Snowmobilers Wanted Off Streets

Driving snowmobiles on streets to reach side canyons would be abolished by a proposed ordinance before the Hailey City Council.

The council recently voted to repeal a 1970 law that authorized snowmobilers, under certain conditions, to negotiate the streets. It requires a second and third reading before passage.

“It’s just too dangerous, someone’s going to get killed,” Police Chief Jack Stoneback said.

In 1970, there were about 1,000 residents in Hailey and no subdivisions around the city core. But that number has increased to more than 5,600.

Complaints of noise, snowmobiles running through yards and speeding prompted Stoneback to seek the repeal. Despite protests from the Sawtooth Snowmachine Club, the council wants to restrict access.

Snowmobilers could park their vehicles in Lion’s Park to reach the hills.