OCTOBER 2015 VOLUME 24, ISSUE 2
IN THIS ISSUE:
A “Huge” Debt of Gratitude – Page 12 Quick Update on Access and Avalance Safety – Page 19 Enjoy Snowmobiling in Logan Canyon! – Page 20
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Jeff Eddings
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ell here we are in November and the temperatures have started to dip and we have already seen our first shot of snow. This is the time that we are all on edge because we are right on the cusp of winter. For some of us, that first snow falling is looked at with the anticipation of a great winter ahead. Although all the leaves haven’t fallen off the tress and I still have some projects to complete outside, I welcome the snow with open arms. I guess that is the true spirit of the snowmobiler! On October 23rd and 24th we co-sponsored the Intermountain Snowmobile Show with SnoWest and Allstate. I feel the show was a success with preliminary numbers showing attendance up by roughly 200 to 300 people over last year. There were numerous venders displaying new products and the weather was perfect. Our silent auction was another success and was well attended by all. Once again we held our swap meet outside and although are participants were less than last year, there were still some deals to be found. Thank you to all our USA volunteers that performed security throughout the show.
As long as the snow starts to pile up, we will be working with a production company to develop a TV spot that highlights some of the great snowmobiling opportunities we have here in Utah. This TV spot will be aired across the United States and is made possible through a grant from the International Snowmobile Manufactures Association with assistance from the Utah Snowmobile Association, Department of Natural Resources and various other community partners.
Additionally in October, we supported the Utah Avalanche Center in their annual showing of Boondockers 12 at Brewvies Cinema/ Pub in Salt Lake City. Once again this was a well-attended event Our next USA board meeting is scheduled for Friday, November that supports a great cause. Thanks for everyone that came out and 20th at the Department of Natural Resources building in Salt Lake I hope everyone enjoyed the free food! City. We welcome any USA member to attend. In closing, I would like to encourage anyone that enjoys snowmobiling to join a snowWe are working on a Poker Run Fundraiser scheduled for January mobile club. Joining a club is the best way to make our organization 23rd to be tentatively held in the Strawberry riding area. We are be heard as one voice. Additionally, a larger organization with one planning on a fun-filled day with an after ride dinner along with voice is the best way to promote our position and goals when it some great prizes and raffle items to be given out. We are currently comes to snowmobiling related issues. Help out snowmobiling and working with Strawberry Bay Marina as the possible location of join a club today! Until next issue…keep the rubber side down the after dinner. As more details become available we will keep and the shiny side up! everyone informed via our Facebook page or in the Snow Scoop.
FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! Congratulations to Jamie Adelsgruber from Roy, UT. Jamie correctly identified that the snowflake was located on page 18 embedded into the picture of the gentleman with his arms held open. Jamie will receive a $50 Maverik gift card. Find the snowflake in this issue and e-mail your name along with the location of the snowflake to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Snowmobile Day Rental from Trax Power Sports Rentals of Bountiful valued at $225. Winner will be notified by e-mail and drawing to be held on November 30th. *Contest open only to USA members.2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com
Curt Kennedy, Director–Public Lands 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
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 Snowmobile Club Eston Kimber West Center Street #91 North Salt Lake, UT 84054 801-244-8172 sledguy163@gmail.com
Golden Spike Snowmobile Association Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com
ACSA CASH CALENDARS NOW AVAILABLE East Lansing, MI -- The 2016 ACSA Cash Calendars are now available for purchase. All State Snowmobile Associations have a supply and are actively selling the 2016 Calendars. The proceeds from the Cash Calendar sales are a fundraiser for ACSA and the State Snowmobile Associations. Place your calendar order today, celebrate our 20th anniversary and get 12 months of snowmobile events and activities. In addition, there are 365 prizes awarded throughout the year!! Calendars are available for a tax deductible $20 contribution. Your $20 contribution will not only get your 2016 ACSA Cash Calendar, but it will also support our work to help connect and defend snowmobile trails across the country. These calendars also make great gifts….especially when the recipient receives a check in the mail for their winnings! Make sure you don’t miss out—order yours today! Contact the ACSA office at info@snowmobilers.org or your State Snowmobile Association to request your Calendar.
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS
Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078
Frank May Ski-Doo 6740 North Hwy. 38 (Honeyville) Brigham City, UT 84302
Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Cutlers, Inc. 271 N State Street Orem, UT 84057
Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014
Loose Wheels Service, Inc. 55 Movie Ranch Rd. Duck Creek Village, UT 84762
www.beersharley.com
www.stateparks.utah.gov
www.tricityperformance.com
www.frankmayskidoo.com
www.shopcutlers.com
www.loosewheels.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS GSSA NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 YOHO SOUGHT TO ELIMINATE FUNDS FOR NEW HIKING, CYCLING AND HORSE TRAILS ���������8 DAVIS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 A “HUGE” DEBT OF GRATITUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CHALK CREEK RIDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION POKER RIDE/DINNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 QUICK UPDATE ON ACCESS AND AVALANCHE SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 STOVE INSTALL AT WHITNEY WARMING HUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ENJOY SNOWMOBILING IN LOGAN CANYON!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 23 October 7 November November 4 November 18 December December 2 December 16 Winter January 6 January 20 March February 24 March 9 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 Deb Hudman
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reetings from Golden Spike Snowmobile Association. Did the recent snow in the mountain tops get you excited? How about the fun and exciting things you saw at the Snow Show? It’s always fun to see the new technology as well as new products on the market. I’m anxious to see the new snow bikes and will be watching for many of those this year.
Our Club had several volunteers who worked security at the Snow Show. We appreciate all who donated their time—the plus was free admission to the show. The added bonus was getting to see old snowmobile friends as well as meet others who enjoy our sport. We hope you all talk up the clubs and joining USA so we support those who legislate and fight for us. With cold weather upon us, now is a good time to check your sleds and prepare for a successful riding year. My personal mechanic suggests: checking the drive chain, high fax, skags and bogie bearings. Grease all fittings and adjust the track. Check belt tension, replace your belt, plugs and check the antifreeze. And while you’re at it, now is a good time to check out your truck and/or trailer so they are in tip-top shape to start the year. Our Club members are looking forward to a fun year and invite any who would like to join as a member, or just come along on our rides. We plan to ride at Cub River, Monty and Island Park. Our annual ride will be in Pine, Idaho, over President’s Day. We all look forward to a fun and safe season. Hope to see you on the mountain.
INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
by Ed Klim, President
Hello Snowmobile Community, The trees are dropping their leaves, the temperatures are going down, and daylight savings time has ended. That means only one thing.... Winter is coming soon! This is a reminder that we still have Safe Riders! materials available from the ISMA Office–free of charge–as supplemental materials for snowmobile safety courses or to place around your clubhouse, warming hut, trail head, or any other snowmobile destination. If you need any posters, brochures, snowmobiling fact books, or a safety DVD, fill out the attached order form and e-mail it back to us. (Feel free to share this email with others you think might be able to use some of these items this winter.) We also want to remind you that International Snowmobile Safety Week will be celebrated January 16-24, 2016. If you need ideas of events to host or things your Club/Association/Federation can do to raise awareness for snowmobile safety, we have a safety week action manual found on our web site at: http://www.snowmobile.org/docs/2016-snowmobiling-safety-week.pdf. Check out the safety week manual to inspire you or your group to help keep snowmobile safety awareness at the top of our minds this season. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you on the trails SOON!
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YOHO SOUGHT TO ELIMINATE FUNDS FOR NEW HIKING, CYCLING AND HORSE TRAILS
In Alachua County, the city of Gainesville used $200,000 from the program toward a $400,000 project to build an entry boardwalk and trails at the Sweetwater Wetlands and Newberry used $240,000 toward a $480,000 trail project at its archery center. In Marion County, three separate funding awards from the program in 2003, 2009 and 2012 put some $2.6 million into developing and maintaining off-road vehicle trails in the Ocala National Forest. Those are the types of projects that would have survived Yoho’s amendment and remained eligible for funding.
by Christopher Curry
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
U.S. Rep Ted Yoho, R-Gainesville, targeted federal funding for rec- Over the last several days, national groups such as the Rails-to-Trails reational trails, but his effort to eliminate that money from the $325 Conservancy, American Trails, the American Horse came out in billion transportation bill died without making it to the House floor. opposition to Yoho’s proposal. Locally, the Gainesville Cycling Club opposed the move on its Facebook page. Yoho’s proposed amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 would have eliminated “Congressman Yoho should be seeking, not repelling, federal funds federal funding for recreational trails, except those for motorized for projects that will encourage Floridians to reduce our reliance vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles and on single- occupant motor vehicles that tear up roads, pollute, and light trucks. His was one of more than 190 proposed amendments promote a sedentary lifestyle,” Gainesville Cycling Club vice presto the transportation Bill filed and one of more than 90 that did not ident Allyson Gill wrote in an Email. “Florida depends on tourism make it through the House Committee on Rules Tuesday night. dollars. Yoho probably has no idea just how many eco- and cycle Despite some members expressing consternation on the floor tourists come to Florida, or that tourists on bikes spend money Wednesday about their dead amendments, they were not brought wherever we go, while minimally contributing to air pollution, back up. Yoho’s measure would not have allowed federal money traffic congestion, and wear-and-tear on our already crowded from the Recreational Trails Program to be spent on new trails for roads. Finally, many low-income Floridians can’t afford a car and biking, hiking, equestrian and other types of recreational activities don’t have access to reliable public transit, and would benefit from that do not involve a motorized vehicle, for the six-year life of the non-motorized trails for commuting purposes (as do local cititransportation bill. Established in 1991, that program is funded zens on the Gainesville-Hawthorne and Archer Braid Trails).” The by fuel taxes levied on non-highway use recreational vehicles, such Gainesville-based Florida Trail Association, a nonprofit working as ATVs, snowmobiles and off-road motorcycles and light trucks. with the federal government to build the Florida National Scenic Those motorized uses still would have received money for trails Trail, does not receive significant funding through the program, but under Yoho’s plan. He said with the country increasing the debt raised concerns about Yoho’s proposal. “We think it is very shortceiling and continuing to borrow money, his measure was intended sighted,” Florida Trail Association President Carlos Schomaker to curb spending. “Why are we spending money on non-motor- said. “It is really a drop in the bucket as far as the federal budget goes but it provides the American public huge benefits in terms of ized paths and trails when people aren’t paying in?” Yoho asked. resources for recreation, exercise and getting outside. Yoho said he understood there is another side to the argument and that people pay gas taxes when they load their bicycles on a In recent years, Gov. Rick Scott has opted out of the state receivbike rack and drive their vehicles to a trail system or, in the case of ing Recreational Trails Program funding, according to Federal tourists, to Florida on vacation, giving the economy a boost. But Highway Administration annual reports. But local governments he said he feels there is an adequate trail system to enjoy for the across the state — none from this area — did submit some $3.7 million worth of grant applications to the federal government for next several years. the 2015 funding cycle, according to the Florida Department of The Recreational Trails Program is funded at about $85 million Environmental Protection website. annually, or about 2.6 percent of the total funding in the trans(http://www.ocala.com/personalia/curryc) portation bill.
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DAVIS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB by Eston Kimber
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he Davis County Snowmobile Club (DCSC) has been very busy for the last couple months. The Intermountain Snowmobile Show is over and in the books for another year. We had a great time at the show, and were successful in attracting new members to the club. e had a Family Movie Night with our good friends from Boondockers and the Utah Avalanche Center. Funds raised at the movie will be used for forecasting avalanche danger, training, and education. The club is using its portion of the proceeds to take the kids from Camp Kostopulos snowmobiling for an afternoon, and feeding them a good hot meal before sending them home. This is an event we all enjoy as much as the kids do.
as well be against us. The problem gets even deeper than that. We have people in the sledding community that feel invincible and entitled. They feel like the use of public land is owed to them and that if they treat the cross country skiers and snow shoe wearing crowd, and any other recreational group poorly, that it doesn’t reflect on our sport. They are dead wrong! We all need to take the time to educate this group. They need to know that it hurts us all when they fly past other people on the groomed highways or trail systems, and think its funny when they scare these people or pelt them with snow from their tracks. These are the people that go home mad as hell, and write letters to their congressman and demand to keep the sledding community off the trails, highways and out of the back country.
We have other service projects slated for the year as well. Look for our line of T-shirts for sale on our FaceBook page and website. I’m going to get on my soap box for a minute. Its crunch time! Its time to step up and help fight for our rights to use public lands for the sport we all love. I have been in, and have read many discussions about the silent snowmobile riders in the state needing to step up and be heard. If you remain silent, you can kiss your riding areas good bye.
Simply put, we need to respect each others space, rights, and recreational activities all the time. Lets all do our part to promote our sport in a positive manner. So, join a club. Make a donation. Do something positive to keep our rights as sledders. Okay, I’m stepping off my box now.
The only way we are going to keep our lands open for all to use and enjoy is through getting involved in a club or the Utah Snowmobile Association. Our voice needs to be united, very loud and very clear! We will not give in! We will fight, and we will fight together!
See you on the snow!
If you have friends, neighbors, or relatives that own snowmobiles and are not in a club or making donations to the USA, they may
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SNOWMOBILERS KNOW COLD YETI COOLERS HELP THEM KEEP IT
ACSA is the national organization uniting the snowmobile community and promoting snowmobiling as a safe, fun and environmentally friendly family sport. It has never been more critical to support organized snowmobiling! You can now support ACSA and snowmobile access by getting that YETI cooler you have always wanted. Send your check for the coolers you want to the address below, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to ACSA. While you are writing the check, we hope you will also become a member of ACSA, and contribute to the ACSA Legal Defense Fund to help keep snowmobiling access open.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ORDER FORM
ROADIE 20 W __ T __ B __ ... ($249.99 EACH) … $______ TUNDRA 35 W __ T __ B __ … ($299.99 EACH) .. $______ NAME: _______________________________ TUNDRA 45 W __ T __ B __ … ($349.99 EACH) . $______ ADDRESS: _____________________________ TUNDRA 50 W __ T __ B __ …. ($379.99 EACH) . $______ CITY: ________________STATE: ____ ZIP: ____ TUNDRA 65 W __ T __ B __ …. ($399.99 EACH) . $______ PHONE: _______________________________ SHIPPING …………………………..… ($23 per cooler) . $______ EMAIL: ________________________________ ACSA MEMBERSHIP ($10 INDIVIDUAL;$15 FAMILY) SEND TO: (NOT REQUIRED FOR COOLER PURCHASE) ………...$______ ACSA
ACSA LEGAL DEFENSE FUND DONATION
271WOODLAND PASS, SUITE 216 EAST LANSING, MI 48823
……..… $______ SALES TAX … (add your state and local sales tax percentage) …$______ TOTAL ENCLOSED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
PLEASE ALLOW TWELVE WEEKS FOR ORDER PROCESSING.
(NOT REQUIRED FOR COOLER PURCHASE)
(MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “ACSA”
………….. $________
SNOWMOBILERS KNOW COLD YETI COOLERS HELP THEM KEEP IT
AVAILABLE IN WHITE, TAN OR BLUE
YETIs are built with onepiece, seamless construction – just like whitewater kayaks – to take all kinds of abuse. So you can stand on it, sit on it, drop it and kick it * and never worry about it falling apart at the seams. *YETI not responsible for broken toes.
A “HUGE” DEBT OF GRATITUDE by Jeff Eddings
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he Utah Snowmobile Association holds a Silent Auction Fundraiser every year at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. This is a very well attended event and I know for a fact that some people come to the show just to participate in the silent auction. This Silent Auction would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters. These supporters come in all shapes and sizes, all the way from the manufactures to the little guy running a one-man shop.
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e at USA want to extend a “HUGE’ debt of gratitude for your continued generosity and committed support to the Utah Snowmobile Association. It is because of your donations we are able to keep the Utah Snowmobiling Association alive and moving forward. Thank you for supporting organized snowmobiling and our right to ride!
Make sure to say extend your personal thank-you to the following businesses the next time you visit them! •• Tri-City Performance •• Loose Wheel Service •• Utah Valley Powersports •• 4 Seasons Powersports •• Dearden Equipment •• Baker’s Diesel •• Dicks Boat Shop •• Layton Cycle •• R&M Lighting Products •• ADS Motorsports •• MotorFist •• Ride Hard Powersports •• Powerhouse Motorsports •• Curt and Lynne Kennedy •• Trax Powersports Rental •• Daniels Summit Lodge •• Box Y Lodge •• The Edge Powersports •• Cutler’s •• Weller Recreation •• Vernal Sports Center •• Klim •• Big Boy’s Toys •• Triple S •• Kan Powersports
•• Frank-May Ski-Doo •• Simmons Flex-Skis •• FTI •• Wasatch Recreational Products •• True Adventure Gear •• Polaris •• Eddings Enterprises •• Island Park Cabins •• Flying Saddle •• South Valley Motorsports •• High Adventure •• Newgate Motorsports •• Jorgensen’s •• DATC •• Golden Spike Equip •• Shock Straps •• Club Rec •• Salt Lake Valley Club •• Arctic Cat Manufacturing •• Rocky Mountain Snowmobile •• Plaza Powersports •• 509 •• Alpine Assassins •• Yellowstone Vacations •• Ruby’s Inn
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• Pumps/Injectors/Turbos/ Transmissions/Clutches • Air Intakes/Exhaust
2518 S. 2050 W., Ogden • www.bakersdiesel.com (801) 731-2921 • (800) 448-8677
Picture November 23, 2014 at Whitney Warming Hut–THINK SNOW!!!
CHALK CREEK RIDERS
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he Chalk Creek Riders club was formed in 2005 with the mission of keeping the trail access open to year round travel from the State Corner of Utah/Wyoming to the Whitney area forest. The mission statement for the club at that time was and is still today the following: “We will focus and exert all needed energy to ensure responsible, continued and sustainable use of the access/right-a-way from the Chalk Creek area (State Corner) to the Wasatch National Forest Boundary (Whitney area)”. This will include semi-annual clean-up, signage, fencing, trail head kiosk signage along with trail marking. The Chalk Creek Riders club is a sanctioned snowmobile club in the State of Utah and a member of the Utah State Snowmobile Association. The club is currently about 27 members strong and located in Coalville. If interested in helping in the future with the effort to keep the trail open and/or join our club please go to www.snowut.com then look under Utah Clubs and Chalk Creek Riders.
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he club has a bunch of trail maintenance planned this fall which will include trash cleanup, rock removal (loving stones), tree trimming for groomer access, trail marking to keep us safe and on the trail, and installing a new heater wood stove at the Whitney warming hut. Signage and trail fencing will be done later this fall before the snow flies and hunts are completed. If all goes according to the plan the grooming of the trail will be on an as needed basis with no regular scheduled grooming. Special thanks to Utah State Parks, Summit County, Summit County Search & Rescue, Utah Snowmobile Association, Adjacent Landowners and to all that enjoy and respect the opportunity to utilize the trail. Please no trespassing and stay on the trail until you get to the forest boundary at the Whitney area.
“We will focus and exert all needed energy to ensure responsible, continued and sustainable use of the right-a-way from the Chalk Creek area (State Corner) to the Wasatch National Forest Boundary (Whitney area)”.
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UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION POKER RIDE/DINNER
WHEN: Sat. Jan. 23rd 2016 WHERE: Strawberry Bay Marina TIME: 9:30 AM
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his event will be a fundraiser for the Utah Snowmobile Association. The event consists of a “Ride on your own” Poker Run to pre-determined check points located around the Strawberry riding area. The last check point will be at the Strawberry Bay Marina where the event will conclude with a fabulous dinner and the awarding of prizes to the Poker Hand winners (and overall loser). Raffle prizes will also be given out to dinner attendees. Details of this event are still being planned. However, all the details will be released prior to December 1st via our Facebook page, www. snowut.com and by e-mail to our USA members.
* This event is open to the public.
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
SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB It looks like winter is finally here, there is a chill in the air and the mountain peaks have a fresh blanket of snow. The club has had a very active fall with our annual warming hut cleanup with a great turnout, we did a few repairs and a bit of cleaning to get the building ready along with restocking the wood bins for winter and followed up with a BBQ after the work was done. The snow show was a huge success for the club we received a large interest from potential new members. Our opening Social/Christmas party will be at The Pizza Pie Cafe in Midvale on Saturday Dec 5th at 12 noon so come join us.
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QUICK UPDATE ON ACCESS AND AVALANCHE SAFETY
places that have been debated for years. We know there will be some compromise of existing snowmobiling in Uintah, Daggett and Summit Counties, but until we see draft legislation it is pure conjecture as to whether this compromise is significant. No specific date has been released for when the draft legislation will come out, but it could occur at any time.
by Curt Kennedy, USA Director – Public Lands
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Finally, it is appropriate to start off any winter season (at least we assume there will be a winter) by emphasizing the importance of avalanche education and awareness. You and your friends should pop up a bowl of popcorn and watch the short, high-energy and compelling video production on avalanche safety titled “Knowledge is Powder.” It can be viewed online at http://vimeo. First, on our radar screen is the ongoing concern about what is com/113677686. It could very well be the reminder that would going to happen in following through with the new Winter Travel save your life. The emphasis within this production focuses on Planning Rule. We have made preliminary contact with each of the five simple guidelines: National Forests within Utah to gain an understanding of whether •• GET THE GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, there will be a need to engage in additional winter travel planning shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them. processes beyond those that have historically taken place. As of • • GET THE TRAINING: Take an avalanche course. this writing, we have been told the Forest Service is working on • • GET THE FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the current developing “internal guidance” for determining the winter travel avalanche and weather forecast. planning process that will actually be used across all National Forest • • GET THE PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity unstable System public lands. When this hits, we will really need to roll up snow exists. Riding on or underneath steep slopes can be dangerous. our sleeves! •• GET OUT OF HARMS WAY: One at a time on all avalanche On another issue, we have been told that Congressman Rob slopes. Don’t go to help you stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout Bishop’s “Public Lands Initiative” legislation is still in the draft zones. stage. As you may recall, this is a process attempting to bring clo- Stay safe, and let’s pray for Snow!!!! sure to how public lands will be used in the future for the many here has been very little change in issues associated with our snowmobile access since the release of our first Snow Scoop of the season. That’s the good news. The bad news is we know there are activities occurring “behind the scenes” that could come out of the woodwork at any moment.
STOVE INSTALL AT WHITNEY WARMING HUT
by the Chalk Creek Riders
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ENJOY SNOWMOBILING IN LOGAN CANYON!
Richard Droesbeke – Park Manager of Bear Lake State Park and Logan Canyon Snowmobile Trail Grooming Complex
On the north end of the Sinks Valley, you can access the Swan Flat Loop trail which takes you just across the Utah/Idaho border into some riding areas that are a little more challenging. Fish Haven Canyon is accessible from the loop.
A connector trail we call the Amazon, connects the Sinks Valley to the Beaver Creek trail. The Beaver Creek trail begins below the Beaver Mountain Ski Resort and heads north into Idaho, where ake your plans to ride some of the best snow in Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho. The Logan Canyon snow- it opens into some excellent riding areas and connects with trails mobile complex offers riding areas that serve riders groomed by Idaho’s Bear Lake State Park staff at the Pat Hollow ranging from novice to expert. Utah’s Bear Lake State Park staff junction. You can follow this trail into St. Charles Canyon and even grooms six trails multiple times each week during the winter. You further north to Emigration Canyon. can access the trailheads for these riding areas in the upper parts If you decide to unload your sleds at the Franklin Basin trailhead, of Logan Canyon by taking US Highway 89 east from Logan, Utah this trail provides access into some challenging riding areas in both or west from Garden City, Utah. Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho. Like the Beaver Creek trail,
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Our Sinks trail will take you into the Sinks Valley, which has a large riding area that is great for novice riders. From this area you can ride south to: Peter’s Sink–which is known for having the coldest temperature ever recorded in the lower 48 states; Temple Peak; Temple Flat; and, connect with trails that take you to Hardware Ranch, Curtis Creek, and Monte Cristo – riding areas with trails groomed by our crews at Hyrum and Willard Bay State Parks. Don’t forget that with adequate snow, you can ride the Garden City Canyon trail from the Sinks Valley and visit the city center of the town of Garden City. Food and fuel are available.
this trail connects with a trail groomed by our Idaho comrades at the Egan Basin junction and connect to trailheads at Cub River and Emigration Canyon.
Lastly, the Tony Grove trail will take you into some extreme riding terrain above and around Tony Grove and White Pine lakes. White Pine Lake is nestled in a beautiful area between the peaks of Gog and Magog. We hope you come and spend a few days this winter enjoying our great trails and riding areas.
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JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION!
ANNOUNCEMENTS Look to this section for future announcements..
UPCOMING EVENTS
Utah Snowmobile Association Represents ALL Snowmobilers in Utah by: •• 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
•• December 5 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Christmas Party •• December 7 - Davis County Snowmobile Club Monthly Meeting •• December 12 - Golden Spike Snowmobile Association Club Ride
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!
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