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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Snowmobilers Well Organized, But Need Some Snow

Charlie Powell Correspondent

Skiers aren’t the only group of people waiting anxiously for a decent delivery of white stuff. Snowmobilers are in the same boat.

So as we anxiously wait for some substantial snowpack, here’s a roundup of snowmobile information in the Inland Northwest.

Many riders learn about favorite destinations from other riders. But membership in local clubs or state associations is a great way to pick up such information.

The Washington State Snowmobile Association was founded in 1972. What began with only 100 members 23 years ago is today an association of almost 1,500 families.

To learn more about the association, where to ride, or businesses offering snowmobile excursions or rentals, contact the WSSA, c/o Fred Gritman, 107 W. Washington Ave., Dayton, WA 99328, or call (509) 382-4368.

Today the Evergreen State features more than 2,400 miles of groomed trails served by 80 cleared parking areas. Among the more highly recommended riding areas in the state is District 5, in north-central Washington.

The Washington State Parks department sells a complete guide to the state’s trails. Just send a check or money order for $4 to: Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Office, P.O. Box 42662, Olympia, WA 98504. The agency’s phone number is (360) 902-8552.

Thirty-two years ago, a group of brave souls teamed up to form the Idaho State Snowmobile Association. That membership has swelled to more than 1,250 families and businesses in 1995.

To find out more, write the ISSA at 12070 W. Florida, Boise, ID 83709. Or better yet, talk to the president, Pat Minegar. Minegar’s telephone number in Boise is (208) 322-1832.

Lewis Munson heads up snowmobile information at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The state features more than 6,000 miles of groomed trails, more than any other western state, covering a wide variety of terrain. Munson’s address is: Statehouse Mail, Boise, ID 83720-8000.

Among the more popular riding areas in Idaho are McCall, Sun Valley, Island Park, and Coeur d’Alene. If you do head to the Cascade/McCall area, check out the locally produced Snowmobile Trail Map for $2 available at many local businesses in Adams, Boise, Gem, and Valley counties.

And don’t forget to look close to home for a motorized vacation this winter. North Idaho has three grooming programs maintaining 1,200 miles of trail.

Wallace, Idaho, is touted as “Snowmobile City.” A couple of years ago, the city actually passed an ordinance legalizing the use of snowmobiles on snow-covered city streets.

Wallace is the hub to more than 600 miles of snowmobile trails with access to unlimited terrain and solitude. The more popular trails include the Old Mullan-Lookout Pass with 14 miles in Idaho and 29 miles in Montana, Moon Pass, Jackass Ridge, and Steamboat/ Yellowdog.

Finally, remember that most trail grooming programs are models of cooperative management between winter recreationists and government agencies. So, don’t overlook the Forest Service offices serving your region of interest for snowmobile trail information. Safety should always be a consideration also. Don’t forget to inquire about weather and avalanche conditions before setting out.

Of course, a lot of the information mentioned in this column is available at local snowmobile dealerships, too. The problem is, so are those gleaming new snowmachines that beckon to be taken home!