Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 60 W HITE CLOUDS BRUSH ACROSS A CORNFLOWER BLUE SKY. The morning sun rising above the pine trees il- luminates a maze of snowy trails below. Chugging steadily along one of the trails, a large orange groomer finishes break- ing trail for the day. Left in its wake are tantalizing ridges of white powder. In the distance, engines rumble as a group of snowmobilers heads out for a day of riding. With over 4,000 miles of groomed trails, Montana is a true snowmobilers' paradise. Every winter these trails deliver sledders to the sweeping mountain-meadow playgrounds, deep untouched backcountry, rugged ridgelines, and frozen alpine lakes they seek their thrills from. But it is the unseen effort behind those trails—that of a dedicated network of vol- unteers—that is the real lifeblood of the sport. Montana is home to the Montana Snowmobile Associa- tion (MSA) and 26 local snowmobile clubs. Together, these non-profit, volunteer-run organizations strive to keep the sport of snowmobiling fun, safe, and thriving in Montana through their commitment to trail grooming, community, advocacy, education, and service. When winter descends on Montana and drapes the land in white, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the trails to savor each powder-filled moment. From cross-country skiers, snow- shoers, and fat-tire bikers to snow bikers, dog sledders, and snowmobilers, the trails see an incredible variety of use. What many people don't realize, however, is that it is the efforts from members of Montana's snowmobile clubs that keep the trails they love groomed and maintained. "Many people are in the dark about it," says Daniel Kristensen, president of the Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association. Kristensen goes on to admit that when non-motorized users of the trails learn that snowmobilers are the ones who maintain them, there are often mixed responses. Regardless, the club members only really care about ensuring everyone who wants to use the trails can. "We just pride ourselves on getting along with everyone else," says Jon Seaman, the grooming representative for the Great Falls Snowmobile Club. "We groom to maintain the safest possible trails for everyone who wants to use them." While many of the groomers are paid for their work, it doesn't minimize their efforts. Grooming is often an isolating job; groomers head out to the trails several times each week, often grooming in the cold and dark of night to ensure the trails are ready for weekend riders. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTANA TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / WEBDAM.COM M O N T A N A ' S M O N T A N A ' S S N O W M O B I L E S N O W M O B I L E C L U B S C L U B S by LACEY MIDDLESTEAD

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