20th Anniversary Season!
November 2014
New Arctic Cat Dealer for Northwestern Ontario: Intercity Power Sports!
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Selects Globalstar GPS Satellite Technology for Groomer Fleet Tracking The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association Partners With OPEI and NMMA on the ‘Look Before You Pump’ Ethanol Education Campaign
OFSC Offers Go Snowmobiling Savings on 2015 Trail Permits
Ram Truck and Tucker Hibbert Look to Return to Winning Ways
NORTH SUPERIOR PUBLISHING INC.
OFSC Offers Go Snowmobiling Savings on 2015 Trail Permits Until Dec. 1 (November 3, 2014 - Barrie, ON) – Following the resounding success of its pre-November 1st online sales campaign, the not-for-profit Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) invites Ontarians to experience exceptional fun, camaraderie and adventure by purchasing a Snowmobile Trail Permit for a special pre-December 1 fee. 2015 Snowmobile Trail Permits continue to be available online, but for the first time this season, are now also available directly from the OFSC’s community based snowmobile clubs and their volunteers or from club designated retail outlets across the province. There are two permit types available until December 1:
Seasonal Permit - Seasonal Permits are available online or from club retail outlets on or before December 1 for $210 – a saving of $50 off the regular permit fee of $260. Snowmobilers purchasing online at www.ofsc.on.ca will not be charged a processing fee. Classic Permit - Any snowmobiler owning a sled that is model year 1999 or older is entitled to buy a 2015 Classic Permit. Primarily available online for $140 on or before December 1, a Classic Permit offers a saving of $30 off the regular fee of $170. Classic Permits are also available on a limited basis through OFSC district offices or their designated outlet. Snowmobilers purchasing online at www.ofsc.on.ca will not be charged a processing fee.
Both the Seasonal and Classic Permit allow access to available OFSC trails anywhere in Ontario for the entire winter. OFSC member clubs operate over 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails throughout Ontario that rely on the revenue from the sale of permits to pay trail operational costs. These trails generate almost $1.7 billion of winter tourism economic impact annually, while enabling family riders from all walks of life to enjoy winter outdoors by visiting many places and sights only accessible by snowmobile. OFSC trails are marked, mapped and maintained for the use and enjoyment of permit holders. Ontario law requires snowmobiles entering an OFSC trail for recre-
ational sledding to display a valid permit. For more information on 2015 Snowmobile Trail Permits visit www.ofsc.on.ca. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable and environmentally sustainable.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association Partners With OPEI and NMMA on the ‘Look Before You Pump’ Ethanol Education Campaign The campaign cautions users of snowmobiles, boats, motorcycles, small engine and outdoor power equipment to use correct fuel Haslett, MI, October 9, 2014: The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has partnered with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign, an ethanol education and consumer protection program. The campaign reminds consumers to always use fuels containing no greater than ten percent ethanol when powering their outdoor power equipment or other non-road product, such as boats, snowmobiles and motorcycles, not designed for higher ethanol fuel blends. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is the leading association representing the manufacturers of snowmobiles, which encourage policies, programs and activities to improve the lifestyle activity of snowmobiling.
The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is
most known by its emblematic prominent, red warning hand symbol indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for midlevel ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85). The campaign was launched in October 2013, in response to higher ethanol blended fuels being made available in the marketplace for ‘flex-fuel’ automobiles, and to warn consumers not to inadvertently mis-fuel their engine products not designed to handle these higher ethanol fuel blends. The level of support for ‘Look Before You Pump’ continues to grow. No one wants to damage or destroy their equipment. But the changing fuel marketplace demands education, as evidenced by retailers, dealers, and manufacturers—and now major industry organizations—being more proactive in telling American consumers and business owners to be more mindful when selecting the right fuel for their products. According to Ed Klim, President of ISMA, “It is important our customers know their fuel selection is important.” The National Marine Manufacturers
Association also joined forces this summer in spreading the campaign messaging, and major retail outlets including Lowe’s, Walmart and True Value, as well as independent dealers, began using the ‘Look Before You Pump’ message in their stores and in customer circulars and catalogs this past year. A summer 2013 Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything greater than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snowmobiles, generators and other engine products. The US EPA is on record stating that snowmobiles should NOT use fuel with more than 10% ethanol (E-10). Attached is a ready to use message and emblem you are encouraged to place in your publications and web sites. A continuous, long term campaign will be needed to inform all our outdoor enthusiast friends.
This is the second issue of the season of
NW Ontario Snowmobile News A special thanks to our readers and advertisers who have supported the 20th year of the publication. You can also receive more snowmobiling information including videos at www.slednews.com and follow me on twitter @tbay25 See you on the trails!
Scott Sumner PAGE 2
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
www.slednews.com West Yellowstone, Montana Really Is a Snowmobile Paradise As a long term snowmobiler West Yellowstone has always been at the top of my list as an ultimate destination. I got my wish and had the opportunity to ride three days in this beautiful part of the world. “ Most people during the winter fly into Bozeman. There is a shuttle called Karst Stage that will bring them down to Yellowstone as most of the hotel properties sell a complete package. Karst will take you down to your hotel. The snowmobile companies will rent you clothing in sizes from 6 months old to 5 XL for men. All you need to bring is you,” smiled Jan Stoddard, Director Of Marketing, West Yellowstone Chamber. “ There may not be a lot of snow in Bozeman but as you go to Yellowstone you get to 6500 elevation and our snow increases. We are 12 miles to the east of Idaho and in the park 3 miles to Wyoming.” West Yellowstone has a normal population of 1000 people that drops to 700 in the winter and goes up in the summer. In fact there are 3.5 million visitors to West Yellowstone each summer alone and close to 3000 hotel rooms open in the winter. There can be 3000 snowmobiles in West Yellowstone where the park is 3.4 million square acres in size. You can’t build in the park which is surrounded by 3 national forests. A 100 years ago Yellowstone was 2 by 2 blocks and now is 10 by 12 blocks. You can’t build any further because of the forests. The people live in these blocks and there is employee housing. “ 20 years ago the people who snowmobiled here were from Minnesota or
President
Miranda Bolt Graphic Designer
Sonia Rutter 807-631-4244
Alberta, places where they had snowmobiles. Today they come from all over including Montreal and Toronto. We have a group of 65 guys from all across Canada for a week each year,” said Stoddard. “ The Holiday Inn Sunspree is one of our biggest properties, which can range in size from 100 to 150 rooms or more. There are 8 properties that sell a package with snowmobiles. You have to be a concessionaire to rent snowmobiles. If they don’t have it they partner with those that do. In the early 80s Cylde Seely, the owner of the Holiday Inn Sunspree, decided to get some snowmobiles to rent out. Before that they would close many hotels here for the winter. Today it is amazing how many snowmobiles come each year.” “ Only rental snowmobiles that are 4 stroke are permitted in the park and you must have a guide with each group. There are also those who specialize in back country riding and they know about avalanche conditions. There are 400 miles of groomed trails including those that take you high up as well as in meadows areas and powder. It gives people of every skill level the ability to get up to 9000 to 10,000 square feet in elevation outside of the park,” said Jan.“ All you have to do is get on the plane, get picked up at the airport by Karst and go to the hotel where you will get suited up and ride snowmobiles from their back parking lot. There are packages that save you some money. I have seen a 4 night, 3 day package for $359 PP. The rooms range from Mom to Pop operations at $49 to mid range $79 to $89 or private cabins for $200 or with a rate per week.” Another great attraction in Yellowstone is the 6 storey IMAX surround sound theatre. There is one movie called Yellowstone and this is the only IMAX in which you can see it in the US. In addition there is the Grizzlies Discovery Centre which is a sanctuary for animals that got in trouble in the park and have been brought here. Animals you can see in the Park include Big Horn Sheep, Moose, Bison, Elk, Deer, Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans. “ West Yellowstone is at 6667 feet elevation and you can go up to Lyons Head which is 11000. We average 143 inches
of snow per year. It doesn’t melt and we have snow on the ground from Halloween to mid April. Last year they rode on July 4th here, it just depends on the snow,” said Jan. “ I like that you can live so close to nature in Yellowstone. You can snowshoe, snowmobile or ski right from your door. In the summer you can go fly fishing. It is a beautiful place. The people who live here choose to be here at elevation. We are a hour and half away from any Walmart or big grocery store. It is an amazing place. We have no mailmen and you go to the post office to pick up your mail.” Our guide for our 2 days of riding at Yellowstone in the park and outside was Alex Moldenhauer, Yellowstone Arctic Cat Yamaha. “ We saw a couple of bull bison here as well as some elk. They are grazing on grass and use their heads to dig down in the winter time. We don’t have very many elk that stay in the park in the winter time but those that do stay are along the river that remains open because of all the geysers and thermal features. Open water is a great attraction to wild life. That is why we see so many bison, elk and eagles near the river. The eagles have been nesting 5 miles into the park for several years. The animals are safe in the park but may not be outside.” There are four different types of thermal features at West Yellowstone. Geysers, hot springs, fumarole and mud pots. A fumarole is a technical term for a steam pot. Yellowstone is a 60 mile wide culebra, a giant super volcano sediment formed in a big dome and when it exploded everything fell back in and left this big flat space. That is why inside the park it is kinda flat because you are inside the culebra. They call it a hot spot. The magna is rather closer to the surfaces compared to other places. The water gets super heated down below and forms all those different features. The snowmobile speed limit is 35 to 45 MPH in West Yellowstone and that felt good to me given the spectacular scenery.
Our second day of riding was outside of Yellowstone Park. “ Today we went down to Big Sprint in Idaho. We were right
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
along the continental divide for a good bit of thatin Henry’s Lake flats right near the headwaters of the Snake River. The moose we saw today were in the flats. It is a normal route outside of the park. The powder was mighty nice today.” noted Alex. Near the start of our riding day a scary accident occurred for one of our riders, Arlene from Virginia. Arlene was riding along in front of her son on a curvy elevated trail when she just flew off and landed on a rock against a tree some 20 feet below. We all knew it was a dangerous situation so I drove ahead to get our guide Alex and bring back the other members of the group. 911 was called but due to the remote position we were in and the snowy overcast conditions which meant a helicopter could not land we were in for some trying times waiting for help. “ Arlene probably panicked and pressed the gas rather than the brake when she realized she was gong somewhere she didn’t went to go and ended up gong off the trail and getting hurt,” said Alex. “We called search and rescue and they came from both Idaho and Montana. They got Arlene out of the situation she was in using a rescue sled to bring her out. It was a snowy day so the helicopters couldn’t come in. Once they got her into the rescue sled they brought her to a waiting ambulance and to the hospital.They would have flown into a rest area just a few miles from the crash with better weather. There is a lot of back country and those people respond on a moments notice. They was about 15 people there.” Arlene went through a difficult day but had surgery that evening to repair a broken hip, femur and 3 ribs. Thankfully she is dong well now! Riding snowmobiles for two days with our guide Alex was a real treat. I asked him what he like about snowmobiling. “ What do I not like abut snowmobiling would be an easier question. I get to ride 5 to 7,000 miles per year. My favourite thing about the sport is all the different people you meet when you are doing it. You meet people from all over the world and it is fun just spending time playing in the powder with them. I just love to see their faces light up after a day of riding in deep snow. It is a wonderful thing. We had a beautiful day in the park.” Perhaps my favourite experience riding in West Yellowstone Park was when we had to pull our sleds over to the side of the trail for a herd of bison to pass on that same trail some 5 feet to our left. To see these huge 2000 to 3000 pound wild animals so close up was both fun and scary. In fact I didn’t pull out my camera because I didn’t want to rattle them. On the other end of the animal scale were two huge white trumpeter swans floating down the open river at one stop. They were so beautiful and with my simple sense of humor I asked one of our riders if he though they were married! West Yellowstone is a must place to visit for every snowmobiler. You will have fun! www.doyellowstone.com
PAGE 3
New Arctic Cat Dealer for Northwestern Ontario: Intercity Power Sports! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News A small group of avid snowmobile and ATV riders are the newest powersports dealer for NW Ontario - Intercity Powersports. The very experienced team are excited about bringing the full line of Arctic Cat products to our area including snowmobiles, ATV and side by sides including the hot rod Wildcat! Bruce Miault is the President and co owner of Intercity Powersports along with Chris Kuokola, Head Mechanic. They also own the established Intercity Auto Centre on Tenth Ave in Thunder Bay. “ We started working on this November and December of 2013. It was quite a process but as of August 1st, 2014 we were the new dealer. Arctic Cat has been super with us and great to deal with.” said Miault. “ We are also own the automotive service business, Intercity Fleet and will put an addition on the building for automo-
PAGE 4
tive and Arctic Cat which will be complete in late December. It will encompass three new bays. We will have 12 people on staff then.” The Arctic Cat sales and parts showroom is located across the street from Intercity Auto Centre at 551 Tenth Avenue. “ I am a snowmobile rider as well as is my son. When we started Intercity Powersports we wanted everyone working here to be Arctic Cat enthusiasts. It is about hiring people that understand what people need. It is nice to be able to talk to someone at a dealership that is out riding and may have experienced what you are taking about. It helps.” said Miault. “ I love sleds and have been around them my whole life. You get to know a lot of people in the sled industry and people who like outdoor power sport. Previously I was a Catmaster certified mechanic for Walkers Marine and Smiths RV. I left to become an automotive mechanic and then this opportunity came to get back into the snowmobile field. Being an automotive mechanic
gives me an advantage as I have seem a lot of mechanical repairs.” said Chris Kuokola, Head Mechanic and co-owner of Intercity Powersports. “ Every weekend I am out on the trails riding snowmobiles, have always worked on sleds and own all
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
the tools you need including for shocks. Each weekend we are out riding all different kinds of terrain with other riders on all different brands.” Continued Next Page
New Arctic Cat Dealer for Northwestern Ontario: Intercity Power Sports! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News Continued From Previous Page Intercity Powersports will offer the full
now and hope it continues. The response in the city has been great. They seem to be excited about a new dealer and what our principle and plans are. This is our starting point. We will look at other product lines like marine and dirtbike.” said
experience and enthusiasts who understand the sport. The company is starting on a smaller scale but we have done a lot of ordering and almost everyday are receiving parts. We want to help people that trail ride or if they are a trapper, a ditch banger or drag racer we will help them.” Also in the company is Clayton Mutschel who has 8 years experience with Arctic Cat and is an enthusiast in motocross and
snowmobile. Susan Reinelt has worked with Arctic Cat products for 10 years and is working in manyl areas. “ Right now Clayton and I are doing sales as well and we wear many hats. Sales have been good so far in snowmobile and ATV’s and we are looking forward to the upcoming season.” said Fraser.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado line from Arctic Cat including Wildcat, ATV and snowmobiles. Their area is NW Ontario from Dryden to Emo and to Sault Ste Marie.
0% for
Miault. Jamie Fraser is the General Manager at Intercity Powersports. He started out in the industry just out of high school at age 17 and has been working in it for about
84 Months!
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1WT 4WD Double * Preferred Equipment Group * Ecotec 5.3 L DI V8 W/ VVT AFM * 6 Speed Automatic Transmission * Auto Locking Rear Differential * Split front Bench Seat Cloth * Climate Control * Mylink(TM) audio* * 4.2 inch Colour Screen *
Bi weekly Payment $193.51 plus Taxes 0% Interest “ We can service any Arctic Cat products. I just went to the factory and did my Catmaster training again and will shortly write my gold standard Catmaster. We will have another mechanic gong to the Catmaster school at Thief River Falls as well,” said Kuokola who rode a 2014 ZR 800 RR last season and will ride a 2015 9000 High Country this year to learn about
30 years. “ I was lucky to be in on the ground floor with the set up and hiring staff here at Intercity Powersports. We wanted people that were customer oriented with
399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4
Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915
the Turbo machines. “ When the sled is down you do what you can to get the customer up and running. Seasons are short enough so you don’t want to be sitting at home. We have had good response with the people we have dealt with so far who seem really happy so we hope to continue with that.” “ We have exceeded our sales expectations so far with out any advertising until
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
PAGE 5
Good Season For Atikokan Sno Ho Snowmobile Club club had 150 permits sales this year while last year 120 permit sales.
BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News " Next year will be our 50th Anniversary of the club." smiles Kim Cross President of the Atikokan Sno Ho Snowmobile Club. In her day job Kim is an accountant at the Atikokan Hospital.
“ The Atikokan economy is getting better as we have new industry with RenTec which will produce wood pellets, the Ontario Power Generation conversion and the old Sapawe Mill has been purchased by Resolute doing a $50 million renovation." said Cross
“ The Sno Ho’s club is going well. We got some new volunteers, including groomer operators and our permit sales are up. On the other hand our grooming equipment is getting old, a BR 180, and we are having a harder time keeping it running, " said Kim Cross. “ The online permit sale helped us. If you bought by November 1st it was $180 so it helped. It was convenient for people to buy online. We also have more trail patrol going on as well which has helped.” The Atikokan
There is a snowmobile summit to be held March 18 and 19 this year in Sault Ste Marie put on by the Northern Ontario Tourism that KIm Cross will attend. " We will have a session called Lets Talk so club representatives will be going and talking about snowmobile tourism,” said Cross. " We went to the AGM of the OFSC in December and there was lots of changes in funding the clubs which helped.”
Yamaha conquers new heights with 2015 Snowmobile lineup Yamaha recently announced its largest 4-stroke snowmobile product line today with nine new models in the SR Viper line, including four Limited Edition models
only available during the Spring Power Surge program. “We made a commitment to our dealers last year that we would continue to bring new product to their showrooms every year for the next five years,” said the head of Yamaha’s North American Snowmobile team, Peter Smallman-Tew. “This is the second year of that plan, and we are excited to offer new SR Viper models for the deep snow market and some new product for the trail rider as well.”
Mountain Three new SRViper M-TX models headline the new product launch. The deepsnow sleds are packed with design features riders demand—adjustable, narrow ski stance on the new SRV-M front suspension, 2.6-inch lugs on the legendary Power Claw track, short mountain seat to accommodate rider movement and a tall, vertical
steering post. Consumers have options in shock package as well as track length. The SRViper M-TX 162 and 153 both come in the SE package, with FOX FLOAT 3 front shocks, while the M-TX 153 sports coil springs over HPG front shocks.
December 8th, 2014
The Phazer M-TX returns with its lightweight 2-cylinder engine and agile boondocking chassis setup. Crossove Yamaha adds a new twist to the burgeoning crossover segment. These models are defined by their versatility and capabilities in a wide range of terrain and conditions. This is where the X-TX family has led the market, with its 141 and 144-inch track lengths. The new SRViper S-TX DX is built on the same 141-inch platform as the SRViper X-TX SE, but it takes versatility a step further, with its modular rear bumper system. “The S-TX gives owners even more choice in the kind of sled they want,” explained Smallman-Tew. “The modular rear bumper comes stock with a cargo rack, but the accessories team will offer a host of additional pieces that fit right in. Saddlebags, additional racks and even an accessory passenger seat make the Viper S-TX DX a true crossover sled.” The S-TX DX is rounded out by the DX, deluxe feature package: tall windshield, comfort-tuned coil spring suspension, heated seat and the large wedge bag behind the seat. The super-nimble Phazer X-TX marks its sophomore year on the market with a color change to black and Yamaha Blue.
PAGE 6
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
Ram Truck and Tucker Hibbert Look to Return to Winning Ways · Ram Truck returning sponsor of defending titlist Tucker Hibbert in 2014-15 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season · Hibbert’s snocross team name to be Monster Energy/Arctic Cat/Ram Truck · Ram continues as presenting sponsor of International Series of Champions (ISOC) AMSOIL Championship Snocross October 22, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. For the 2014-15 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season, Ram Truck will return as the official truck of defending series champion Tucker Hibbert’s snocross team with an eye toward a title repeat.
Ram will also support Hibbert in his bid to earn his ninth Winter X Games gold. “When the snocross season kicks off, our Monster Energy/Arctic Cat/Ram Truck team will be focused on racing – we don’t have time to worry about our trucks,” said
our trucks are out-performing the competition and exceeding our customers’ needs.” For the second consecutive year, Ram is also title sponsor of the Feb. 27 and 28 Soaring Eagle’s Ram Trucks National, held at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
About Snowmobiling According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, there are 1.4 million registered snowmobiles in the U.S. and nearly 600,000 in Canada. Among snowmobile enthusiasts, 95 percent consider snowmobiling a family activity. More
Hibbert claimed the 2013-14 ISOC Pro Open Championship – his eighth national title – winning 15 of 17 Pro Open finals. It was his most successful among the 14 professional-class seasons he’s completed. For the coming season, Hibbert’s team will add the Ram truck brand to its name and compete under the Monster Energy/Arctic Cat/Ram Truck banner. “Tucker Hibbert is the kind of ambassador any sport would dream of,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The fact that he’s out there with his Ram truck pulling his sleds over North America’s most demanding roads and through the most extreme weather conditions is a reflection of the real-life expectations Ram owners have of their trucks.” In January 2014, Hibbert also became the most winning racer in the history of snocross, and – with 95 wins under his belt – is expected to claim his 100th pro national victory this season. Hibbert also competed in the 2014 Winter X Games, becoming the first winter athlete to win seven consecutive gold medals. With 12 medals overall, the Pelican Rapids, Minn., native is tied with snowboarder Kelly Clark for the most X Games medals in one discipline. Hibbert became the X Games youngest gold medalist at age 15.
Hibbert. “Our Ram trucks are reliable, capable and take us race to race through some of the snowiest parts of the country. Snocross fans are loyal, and they recognize that Ram is here, helping power their sport.” Ram Truck also returns as Official Truck and presenting sponsor of the ISOC series, known as AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram. According to the series, 83.7 percent of AMSOIL Championship Snocross’ audience owns pickup trucks. “When the weather turns cold, Ram Truck owners don’t hunker down indoors, they’re outdoors working, playing and getting things done,” added Ram’s Hegbloom. “Snowmobiles and pickup trucks go together hand in glove. When you look out over the ISOC parking lots, you see our customers and their trucks for as far as your eyes can see. Whether you need Ram’s 28-mpg best-in-class fuel efficiency or unmatched 30,000 pounds of towing,
Last month, ISOC Officials announced a multi-year television agreement with CBS Sports Network. The new television package kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 7, on CBS with a one-hour season-preview show that will include an in-depth Tucker Hibbert feature. Ram trucks will also be highlighted in the CBS preview. In total, beginning with AMSOIL Championship Snocross’ season-opening round at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn., and running through the season finale in Lake Geneva, Wis., CBS Sports Network will air 17 one-hour ACS race programs. About Tucker Hibbert Tucker Hibbert, 30, entered his first race at the age of eight and today stands as the most decorated snocross racer in history. He is a two-time FIM World Snowcross champion, 12-time Winter X Games medalist, has 95 professional victories and eight national snocross championship titles. For more information on Tucker Hibbert, visit www.Tucker-Hibbert.com.
than 50 percent travel to a destination to enjoy their sport and a require a trailer to haul their equipment. There are over 225,000 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails in North America. The overall U.S. economic impact of the sport is measured at $26 billion annually. About ISOC Racing The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premier snowmobile racesanctioning organization in North America and sanctions national AMSOIL Championship Snocross, in addition to affiliating with nine regional circuits. Visit www.isocracing.com for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more. About Ram Truck Brand Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
Sonia Rutter 807-631-4244
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014
PAGE 7
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Selects Globalstar GPS Satellite Technology for Groomer Fleet Tracking Globalstar SmartOne data modems will be deployed across OFSC’s fleet of 360 groomers to provide reliable satellite-based GPS tracking and reporting
MISSISSAUGA, ON (October 22, 2014) – Globalstar, Inc., (NYSE MKT: GSAT) today announced that its SmartOne GPS-based satellite data modem has been chosen by the
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) for a province-wide groomer fleet tracking program being rolled out in time for the coming winter season. The satellite data modems will be deployed across the OFSC’s fleet of 360 groomers to provide GPS-based tracking and reporting capabilities that will deliver significant program efficiencies and savings for the organization. Globalstar’s technology was chosen by the OFSC following an extensive pilot program undertaken earlier this year in which various GPS satellite solutions were tested over the course of nearly 90 service hours and 1,100 kilometers of trail – most of which is beyond the reach of cellular networks. OFSC is the coordinating body for organized snowmobiling in Ontario, providing advice and guidance to member clubs on a broad range of topics to ensure provincial objectives are met. The Federation is also responsible for activities that the clubs deem are best handled at the provincial level such as insurance, safety and the environment. Proceeds from the sale of the trail permits required to enter OFSC trails provide primary funding for both the trail operations of local snowmobile clubs and their provincial organization. The OFSC comprises 213
member clubs and is responsible for grooming over 30,000 kilometers of trail. “The results of our pilot program were compelling, persuasive and clearly demonstrated the Globalstar GPS satellite technology as the winning solution,” said Remi Sauve, OFSC President. “Globalstar’s SmartOne
data modem outperformed all of the other units we tested, is reliable, affordable and easy to use, and going forward we’ll no longer be vulnerable to gaps in cell phone coverage.” The SmartOne satellite data modems will provide the OFSC with new efficiencies by accurately tracking groomer time and trail coverage, providing reports every fifteen minutes which will help the organization better monitor grooming activities. It will also address a growing demand for better safety, connectivity and more transparency with regard to grooming practices and reporting. According to the OFSC, its decision was also based on the fact that Globalstar has a state of the art satellite network. Online mapping and systems expertise will be provided by AtlasTrax, an authorized distributor and solution provider. “What impressed me most about the SmartOne technology was the simplicity of the device – no wires and no professional installation required,” said Kenny Johnston, groomer operator for the Cochrane-based Polar Bear Riders snowmobile club. “I was also very happy with the online tracking tool developed by AtlasTrax, which was so easy to understand and use that I did not need any training whatsoever.” SmartOne Data Modem The Globalstar SmartOne is a simplex data modem that utilizes motion sensors, comparative GPS positions and custom configured sensors to gather and transmit asset status information. Each SmartOne is configured to track its asset's specific needs and provide intermediate and emergency alerts by email and/or text/cellular. SmartOne devices are designed for outdoor use and operate in severe weather conditions and some of the most remote and challenging locations. The modems are ruggedized and designed to continue to communicate with satellites while covered with up to three feet of snow. About Globalstar, Inc. Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to government, commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Globalstar customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. For more information regarding Globalstar Canada, please visit http://ca.globalstar.com/en/.
PAGE 8
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2014