Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 6418 | Snowmobile VERMONT TRAILS TRAILS REPORT REPORT by Matt Tetreault, VAST Trails Administrator the experts. The winter forecast is welcome news for snowmobilers who are already preparing the trails, riding areas and their snowmobiles. Work has begun on trails and riding areas across North America, which are always being improved with new signs, new bridges (if needed) and care and maintenance to the overall infrastructure. Go Snowmobiling/Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaigns are being planned and expanded as more snowmobile clubs and associations are helping introduce new riders and others to the sport each year. Visit the www.gosnowmobiling.org website to see the Go Snowmobiling / Take a Friend guide. Recent surveys highlight that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts participating in many activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating, etc. Sales for 2015-2016 in the US totaled 56,006 new snowmobiles, while snowmobile sales in Canada As the pumpkins and mums begin to show up at the farm stands around the state and the gardens are being harvested and fertilized for next season, it can only mean one thing: Winter will be upon us before we know it. The 45 degree mornings are a telltale sign. Snowmobile clubs are beginning to prepare the trails for the season now that the cooler weather is here. No one felt much like decking a bridge when it was 90 degrees. From major trail relocations to bridges in need of repair, the clubs are working feverishly each weeknight and on the weekends to complete the tasks at hand before it is too late. The tractors are out brushing and everyone is gearing up to install trail signs while dodging the various fall hunting seasons. While all of this is taking place here in the great state of Vermont, word is that there has been some interesting news coming out of Michigan. A recent press release from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) in Haslett, Michigan reads as follows: The snowmobile manufacturers are looking forward to a strong sales year and great snowmobiling. New products at spring shows had a warm acceptance and advanced showings and open houses are touting excellent crowd interest and deposits on new sleds. This winter promises abundant reasonably priced fuel matched with a snowy winter, supported by a La Niña forecast for the snow belt across North America. According to weather forecasters, we can expect higher than normal snowfalls and “real winter” temperatures. This past year, the snowmobile industry worked through an El Nino winter, which brought warmer/moderate winter climate, and low snowfall. Yet, the manufacturers realized a 10 percent gain in sales over the last five years. The forecast for the upcoming winter season calls for copious amounts of snowfall, according to (Photo courtesy Sharon Up-N-Downers)