Utah Snow Scoop - December 2014

DEC 2014 VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

SLVC News - Page 7 Knowledge Means Access - Page 9 Snowmobile Safety is a Must - Page 12

DODGE • FORD • GM • DIESELS • Repair/Diagnostic/ Performance • Leaks/Starting Problems

• Pumps/Injectors/Turbos/ Transmissions/Clutches • Air Intakes/Exhaust

2518 S. 2050 W., Ogden • www.bakersdiesel.com (801) 731-2921 • (800) 448-8677

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Jeff Eddings

I

hope everyone had a very nice and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. Hopefully everyone was able to take some time off from work and spend time with family and friends. My family and I traveled to Las Vegas to spend Thanksgiving with family. We were able to visit with family that we only see about once a year, so that was nice. I was also afforded the opportunity to complete a list of chores for my mother-in-law, which quite frankly I don’t mind doing whatsoever. It makes me feel good about myself to be able to help some on else out.

in hand we set out to replace and/or repair the trail markers. The day started off crisp and we even had a little bit of sleet and snow at the higher elevations. All and all, we were able to complete the job fairly quickly and didn’t even get too wet. Thanks to all that came out and volunteered to assist our friends at DNR who keep the trails nicely groomed for us.

USA held a board meeting on November 21st. Some of the items that were discussed were the USA Members ride and the “Take a Friend” snowmobiling event. The USA members ride is scheduled to be held on January 31st with the location to be determined still. The “Take a Friend” snowmobiling event will take place on January 24th at the Monte Cristo Complex and is being held in Well this President’s message is going to be a short one. Not too conjunction with Snowmobiling Safety Week. Ensure to check much has happened since I last wrote. One thing that did hap- the Events Calendar on www.snowut.com from time to time for pen though is that a handful of USA members got together and event updates as well. assisted the DNR staff at the Strawberry Complex with repairing and replacing the snowmobile trail markers. On November 1st, Please join me next time when I will have more details about two members from GSSA and three members from the Salt Lake upcoming events. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate with Valley Snowmobile Club made a trek to the Strawberry Visitors us and we can get some of our member’s ride stories and pictures Center with ATVs and UTVs to help get some of the snowmobile included into the publication to share as well. Until then, pray for trails ready for grooming operations. With wire, pliers and markers snow and keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!

3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Curt Kennedy, Director - Public Lands

Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com

302 South Maryfield Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-582-3882 ccklpk@gmail.com

Cal Taylor, Vice President

Stacey Eddings, Snow Scoop Coordinator and Awards/Charity

1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 calandgena@gmail.com

2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com

Russ Mangone, Secretary

Chris Haller, State Parks Representative

2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84118 801-969-7335 slvsnow@gmail.com

Lisa Kowalewski, Treasurer

P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov

1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138 treasurer@snowut.org

CLUB DIRECTORY

Jay Ombach, Executive Director 2159 North 550 West Layton, UT 84041 801-825-1164 jayo@beacon-metals.com

Golden Spike Snowmobile Association

Chalk Creek Riders Wes Blonquist, President P.O. Box 385 Coalville, UT 84017 435-336-4496 wesntrac@allwest.net

Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Les Thompson, President 2760 N 1650 E Layton, UT 84040 801-771-8748 slvsnow@outlook.com

Davis County Snowflakes Shane Egan 686 N 275 E Kaysville, UT 84037 801-589-6401 eganauto.1@gmail.com

Wasatch Riders Ken Rossum, President 11461 Mountain Ridge Circle Sandy, UT 84092 801-572-4455 krrmi@msn.com

Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com

USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Advanced RV 4615 W 3500 S West Valley City, UT 84120

Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078

Plaza Cycle Motorsports 1379 W 3500 S Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Big Pine Sports P.O. Box 66 340 N Milburn Rd Fairview, UT 84629

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort 15870 Country Road 162 Nathrop, CO 81236

R&M Lightning 1400 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115

www.advancedrv.net

www.bigpinesports.com

Dearden Equipment 125 S Main Street Fillmore, UT 84631

www.deardenequipment.com

www.beersharley.com

www.plazacycle.com

www.rmproducts.info

www.mtprinceton.com

Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116

D&P Performance 110 E Center Street Cedar City, UT 84720

www.dandpperformance.net

www.stateparks.utah.gov

4

Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014 www.tricityperformance.com

Cutlers, Inc. 271 N State Street Orem, UT 84057

www.shopcutlers.com

South Valley Motorsports 11553 South State Street Draper, UT 84020

www.southvalleymotorsports.com

Pinedale Travel & Tourism 19 E Pine Street Pinedale, WY 82941 www.visitpinedale.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GSSA NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SLVC NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 KNOWLEDGE MEANS ACCESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 UTAH STATE PARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 USA RIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SNOWMOBILE SAFETY IS A MUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CHALK CREEK RIDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

DISCLAIMER USA is Utah’s advocate for snowmobiling!

As the voice of over 26,000 registered sled owners in Utah, the Snow Scoop is USA’s official publication.

All contents of the Utah Snow Scoop are copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission.

Submitted articles and advertising do not necessarily represent the opinion of USA or the Utah Snow Scoop.

The Utah Snow Scoop is not liable for any claims by those not of the same opinion.

The Utah Snow Scoop welcomes articles, letters, pictures and advertisements.

Please submit all material in electronic format by the respective issue due dates to the Snow Scoop Coordinator.

Articles should be .doc files and advertisements should be .jpg, .tiff, .psd, .ai, or .pdf files.

ISSUE DEADLINE RELEASE DATE

October September 30 October 14 November October 28 November 11 December November 25 December 9 Winter January 13 January 27 March February 24 March 10 The Utah Snow Scoop is owned and published by the Utah Snowmobile Association.

The Snow Scoop coordinator is Stacey Eddings. She may be reached at: Utah Snow Scoop 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796

utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com For current Snow Scoop advertising rates, please click here or visit http://www.snowut.com/

GSSA NEWS

by Jeff Eddings

T

he Golden Spike Snowmobile Association held a monthly dinner meeting on November 14th at the Denny’s on Washington Blvd. in Ogden. Although we had a small turn-out, we did have a nice dinner and were able to conduct a business meeting.

At the meeting, Arny Olsen won an Annual Monte Cristo Parking Pass. All the names of the people who volunteered at the Snowmobile Show were put into a drawing for the parking pass.

Congrats Arny and thanks to all that volunteer for the club.

GSSA is tentatively planning their first club ride at Monte Cristo in late December, as conditions permit.

Our next club meeting will be on January 23rd at 6:00 pm at the Denny’s in Ogden.

As always, the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association is looking for new members to join the club. Joining an organized club is an excellent way to support the sport you love and a great way to meet new and exciting people. There are many organizations that would love to see snowmobiling banished from the mountains and the areas we ride. These organizations are well funded and have countless members. Let’s not give these organizations the upper hand; join a snowmobile club today!

If you would like more information on the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association and/or how to become a member, please call me at 801-510-7791 or visit: www.ridegssa.org

FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! Congratulations to George Pryich from Rock Springs, WY. George correctly identified that the snowflake was located on page 11 embedded into Bubba’s shirt.

George will receive $50.00 Snow Big deal Gift Certificate Find the snowflake in this issue and e-mail the location to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Snowmobile Rental Gift Certificate from Big Pine Sports in Fairview, Utah. Rental valued at $199. Winner will be notified by e-mail and drawing to be held on January 12th.

Utah State Parks

SLVC NEWS

by Les Thompson

The snow is finally here, though we have not had any official club rides a few of us have made it onto the mountain, we could use a bit more before you dare to get adventures and go off trail much.

The past month a few of the club members along with a few members of the Golden Spike Club participated in a service project for the DNR, assisting the rangers in marking a few of the trails around Strawberry reservoir. This will aid the cat operators this winter in their efforts to keep the trails groomed, the weather was cooperative and the entire group was able to mark and repair the markers on over 20 miles of trails .

Our annual Christmas party was at Gecko’s in South Jordan earlier this month with a great turnout we even had a few new faces.

Our annual ride this year will be to Pinedale Wyoming, which is looking to be great since they have been getting pounded with snow already, so if anyone would like to come you are more than welcome.

Our next meeting will be on January 8, 2015 and the location TBD See you all on the mountain.

Les Thompson Pres. Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” —George Bernard Shaw

8

KNOWLEDGE MEANS ACCESS

by Curt Kennedy, USA Director – Public Lands

S

ometimes when there is a slight lull in the immediate access picture for snowmobiling, I like to take the opportunity to share some thoughts on what it takes to retain our riding access. Too often we remain complacent and fall into the false sense of attitude that our favorite snowmobile spot is always going to be there. Once we are out on the snow surrounded by awesome scenery we tend to forget there are highly organized and well-funded groups that are working constantly to curtail our access and in many cases eliminate it altogether.

UTAH STATE PARKS

The stage is being set for a monumental battle to sustain snowmo- by James Morgan, biling (as we know it) through the upcoming winter travel planning Willard Bay State Park Manager rule that is being finalized by the Forest Service. Once this is issued eason parking passes for the Monte Cristo Snowmobile in early 2015, all forests will eventually undertake winter travel Trailhead are now available. Regular price for the passes are planning and our adversaries are already well-versed on how to $50, however customers purchasing passes before December milk the process. We need to become familiar with the substan31 receive a $10 discount. Day-use passes are available for $5. tial amount of resources that are available to help level the playing field throughout the winter travel planning process.

Passes are available online at willardbay.utah.gov, at Willard Bay State Park or at the Monte Cristo Trailhead when grooming begins.

Probably the most comprehensive, one-stop location for literally To purchase by mail, please send a cashier’s check or money order everything you wanted to know about snowmobiling is a recently to Willard Bay State Park at 900 West 650 North, Willard, UT developed website that was compiled by a grant obtained by the 84340 along with purchasers name, address, and contact phone American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) through number. You may also order by phone by calling 435-734-9494. the Federal Highway Administration. It can be found at www.snowmobileinfo.org. At first, it would seem a bit overwhelming when We would also like to offer an additional $5 off discount to all you visit the site because it truly has an incredible volume of infor- Utah Snowmvobile Association (U.S.A.) members. To get your mation. The “Home” page has tabs for: Training Calendar; Safety additional $5 off you will need to purchase your pass in person Resources; Access Resources; Information Sharing; and FAQS. t either at the Monte Cristo trail head or at Willard Bay State Park and present your valid U.S.A. membership and I.D. I would like to point out one item of reference material that every snowmobiler should read as we get ready for winter travel planning. Under the tab “Access Resources” there is a document labeled “Facts and Myths About Snowmobiling and Winter Trails.” This 40-page document has great eye appeal and is organized into sections that will become very important to winter travel planning.

It was recently updated from its original publication. Although it may take all of one hour to read the whole document coverto-cover, I contend this is a near-perfect resource to frame the planning issues and develop peripheral knowledge on topics that can help save our access. This thought-provoking document will whet your appetite for wanting to get involved in the planning process that can help preserve our snowmobiling access. Give it a read and see if you agree!

S

9

USA RIDE

Plan on attending the 3rd annual Utah Snowmobile Association Member Ride on Jan. 31, 2015.

Keep watching the Snow Scoop for more info.

Do you like fast snowmobiles, free food, drinks and a nice place to retire for the day?

the Utah Snowmobile Association’s four day snowmobile getaway to the 40th Annual Jackson Hole Snow Devils World Championship Hill Climb, March 26th-29th Lucky winner will receive 4 VIP tickets to the Hill Climb for all 4 days. VIP status includes special seating, food and drinks at the event for all four days. Lodging will be provided by the Flying Saddle Resort in Alpine, WY which includes two private cabin rentals and two $150 food vouchers to be used in the steakhouse.

Tickets just $5.00!

Drawing to be held on March 1st, 2015 All proceeds go to help fund USA and member clubs!

See your club president for tickets or visit www.snowut.com to purchase tickets online.

11

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY IS A MUST

awareness is of special importance. There are 5 key avalanche safety guidelines which should always be remembered when riding in the mountains:

Haslett, MI (November 25, 2014) Safe, responsible riding is 1. Get the Gear: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them actively supported and promoted by organized snowmobiling.

Snowmobile safety trainers have been conducting snowmobile 2. Get the Training: Take an avalanche course which will highsafety classes for decades in the United States and Canada and light key issues. in 1995 the community embraced the Safe Riders! You Make 3. Get the Forecast: Make a riding plan based on the current avaSnowmobiling Safe© safety campaign - the guidepost for safe lanche and weather forecast. snowmobiling behavior.

4. Get the Picture: If you see recent avalanche activity, unstable The Safe Riders! campaign highlights that individual behavsnow exists. Riding on or under slopes is dangerous. ior and responsibility is the key to making snowmobiling safe.

5. Get Out of Harm’s Way: One at a time on all avalanche slopes.

Snowmobilers understand that snowmobiling is fun, but it is work Don’t go to help your stuck friend, the extra weight could inititoo. It challenges the body and the mind and you need to be attenate an avalanche. Also, don’t group up in runout zones or at the tive while snowmobiling. Safe snowmobilers know their abilities base of mountains. and understand not to go beyond them.

Snowmobile safety training courses are available throughout North Snowmobile safety begins with the machine, which is built to the America and can be found by visiting your state or provincial snowhighest standards. It is the responsibility of snowmobilers to keep mobile association website. For a list of all of the snowmobile their machine in top running condition following all of the rec- associations/federations, visit our web site. ommended pre-ride checklists found in the owner’s manual and To interact with other snowmobilers, visit and “Like” our Facebook making sure the vehicle is in top notch shape before riding. page.

Snowmobilers also understand the need to dress appropriately while snowmobiling. Individuals must wear warm clothing, gener- REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BE A SAFE RIDER!!!!! ally supplied through the snowmobile manufacturers and dealers.

The clothing includes, dressing in layers with high quality jackets, bibbs, boots, gloves and a certified helmet.

Snowmobilers need to think ahead and prepare where they are going to ride. It is best to file a plan with family or friends and let people where you are going to snowmobile. You need to be familiar with the riding area and or ride with individuals who have been there before.

Safe snowmobilers follow the key guidelines of the Safe Riders! campaign: •• Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix - don’t drink and ride •• Ride safe, stay on the trail and respect private property •• One is the loneliest number, never ride alone •• When riding on the trail, ride right and ride smart. Stay in Control •• Smart Riders are safe riders and they take snowmobile safety training/refresher courses.

•• Snowmobilers know before they go and always check local ice conditions •• When night riding, safe riders slow down and expect the unexpected Safe mountain riders know that avalanche safety training and

12

YOUR SNOWMOBILE BASE CAMP ALPINE, WYOMING

877-772-4422

Top 4 Snowmobile Destination SnoWest

Hotel & Cabins - Indoor Pool & Hot Tub Steak and Seafood Restaurant Western Sports Bar Snowmobile Rental Available 7 Quiet Acres on the Snake River 35 miles south of Jackson Hole The Flying Saddle Resort, Wyoming’s only full-service year round resort located on the banks of the Snake River. Our peaceful setting surrounded by spectacular mountains allows direct access to 337+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails - making us the perfect choice for your next vacation. Call today to schedule your reservation.

FLYINGSADDLERESORT.COM

highways 89 & 26 | 307-654-4422

CHALK CREEK RIDERS

by Doug Wilde

Established 2005. Our club is approximately 35 members strong who are mostly locals in the Coalville area, but membership is open to anyone who would like to support and join us in keeping the Chalk Creek Trail System open for today and into the future. If you would like more information please contact us at (435)336-4496 or e-mail wesntrac@allwest.com. Think Lots of Snow for 2014-2015!!!

Our Mission Statement: “To ensure responsible and sustainable Winter Recreational use of the County right-a-way from Chalk Creek (State Corner) to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest Boundary (Whitney area)”.

Chalk Creek Trailhead The trailhead is in Summit County and has been utilized by snowmobiler’s for more than 40 years. It is close proximity to Coalville, thus making it very popular to locals and others from Wyoming and the Wasatch front. This trail is approximately 18 miles long which travels through very pristine “private property” and connects to the hundred plus miles of groomed trails in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Whitney/Mirror Lake Complex. Today this trail is open for everyone to enjoy, but please “No Trespassing” until reaching forest boundary which is the warming hut at Whitney!

Special Focus this last fall was the following: •• Rock removal (snowmobile loving stones) •• Basic cleaning of trail of litter than has accumulated over the summer and fall hunting •• Trimming and removal of trees that restrict the grooming process •• Trespass signage Current update of Chalk Creek Trailhead A bunch of trees had fallen late this fall across the trail once again that required club members to remove. The plan will be to groom trail as needed with no posted schedule. All of us need to stay on the trail, as currently this area is being watched closely for trespassing. Enjoy, be careful and have fun while snowmobiling in this fantastic area. Coalville is also great place to get your snowmobiling supplies and you will always get a smile from Tommy at the Chevron and Jim at the Summit Merc!

Again, all that is asked is to not trespass on any of the adjacent private property and if you pack it in pack it out!

14

A great partnership for the snowmobiling community

Working hard to support the snowmobiling community • Keeping trails open and developing new trails • Supporting trail grooming • Initiating and supporting lawsuits that threaten access • Encouraging snowmobiler participation in clubs and associations • Promoting snowmobiling as a family activity • Providing safety awareness and education through the Safe Riders! program

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION!

Look to this section for future announcements..

UPCOMING EVENTS

Utah Snowmobile Association Represents ALL Snowmobilers in Utah by:

•• January 3 - Salt Lake Valley Club Ride •• January 7-25 - Snowmobile Safety Week •• January 23 - Golden Spike Snowmobile Association

•• Maintaining & expanding trailheads •• Working to protect land access •• Improving trail marking & grooming •• Lobbying for positive legislation •• Distributing critical information •• Sponsoring the Annual Snow Show •• Assisting in education/safety •• Working with land administrators •• Assisting in search & rescue •• Maintaining website www.snowut.com Membership Includes:

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SNOW SCOOP? According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed $60 million.

Our readers: •• Are 87% male, with a median age of 45.

•• Have an average annual household income exceeding $100,000!

•• Spend over $6,000 per person annually on snowmobiling!

•• Average 14 trips per season!

•• Our latest survey shows: •• 100% of respondents read every issue of the Snow Scoop!

•• Snow Scoop in-home time averages 75 days!

•• Over 80% of our readers own other OHV’s/recreation equipment!

Our online presence: •• 96% of our readers have high speed internet and shop online!

•• 25% of our site visits are from our membership!

•• 75% of our site visits are by those who may not have seen your ad!

Plan now to capture your share of snowmobile dollars!

Advertise in the Utah Snow Scoop!

Call Stacey at 801.510.7796 to reserve your space today!

Join online at www.snowut.com

Please send application and check to: Utah Snowmobile Association, 1794 N 6250 E, Eden, UT 84310

Email

Zip City State

Address

Name Phone

$10 Student (<25)

$75 Business

$30 Family

16

$20 Individual

utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com 801.510.7796

BECAUSE IT’S PROFITABLE!

Annual Dues:

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

•• Free AD&D Life Insurance •• Six Issues of the “Snow Scoop” E-Newsletter •• Membership Card program enrollment •• “Members Only” access to the website •• Updates on critical Issues •• Club Information/Contacts