WSN January 2023

Dave Newman dnewman@ceas.coop

Lori Heideman racingator@wctc.net

Lauren Levey llevey17@gmail.com Sue Smedegard suesmed@gmail.com Michael Holden holdenmach@outlook.com

Wisconsin Snowmobile News

Kale Wainer - Managing Editor

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Phone: 218-779-6972 Email: kale@mspninc.com

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Diane Voight

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Wisconsin Snowmobile News (USPS 683-170 ISSN 0745161X) is published seven times per year –September, October, November, December, January, February and March – by MSPN, 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180, Eden Prairie, MN 55346. Periodical postage paid at Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 and additional entries.

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If

MXZ Sport looks familiar to you in our Budget Beater story, chances are you recognize it as the same model Miss Snowflake 2021-2022, AJ Kreager, rode all last season as a unit sponsored by Donahue Super Sports.

16 BUDGET BEATER

The Ski-Doo Sport is most definitely not a beater, but it will beat your budget. Our firsthand ride review leaves us smiling.

18 RACE FANS

This competitive guide gives you 129 reasons to get outside this winter to compete or spectate at some of the premier race events across the Midwest.

20 GET TRAINED - LEARN FROM AVALANCHES

This competitive guide gives you 129 reasons to get outside this winter to compete or spectate at some of the premier race events across the Midwest.

On the Web

Upcoming

VISIT AWSC.ORG OR CALL the AWSC at 800-232-4108 facebook.com/AWSC-Association-of-Wisconsin-Snowmobile-Clubs

The Official Publication of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs AWSC Executive Board

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK GET SAFE AND GET OUT THERE!

It’s early December as I’m penning this column, and I’m eagerly prepping for my first snowmobile ride of the season. I’m also thinking about some of the content in this issue, and my excitement for winter is hard to contain!

January is considered Snowmobile Safety Month within the industry, and stories surrounding Safe Riding can be found within these pages. For all my Midwest friends who head to Western states for the thrill of deep snow, backcountry riding, I feel very strongly you should Know, Before You Go. Flip over to page 20 — You can gain some insight from the 2021-2022 Avalanche Fatality report. Sadly, the report tells us 83 percent of victims were riders from the Midwest. This article won’t save your life, but should serve as a reminder for both you, and those you ride with, to get trained on Avalanche Awareness.

If you are looking for avalanche training, start with the snowmobile OEM websites as all are partnering with various organizations and offer a variety of opportunities. If you don’t have success there, talk to your local dealer. Often times they are involved in snowmobile safety training beyond focusing on the trails and host avalanche experts to conduct training within their showrooms. Don’t forget the Google machine on your phone or computer –Type in “Snowmobile Avalanche Training” and a variety of options are at your fingertips.

Powder turning back to Midwest riding, the Youth Perspectives column (page 12) discusses some important reminders about traversing frozen waterways taught in Wisconsin snowmobile safety classes. (I’ll be keeping those in mind as I set out on my first early season ride.)

If spectating or competing at fun, premier snowmobile events is your jam, we give you 129 reasons in our Race Destinations competitive guide starting on page 18 to get outside this winter. And let’s not forget the hundreds of Wisconsin club events happening this winter encompassing the last few pages in the back of this issue.

Personally, I hope you join me at three January events — the AWSC director ride in Siren, the Wisconsin Military Ride in Eagle River and Ride With the Champs in February at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain.

Wherever, and Whatever ride you choose, get outside and enjoy Winter! See you out there.

PRESIDENT’S COMMUNIQUE

50 YEARS OF SNOWMOBILING EVOLUTION

By: Dave Newman

My club turned 50 years old this year like many others in recent, and coming years. Even though I was a member for all 50 years, I found it interesting looking back through the club minutes at our history. It is almost unbelievable how much snowmobiles and snowmobile trails have changed over those years.

Trails went from narrow and rough, marked with paper signs, to a statewide interconnecting system of 12 foot wide super highways with reflective markers allowing you to go anywhere in (and out of) the state. The grooming equipment went from snowmobiles pulling bed springs or small drags, to large tracked vehicles costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and pulling drags weighing up to two tons.

One thing hasn’t changed — all the volunteers it takes to make the clubs and trail systems successful. When you think about all the work completed by volunteers each year, then realize it has been happening that way for 50 years or more, it is truly amazing and unique from any other type of recreation.

SNARS REMINDERS

Here are a couple reminders for those who oversee the SNARS entries for your club. If you haven’t done it yet, power up the groomer and make sure the GPS tracker is working and reporting to GTS trails. Once you have traveled over a trail for the first time,

check the GTS trails admin map to confirm all trails are mapped correctly and located inside the geofence. If it isn’t, notify GTS by using the “trail mapping issue reporting form” found under the GPS tab in SNARS. Entries with trails outside of the geofence will need to be edited to include the time that was not reported. Don’t forget to review all entries and submit them to the county level for approval.

NEW GROOMING RATES

New rates for the 2022-23 season, including the increase in grooming rates are incorporated in the SNARS programming. A rate sheet for this year is available on SNARS under the “Resources” tab. Another change to be aware of this year is the requirement to enter the use of rollers under non-grooming. For those entries you will need to use the rate for 9205 for the roller, plus your puller and labor. If you are using a puller with a GPS tracker, you will need to delete that entry reported in grooming.

SNOW REPORTS AND TRAIL CLOSURES

Hopefully by the time you are reading this, there is snow on the ground and at least some of the trails are open. Use the Travel Wisconsin website snow report to check on conditions and where trails are open. The better we can keep the riding public informed of when trails are open or closed, the less problems we will have. We are always looking for ways to control trespassing and riding off the trail. If you have something that is working, let us know. We would also like to document the number of trails that have been lost to trespassing. If you have a trail that has been closed or had to be rerouted, please let me know. THINK SNOW!

VP NOTES AWSC AND KAOS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Lori Heideman – Vice President

Do you know a young snowmobile enthusiast between the ages of 14-18 years old who wants to get more involved within organized snowmobiling? The AWSC youth program, Kids and Adults on Sleds (KAOS), is always looking for youth! The purpose of the AWSC KAOS program is to give youth an in-depth understanding of how the organized snowmobile program works, starting from the local clubs and progressing up to the international level. KAOS is a leadership training program for our young snowmobilers and is designed to create future AWSC leaders. These young people are our future and are learning from the best.

HOW DOES KAOS WORK? Each county can have two youth representatives who represent their county at the state level. Each youth representative can attend and represent the county at AWSC’s workshop, the convention and two director’s meetings held each year. KAOS also hosts one or two leadership weekends. The first is a February ride in Lakewood, Wisconsin where the kids start with a ride on Friday night. Upon return, they work on impromptu speeches and activities to get to know each other. Saturday is spent riding again with additional leadership activities after dinner.

WATCH THEM EVOLVE INTO LEADERS It’s truly amazing to watch these kids grow and mature into the leaders we will someday see in organized snowmobiling. Both myself and Sammy Landes, AWSC past Executive Director and current Legislative Chair, have had the great fortune to help them develop these leadership skills through further understanding of organized snowmobiling through our experiences.

Together, we have witnessed these kids’ involvement within their counties and some maintain very high leadership roles at the state level and others who even sit on the Governor’s Snowmobile Council.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK (Kids and Adults on Snowmobiles –KAOS) I have been watching Facebook the past several weeks and these kids have been doing an amazing job with different aspects of snowmobiling. They held a food drive at the Fall Workshop and collected lots of non-perishable food items from attendees. Each youth representative was able to take these back to their own counties to donate to various food pantries. Several other KAOS members have been attending snowmobile safety classes and speaking on behalf of KAOS to even younger snowmobilers. And yet, others have been working with clubs to get youth clubs started. That is what KAOS is all about. Once you begin to get kids involved, other kids will come.

WE’RE PROUD OF KAOS AND WANT YOU TO JOIN Wisconsin is very proud of our KAOS program. Our youth have traveled all over promoting the sport of snowmobiling and they continue to amaze us with the leadership skills that they are developing and using on a regular basis. When our time representing the AWSC and the sport comes to a close, it’s comforting to know all of us will be in good hands with our up and coming youth leaders. It takes all of us to continue to empower our youth to be involved. If you know a youth between the ages of 14 to 18, ask them to come and hang out with our KAOS program at a workshop or convention. Would it not be awesome if we had two youth representatives from each county in Wisconsin? Let’s make this our goal for the future.

See you on the trails!

INSIGHTS

NEED TO KNOW REMINDERS AND UPDATES

By: Stormy Hovey – Office Manager

Happy New Year! I hope everyone was able to share special holiday time with their loved ones over the Holidays.

IMPORTANT INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Did you know you have important information at your fingertips? You can look up your AWSC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER on the AWSC website at www.awsc.org/About-Us/Member-Lookup / or you can locate it on the label of this magazine in the top right hand corner of the mailing label. Once you have your AWSC member number you can order your trail pass online yourself at www.awsc.org/ Trail-Pass-Registration/Order-Passes-Online. THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY FOR YOU TO GET YOUR TRAIL PASSES. They are also available by filling out the order form in the front of the magazine. As a last resort, I would call the office to order them. Keep in mind your member number does not change from year-to-year, keep it in a safe place.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRS

Please be sure your memberships are current so members can purchase trail passes. We have had to send back trail passes daily for expired memberships. Remember that AWSC membership is a legally married couple and their children under the age of 19. If you have spouses to add you will need to call the office.

AWSC MEMBERS ORDERING TRAIL PASSES – GET YOUR STUFF TOGETHER

If you have not ordered your trail passes yet and plan on doing so by calling the office, please be courteous and thoughtful of our time and have your AWSC membership number (making sure it is current), your registration number(s) of your snowmobile(s) (making sure they are current) and your credit card. Phone-in orders are very time consuming and take away precious time from our office staff. A smooth call should only take 5 minutes to process. We have experienced some that are 15-20 minutes long which usually involve members running to the garage for registration numbers, finding wallet, etc. Please help us by having your information ready!

PURCHASE YOUR ACSA CALENDAR

You can call the AWSC Office to obtain one.

2023 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE

Scholarship applications are due in the AWSC office by 4pm on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Scholarship Criteria and Scholarship Forms can be found on the AWSC website.

SNOWMOBILE FRIENDLY APPLICATION

Deadline is January 6, 2023. More information and forms can be found on the home page of awsc.org.

ANNUAL MEETING AND SPRING CONVENTION

The Annual Meeting and Spring Convention are being planned for March 24-26, at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Green Bay. Information on rooms, registration and the director’s meeting will be sent out mid-end of January. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office. As always think snow and have a safe season!!

FOLLOWING MISS SNOWFLAKE

By: Rachyl Burzinski

Ihope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season! These first few months of my reign have sure gone fast! I really have been enjoying every second and am looking forward to what’s to come.

The first two events I attended were in October on National Snowmobile Day! I attended the Elk River Pioneers snowmobile kickoff event in Phillips and the Iron County Little Rippers fundraiser event in Hurley.

In November, I stopped by the SnowStuds manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in Jackson. I was happy to learn how they design and manufacture their carbides and studs here in Wisconsin using all U.S. sourced materials! I also spent time at the MS office in Hartland where I met with Joe. We discussed the progress they are making toward finding a cure for MS, as well as their 40th annual MS Snowmobile Tour 2023 fundraising event. Throughout the month, I attended a few club and county meetings as well. Soon after Thanksgiving, I was thrilled to participate in a few holiday lighted parades in Beloit, Brodhead and Orfordville with my club, the Orfordville Country Riders. Our float even won first place in the Broadhead parade!

In December, I had the pleasure to speak at a few snowmobile safety courses in Oregon (Oregon Sno Blazers), St. Germain (Bo-Boen) and Rock County (Rock County Sheriff’s Department). I had a great time at the Brooklyn Sno-Hornets pork chop feed and big cash raffle as well as DSG’s holiday open house!

A huge thank you to everyone who has invited me to their events. I appreciate you and am always excited to meet new faces!

You can follow along on my journey by liking the Miss Snowflake Facebook page or following the new Instagram account — AWSC Miss Snowflake. If you have any events you would like me to attend please email me at misssnowflake2223@gmail.com.

Let it snow and stay safe!

ICE SAFETY REMINDERS

By: Tanner Clark, Dane County Youth Rep

This is the time of year where a lot of people are taking snowmobile safety courses in preparation for the upcoming season. There are a lot of great things discussed and asked during these classes. A common question instructors get is how to safely ride on, and near, waterways.

Trails with frozen water crossings can never be considered 100% safe. Because of the changing temperatures of air and water, it constantly alters the thickness of the ice. Water currents can also affect the thickness of the ice as well. You can keep yourself and fellow riders safe by checking ice thickness. Often times, you can find that information on snowmobile club websites, DNR websites and social media.

NEVER check ice conditions without letting someone know. Safety classes teach varying scenarios of ice breakthrough and how to prevent them. Making sure to remain calm is always important when snowmobiling, but especially in extreme conditions and during accidents. If you fall through ice: Float horizontally, kick your legs, reach your arms out onto the ice to try and pull yourself out. After you get out of the water, lie flat on the ice and roll toward land. These types of accidents can increase in severity quickly when you stand up immediately near broken ice. You may fall in again causing even more potential for freezing hazards.

As soon as you get off the ice, find shelter to get warm. Hypothermia and frostbite symptoms can set in quickly. If you travel on frozen waterways frequently, you may also look into purchasing ice picks and jackets with flotation capabilities. Safety is a key aspect to the sport of snowmobiling, never neglect it because it can save your life.

PLYMOUTH SNOW RANGERS HOST BUDWEISER CLASSIC

Submitted by Bart Schad

he Plymouth Snow Rangers will host their 45th Annual Budweiser Classic Race of Champions February 11-12, 2023. Located at Ranger Park at Highway 57 and County Road C across from Fleet Farm in Plymouth, Wisconsin.

The Ranger’s snowmobile club continues to grow and has made huge improvements to the building and grounds including insulating, lighting and adding two new 75-inch TVs for indoor viewing to the main building and permanent fencing installed for additional track safety.

The Snow Rangers welcome Midwest Snow Cross Series for the second year. A premier track will be built to cover the grounds thanks to snowmaking machines. Spectators will have an excellent view of the races from the bleachers along with access to the heated building for warm-ups and concessions. We hope to see you there!

NEWS

SKI-DOO PLAYS IT SAFE

SKI-DOO.COM

BRP Inc. is committed to promoting responsible riding and increasing its efforts to empower all riders in the powersports communities to ride responsibly and rethink the way they approach safety, environment, and riding etiquette. Ski-Doo, a BRP brand, is doing that by engaging riders on four unique fronts focused on improving rider safety and preserving our sport for years to come:

Take the Pledge for Our Playgrounds

Ski-Doo calls on the entire snowmobiling community to “Take the Pledge” a collective effort to preserve access to trails on private and public lands and backcountry winter playgrounds. Trespassing and illegal off-trail riding is threatening snowmobile access. The brand encourages all snowmobilers to be responsible, and pledge their commitment to ensure the sport continues to flourish today and for future generations of riders. Strength in the Knowledge

Ski-Doo believes in creating safe experiences for all riders and embarks on its fourteenth year of backcountry rider education with free avalanche awareness and avoidance seminars for snowmobilers. From October 4, to November 30, riders of all brands, at all levels of experience, are welcomed and encouraged to attend the in-person events with their fellow backcountry explorers to increase or refresh their knowledge in a fun atmosphere. In addition to offering free seminars, Ski-Doo partnered with associations in Canada and in the United States, and lent 14 snowmobiles last year, and will again this year, to help provide avalanche reports and real world data to all riders. Protect.

Access. Sustain. Support.

For a second year in a row, the Ski-Doo Snow P.A.S.S program returned to help fund community-led projects that improve the sport of snowmobiling. As of today, it has provided funding toward more than 175 projects. In partnership with its incredible network of dealers, the grant program offers up to $5,000 in matching funds to grassroots associations and clubs engaged in the many activities that ensure the health of the sport.

The 2023 International Snowmobile Safety Week

From January 14-22, Ski-Doo and BCA will piggyback on safety week awareness messages to educate the riders on code of conduct to protect the social acceptability of the sport. To do so, ambassadors of the brands will be asked to create and share content with their communities, and reinforce the key pillars of Responsible Rider: safety - get the gear, environment - get the forecast, and etiquette - get out of harm’s way. Stay tuned on Ski-Doo social platforms to view the content.

POLARIS DONATES $110K TO MIDWEST CLUBS

POLARIS.COM

Polaris Inc. announced a $110,000 donation to off-road (ORV), utility-terrain (UTV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobile organizations across the United States through its T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program. Awarded twice a year, the Fall 2022 grants were awarded to 11 off-road and snowmobile nonprofit organizations to support the development, improvement, and expansion of trails, and help to educate riders on safe and responsible riding practices.

Three of the eleven clubs were Midwest organizations and awarded a $10,000 Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant each. Those Fall 2022 T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant recipients are:

• Helen Snowpackers Snowmobile & ORV Club (Saint Helen, Mich.)

• Snowbirds Snowmobile Club (Emily, Minn.)

• Barnstormers of Sayner Inc. (Sayner, Wis.)

Earlier this year, Polaris awarded 13 grants in its Spring round of grants and 11 this fall, donating a total of nearly $230,000 in 2022. Since it was founded in 2006, the program has supported more than 346 off-road and ATV organizations with more than $3 million in grants. The T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program focuses on two main objectives: promoting safe and responsible riding and supporting trail preservation and access. Organizations may use

funds from the grant to increase and maintain land access through trail development, maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives and other projects.

For more information on the T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program and to apply for a grant visit: polaris.com.

BUDGET BEATER

With fuel-injected, 600 power in the most modern Ski-Doo platform available at a price under $10K - the MXZ Sport just might be the ultimate budget beater of the decade.

Two winters back, the editors here at Wisconsin Snowmobile News had the opportunity to grab a pair of then, all-new, yet to be released snowmobiles for a weekend of riding and evaluating.

At the time, it was the limited edition, turbo-charged Mach Z with its Launch Control drag mode, which had us frothing in anticipation to ride. Joining the Mach Z was the MXZ Sport, a model first hitting news a year prior in 2021, when the company introduced the fuelinjected, 85-horsepower Rotax power package.

If the MXZ Sport looks familiar to you, chances are you recognize it as the same model Miss Snowflake 2021-2022, AJ Kreager, rode all last season as a unit sponsored by Donahue Super Sports.

While the Mach Z had plenty of wow, it was the MXZ Sport continually putting a smile on our face. Price tag aside, which is reason enough to smile, it was the performance and more accurately, the fun this sled delivered, leaving a lasting impression. In more ways than one, this is all the snowmobile anyone will ever need. It’s fast, comfortable, predictable and oh yeah…did we mention fun?

For 2023, the MXZ Sport returns with no changes from the year prior, which is perfectly fine. This is a sled fitting so many different needs – it can be the primary ride for anyone; it can be the sled for someone new to the sport; it can be the spare sled for guests – it’s just the kind of snowmobile that always has a place in everyone’s garage.

Built on the confident and precise REV Gen4 platform and powered by an 85-horsepower Rotax 600 EFI engine, the Sport delivers all the advantages of an ultra-responsive platform and a modern, easy

to operate power plant. The freedom of the open cockpit design lets riders easily find their preferred style to ride as aggressively or as relaxed as they want thanks to a chassis that reacts to predictably to rider input.

The MXZ Sport features the RAS X front suspension giving riders an advantage over rough trail conditions. Paired with the advanced geometry of the SC-5M rear suspension, the MXZ Sport offers riders greater comfort in a wide range of conditions. Out back, the proven 129-inch track length blends nimble handling, traction, and comfort into a proven design.

With features like a 4.5-inch digital display, electronic reverse, standard electric start and a simple, choke-less, liquid cooled Rotax 600 EFI engine, the value of the MXZ Sport is simply too good to ignore. The fact is with a suggested retail price of $9,149, no other sled on the market today can offer up a similar package at a price this low.

these features are optional)

(All

Much like everything on this sled, the gauge package does everything you need it to without the added frills or complexity of other gauges.

Rotax 600 EFI Engine: 600cc-class fuel injected engine delivering 85 horsepower and outstanding economy and value.

SC-5M Rear Suspension: Designed and calibrated for a smooth, controlled ride for one or two riders and their gear.

RAS X Front Suspension: Flatter cornering and precision handling. Developed in tandem with the rMotion X rear suspension. Wide 43-in. stance and long suspension stroke maximize stability, capability, and comfort.

Motion Control Shocks: High quality, high value gas cell shocks.

pDrive Primary Clutch: Fast and friction-free. Ultra-responsive shifting, impressive RPM consistency, lightweight and maintenance-free.

RipSaw Track: Provides traction in all conditions. 1.25-in. (3.2cm) lugs

Pilot 5.7 Skis: Dual keel/single runner design for aggressive bite in corners and virtually no darting.

Brembo Brake: Fade resistant stopping power featuring braided stainless-steel line for a more direct, solid feel and greater braking efficiency.

Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER)

Standard Electric Start

Compact Trail Seat: Designed for easy mobility around the sled with a wide and flat rear portion for added comfort.

4.5-inch Digital Display: All-digital LCD gauge cluster with flatter viewing angle for an easy to-read info center whether standing or sitting.

Accessory-Ready: One pair LinQ mounts installed on the tunnel.

Everything you could need, nothing you don’t. While the MXZ Sport may seem spartan compared to more popular or more expensive models, it doesn’t feel cheap.

RACE FANS/MIDWEST (A-Z) COMPETITION GUIDE

ur Midwest competition guide encompasses 129 reasons for you to get outside this winter! Whether you want to compete or spectate, visit these premier web resources for more detailed information. There’s a lot to take in, and the winter is a short one, so start laying out your calendar plans now. We’ll see you out there!

BIG EXTREME VINTAGE RACING ASSOCIATION (BEVRA) BEVRAVINTAGE.COM

JAN 21: Lakeview, Michigan

JAN 28: Lakeview, Michigan

FEB 11: Lakeview, Michigan

FEB 18: Lakeview, Michigan

FEB 25: Lakeview, Michigan

CENTRAL MINNESOTA POND RACING VSCA.COM

JAN 21: Spicer, Minnesota

JAN 28: Sauk Centre, Minnesota

FEB 4: Butterfield, Minnesota

FEB 11: Strathcona, Minnesota

FEB 18: Grey Eagle, Minnesota

FEB 25: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

MAR 4: Glenwood, Minnesota

COR

JAN 7-8: Ottertail, Minnesota

JAN 14-15: Nisswa, Minnesota

JAN 28-29: Park Rapids, Minnesota

FEB 11-12: Goodridge, Minnesota

FEB 25-26: Walker, Minnesota

MAR 4-5: Naytahwaush, Minnesota

MAR 18-19: Upson, Wisconsin

ERX

SNOCROSS

SNOCROSS.COM

DEC 16-18: Fargo, North Dakota

JAN 13-14: Shakopee, Minnesota

JAN 27-28: Deadwood, South Dakota

FEB 17-18: Salamanca, New York

MAR 3-4: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

MAR 10-11: Elk River, Minnesota

MAR 24-25: Grand Rapids, Michigan

APR 1-2: Dubuque, Iowa

ISOC REGIONAL SNOCROSS

SNOCROSS.COM

DEC 10-11: Fargo, North Dakota

JAN 7-8: Elk River, Minnesota

JAN 21-22: Shakopee, Minnesota

JAN 25-26: Shakopee, Minnesota

KC PRO EAST

KCPROEAST.COM

JAN 7: Crane Lake, Minnesota

JAN 14: Side Lake, Minnesota

JAN 21: Cotton, Minnesota

JAN 28-29: Elk River, Minnesota

FEB 4: Ely, Minnesota

FEB 11-12: Duluth, Minnesota

FEB 25: Superior, Wisconsin

MAR 4: Cook, Minnesota

KC PRO WEST

KCPROWEST.NET

DEC 17-18: Pine Lake, Minnesota

JAN 7-8: East Grand Forks, Minnesota

JAN 14-15: Ada, Minnesota

JAN 28-29: Oslo, Minnesota

FEB 11-12: Grygla/Goodridge, Minnesota

FEB 25-26: Northwood, Minnesota

MAR 4-5: Naytahwaush, Minnesota

MAR 11-12: TBD

MANAWA SNODEO

MANAWASNODEO.ORG

FEB 18: Manawa, Wisconsin

MICHIGAN SNOCROSS

MICHIGANSNOXLLC.COM

DEC 10-11: Mancelona, Michigan

JAN 6-8: Mancelona, Michigan

JAN 21: Mancelona, Michigan

FEB 3-5: Mancelona, Michigan

FEB 10-11: Mancelona, Michigan

MAR 18: Mancelona, Michigan

MIDWEST EXTREME SNOWMOBILE CHALLENGE (MESC)

MESCRACE.COM

FEB 25: Pequot Lakes, Minnesota

MAR 31-APR 1: Nisswa, Minnesota

APR 14-15: Biwabik, Minnesota

MIDWEST INTERNATIONAL RACING ASSOCIATION (MIRA) MIRARACING.COM

JAN 21-22: Eagle River, Wisconsin

JAN 28-29: Traverse City, Michigan

FEB 11-12: Gaylord, Michigan

FEB 18-19: Lincoln, Michigan

MIDWEST SNOCROSS SERIES

MIDWESTSNOCROSS.COM

DEC 10-11: Ironwood, Michigan

JAN 7-9: Hartford, Wisconsin

JAN 21-22: Winter, Wisconsin

FEB 4-5: Hartford, Wisconsin

FEB 11-12: Plymouth, Wisconsin

FEB 25-26: Wausau, Wisconsin

NATIONAL STRAIGHTLINE

SNOWMOBILE RACING (NSSR) RACENSSR.COM

JAN 28: Forest Lake, Minnesota

FEB 25: Chetek, Wisconsin

NEOSHO CUP ICE LEMANS RVCSNOW.COM

FEB 11: Neosho, Wisconsin

OKOBOJI VINTAGE RACING

FACEBOOK: OKOBOJI VINTAGE SNOWMOBILE RACES

FEB 3-4: Okoboji, Iowa

PRO VINTAGE RACING (PVR) PROVINTAGERACING.COM

JAN 12-15: Eagle River, Wisconsin

FEB 4: Wausau, Wisconsin

FEB 11: Hortonville, Wisconsin

FEB 24-26: Eagle River, Wisconsin

SNOW OUTLAWS

FACEBOOK: SNOW OUTLAWS

FEB 3-4: Rice Lake, Wisconsin

FEB 17-18: Sarona, Wisconsin

MAR 3-4: Cable, Wisconsin

SOO I-500 I-500.COM

FEB 4: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

STRAIGHT LINE SPEED ASSOCIATION (SLSA)

FACEBOOK: STRAIGHT LINE SPEED ASSOCIATION

JAN 14: Side Lake, Minnesota

FEB 4: St. Germain, Wisconsin

FEB 18: Faribault, Minnesota

MAR 4: Crane Lake, Minnesota

TWO EIGHTY SIX SNOCROSS SERIES

286SNOSERIES.COM

NOV 26-27: Fargo, North Dakota

DEC 31-JAN 1: Fargo, North Dakota

JAN 7-8: Fertile, Minnesota

JAN 21-22: Fertile, Minnesota

FEB 4-5: Finley, North Dakota

FEB 11-12: Perham, Minnesota

FEB 25-26: Perham, Minnesota

USSA PRO STAR SERIES

USSAPROSTAR.COM

JAN 27-29: Wausau, Wisconsin

FEB 18-19: Manawa, Wisconsin

FEB 24-25: Eagle River, Wisconsin

USSA PRO STAR CUP TOUR

USSAPROSTAR.COM

DEC 10-11: Beausejour, Manitoba

JAN 20: Eagle River, Wisconsin

JAN 27-29: Wausau, Wisconsin

FEB 4: Eganville, Ontario

FEB 11-12: Valcourt, Quebec

FEB 18-19: Manawa, Wisconsin

FEB 24-25: Eagle River, Wisconsin

MAR 4-5: Beausejour, Manitoba

WHITTEMORE VINTAGE RACING

WHITTCHAM.ORG

JAN 21: Whittemore, Michigan

FEB 4: Whittemore, Michigan

WISCONSIN KIDS SNOWMOBILE RACING ASSOCIATION

FACEBOOK: W.K.S.R.A. (Wisconsin Kids

Snowmobile Racing Association)

JAN 7: Ironwood, Michigan

JAN 14: Gleason, Wisconsin

JAN 20-22: Eagle River, Wisconsin

FEB 4: Hortonville, Wisconsin

FEB 11: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

FEB 18-19: Manawa, Wisconsin

MAR 4: Minocqua, Wisconsin

WISCONSIN KITTY CAT RACERS

WKCR.NET

DEC 31-JAN 1: Markesan, Wisconsin

JAN 7: Fox Lake, Wisconsin

JAN 14: TBD

JAN 21-22: Eagle River, Wisconsin

JAN 28: TBD

FEB 4-5: Cambria, Wisconsin

FEB 11: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

FEB 18-19: Manawa, Wisconsin

FEB 25: Tomah, Wisconsin

TO BE LEARNED FROM WINTER 21-22 AVALANCHE FATALITY REPORT

ike Duffy presented the U.S. Motorized Avalanche Fatalities Report – Winter 21-22 at the 54th Annual International Snowmobile Congress in Dubuque, IA, on Saturday, June 11, 2022. The conference brought together International Snowmobile Council (ISC) members, manufacturers, suppliers, and representatives from snowmobile organizations worldwide for education, collaboration and networking.

Common accident problems and patterns contributed to the deaths, including lack of on-snow snowmobile safety training, riders triggering slides on persistent weak layers of snow, and lengthy rescue times due to inadequate knowledge and avalanche safety gear.

The good news for the U.S. is we experienced 54 percent fewer U.S. avalanche fatalities (all user groups) between winter 20-21 and winter 21-22. But compared to skiers and snowboarders, motorized users were a more significant percentage of overall fatalities in winter 21-22 compared to the prior season.

Total U.S. avalanche fatalities 21-22 = 17. Motorized users = 6. (35% of total).

Total U.S. avalanche fatalities 20-21 = 37. Motorized users = 9. (24% of total).

Some of the most popular snowmobile destinations in the U.S. do not have an avalanche forecast. These areas include Island Park, ID, Big Horn Mountains, WY, and the Snowy Range, WY. 83 percent of victims were riders from the Midwest.

Twenty years ago, Midwest riders were 50 percent of the fatalities.

KEY POINTS TO AVOID COMMON ACCIDENT PROBLEMS AND PATTERNS AMONG

MOTORIZED USERS

• Recognize avalanche terrain/consequences. Most riders are not using inclinometers.

• Understanding Persistent Weak Layers (PWLs) and the correct mindset for managing is avoidance. Teach patience and discipline.

• Read into the forecast. The forecast is a starting point, and riders must constantly evaluate conditions. Too many are just reading the avalanche danger rating and not considering the dangers of PWLs. Get the big picture by reading observations, summaries, and avalanche problems, then make observations on snow. Teach riders how to submit observations.

• Carry quality rescue gear and get the training to know how to use it—(no $20 shovels, which all too commonly fail.)

• Keep a visual on riders who are in, or under, avalanche terrain— use the Buddy System.

• Avoid multiple riders on a slope. Multiple riders on an avalanche slope can result in a multiple burial situation, which statistically is more likely to end up with a fatality. If someone is stuck, you may want to coach them by radio and direct them on how to get them unstuck. Keep an eye on them from a safe location. Avoid riding out to help, you are increasing the stress on the snowpack and the odds of multiple burial.

• Ensure Level I or higher avalanche training is essential for riding in the mountains.

• Pick your riding partners carefully. All hope of a live rescue depends on those with you.

TAME THE TRAIL PRINOTH TRAIL GROOMING

UNRIVALLED RESULTS IN WISCONSIN

2 Brothers Powersports Onalaska 608-781-3360 2brotherspowersports.com

Airtec Sports Rice Lake 715-234-8174 airtecsportsricelake.com

Airtec Sports Roberts 715-760-3600

Monroe Powersports Inc Monroe 608-325-5056 mpsskidoo.com

Nextgen Powersports Chippewa Falls 715-723-2237 nextgen-powersports.com

Nextgen Powersports Clear Lake - 715-263-2244 nextgen-powersports.com

COATS THAT FLOAT

In the Youth Perspectives column of this issue (Pg 12), Dane County Youth Rep, Tanner Clark, discussed the importance of playing it safe when traversing frozen waterways with your snowmobile. If you spend time riding in these areas, or are avidly into ice fishing, here are two high-performance winter coats for both applications utilizing floating technology.

FXR MEN’S EXCURSION ICE PRO RL JACKET

FXRRACING.COM

Originating from the wind-whipped prairies of Manitoba, this area knows real winter and real cold! The Excursion X Ice Pro is engineered to conquer the most extreme winter weather with the added safety of FXR’s F.A.S.T.™ floatation technology, the moisture shielding barrier of HydrXPro™ shell laminate, and the versatility of a removable Thermal Dry™ active liner providing ideal comfort from early-ice to spring break-up. For more FXR Jacket options for men and women utilizing F.A.S.T. floatation technology, visit their website.

DSG OUTERWEAR WOMEN’S ARCTIC APPEAL 2.0 ICE FISHING JACKET DSGOUTERWEAR.COM

The Arctic Appeal Women’s Ice Fishing Jacket has a beautiful look with features to keep you very warm and dry on the ice including FLOTEX technology. The layered foam helps insulate for warmth and flotation assistance. DSG took years of knowledge creating snowmobile-specific apparel and put it into a warm women’s waterproof coat rich with features for fishing. With sizes ranging from petite to plus, DSG’s fit for women is very important. Look fabulous and stay warm on your next ride or ice fishing trip with this warm waterproof coat!

SAFE RIDERS

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE WISCONSIN DNR

DNR.WISCONSIN.GOV

Drinking alcohol before snowmobiling or during your ride slows your reactions, impairs your judgment, and is a leading contributor to snowmobiling deaths. Last winter, alcohol was involved in 70 percent of the 23 snowmobiling fatalities. Join DNR in the international zero alcohol campaign urging every snowmobiler to take personal responsibility for reducing alcohol-related crashes. Wisconsin conservation wardens will be handing out zero alcohol stickers to snowmobilers and asking you to display it. Here’s what you can do to help:

• Display the sticker on your helmet, snowmobile, trailer, or vehicle.

• Choose to be 100 percent alcohol-free until after your ride is over and you’re safely home.

• Commit to riding only with other snowmobilers who are alcoholfree.

MORE SAFETY TIPS

Wisconsin’s recreation safety specialists recommend you take these other precautions to stay safe on the trails this winter:

Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset.

Carry a first-aid kit and dress appropriately. Your first-aid kit should include a flashlight, knife, compass, map, and waterproof matches. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment.

Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming.

Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right shoulder of the road Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.

Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.

EAGLE RIVER SNO-EAGLES AWARDED TWO GRANTS

SNO-EAGLES.ORG

by Cindy Fruhwirth, Sno-Eagles Secretary

The Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club was awarded $50,000 from the newly created Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant. The grant is to help not-for-profit organizations promote fourseason tourism in this area. This award made it possible for the Sno-Eagles to purchase a new groomer since one of our groomers had a catastrophic failure last season that would have been very difficult and expensive to repair. With three working, reliable groomers, we will be able to provide safe and enjoyable well-groomed trails consistently throughout the season. This allows the Sno-Eagles to live out part of their mission which is “...to promote tourism thereby maintaining and advancing the economic health of the community.” The Sno-Eagles are very thankful for the support from the Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant and all parties involved!

We are also pleased to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant award from the Ski-Doo Snow PASS grant program. Ski-Doo made funds available for national, provincial, state, and local organizations throughout North America, limited to non-profit or government organizations. Grant funding of up to $5,000 was provided to fund a variety of projects. Matching funds of at least the same amount were required. Pinno Buildings generously provided the matching funds. Grant applications were to focus on building a stronger snowmobile community.

Sno-Eagles grant projects included snowmobile trail development, enhancing snowmobile accessibility, and safety. The Sno-Eagles are grateful for the support of Ski-Doo and Pinno Buildings which allowed the club to work on these projects thus helping build a stronger snowmobile community for the Eagle River area.

4 SEASONS CELEBRATES NATIONAL SNOWMOBILE DAY

Submitted by Doris Youngquist, Event Coordinator 4SEASONSREC.ORG

On October 29, 4 Seasons Recreational Club invited the Wascott community in Douglas County to join our first annual National Snowmobile Day celebration. We welcomed snowmobile enthusiasts, in addition to encouraging people that are new to the sport to come out and learn more about it and what we do. We partnered with Petit’s Outdoor Rentals and gave away a oneday snowmobile rental as a door prize. We were also fortunate to have a corporate representative from Polaris Snowmobiles join us with some great gifts. Our Plinko game was very popular and we awarded club gear to all the winners. We served chili, cookies and beverages throughout the day. Our newly certified safety instructors were available to provide information about snowmobile/ATV safety courses that we will begin offering this fall. It was a fun day and we look forward to doing it again next year.

DID

Submitted By: AWSC Vintage & History Committee

Did You Know Elvis Presley owned snowmobiles?

Elvis Presley is believed to have purchased upwards of four Hellstar Jetstar snowmobiles which he used to ride around his Graceland estate. The Hellstar snowmobile was manufactured in Wahoo, Nebraska by the Hellstar Corporation for the model years 1969 – 1972. Promoted as the first true four season family sportsmobile, optional front wheel kits could be purchased and also featured coil spring ski mounts (IFS with a 5-year warranty), and a shock-eze handlebar assembly.

A+ Power Sports & Trailer Sales Elkhorn - 262-723-8822 aplusride.com

Airtec Sports Menomonie - 715-232-8590 airtecsportsmenomonie.com

Airtec Sports Rice Lake - 715-234-8174 airtecsportsricelake.com

Airtec Sports Roberts - 715-760-3600 airtecsportsroberts.com

Ken’s Sports of Green Bay Suamico - 920-264-0858 kenssportsgreenbay.com

Mittelstaedt Sports & Marine, Inc. LaValle - 608-985-7118 mittelstaedtsports.com

Nextgen Powersports Chippewa Falls - 715-723-2237 nextgen-powersports.com

Nextgen Powersports Clear Lake - 715-263-2244 nextgen-powersports.com

Frank Gostomski and his brother, John, started the Hell Star Corporation. Like many at the time, they thought they could build a better snowmobile. The Jetstar featured a telescopic front suspension that was patented in December of 1969.

Reedsburg - 608-768-3297 jayspowercenter.com

John Hartwig Motorsports, Inc. Watertown - 920-699-3180 johnhartwigmotorsports.com

Eagle River - 715-479-2200 tracksideinc.com

Twin Lakes Marine Inc. Twin Lakes - 262-877-2462 twinlakesmarine.com

Visit awsc.org or mspninc.com

This classic pic shows Frank competing in the 1971 I-500. He grew a beard to keep the frost bite away. (Recorded temps were well below zero - who needs a face mask!) Frank finished the race one of 70 out of the 300-plus entrants who started. The Jet Star has the distinction of being the first Independent Front Suspension (IFS) equipped snowmobile to finish the I-500. (In this pic, the optional leaf spring, plus the coil over shock, gave new meaning to the reference, long travel suspension.

EVENTS

JANUARY

Jan 1 - Mar 8: South Central WI. Oregon Sno-Blazers Scavenger Hunt, stamp book available at 24 participating locations $10. Get your book stamped at 18 of the 25 locations. Winner selected March 16, FB: Oregon Sno-Blazers

8: Sullivan, WI. Sullivan Sno-Drifters Breakfast, the Sullivan Saloon, 165 Main Street, 7am-11:30am, serving pancakes, eggs, hash browns sausage, ham, biscuits and gravy, beverages, $9 advance, $10 door for adults, children 5-10 $5 and under free. Tickets available @ Members, the Sullivan Saloon, Sullivan Premier Bank, Gaugert’s Buss Stop, Tammy / 262-490-2840

8: West Bend, WI. Kohlsville Kruisers SC Brat Fry & Fisheree. Jug’s Hitching Post, 5781 Main Street, 10am-5pm, NEW-Gun Raffle, located on Corridor 34, Fisheree on Kohlsville Pond 7am, brat fry 10am-5pm. Julie / 262-483-9312 / kohlsvillekruiserssecretary@ gmail.com or Facebook

14: Conover, WI. Conover Sno-Buddies & Phelps Snowmobile Club Trailside Roast. Vilas County Intersection #500, Intersection of Trails 8/45 & 6 near Blong Road, hot dogs, brats, S’mores, hot cocoa and more. Randy / 847-980-0349 / conoversnobuddies@gmail.com

14: Mercer, WI. Mercer Are Sno-Goers 16th Annual Winter Blast, Groomer Barn, 2625 W Margaret St, 8am-10pm, pancake breakfast, food, drinks, raffles, vintage sled show, groomer rides, kids games and more, Tanner / 715-776-0190 / publicrelations@ mercerssnogoers.com

14: Rosholt, WI. Rosholt Blizzard Busters Fisheree, Lake Helen, 3190 Lake Helen Rd, 10am-4pm, multiple fish categories, raffle tickets, large prize raffles, food and beverages, Liz / 715-677-3854 / rbbtreasurere18@gmail.com

14: Star Lake, WI. Sayner Barn Stormers Brats on the Trail Fundraiser, ride your sleds to trail marker #217 for brats, hot dogs, hot chocolate, a trailside campfire and more, 11am-3pm, Kelly / 715-536-9845

15: Batavia, WI. Beechwood Night Fliers-Annual Brat & Burger Fry. Town of Scott Community Center, 1360 Hwy 28, Batavia. From 10am-5pm. Brats, burgers, potato salad, beans and homemade tortes. Basket raffles, walk around raffles, ½ hog raffle, Sportman’s Raffle and Annual Raffle, plus kids games, Jenny / 920-948-2071 / rjfeider1@gmail.com

15: Manitowish, WI. Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Breakfast Fundraiser at Ye Olde Shillelagh, 14202 Tower Rd, 8amNoon

15: River Falls, WI. Prescott Sno-Bees Vintage Show and Ride held at The Ridge Top, W10516 Us Hwy 10, River Falls, Wisc. Multiple classes, turkey and Cornish hen bowling, 9am-11am registration and display, judging 11:30am, one start pull contest noon, trail ride 1:30pm, awards 3:30pm, Tom / 651-208-5716 / FB: Prescott SnoBees

19: Marathon City, WI. Rib Knights Snowmobile Club Bingo, Memories Ballroom, 142457 County Road NN, doors open at 5:30pm, Bingo 6:30 pm, food available, 50/50 and raffles every night

20-21 Lakewood, WI. 36th Annual Waubee Women on Snow, Waubee Lodge, 18398 Waubee Park Ln, includes lodging, meals, banquet Saturday night, DJ Friday, Hawaiian theme and prizes Saturday, register November 1 – December 8, Becky / 715-5813971 or Marie / 920-845-5845

21: Baraboo, WI. Rock Springs Snowdrifters Annual Vintage Ride, Intersection of Hwy 23 & 33, 10:30am, Snow permitting ride trails to Poor Nate’s at Noon. All sleds welcome, vintage and new, John / 608-963-1689

21: Holcombe, WI. Flambeau Area Trail Tenders Snowmobile Club Brat and Chili Feed at Flater’s Resort N270 County Road E, on Trail #27, 11am-4pm, various raffles, music, chili & brat feed, over $2500 cash prizes and 2023 Ski Doo 600 Blizzard Grand Prize drawing, Joe / 715-595-4771 / FB flambeauareatrailtenders

21: Star Lake, WI. Sayner Barn Stormers Snowmobilers Breakfast Fundraiser at Stillwaters Bar, Best French toast in the Northwoods, 8am – 11am, Kelly / 715-536-9845

21: Tomahawk, WI. Harshaw Wanderers SC Winter Fest, Billy Bob’s Sports Bar & Grill, N12025 County Road L, 2pm-5pm. Raffles include cash, gift certificates, beer, booze, apparel etc. Everyone is welcome! A ticket is not required to attend but WinterFest tickets can be purchased for a chance to win $1,000, $500, $200 & $100 – tickets can be purchased at many of our business members, harshawwanderers45@gmail.com / FB: harshawwanderers

20-21: Arbor Vita, WI. Cross Country Cruisers Annual Winterfest, Cross Country Cruisers Clubhouse, 503 Helminski Rd, Friday fish fry 4pm, Saturday band, raffles, food, beverages, groomer rides, Jeanne / 608-723-9112 / jsledder59@gmail.com / crosscountrycruisers.com or FB

20-22: Winter, WI. Winter Huskies MWSS Midwest Sno-Cross Series Race at Groomer Building, 9am, all ages, Dale / 715-6611294

26-29: Eagle River, WI. Annual Women on Snow, Eagle Waters Resort, 3958 Eagle Water Rd, package includes condominium lodging, guided trail riding, fuel, lunch, and dinners, full of prizes and surprises. Register October 1 – December 15, 2022. womenonsnow.org / womenonsnowwi1@gmail.com

28: Conover, WI. Conover Sno-Buddies Annual Chili & Soup CookOff. Wild Turkey, 306 Hwy 45 North, 1pm-4pm, 50/50 raffles and more, Randy / 847-980-0349 / conoversnobuddies@gmail.com

28: Delavan, WI. Delavan-Williams Bay Sno-Buddies & Elkhorn SnoDrifters Drag the Turtle Radar Run, Turtle Lake, N6513 Anderson Dr, 11am-4pm, 1000’ radar run, raffles, 50/50, food and fun, Joe / 262-275-0107

28: Hawkins, WI. Annual Hawkins Sno-Hawks Brat Feed, Grooming Shed, 801 Washington St, on Trail #25, 11am-4pm, Terry / 715-5670411

28: Lakewood, WI. Paul Bunyan Riders Snowmobile Club Snow Fun Day, Waubee Lake Lodge Resort, 18398 Waubee Park Ln, 2pm-7pm, Meat raffles, 50/50 & bucket raffles, food & beverage, paulbunyanriders.com

28: Tomahawk, WI. Tomahawk Radar Runs hosted by Hooligan’s Snowmobile Club, Holly’s Bar and Grill grounds, W5698 County Rd N, timed radar runs with trophies, Kitty Kat class at noon, food, and raffles. Registration 8am, racing 10am, Ron / 414-430-2570

EVENTS

28: Union Grove, WI. Racine County Alliance of Snowmobile Clubs Annual Winterfest, Great Lakes Dragway, 18411 1st Street, gates 10am, radar run- ages 16 and up. All classes payout & trophy for top speed. Kids oval track- ages 6-12, 120cc and 200cc classes, trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Heated bar, heated pavilion, food court, live music, Freedom Raffle drawing, Free spectator admission

FB / Racine County Alliance of Snowmobile Clubs

28-29: Winter, WI. Winter Huskies Fish Fest, Trap Fish Lodge, Log Lodge Road, 6am Saturday – 6pm Sunday, cash prizes and many raffles, Andy / 715-266-9291

30: Three Lakes, WI. Three Lakes-Brule River Trails Chili Cook-Off and Meat Raffle, Pike’s Pine Isle, 1261 Pine Isle Rd, noon– 3pm, Gerri / 262-844-9037 / gerri.zodrow@att.net

FEBRUARY

1-2: St. Germain, WI. Arrowhead Groomers Show. Club members test drive and operate all the equipment to make purchase decisions! Many vendors and new equipment, Clint / 715-891-3615

4: Adams, WI. Grand Marsh Pathfinders Snowmobile Show, Connell’s Cedar Shack, 2248 St Highway 13 just south of Adams, registration 9am-noon, plaques 2pm, food, drinks and raffles, Todd / 608-548-3745

4: Clear Lake, WI. Clear Lake Ditch Dusters Annual Fund Raiser, Speakeasy On Main, 527 3rd Avenue, 6pm – Midnight, raffles, Milwaukee tools, guns, ice fishing items, cash sales, music and beverages, Kelly / 715-222-4194 / FB

4: Crandon, WI. Lumberjack Memorial Trails Meat Raffle, Poker Run and Raffle Draw, Charlie’s Lake Megtonga Resort, 4163 E Lakeview St, noon – 6pm, Brent / 920-379-2164 / lmtsnowmobiletrails.org / FB: Lumberjack Memorial Trails-LMT

4: Ellsworth, WI. Rush River Trail Riders Snow Days 2023, RRTR Club House, N4775 450th St, 10am-4pm, food and beverages, events for kids, 11am snowmobile show (new and vintage), 1pm ride, bucket and big raffles, Charlene / 612-751-8156 / charlenetuck@gmail. com

4: Jefferson, WI. Jefferson Snowstormers Annual Meat Raffle, Fairview Sports Bar, 711 W Racine St, 1pm, Brenda / 920-988-7655 / jskaife@sbcglobal.net / FB Jefferson Snowstormers

4: Ladysmith, WI. Ladysmith Driftbusters Snowmobile Club Chili & Pulled Pork Feed, J & S Supper Club, W9594 US 8, on Trail #12/27, 10am-3pm, Dennis / 715-570-7050

4: Tomahawk, WI. Harshaw Wanderers SC Meat Madness and More, Twin Bay, 2173 County Road L, 4pm-6pm, raffles for meat, beer, booze, apparel, cash, gift cards, Everyone is welcome, harshawwanderers45@gmail.com / FB harshawwanderers

4: Pulaski, WI. Chase Sno Chasers Winter Raffle Bash, South Chase Saloon, 494 County Road C, 4pm-7pm, Annual Raffle Event, Jeremy / 920-619-7825 / webmaster@chasesnochasers.org / chasesnochasers.org

4: Fond Du Lac, WI. Holyland Snowflyers 8th Annual Vintage Piston Burners Winter Show & Ride the Bol. Kiekhaefer Park, 8am start, kids 120 track, groomer rides, heated tent, meat & bucket raffles, food and refreshments and Ride the Bol with your 1993 or earlier vintage sled, Darrin / 920-273-9601 / sno-bol.com / holylandsnowflyers.com or FB

4: Stetsonville, WI. Tired Iron Vintage Riders Snowmobile Show & Ride, Centennial Community Center, 412 E Centennial Ave, registration 8:30-11am, ride 1pm, awards 3pm, classes original & restored. Food and beverages, Leon / 715-427-5441 or Jesse 608516-3669 / FB: Tired Iron Vintage Riders-Snowmobile Club

4: St. Germain, WI. Sayner Barn Stormers Chili Dump Fundraiser at Murmuring Waters Lodge, chili, raffles and more. 2pm–5pm, Kelly / 715-536-9845

5: Medford, WI. Tired Iron Vintage Riders SC – Earl Emmerich Memorial Vintage Snowmobile (Jalopy) Ride, Cindy’s Bar & Grill, 7958 WI 64, 1pm – 5pm, Leon / 715-427-5441 / FB: Tired Iron Vintage Riders-Snowmobile Club

5: Johnson Creek, WI. Twin River Riders Snowmobile Club Breakfast at Crawfish Junction, Denise / 920-723-7766

10-12: Plymouth, WI. Plymouth Snow Rangers along with Midwest Sno Cross Series will host the 45th annual Budweiser Classic Race of Champions at Ranger Park located at Hwy 57 & County Rd C across from Fleet Farm, plymouthsnowrangers.com / FB: Plymouth Snow Rangers

11: Medford, WI. We Whittlesey Whizzers 50th Anniversary Celebration, Groomer Shed, N5081 Bens Ln, noon-4pm, on M Trail just east of Corridor 23, food and beverages, raffles, Angie / 715560-1711 or Dave: 715-965-6166 / FB: We Whittlesey Whizzers Snowmobile Club

11: Pickerel, WI. Tombstone Pickerel SC Annual Chili Ride In, N9398 County Rod DD, 3pm–6pm, free chili, hot dogs and desserts, raffle baskets, Marg / 920-676-7504 / tombstonepickerelsnoclub@gmail. com

11: Island Lake, WI. Neighborly Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club Chicken Dinner at Shep’s Northshore Bay & Campground, N1033 WI 40, Trail #31/Hwy 40, noon-4pm, Jason / 715-595-3047

11: Three Lakes, WI. Three Lakes -Brule River Trails Gun Raffle and Meat Raffle, Spiritview Lakeside, 1426 WI 32, 3pm-6pm, food, drinks, clothing available, Gerri / 262-844-9037 / gerri-odrow@att. net / FB

11: Tomahawk, WI. Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Club Inc. Smooth Trail Fund Raffle – Sled Raffle. Somo Lake Resort, N10750 Somo Lake Dr, noon-5pm, drawing 4pm, raffle of a 2023 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 EFI, hamburger & brat cookout, games and prizes, Lori / 715-966-4385 / secretarynwp@gmail.com

11: Winter, WI. Winter Huskies 20th Annual Big Boys Toys Vintage Ride, Winter Huskies Groomer Shed, Winter, 9am-6pm, 20 mile round trip ride. Food at halfway point and chicken dinner with trophies and door prizes upon return to groomer shed, Mitch 651303-5940 / Dale 715-661-1294 / FB: winterhuskies

11: Neosho, WI. Annual Neosho Cup Snowmobile Races on Neosho Pond, lakecross and radar runs, 10am Start, hot food & cold drinks in heated tent, DJ, Raffles, FREE admission, Mike / 262-629-9575 or Facebook

11: Fall River, WI. SnoHoppers of Doylestown Lazy Lake Radar Run, 7am Signup, 8:30am racing, FB: Lazy Lake Radar Run

12: Hager City, WI. Bay City Bluff Busters Meat Raffle, Bluffs Bar & Grill, N1833 785th St., Meat Raffle 2pm, Roger / 715-495-8836

12: Manitowish, WI. Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Breakfast Fundraiser at The Pea Patch, Downtown Hwy W, 8am - noon

Legion,

8am-1pm.

/ 715-212-5886 / riprider52@gmail.com

16: Marathon City, WI. Rib Knights Snowmobile Club Bingo, Memories Ballroom, 142457 County Road NN, doors open at 5:30pm, Bingo 6:30 pm, food available, 50/50 and raffles every night

18: Bruce, WI. Blue Hills Trailblazers Annual Fundraiser at the Bruce Fire Hall, 100 West River Avenue, 11am-4pm, Food and raffles, Bob / 715-415-5995

18: Coloma,WI. Coloma Pathfinders, Inc Radar Run on Pleasant Lake Boat Landing, 9am–4pm, Kitty Kat Race noon, trophies for multiple classes, Mike / 715-572-1354 / FB: colomapathfinders, Inc.

18: Drummond, WI. 23rd Annual Drummond Sno-Jacks Bar Stool Races, music, food and drinks

18: Hager City, WI. Bay City Bluff Busters Vintage Show & Ride, Bluffs Bar & Grill, N1833 785th St, Registration 9am-11am, 10 mile ride noon, 14 classes with trophies, Roger / 715-495-8836

18-19: Hortonville, WI. Hill & Valley Riders Annual Snowmobile Softball Tournament, Outagamie Conservation Club, N3502 Mayflower Rd., Games 9am both days. Food, refreshments, raffles, Jack / 920-757-5085 or Bruce / 920-757-6253

18: Manitowish Waters, WI. 22nd Annual Manitowish Sno-Skeeters Winter Rendezvous, Groomer Barn, Airport Rd, Manitowish Waters (behind Town Hall – Hwy 51), 9:30am-6:30pm, music, food and refreshments are served in heated groomer barn; many large raffle items, contests and kids games and groomer rides

18-19: Manawa, WI. Symco Trailblazers & Wolf River Rangers Manawa Snodeo, Bear Lake Resort, N4715 Hwy 22/110, 16th Annual Manawa Snodeo, 4 snow/ice tracks racing simultaneously, Lakecross (slalom), USSA ProStar Series Ice oval racing (Sat/Sun), Radar Runs 1000’, WI Kitty Kat Championship, Motorcycles, Mini Bikes, Barrel Racing and Ice Car/Truck Drags. Vintage Snowmobile Show on Saturday. Hot Air Balloons, Sky Diving, $20/day or $30/ weekend, 920-470-1417 or Manawasnodeo.org

19: Lowell, WI. Lowell Trackmasters 40th Annual Lumberjack Breakfast, 8am-Noon, Lowell VFW, 280 South Street, all you can eat, Angie / 920-253-6260

Sales

Johnson Sales, Inc. “Common Name, Uncommon Service” N1255 US Highway 51, Arlington WI (608) 635-7381 www.johnsonsalesinc.com

Sales d Service d Parts d Accessories Johnson Sales, Inc. “Common Name, Uncommon Service” N1255 US Highway 51, Arlington WI (608) 635-7381 www.johnsonsalesinc.com

CLUB FLASHBACK

BRACKETTEERS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

BRACKETTEERS.COM

By: Brenda McMahon

On January 13, 1973, 24 charter members met at the Brackett Legion to form what came to be The Bracketteers Snowmobile Club. They held election of officers, with Cecil Berlin as the first president. At that meeting, they voted on 3 names as follows: The Bracketteers, The Bullschlitzers, and The Brackett Blazers. They voted The Bullschlitzers in but was officially tabled to next meeting.

On January 20, a new vote was taken and it was unanimously named The Bracketteers. They set dues to $10 for individuals or families.

During the first year, they started promoting their club and safety of snowmobile riding.

Over the years, many stories have been passed down. New trails have been developed and connected to other clubs in Eau Claire County. We have mixed work and fun for all ages. Our club has had club rides, sledding parties, hayrides, dances and landowner thank you picnics.

Community service has also grown over time. We still promote snowmobile safety with classes we host. We have added roadside clean up, maintaining trails and building trail bridges.

The Bracketteers hold several raffles and our Vintage Snowmobile Show is held yearly the last Saturday of February with donations being made to several local charities and the county trail groomer.

Over the last 50 years, we’ve grown to over 100 members and maintain nearly 50 miles of trails. We are still growing and keep it family friendly. We are dedicated to snowmobile safety for all generations. We have several 2nd and 3rd generation members.

50 years ago, 24 charter members formed a club. Since then, many friends have come and gone, but all have helped make The Bracketteers successful! A huge thank you to past and current officers. A lot of time goes into keeping things going. We would like to thank the landowners. Without them we wouldn’t have trails. Lastly, thank you to all past and current members for your dedication!

We work together. We ride together.

NORTHERN

K

LAKESIDE

EXTREME

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