Snowmobiling

With the boom in the sport that began at the start of the 1990' s, snowmobiling is beginning to rival skiing and snow boarding as the reason tourists are coming to Vermont during the winter months.

Heavy winter Snowball of between 190 and 300 inches per year, and an extensive public trail system through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, have made the Green Mountain State a resort destination for snowmobiliers from all over thc eastern U.S. and Canada.

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (the association that oversees snowmobiling in the state) now in its 32nd year, boasts over 4,400 miles of trails for the use of its 33,000 members. Of those members, more than 15,500 are nonresidents, with residents expected to be in the minority by the turn of the century.

If you have a sled and wish to ride in Vermont, first you must have it registered. In-state registration is $15 while the out-of-state fee is $22 if not already registered in their home state of province. In addition, all sleds that operate on the VAST trail network must dis-play a Trail Maintenance Assessment pass which carries a $30 annual fee for residents and a $60 fee for non-residents. All U.S. state and Canadian provincial registrations are honored in Vermont.

Most snowmobiliers choose to join on of the state’ s many snowmobile clubs, two of the largest are located right here in Southern Vermont.

The largest snowmobiling club in the country is the Woodford Snowbusters, located in Woodford, VT on Route 9 East between Bennington and Wilmington. Right near the Mount Snow Valley. Now in its 14th year, the Snowbusters have over 5,000 members, who enjoy the club’s 122 miles of groomed trails and average snowfall of more than 300 inches The Snowbusters club fee is $15. For more information, call Betty and Norm Roark at (802) 447-4071.

Wilmington’s Deerfield Valley Stumpjumpers are the third-largest club in the state, with more than 2,500 numbers and 65 miles of trails. This is the Mount Snow Valley. The growth of the Stumpjumpers reflects the growth of the sport as they have quintupled their membership since 1995. Club fees are $15. Contact the Deerfield Valley Stumpjumpers at (802) 464-0042.

For a less crowded club experience, consider Jacksonville’s E-Z Riders. Their 80 miles of trails blanket Wilmington, Whitingham, Halifax and portions of Northwestern Massachusetts. Now it it’s 25th year, the E-Z Riders’ 600 members enjoy an uncrowded trail network that is suitable for riders of all abilities and ages. Contact Mary Lee Putnam at (802) 368-2937 If you have been interested in trying snowmobiling but don’t own a sled, try one of the area’s guided tour companies.

Located eight miles west of Wilmington on Route 9, High Country Snowmobile Tours offers one-hour, half-day and full-day tours as well as night and full moon tours starting at $55 per person. High Country is affiliated with the Snowbusters who provide access to their extensive trail network. High Country requires that operators be 18 years old, though no driver’s license is required. To make reservations, call Mark or Wendy Pedersen at (800) 627-7533 or (802) 464-2108.

If you are going snowmobiling on the VAST trail network, remember that only through the generosity of private landowners is that network possible. Ride conscientiously. The VAST network is patrolled by local county, state and federal officials. Know all laws before venturing out on your sled.

Pricing on here may need updating, they are estimates made in 2006. Please call local clubs for current pricing.