NOVEMBER 2016
VOLUME 25
ISSUE 2
IN THIS ISSUE: DSCS News - Page 12 Do you Wannanew? - Page 16 Boondockers Premiere - Page 17
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cal Taylor, President
Lisa Kowalewski, Treasurer
1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 calandgena@gmail.com
1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138 treasurer@snowut.org
Dennis Kowalewski,
Jay Ombach, Executive Director
Vice President
1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138
Russ Mangone, Secretary
2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84118 801-969-7335 slvsnow@gmail.com
2159 North 550 West Layton, UT 84041 801-825-1164 jayo@beacon-metals.com
Curt Kennedy, Director–Public Lands
302 South Maryfield Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-582-3882 ccklpk@gmail.com
CLUB DIRECTORY Golden Spike Snowmobile Association
Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club
Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 ridegssa@yahoo.com
Les Thompson, President 2760 N 1650 E Layton, UT 84040 801-771-8748 slvsnow@outlook.com
Chalk Creek Riders
Davis County Snowmobile Club
Wes Blonquist, President P.O. Box 385 Coalville, UT 84017 435-336-4496 wesntrac@allwest.net
Eston Kimber West Center Street #91 North Salt Lake, UT 84054 801-244-8172 sledguy163@gmail.com
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Stacey Eddings, Snow Scoop Coordinator and Awards/Charity
2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com
Chris Haller, State Parks Representative
P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Frank May Ski-Doo 6740 North Hwy. 38 (Honeyville) Brigham City, UT 84302 www.frankmayskidoo.com Brandin’ Iron Inn 201 N Canyon St. West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 www.stateparks.utah.gov Weller Recreation 936 W 200 S Kamas, UT 84036
Flying Saddle 118878 US Hwy 89 & 26 Alpine, WY 83128
FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! E-mail the location to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Maverik Gift card. Winner will be notified by e-mail and drawing to be held on December 7th.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 WESTERN CHAPTER OF SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS FUNDRAISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 THE MAZURAN FAMILY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 USA BUSINESS MEMBERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 DSCS NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 USA TO CHAMPION A NEW ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 DO YOU WANNANEW?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 NEED YOUR ATV, MOTORCYCLE, SNOWMOBILE REPAIRED? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 USA POKER RUN RIDE FUNDRAISER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 BOONDOCKERS PREMIERE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ISMA PRESS RELEASE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 WHO IS ACSA?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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 28 October 12 November November 2 November 16 December December 7 December 21 Winter January 11 January 25 March February 28 March 22 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/
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Cal Taylor
This is a very busy time of year for me personally, but I want to take the time to thank all of our supporters, vendors and partners who have helped USA get to where we are this year. We can’t do it without you! Thank you very much! Snow show: I hope everyone had a great time this year! Some of the highlights were: Brett Rasmussen and his clinics, The Snowest build project, A great Vintage show put on by Dustin Sweeten, if you get a chance, stop by his place in Pleasant Grove, ask to check out his museum and rummage thru a few hundred sleds and nearly one of every brand. Did you know there was more than 200 brands of snowmobiles? How many can you name? What was the number of brands of sleds? The association had some added responsibilities this year and I think we handled them well. We had the added responsibility of doing more security. We had two guys serve for six hours on Thursday and we had the opportunity to help out at the front door inviting our friends thru the front door. Thank you all those who helped to make the Salt Lake Snow Show a great success for the Utah Snowmobile Association. Thanks to Golden Spike Snowmobile Association, The Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club, the Davis County Snowmobile Club, Utah County Snowmobile Club, State Parks, The Utah Avalanche Center and Members of the Utah Snowmobile Association for contributing their time and of all the donations that were given on behalf of USA. Snow Check: For those of you with new sleds, give them a shine because according to the
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history November is the beginning of sizable storms that will allow for the dreams to become reality. Every one of the manufactures have stepped it up the last few years, so no matter what brand you ride, the prospects are in place to make you the best rider possible. All I would ask of you folks would be to remember to obey all laws and stewardship of the land we use to recreate on. We are working with private property owners, the US Forest Service and State Parks to insure that we have quality places to ride this year. I hope everyone the best as we start the 2016-17 season, please take the time to thank your local club officials, the many volunteers who have labored several weekends to make sure that our trails are well marked. The officials at Utah Snowmobile Association. The guys from State Parks. The Utah Avalanche Center for keeping us on top of the snow and back home to our families.
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FLYINGSADDLERESORT.COM WESTERN CHAPTER OF SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS FUNDRAISER by Jeff Eddings, Past President
Tickets are $10.00 each and there will be three winners that will be selected at the International Snowmobile Congress, June 10, 2017. Need not be present to win! The prizes are: •• 1st Place - $1,000 Visa Gift Card •• 2nd Place - $500 Visa Gift Card •• 3rd Place - $250 Visa Gift Card Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Western Chapter of Snowmobile Associations legal defense fund. The western Chapter is a collection of the US Western States and the western Canadian providences. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Jeff Eddings at 801-510-7791 or e-mail jefferye@snowut.org Tickets can also be purchased from your local club president. Thanks for helping to raise money for the Western Chapter Legal Defense Fund!
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THE MAZURAN FAMILY I would like to introduce you to one of our snowmobiling families, the Mazuran’s . Chris is the club treasurer and a mighty fine one at that. When I first met Chris he told me he was a Banker, my first thoughts were of a stuffy suit and tie kind of guy, boy was that far from the truth. Chris has such a unique sense of humor; you can’t help but like him. Just the other day at the snow show we were talking and he made the suggestion that we need to change the club name to something more jazzy to draw in new members and one that the came up with was the Salt Lake Valley Slayers among others. I busted up laughing and his wife Sarah just shook her head and said, “this is the kind of thing I have to live with every day” of course she said it with the biggest smile on her face. Now for Sarah is the perfect match for Chris. They complement each other in so many ways. In the immortal words of Forrest Gump they go together like “peas and carrots” I asked Chris how his family got into snowmobiling and this was what he told me. “When Sarah and I moved back from Los Angeles twelve years ago, we wanted to find an activity that we could all do together during the wintertime. We discussed several activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, but we could not agree on anything. After several seasons, I recalled snowmobiling with my neighbors nearly 20 years earlier in Yellowstone and I mentioned to Sarah that we could become a snowmobiling family. She agreed and we bought our first sled, a 2004 Skidoo Summit X, which we lovingly referred to as the beast, because it would do anything we threw at it and it was loud! Since that time, over 6 years ago, my family has grown with the sport in numerous ways. First,
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we have met some of the best people in Utah through snowmobiling. Joining the Salt lake Valley Snowmobile Club was a major reason why we still sled today. I remember my very first club ride I caught a ski on a stump. One of the club members, without question, helped me get my wrecked sled back to my trailer and helped me secure it. I was disappointed by the crash, but was so grateful for the club member sacrificing a couple hours of his day to take care of me. Since that ride, my family and I have been blessed to enjoy several amazing new friendships through the club. Now that my kids, Max 13, and Sam 11, are a bit older, I am excited to bring them sledding with me. They are excited too! Even my nine years old Lilly, can’t wait as well to go have fun with the brothers and Dad. Early on, my wife and I discovered that snowmobiling is a lot of hard work. But through it all, we’ve learned that hard work is the key to growing close as a family. See you on the hill!” Over the past few years I have come to know this family and love to be around them. No matter the situation they are always full of joy with an uplifting spirits if it be Chris, Sarah or the kids; it is a pleasure to have this family as part of our club. I’m looking forward to many years of snowmobiling and sharing a part of our lives with them. 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
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USA BUSINESS MEMBERS by Jeff Eddings, Past President, USA
The Utah Snowmobile Association always welcomes new members, especially business members. After all, it is the businesses that supply us with our snowmobiles, parts, accessories, clothing and anything else we need so we can go out and enjoy the sport of snowmobiling. Without the businesses behind us, we sure would have a rough go of it! The Utah Snowmobile Association appreciates all that our Business Members do for us and we would like to say “Thank You” for your continual support. Additionally, to express our gratitude we would like to extend the following special offer to any current business member or any new business member. •• A banner ad displayed on www.snowut.com for one year. To take advantage of this great offer, simply contact Stacey at Utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com or at 801510-7796 for more details.
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YAMAHA-SNOWMOBILES.COM *Customer Cash offer good on select 2016 and prior year models models between 10/7/16 to 12/28/16. AS LOW AS 0% APR FOR 60 MONTHS: **Rate of 0%, 4.99%, 7.99% or 12.99% will be assigned. Examples of monthly payments over a 60-month term at a 0% rate: $16.67 per $1000 financed; and at a 12.99% rate: $22.75 per $1000 financed. Program minimum amount financed is $2,500 and minimum 0%-10% down payment required. Rate and down payment based on credit approval criteria. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. Offer cannot be combined with Customer Cash.Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed course under controlled conditions. Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Know the conditions. Observe all state and local laws. Don’t drink and ride. ©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • Yamaha-Snowmobiles.com
DSCS NEWS by Eston Kimber
Well, the DSCS had another great weekend at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. We were able to catch up with old friends and made a bunch of new ones. Thanks to all of you that stopped by and said hello, purchased an item from the club, or became a new club member. Our club membership numbers are up from last year. The press for riders to join their local club is working. We need more clubs and we need more members in the Utah Snowmobile Association to help keep our voice strong, our words heard and our riding areas open. Talk to your riding friends about joining a club, and soon! SAVE UP TO
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A little catch up from the last issue… We had a meeting with the DNR and Forest Service District Ranger for the Bountiful area. We are not going to be able to rebuild “the Church” since it would be a permanent structure on Forest Service property. We are going to proceed with our plans to build a temporary structure and place it either at the Morgan Valley Overlook, or as far in as permitted. This project is a two year ordeal if the funding is available. The temporary warming hut will be maintained by members of the Davis County Snowmobile Club. Financial support from the public is always welcome! Planned events for the Club: •• December 5—Club Christmas party {Location TBA – see our FaceBook page for details} •• February 11—Camp Kostopulos Ride in Kamas •• February 22-26—Annual Ride {Information coming soon} •• April 3—Closing Social / Elections Club rides will be posted to our website and on our FaceBook page a couple weeks in advance. Come join us for a ride!
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© 2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. This offer is valid in the U.S.A. and in Canada only at participating Ski-Doo® dealers on new and unused Ski-Doo snowmobiles. (excluding racing models and units sold under the Spring Fever promotion) purchased, delivered and registered between August 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See your Ski-Doo dealer for details. † Get up to $1,500 on select 2016 models: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Ski-Doo® models. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. While quantities last. †† GREAT FINANCING: Low financing rates are available. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions.
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USA TO CHAMPION A NEW ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
Authored by Curt Kennedy – Director, Public Lands
In January 2001 the Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism within the Department of Forest Resources for Utah State University released a report for the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation titled “An Economic and Social Assessment of Snowmobiling in Utah.” It was prepared based on data for the 1999-2000 winter season, which now makes the economic impact study over 17 years old. Although the total number of registered snowmobiles in Utah at the time of that study is greater than such registrations for 2016 it is abundantly clear that economics and use patterns have changed dramatically since the 2001 report. We believe the total annual economic impact of snowmobiling in Utah of $52.6 million reflected in the old study will prove to be substantially higher from results of a new study. The Utah Snowmobile Association (“USA”) would like to undertake a new economic impact study that reflects all of the variables and deliverables currently associated with snowmobiling in Utah. The 17 primary snowmobile complexes within Utah, mostly on public lands, represent the snowmobiling opportunity for this study. There are two key partners contemplated in bringing this project to reality: (1) the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism within Utah State University (referred to in this report as the “USU”) would be the primary administrator of the study; and (2) the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”) has access to certain funding and data that would be critical to the project.
Project Design and Deliverables:
USA would rely on the expertise of the USU to use current state of the art techniques in performing such an economic impact study. One of the
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cornerstones of the study would be development of a questionnaire to registered snowmobile owners requesting survey data on the following (but not limited to): •• •• •• •• •• ••
Number of days snowmobiled per year Number of overnight stays Miles ridden per day or per person per year Gas mileage of your snowmobile Dollars spent per day: food, gas, oil, lodging Purchases of: accessories for sled; clothing; trailer; tow vehicle; services (modifications & repairs) •• Club and association dues, donations raffles, events attended •• Trips out of state
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Additionally, survey opinions would cover at least three primary areas: (1) State snowmobile program; (2) Issues; and (3) Data on respondent. Under the program opinions it would include such information as: (a) grooming; (b) trailheads (plowing, size, parking, restrooms); (c) signage; (d) education; and (e) enforcement. Under issues the program opinions would include such information as: (a) user fees; (b) grooming; (c) parking; (d) trail access; and (e) land closures. Lastly, the data on respondent would include: (a) age and sex; (b) member of snowmobile club or USA; (c) zip code of residence; (d) annual income; and (e) other interests. The study would accumulate and analyze data that is readily available, to include (but not limited to): number of snowmobiles registered (dollars generated); property taxes paid (allocation of property tax revenue and snowmobiles per county); number of new snowmobiles sold (break-down by size and type and estimate of value); gas usage estimates for snowmobiles (formulas used in other states and federal formulas); number of persons trained (revenues and costs); and cost of the State Parks snowmobile program (grooming, administration, plowing, etc.).
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It should be noted that all of the design criteria would be subject to change based on the best practices suggestion of USU as the structure of the project is finalized. The period covered in a final survey would likely be within the window of January, February and March of 2017 for a questionnaire sent in April 2017.
Project Benefits and Goals:
USA envisions an up-to-date economic impact study for snowmobiling in Utah would have the following benefits within the overall goal of promoting and protecting the recreational experience of snowmobiling. 1. Current statistics are critical toward supporting the need to sustain snowmobiling in the development of Forest Plan Revisions and new Travel Plans. 2. An independent and credible economic impact study is a valuable tool for the Tourism arm of the state of Utah as it determines how to best promote recreation in our state. 3. The data should be helpful to the counties within the state that rely on snowmobiling as an economic engine in rural areas at a time when other activities are mostly dormant. 4. The study could have a very positive impact on discussions that evolve around the determination of gas tax money that is important to the Recreational Trails Program within any overall Highway Transportation Bill. 5. The output of the opinions portion of the snowmobiler survey can give guidance to State Parks in the administration of our snowmobile Project Cost Estimate programs. USA has not yet received a “scope of work� from USU, but based on research of economic impact studies Project Timetable of snowmobiling in other western states we believe USA expects to finalize the contractual arrangements with USU no later than late-November 2016 followed it could be completed for up to a ceiling of $20,000. by agreement on the content and structure of the We hope to receive seed money from a grant filed snowmobiler survey questionnaire. Such survey with the International Snowmobile Manufacturers should be mailed by the first of April 2017 based Association in the amount of $4,000 and expect on the activity window of January, February and to file for a $10,000 grant through the Recreational March 2017. Any on-the-snow activity, as well as Trails Program monies available to the State of Utah research of available information from sources other through the Federal Highway Administration. USA is than the survey will take place in the first quarter actively seeking partners for the remaining $6,000. of 2017. USU would analyze all available data and Please contact Curt Kennedy at 801-582-3882 or compile a formal report that should be finalized by cell 801-971-7945 or email ccklpk@gmail.com if you can help or know of a resource. mid-September 2017.
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DO YOU WANNANEW? by Debbie Hudman
Did you all make it to the Snow Show? Did you see lots of fun things? Do you “want a new” sled? “Want a new” helmet? “Want a new” trailer? It was fun to see the vendors, new clothing and see fellow snowmobilers. Hopefully everyone stayed within their budget or stayed happy with what they have. It doesn’t have to be expensive or new to be fun. Hopefully the next time we see you it will be on the mountain. We had several of our Club members volunteer for security at the Snow Show. To those volunteers we give a BIG THANKS! You can always be counted on for support. And thanks to the other volunteers from local Clubs who helped support this year’s show and make it enjoyable for the rest of us. Our Golden Spike Snowmobile Association held our opening social in early October at a park in Eden. We had a good turn out and Dennis and Jeff barbecued tasty steaks Stacey had marinated. We all brought pot luck and had baked beans, salads and an apple pie. We of course talked snow, fun places to go this year and just generally enjoyed a warmup-get-together before we head for the hills. We have a great year ahead of us and welcome anyone who would like to join us either at our Club dinners, a Club ride, or joining us as a member. We have a lot of fun together and enjoy the friendships we share. We discussed where to go for our Annual Ride. We came up with several ideas. If you have a suggestion, feel free to call it to Jeff Eddings or Preston Hudman. Hope you are all getting those sleds registered and tuned up. Same goes for your trucks and trailers. Won’t be long now and we want to be ready. Think snow and we’ll see you on the mountain soon.
NEED YOUR ATV, MOTORCYCLE, SNOWMOBILE REPAIRED? If you need your snowmobile, ATV, UTV or motorcycle repaired, take it to the guys at Ride Hard Power Sports. They are located at 11477 South Redwood Road in South Jordan. They are located in the south end of the valley. If you live in the south end of the valley these are the guys to go to. They have a full repair and service facility and can repair anything. Now is the time to get your snowmobile ready for the upcoming season or get your ATV or motorcycle serviced for winter. They carry a large selection of parts for your machine. They also carry a large selection of clothing and accessories. They also have some used ATVs, and motorcycles for sale. They offer pickup and delivery for your convince. So go visit Mike, Scott and Clint and see what great guys they are. Ride Hard Power Sports 11477 So. Redwood Road South Jordan Ut. 801-254-8444
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USA POKER RUN RIDE FUNDRAISER by Jeff Eddings, Past President
The Utah Snowmobile Association will once again hold a Poker Run Ride Fundraiser on January 28th, 2017. The ride will again be held at the Strawberry Snowmobile Complex starting and ending at the Strawberry Bay Marina and Lodge. This ride is currently being planned and details will be forthcoming. Details will be posted on our Facebook page, USA website and in the Snow Scoop as they come available. If you would like to get your name on the RSVP list, please e-mail jefferye@snowut.com
Utah State Parks
BOONDOCKERS PREMIERE by Craig Gordon, Utah Avalanche Center
The annual Boondockers Premiere was an amazing success, raising nearly $14,000 for sled specific avalanche education, awareness, and outreach. Of course, if it weren’t for the great support of the Utah Snowmobile Association we’d all go hungry in the theater. Once again Cal Taylor and the USA stepped up and donated $1000 worth of food... bringing a new and extremely generous meaning to “Dinner and a movie.” We couldn’t pull this off without the incredible support we get from all of you... so a HUGE shout out to everyone who attended Thursday nights gig. What makes this event more successful each year is Dan Gardiner and his ridiculously talented Boondockers crew. Many thanks to all of the Boondockers athletes for helping us spread the avalanche gospel.
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Cal Taylor employs some extra muscle from Aaron Case as they get ready to handover a really big check and very generous donation to the Utah Avalanche Center. Meanwhile, Smasher looks on making sure there’s no funny business… even though that’s his business.
ISMA PRESS RELEASE
Backcountry Ascender Growing Worldwide
Haslett, MI, November 2, 2016: The Backcountry Ascender Sled 360 partnership with the members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is growing in popularity and use. The Backcountry Ascender program is a free and simple backcountry and avalanche educator. The platform uses educational gamification and good natured competition to encourage rider awareness and improve their backcountry knowledge, skills and practical experience. The engaging and competitive platform is comprised of industry and peer reviewed curriculum of selfdirected lessons and in-person courses. Riders earn points for completing lessons and courses to increase their rank as well as their associate clubs, state association, dealer, and snowmobile brand. The objective of the partnership is to help disseminate knowledge. The Backcountry Ascender Program is well on its way to improving backcountry and avalanche awareness and education for all snowmobilers. We are already seeing positive preparedness and proficiency behavior changes, as riders all over North America are practicing using their avalanche equipment and signing up for Avalanche Awareness Classes. We have been working with the Backcountry Ascender team for just over a month, and the users
have collectively spent 700 hours completing 5500 Backcountry and Avalanche Awareness lessons. Based on activity and conversations we have had with members at the International Snow Science Workshop, it appears the program will gain in popularity as more and more individuals step forward to promote it and companies participate in contributing prizes and more. An executive performance review has been conducted and highlights important points. The Backcountry Ascender Program was released on September 12, 2016 after the Hay Days Media Announcement. The following report provides an overview of initiative performance during the first 30 days of the program: •• Number of Page reviews: 50,540 Page 2 Backcountry Ascender Growing Worldwide •• Number of individual sessions on the web site: 10,547 •• Average Session duration: 3:23 •• Total Time that individuals have spent on the website during the first 30 days: 595 hours •• Analytics show that we are adding 40 users per day to the website. •• Returning visitors make up 67% of the total usage which means that users are staying engaged and continue to move forward in their education.
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Breakdown by Country where the Backcountry Ascender Program is being used: •• •• •• •• •• ••
USA – 62% Canada – 36% Sweden – 0.6% Norway – 0.4% Finland – 0.1% Russia, Iceland, Poland, UK - <1%
A breakdown by City of individuals accessing Backcountry Ascender is interesting. While the United States is the top aggregate country, Calgary, AB is the top accessing city. •• Calgary •• Seattle •• Denver •• Salt Lake City •• Edmonton •• Chicago •• Saskatoon •• Vancouver
67% of the usage is from mobile devices. Some Google Analytics that we found interesting: •• A high percentage of the visitors report they are outdoor enthusiasts and auto enthusiasts. •• They are telling us they are news junkies and political news junkies as well. •• The vast majority of individuals read auto and vehicle publications. •• (A small segment of the users enjoy visiting dating service sites.) Yes, the Backcountry Ascender program is helping to educate backcountry riders and those interested in riding in the mountains and becoming avalanche aware. Please take the time to visit the website at https:// backcountryascender.com/ . Sign up and begin taking classes and get trained up before you head out into the mountains.
We are also tracking the usage by age. The largest demographic visiting the website is between 25-34 years of age.
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More information on this great program is forthcoming.
WHO IS ACSA? The American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) is a national organization that was formed to unite the snowmobile community. Because snowmobiling is enjoyed by millions of individuals across the United States, it was imperative that a strong national organization be formed. ACSA is that organization. ACSA is your voice for snowmobiling on national issues. Many snowmobilers are mistaken when they think national issues have no impact on their snowmobiling. Across the United States there are thousands and thousands of miles of snowmobile trails on public and private lands. Will these lands remain open for snowmobiling in the future? Long term use of the lands is no longer certain. Only the unified voice of the entire snowmobile community will help to guarantee the continuation of our sport. ACSA is committed to the future preservation of our sport. We cannot do this without the help and participation of all snowmobilers. Assure the future of snowmobiling, become involved in ACSA today!
ACSA EXECUTIVE BOARD AND DIRECTORS President
Bob Kirchner 167 Jackson Road St. Marys, PA 15857 (814) 834-3625 whynotbobk@yahoo.com
Teri Manning, 2005 —2007 Jim Duke, 2003 —2005 Harold Case, 2001 —2003 Ken Nelson, 1999 —2001 Bill Manson, 1997 —1999 Kay Lloyd, 1995 - 1997
Vice President
Northeast Chapter
Greg Hiles 604 Root Ave. SW Desmet, SD 57231 (605) 203-0318 greghiles800@gmail.com
Secretary/Treasurer
Dean Meakin PO Box 184 Newman Lake, WA 99025 (509) 220-1001 dean@abacus-llc.com
Past President
Duane Sutton 38459 129th Street Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 216-0804 duanesutton@yahoo.com
ACSA Past Presidents
Duane Sutton—2013-2015 Terry Durby, 2011—2013 Fred Wiley, 2009—2011 Todd Wilkinson, 2007 —2009
Gary Broderick—chair 4466 Main Street Gasport, NY 14067-9321 (716) 807-7002 pastpresident@nysnowmobiler. com northeastchapter.wordpress.com Ross Antworth—vice chair nbfsc@nb.aibn.com
Midwest Chapter Chair
Bob King—chair 24855 Hackberry RD Council Bluffs, IA 51503-8662 (712) 242-6299 rek4cb@gmail.com Jim Willey—vice chair 20838 247th St. Delhi, IA 52223 (563) 020-0911 jim.willey@camoplastsolideal. com
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Western Chapter
L. Scott Herzog—chair 519 29th Avenue, NE Great Falls, MT 59404 (406) 590-1458 lscottherzog@gmail.com sledwest.org Jeffery Eddings—vice chair 2645 E. 7800 S. South Weber, UT 84405 (801) 510-7791 jefferye@snowut.com
ACSA Office
Christine Jourdain, Executive Director 271 Woodland Pass, Suite 216 East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-4362 (517) 351-1363 Fax cajourdain@aol.com
WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SNOW SCOOP?
JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION!
According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed t$60 million.
Utah Snowmobile Association Represents ALL Snowmobilers in Utah by:
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!
•• 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: •• 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 •• 50% off Intermountain Snowmobile Show admission •• USA Decal
CALENDAR November 16 - USA Board Meeting December 05 - DCSC Christmas Party December 17 - GSSA Christmas Party
BECAUSE IT’S PROFITABLE! utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com
801.510.7796
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Annual Dues:
$20 Individual
$10 Student (<25)
$30 Family
$100 Business
Name Phone Address City State
Zip
Email Please send application and check to: Utah Snowmobile Association, 1794 N 6250 E, Eden, UT 84310 Join online at www.snowut.com