest... IT’S TIME TO TRY THE BEST! snowmobile. They took the cheap route with standard features of the time and surrounded it with tinsel to Over 10 market it as a luxury sled. Different Features & That is the reason they Add-ons! Ultimate turned down my slightly forward design. Ultimate Jr. w/tool box
The Grand Prix was heavy (420lbs) despite an aluminum tunnel and
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ultimatesnowgroomerdrags.com
January 2025
33
Club News
St. Augusta Blizzard Busters The St. Augusta Blizzard Busters are proud to announce that they have a new warming shelter on their trail system. It’s located just east of Rockville at the junction of Corridor #34 and the club trail to St. Joseph. The driving force behind it was Jacob Lauermann who chose to do this project as he works his way towards an Eagle Scout. Jacob’s grandparents, Gary and Carol Lauermann, and parents, Jason and Robin Lauermann, are long time members of the Blizzard Busters. Congratulations Jacob! Thanks to Eric Gebault for his help with the Bobcat.
Shown left to right are Jason Lauermann, Jacob, and Gary Lauermann.
Good Time Riders Host Landowners’ Event The Good Time Riders Snowmobile club is in the southeastern area of the state (Mower County), bordering Iowa. With the lack of snow in this area, they have had to find other things to do such as UTV rides and hotdog roasts and a pizza party. In 1982 the club started sponsoring a chicken fry at Adams American Legion #146. The proceeds go to the local Eagles Cancer Telethon. Since 1982, the club has raised over $22,000 for cancer research. The club also supports veterans by purchasing pheasant dinners for veterans. Each year over 60 landowners are invited to the Adams American Legion for a meal of freshly grilled hamburgers, salad, chips, and cookies. Members donate door prizes that include gift cards, cash, pie certificates from Bubble’s café and a quilt. Club members are not sure which the landowners like best…the food or the door prizes. This is a great time for club members to get to know whose land we are crossing. Landowners are encouraged 34
to come to the club if they have a problem with a trail or riders causing an issue. Al Mullenbach holds up the new trail sign. In December, 2022 a portion of their trails was dedicated to club member Larry Smith. When June Smith passed away unexpectedly in May of 2024, the club changed the trail signs to honor her as well. They were charter club members. Mike Brandt, Region 5 representative spoke to the landowners, thanking them for allowing our trails on their property. He also read the “Thanks to Landowners” by John T. Prusak that is printed on the last pages of the MNUSA 2025 calendar. If you have not read that, you need to.
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Club News
ULTRA ULTRA club has a new drag. This will fit behind our toolcat to groom those hard to maintain places like the underpass and other in town areas. Now, we just need more snow. Linda Long , ULTRA Membership Chair
Club News Submission Form Please use this form as a guideline when submitting your club news for publishing in Minnesota Snowmobiling. It is not necessary to use this form (emails gladly accepted) but please make sure to include all pertinent contact information. Club News should be items of interest to the snowmobile community as a whole—sharing ideas about successful events held, trail projects and improvements, ways to promote membership growth, etc. To accommodate all clubs wishing to submit their news, we ask that you submit a Club News article no more than two times a year, keeping the length of your article to around 250 words or less with a photo, and 500 or less without a photo. We encourage you to send high-resolution photos (300 dpi or greater) of your club’s activities, including captions describing the event and/or the people shown. If you have questions, please contact Scott Wakefield. All submissions due by 4 p.m. of deadline date. Club Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Town/City and County:___________________________________________________________________ Written by/Title: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________ Email:__________________________________________________ Photo Caption (if photo is being submitted):_____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Club News (Please submit on a separate page):
January 2025
Send Club News submissions to: Editor, Scott J. Wakefield Oliver1650@icloud.com 12620 Co. Rd. 30, Waconia, MN 55387 Phone: 612-483-5638 (text) Email: mnusa@mwomedia.com UPCOMING DEADLINES: February issue March issue
1/3/25 2/16/25
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MnUSA Business Supporters
REGION
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Young’s Bay Resort Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-8031 Galen’s Fresh Food Market & Hardware Hank Bagley, MN 218-694-6212 JAG Body Shop Bagley, MN 218-209-8024 Pinks Repair Bagley, MN 218-694-6575 Gerbracht Logging Baley, MN 218-694-2132 Adrian’s Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-1985 Border State Bank Baudette, MN 218-634-3300 Cyrus Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-2548 LOW Passenger Service Baudette, MN 218-395-0414 Northern Sports Baudette, MN 218-634-1089 Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN 800-862-8602 Walleye Capital Sanitation Baudette, MN 218-634-3151 Bemidji Sports Centre Bemidji, MN 218-751-4477 Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Bemidji Bemidji, MN 218-751-3600
√ Midnight Sun Pools ‘n Spas Bemidji, MN 218-209-7973 Visit Bemidji Bemidji, MN 218-444-6081 Beckers Resort & Campground Bena, MN 218-665-2268 North Country Hardware Clearbrook, MN Lengby-Fosston Knightriders Fosston, MN 218-280-9614 Sportsman Lodge Gonvick, MN 218-487-5295 Roseau County Coop Greenbush, MN 218-782-2117 Wahl Bros. Racing Inc. Greenbush, MN 218-782-2295 Shorty’s Place Gully, MN 218-268-4199 Knob & Kettle Restaurant & Lounge Laporte, MN 218-699-3403 Side Track Tap Bar & Grill Leonard, MN 218-968-2304 Anchorage Inn Longville, MN 218-363-2236 Docksider Longville, MN 218-363-2565 Lavallee Inc Longville, MN Longville Campground Longville, MN 218-363-2610 Longville Lakes Bottle Shop Longville, MN 218-363-3249
Longville Snowmobile Club Longville, MN Longville Turtle Town Café Longville, MN 218-363-3333 Motorheads of Longville Longville, MN 218-363-3499 Musky House Marine & Arctic Cat Longville, MN 218-363-2044 One Stop Convenience Store Longville, MN 218-363-2252 Olson’s Outdoor Sports Mahnomen, MN 218-935-2355 √ Lonesome Pine Rentals Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5855 Pinehurst Resort Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5745 Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Oak Island, MN 218-223-8411 Sunset Lodge Resort Oak Island, MN TJ’s Tavern Oaklee, MN 218-796-5153 Naytahwaush Nightriders Ogema, MN 218-849-5921 Cedar Shores Lodge & Resort Park Rapids, MN 218-732-4626 Dorset Corner Liquor Park Rapids, MN 218-732-1770 Emmaville Inn, Inc. Park Rapids, MN 218-732-8544 Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber Park Rapids, MN
New Business Supporter highlighted in yellow Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
√ Pine Cone Lodge and Vacation Rentals Park Rapids, MN 320-491-6952 Royal Bar Park Rapids, MN 218-732-9443 Spike’s Park Rapids, MN 218-699-3222 Up North Power & Sports Park Rapids, MN 218-237-5670 Wehrs AG Group Park Rapids, MN 218-867-6194 Zorbaz of Park Rapids Park Rapids, MN 218-237-1969 Visit Thief River Falls Thief River Falls, MN 218-686-9785 √ Country Inn - Walker Walker, MN 218-547-1400 Lakes Area Power Sports Walker, MN 218-547-1558 LOW Passenger Service Warroad, MN 218-395-0414 Carrot’s Auto Body Waubun, MN 218-473-2417 Hoot Owl Resort Waubun, MN 218-734-2245 Rainbow Resort Waubun, MN 218-734-2241
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40 Club Restaurant & Bar Aitkin, MN 218-927-7090
Aitkin Flyers Aitkin, MN 218-927-2527 Block North Brew Pub Aitkin, MN 218-513-1210 DataCom Aitkin, MN 218-927-7019 Farm Island Repair & Marine Aitkin, MN 218-927-6395 Farm Island Store Aitkin, MN 218-927-3791 Lewis Insulation North Aitkin, MN 763-772-2730 Midwest Machinery Co Aitkin, MN 218-927-2140 Mille Lacs Trails Snowmobile Club Aitkin, MN Mudflats Bar & Grill Aitkin, MN 218-678-3122 Northern Automation Aitkin, MN 218-670-0315 Paulbeck’s Country Market Aitkin, MN 218-927-6919 Riverside Pub Aitkin, MN 218-927-3915 Sue’s Bait Aitkin, MN 320-209-9451 Security State Insurance Aitkin, MN 218-927-3712 The Glen Store and Grill Aitkin, MN 320-684-2229 The Landing Aitkin, MN 218-927-9998 Tire Barn Aitkin, MN 218-927-1444
Thank You
This issue of Minnesota Snowmobiling is dedicated to YOU—the Volunteer Snowmobile Safety Training Instructor. Regardless of how many years you have volunteered to teach our future snowmobilers— from your first year to your fortieth or more—we gratefully salute you for all you do. Service before self! 36
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Ash River-Kabetogama Snow Drifters Ash River/Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2841 218-393-6853 Big Falls Liquor Store Big Falls, MN 218-276-3333 Powell Auto Sales & Service Bigfork, MN Prichards Corner Bigfork, MN The Shop - Gordy Kinn Bigfork, MN 218-742-3666 Ron’s Korner Market Bovey, MN 218-256-9755 Tanner ASV Inc. Bovey, MN Bill Wailde Alignment & Auto Repair Calumet, MN Calumet Saloon Calumet, MN 218-301-6803 Cloquet Pines Retreat Cloquet, MN Nelson Funeral Care Cloquet, MN 218-590-7657 Reliable Insurance Agency Cloquet, MN 218-390-1161 √ Florio’s Grill & Tavern Cohasset, MN 218-999-7077 √ Lake Vermilion Resort Assn Cook, MN 800-648-5897 The Old Muni Cook, MN 218-780-8242 Vermilion Hotel & Country Store Cook, MN 218-666-2272 VFW Post No 1757 Cook, MN 218-666-0050 True North Excavating LLC Cotton, MN 218-576-2547 Cromwell Sno-Gophers Inc. Cromwell, MN 218-390-0046 Bowstring Shores Resort Deer River, MN 218-256-6150 Bowstring Store Deer River, MN 218-832-3123 Bushwackers Snowmobile Club Deer River, MN 218-259-1733 Effie Country Service Effie, MN 218-743-3616 Dan’s Garage Ely, MN 218-235-1625 Joe’s Marine & Repair Ely, MN 218-365-6264 Lindsey Keen State Farm Insurance Ely, MN 763-923-4066
Paddle Inn Motel Ely, MN 218-365-6036 Rock Country Masonry Ely, MN 218-235-3471 5 Seasons Sports Center Inc Eveleth, MN 218-744-5871 At Your Convenience Eveleth, MN 218-744-4005 BoomTown Woodfire Grill & Brewery Eveleth, MN 218-248-8381 √ Iron Range Tourism Bureau Eveleth, MN 800-777-8497 Margie’s Roosevelt Bar Eveleth, MN 218-744-2121 Super 8 - Eveleth Eveleth, MN 218-744-1661 Timber’s Edge Bar & Grill Eveleth, MN 218-744-2627 Mainline Station Floodwood, MN 218-476-2222 Savanna Drifters Floodwood, MN 218-590-0572 Eveleth Trailhawks Snowmobile Club Forbes, MN 218-780-5207 √ Jig Rock Ranch Grand Rapids, MN 218-244-6797 Northland V-Twin & Offroad Grand Rapids, MN 218-259-4535 Rapid Roof Truss LLC Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-1777 Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-9355 Visit Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-9607 Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Park Hill City, MN 218-506-8030 Arrowhead Ultra 135 International Falls, MN International Falls CVB International Falls, MN 218-283-9400 The Junction International Falls, MN 218-283-3339 Rainy Lake One Stop International Falls, MN 218-286-5700 Ranier Municipal Liquor International Falls, MN 218-286-3343 Thunderbird Lodge International Falls, MN 218-286-3151 Up North Builders, Inc. International Falls, MN 218-285-3635
VFW Post 2948 International Falls, MN 218-283-8777 √ Arrowhead Lodge Resort & Outfitters Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2141 Jensen Concrete Pumping & Services LLC Jacobson , MN 651-230-4663 Border Guide Service Kabetogama, MN 218-324-2430 Kec’s Kove Resort Kabetogama, MN 800-777-8405 Sandy Point Lodge, Inc. Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2615 The Rocky Ledge Kabetogama, MN 218-875-3481 Kettle River Snowmobile Club Kettle River, MN Kennedy Trucking Littlefork, MN Mel’s Corner Service Littlefork, MN 218-278-6670 Sue’s Bait Malmo, MN Frontier Sports Marcell, MN 218-832-3901 Edge of the Wilderness Realty Marcell, MN 218-832-4000 Lakeside Lumber & Hardware Marcell, MN North Star Lake Resort Marcell, MN 218-832-3131 Timberwolf Inn Marcell, MN 218-832-3990 202 Tavern McGregor, MN 218-770-3161 √ Bann’s Bar & Restaurant McGregor, MN 218-426-3450 Dependable Demolition McGregor, MN 218-820-0174 Fisherman’s Bay McGregor, MN 218-426-4662 Floe International Inc McGregor, MN 218-426-3563 Grand Timber Bank McGregor, MN 218-768-2410 Jack’s Shack McGregor, MN 218-768-3848 McGregor Ace Hardware McGregor, MN 218-419-2020 Meyer’s Service McGregor, MN 218-426-0026 Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort McGregor, MN 218-426-4444
MnUSA Business Supporters Northland Parts McGregor, MN School House Cafe The Country House McGregor, MN 218-390-6525 Ukura’s Big Dollar McGregor, MN 218-768-2666 Willeys Marine & Sports McGregor, MN 218-426-4350 City of Mizpah Mizpah, MN Mizpah Community Events Mizpah, MN Northwoods Recreational Rentals Moose Lake, MN 218-626-5175 Fisher’s Petroleum, Inc. Northome, MN 218-897-5249 Northland Progressive Northome, MN Northome Grocery Northome, MN 218-897-5261 Northome Municipal Liquor Northome, MN 218-897-9501 Ridge Runner’s Snowmobile Club Northome, MN 218-897-5764 Ash Trail Lodge Orr, MN 218-374-3131 Ash-Ka-Nam Resort Orr, MN 218-374-3181 Frontier Resort Orr, MN 866-950-2986 √ Oveson’s Pelican Lake Resort Orr, MN 218-757-3613 MJ’s Lodge & Resort Pengilly, MN 218-838-0651 Boondocks Bar & Grill Ray, MN 218-875-2700 Swan River Redeye Swan River, MN 763-442-8012 City of Tamarack Tamarack, MN 218-768-0975 Meld Electric Tamarack, MN 320-267-8918 Tamarack Sno-Flyers Tamarack, MN √ Fortune Bay Resort Casino Tower, MN 218-753-6400 Lake Vermilion Houseboats Inc. Tower, MN 218-753-3548 √ Pike Bay Lodge Tower, MN 218-753-2430 Tavern in the Bay Tower, MN 218-753-8888
Vermilion Club Tower, MN 218-753-6277 Edwards Oil Virginia, MN 218-741-9634 Steve’s Auto Body Wright, MN 218-357-3701 Northern Pine Riders Snowmobile Club Willow River, MN 218-372-4077
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Ponto Knight Riders SC Backus, MN 218-587-3929 Brothers Motorsports Baxter, MN 218-829-6656 Ewing Farms Inc. Big Lake, MN 763-263-2270 Cragun’s Resort Brainerd, MN 800-272-4867 Crow Wing Cty Snowmobile Trail Assn. Baxter, MN 218-829-8922 Green Lantern Bar & Grill Brainerd, MN 218-764-2323 √ Kavanaugh’s Resort Brainerd, MN 800-562-7061 Motors-N-More Brainerd, MN 218-824-2277 St Augusta Blizzard Busters Snowmobile Club Clearwater, MN 320-558-6158 Cokato Ridge Runners Cokato, MN 612-220-4793 2 Tall Tavern Cushing, MN 218-575-3013 Anchor North Cushing, MN 218-575-2089 Lincoln Area Business Association Cushing, MN 800-462-0203 Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge Deerwood, MN 218-678-2885 Anderson Carpet Service Elk River, MN 763-286-2770 Darins Home Improvements Elk River, MN 763-218-9310 ERX Motor Park Elk River, MN 763-722-4977 Emily Ace Hardware Emily, MN 218-763-2691
Frank’s Resort Emily, MN 218-763-2246 Lake Country Foods Emily, MN 218-763-7700 Lake Country Properties Emily, MN 218-763-3800 Log Cabin Bar Emily, MN 218-763-2820 The Pickled Loon Saloon Emily, MN 218-763-4402 Redding’s Sports & Spirits Emily, MN 218-763-2191 Ryder Loon Lodge LLC Emily, MN √ Wigwam Motel Emily, MN 218-763-2995 Hillman Swampstompers Foley, MN 320-355-2370 Harding/Lastrup Snowdusters Hillman, MN 320-277-3515 Castaways Bar, Restaurant & Camp Isle, MN 320-684-2380 Nitti’s Hunters Point Isle, MN 320-676-3227 Fishers Resort Isle, MN 320-684-2221 Zorbaz on Gull Lake Shore, MN 218-963-4790 Lincoln Lakes Snowmobile Club Lincoln, MN 612-710-5693 √ Hilmerson Sports Center Little Falls, MN 320-632-4408 √ West Side Recreation Little Falls, MN 320-632-6547 The Trailer Center Long Prairie, MN 320-732-6161 Merrifield Marathon Merrifield, MN 218-821-6208 Friendly Inn of Lincoln Motley, MN 218-575-3295 Re/Max Results Denise Beneke Outing, MN 612-269-3490 Reds Storage Outing, MN 218-513-3635 Village Inn Outing, MN 218-792-5186 Rich Prairie Trailbusters Club Pierz, MN 320-630-4108 Pequot Brush Pilots Pequot Lakes, MN 218-568-4343
New Business Supporter highlighted in yellow Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
√ KC’s Saloon Pillager, MN 218-746-3328 Hinckley/Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club Pine City, MN 320-515-0156 Waste Partners Pine River, MN 218-824-8727 RE/MAX Results Alex Hartmann Remer, MN 651-334-5000 Lund Manufacturing / Sledbed Royalton, MN 320-584-4800 Country Snow Cruisers Richmond, MN √ AmericInn Sauk Centre, MN 877-352-1199 BEAM Electric Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-5641 √ Centre Powersports & Recreation Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7669 Country Cat Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-3534 Phil Polipnick Insurance Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6171 Winters Recreation Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7533 Benton County Snowmobile Club Sauk Rapids, MN Antique Snowmobile Club of America Stacy, MN 651-462-4497 ATV Minnesota Stacy, MN 800-442-8826 Timberlake Hotel Staples, MN 218-895-1300 Ross Seelhammer Plumbing Wadena, MN 218-371-1623 Trail Breakers Inc. Wadena, MN 218-631-4766 Westside Sports Wadena, MN 218-631-1113 √ Power Madd Wyoming, MN 651-462-8465
REGION
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Grover Farm Trucking LLC Amboy, MN 507-880-8824 Appleton Ridge Riders Appleton, MN
Northern Lights Trails SC Benson, MN 320-297-0821 Blizzard Snowmobile Club Fairmont, MN 507-238-2190 Flying Goose Campground Fairmont, MN 507-235-3458 Visit Fairmont Fairmont, MN 507-235-8585 CentraSota Vintage Sledheads Glencoe, MN 320-327-2559 Thunder Bar & Restaurant Good Thunder, MN 507-278-4488 C & A Pro Skis Hutchinson, MN 320-587-7707 Crow River Sno-Pros Hutchinson, MN 320-327-2380 Hutchinson Area Chamber & Tourism Hutchinson, MN 320-587-5252 Fahey Flooring Le Sueur, MN 612-501-6400 Madelia Snohawks Madelia, MN 507-642-3563 Riverside Trail Association Madelia, MN 507-642-8891 Southern MN High Pressure Piping Madelia, MN 507-621-0177 Deals & Steals Mankato, MN 507-380-0523 Kaduce Tire Mapleton, MN 507-524-4999 Pfeffer Tree Service Mapleton, MN 507-317-0595 Action Sports Inc Marshall, MN 507-532-9649 Marshall Machine Shop Marshall, MN 507-532-3613 New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce New Ulm, MN 507-233-4304 Meeker County Snowmobile Trails Paynesville, MN 320-250-4873 Halbur Trucking Inc Slayton, MN 507-836-8183 √ Nelson Tours Spicer, MN 320-894-5839 √ Spicer Sports & Marine Spicer, MN 320-796-2185 Dranttel Sales & Service, Inc. St. Peter, MN 507-931-1363
January 2025
Best Western Plus & Willmar Conference Ctr. Willmar, MN 320-235-6060 REGION
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REGION
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United Employees Credit Union Albert Lea 507-377-1616 Mauers Bros Tavern Altura, MN 507-932-9957 Caledonia Lumber Caledonia, MN 507-725-3381 √ J&M Parts Supply, Inc. Chatfield, MN Elba Valley Express Elba, MN 507-932-5489 Tony’s Saloon Elba, MN 507-932-4969 Rail 19 Bar & Grill Lonsdale, MN 507-744-5528 √ Motoproz Inc. Mazeppa, MN 507-843-2855 St. Patrick’s Tavern & Restaurant New Prague, MN 952-758-2380 Union Hill Bar & Grill New Prague, MN 952-758-4239 M&M Lawn & Leisure Pine Island, MN 507-356-4155 Preston Equipment Co. Preston, MN 507-765-3803 M&M Lawn & Leisure Rushford, MN 507-864-7781 Dana Heger Ins & Financial Services St. Charles, MN 507-932-3750 Millers Market St. Charles, MN 507-932-3760 Pearson & Stemper Electric St. Charles, MN 507-208-1968 BJ’s Bar & Grill Theilman, MN 507-534-3590 Brewskies Bar & Grill Utica, MN 507-932-3485 √ D & M Body Shop Inc Waseca, MN 507-835-5480 Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters Whalen, MN 507-467-9000
Anoka Area Chamber Anoka, MN 763-421-7130 Bayport Pathfinders Bayport, MN 651-439-8795 Reefer Storage Rentals Inc Blaine, MN 651-604-0014 Caliber, Inc. Burnsville, MN 952-985-9999 Dakota Snowmobile Trail Association Cannon Falls, MN 651-341-6616 Max Steininger Inc. Eagan, MN 651-454-6620 Northway Sports East Bethel, MN 763-413-8988 Story Agency Inc. Farmington, MN 651-463-3334 √ Chopper City Sports Fridley, MN 763-572-2100
Prinoth LLC Fridley, MN 612-251-4094 Togo Motorsports Ham Lake, MN 763-284-3234 Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge Hugo, MN 651-392-7185 √ Leo’s South Lakeville, M 952-435-5371 King’s Bar & Grill Miesville, MN 651-437-1418 √ Lighthouse Motorsport & Marine Rosemount, MN Stillwater Snowmobile Club Stillwater, MN √ Century Power Sports Stillwater, MN 651-439-2035
REGION
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√ Beaver Bay Sports Beaver Bay, MN 218-226-4666
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MnUSA Business Supporters Hugo’s Bar Brimson, MN 218-848-2220 Boom Town Brewery & Woodfire Grill Duluth, MN 218-722-0977 Breeze Inn Duluth, MN 218-525-9752 Bruce & Melissa Illsley Duluth, MN 218-251-6443 Do North Sportsmen’s Edition Duluth, MN 218-721-3568 Duluth Drift-Toppers Snowmobile Club Duluth, MN Duluth Lawn & Sport Duluth, MN 218-628-3718 Fish Lake Storage Duluth, MN 218-721-4243 Hi Banks Resort Duluth, MN 888-924-3355 Johnson Supply Co. Duluth, MN 218-722-1717 The Other Place Bar & Grill Duluth, MN 218-733-0214 The Outpost at Island Lake Duluth, MN 218-391-7569 Pequaywan Area Trailblazers Duluth, MN 218-390-1136 Pequaywan Inn Duluth, MN 218-848-2201 Reservoir Riders Snowmobile Club Duluth, MN Sheet Metal Solutions Duluth, MN 218-391-6582
Crooked Lake Resort Finland, MN 218-220-0211 Four Seasons Restaurant & Bar Finland, MN 218-353-7371 Friends of Finland Finland, MN 218-353-0300 Trestle Inn Finland, MN 218-830-0523 Johnson Supply Co. Hermantown, MN 218-722-1717 Weis Eye Center, PA Hermantown, MN 218-625-1917 √ Hungry Jack Lodge Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, MN 218-388-2265 √ RJ Sport & Cycle Hermantown, MN 218-729-5150 Lutsen Trailbreakers Lutsen, MN 218-663-7305 Moose Country Tile & Stone Lutsen, MN Trailside Lounge & Grill, Inc Meadowlands, MN Smiling Loon Restaurant & Bar Rice Lake, MN 218-600-7300 Caywood Country Store Saginaw, MN 218-591-3101 Hoss Construction Saginaw, MN 218-393-4261 Pine River Sales Saginaw, MN 218-391-8770 Black Beach Inn by GrandStay Silver Bay, MN 855-455-7829 LaBerge Logging & Contracting Silver Bay, MN 218-226-3586
Silver Sledders Trail Authority Silver Bay, MN 218-220-8189 Silver Trail Riders Silver Bay, MN 218-226-4608 √ AmericInn by Wyndham Tofte Tofte, MN 218-663-7899 American Legion Post 109 Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4141 √ AmericInn by Wyndam Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3000 Auto Value Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2191 Blackwoods, Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3846 Castle Haven, Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4303 Cooperative Light & Power Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2226 √ Country Inn of Two Harbors Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5557 Harbor Insurance Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2114 Judy’s Café Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4802 KAZ Contracting Service Two Harbors, MN 218-576-7759 Lovin’ Lake County Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2600 Sonju Two Harbors Sports Center Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2181 Superior Hiking Trail Assn Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2700
New Business Supporter highlighted in yellow Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
TH Auto Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3089 Two Harbors Federal Credit Union Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2266
REGION
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Belle Plaine Equipment Sales Belle Plaine, MN 612-490-2387 Snow Goer/EPG Brand Acceleration Bloomington, MN 763-383-4400 Minnesota Snowmobile Education & Advancement Fund Brooklyn Park, MN 763-577-0185 The Cologne Corral Bar and Grill Cologne, MN 651-373-0892 Pounder’s Bar and Grill Cologne, MN 612-735-1266 MSPN Inc. Eden Prairie, MN 952-473-7870 Franzen Law & Policy Group Edina, MN Idea Builders Golden Valley, MN 612-245-8040 Spider Friederichs Auctions Golden Valley, MN 763-591-1642 Kassbohrer ATV-Pisten Bully Jordan, MN 952-345-3330 Erickson-Larsen Inc. Maple Grove, MN 763-535-0055
Ox Yoke Inn Maple Plain, MN 763-479-2522 Carver County Snowrunners Mayer, MN 952-466-2673 √ CorTrust Bank Mayer, MN 952-657-2500 Friederichs Auctions Minneapolis, MN 763-591-1642 √ Minneapolis Motor Sports Minneapolis, MN 763-634-0244 Wrico Stamping Company of MN Minneapolis, MN 763-559-2288 The Doublewide New Market, MN 952-461-3682 Westonka Snoblazers Mound, MN 612-309-5882 Stone Mountain Landscape and Masonry Inc Norwood Young America, MN 612-518-4682 √ Dent Werks PDR Plymouth, MN 612-599-7719 Charlie’s on Prior Prior Lake, MN 952-226-5253 Doherty’s Tavern Prior Lake, MN 952-447-9010 Prior Lake Snowmobile Assoc. Prior Lake, MN 952-484-3534 Fractional Toys Rogers, MN 763-273-4619 Savage Sno-Pacers Savage, MN 612-567-6691 Hennen’s Auto Service Shakopee, MN 952-445-2478
Become A Friend of ISHOF TODAY!
Snowmobile Clubs - $50 USD
State/Provincial Associations - $250 USD www.ishof.com/donate.html Mailing Address:
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame
1521 N. Railroad Street ● Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-2186 or email: info@ishof.com
www.ishof.com
Individual donations are welcome in any amount.
THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FORYOUR YOUR SUPPORT! SUPPORT! 38
Minnesota Snowmobiling
O’Brien’s Public House Shakopee, MN 612-741-3945 River Valley Trailblazers Shakopee, MN 952-393-4093 √ St Boni Motor Sports St Boni, MN 952-446-1554 Hollywood Sports Complex Watertown, MN 612-581-1352
REGION
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Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center Alexandria, MN 320-762-1124 Brothers Market Alexandria, MN 320-762-8121 Ollie’s Service Alexandria, MN 320-763-4455 Winning Edge Graphics Alexandria, MN 320-763-7953 Audubon Liquor Store/A.L.S. Audubon, MN 701-367-1291 Absolute Insurance Audubon, MN Pit 611 Audubon, MN 218-439-6121 DHS Grain Ltd Barrett, MN 320-815-1043 Spud’s Small Engine Service & Repair Barrett, MN 320-528-2299 Battle Lake Inn Battle Lake, MN Richwood Offsale Callaway, MN 218-847-6380 Aune Farm Bureau Financial Dent, MN Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill Detroit Lakes, MN 218-310-4105 Boats Inc. Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-0324 Dairy Queen Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-5154 Detroit Lakes Express Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8049 Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-9202 Okeson Offtrail Sales Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-9304 T.S. Recreational, Inc. Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3033
ULTRA Snowmobile Club Detroit Lakes, MN Venom Products, LLC Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3283 Donnelly Co-Op. Donnelly, MN 320-246-3555 AgCountry Farm Credit Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5311 Farmers Agency Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-6880 Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4491 Grant County Lumber Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5321 Haley Oil Company Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4466 Midwest Machinery Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4438 Frontier Marine & Powersports Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4386 AJ’s Gas & Grocery Herman, MN 320-677-2300 Lakeside Seed Company Herman, MN 320-677-8008 Wagner Company Herman, MN 320-760-1883 DHS Grain Ltd. Hoffman, MN 320-986-2467 Runestone Telecom Association Hoffman, MN 320-986-2013 Duane Rau Trucking Kensington, MN West Central Trailblazers Morris, MN 320-589-3445 Tender Hearts Home Care New York Mills, MN 218-385-3466 Warner Garage Door New York Mills, MN 218-385-2853 54K LLC Norcross, MN 320-815-9720 Jack Pines Resort Osage, MN 218-573-6600 Ottertail Aggregatge Ottertail, MN 218-367-2581 Lakes Inn at Dunvilla Pelican Rapids, MN 218-863-8000 New Horizons Realty Perham, MN 218-346-7767 Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Perham, MN 218-346-7710 Otter Tail Riders Perham, MN 218-385-3991
Steve’s Sanitation Perham, MN 218-849-1225 United Community Bank Perham, MN 218-346-5700 Ruther Excavating Inc. Richville, MN 218-298-1477 Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Wendell, MN 218-685-4491 Snow Thrashers of Dalton Wendell, MN 218-458-2265 OTHER MEMBERS MWO Media Burr Ridge, IL 630-887-1941 Cajun Tie Downs Inc. Crowley, LA 337-783-0385 Border Guide Service Antelope, MT 218-324-2430 Brandin’ Iron Inn West Yellowstone, MT 800-217-4613 Ken & Katie Russell Fargo, ND Simonson Station Stores, Inc. Grand Forks, ND 701-772-3971 Absolute Insurance West Fargo, ND 701-365-0515 Texas Crossing Bar & Grill Wahpeton, ND 701-642-1991 Custom Manufacturing Clinton, WI 608-676-2282 Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Assoc. Hayward, WI 715-945-2511 Lulich Implement Mason, WI 715-746-2477 Track Inc.-Tucker Sno-Cat Monico, WI 715-487-2035 Stud Boy Traction Ravenna, WI 231-853-2323 Cor PowerSports LLC Somerset, WI 651-387-5880 Arrowhead Groomers/ Hamblen Equipment St. Germain, WI 715-479-4200 Union Pass Rentals Dubois, WY 307-709-8231
WHY JOIN THE
MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION?
JOIN TODAY
FOR ONLY $35!
Call 1-866-811-7669 or go online to www.mnsnowmobiler.org
FOR THE FUN OF IT! • Family recreation • Trail rides & club trips • Discover new trails & destinations
• Events, picnics and parties • Create new friendships & camaraderie • Share your passion with us
FOR THE GOOD OF IT!
• Working at the Capitol and with governmental agencies to protect our trails • Paying a full-time lobbyist to protect your sport • Providing full-time office staff that only works on snowmobile-related issues locally, state and nationwide • Supporting dedicated local clubs who volunteer their time and effort • Providing adult & youth safety training (MnUSA Volunteer Instructors) • Insuring the growth and future of Minnesota snowmobiling
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
FOR MORE PERKS!
• A subscription (7 issues) to Minnesota Snowmobiling • Exclusive invites to events and rides • Discounts on lodging and at snowmobile retailers • Informative website • Official membership card and decals • Minnesota Snowmobiling Rider Assist Directory (MNSNOWRAD) For when you need assistance on the trail, road, or planning a ride.
MnUSA Application for Membership
(Please check appropriate boxes.)
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN, 55303 INDIVIDUAL / FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
$35 ONE $65 TWO YEAR YEARS
$95 THREE YEARS
$50 EXTRA MILER - 1 year ($30 Dues + $20 Donation)
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
$75.00 a YEAR
Dues include ($14) subscription to Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine. Payments to MnUSA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes.
NAME (Please Print) __________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________
EMAIL ___________________________________________
CITY ________________________________________ COUNTY______________________ STATE _________ ZIP_______________ Number of Family Members____________________ Number of Snowmobiles______________
MRM Number_____________________
January 2025
Payment method: ___________ Check Enclosed Mail to: MnUSA, 1_ 4000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303 Bill my ________ Visa________ MasterCard Card Number____________________________________________ Expiration Date__________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ Fill out the application and mail in or go to www.mnsnowmobiler.org to pay by credit card.
39
New in-stock sleds arriving daily! Now is the time to service your sled for the upcoming season. Call your local
dealer to schedule a maintenance appointment.
Chopper Powersports Fridley 763-572-2100 chopperpowersports.com
Chopper Powersports Maple Plain 763-479-3719 chopperpowersports.com
Duluth Lawn & Sport Duluth 218-628-3718 duluthlawnandsport.com Podein’s Power Equipment Stewartville 507-533-8841 podeinspowerequipment.com
Davis Motorsports Delano 763-972-5045 davismotorsportsdelano.com
Hansen Sports on Bay Lake Deerwood 218-678-2051 hansensonbaylake.com
Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com
Stacy Hardware & Powersports Stacy 651-462-4342 stacyhardware.com
WARNING: Professional rider on a closed course. 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.