The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is sponsoring 9 separate introductory rides being held throughout Ontario. The events feature the opportunity to ride the newest technology snowmobiles, offered by all of the manufacturers, and a special snowmobile safety-training seminar prior to each event. The Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) (on the first weekend in February) organized a special snowmobile ride for returning Iraq war veterans - and presently serving Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Navy Personnel. Introductory snowmobiling events are growing in popularity across North America. For information on the "Take a Friend Snowmobiling" program, or any introductory ride events, you can visit the individual state and provincial web sites. Winter Enthusiasts Look Forward to Snowmobiling The early snowfall throughout most of North America helped welcome new snowmobilers to the snowmobiling family. Snowmobile manufacturers have found that non-snowmobile owners have interest in joining the snowmobiling community. Based on research work done by a leading research firm, outdoor enthusiasts in North America express a high level of interest in going snowmobiling. On a scale of 1 to 10, outdoor enthusiasts rate snowmobiling interests at a level of 9! In addition to expressing a high level of interest in snowmobiling, most folks view snowmobiling as a great way to spend time with friends, enjoy the outdoors, view beautiful scenery, and visit places they could never reach in any other way. Many requests for information about snowmobiling are being fielded through the newly developed www.gosnowmobiling.org web site. The web site generates tens of thousands of visitors each month, and is a favorite of many snowmobilers. Gosnowmobiling.org was especially created for new snowmobilers who wish to visit new snowmobiling locations. Record Breaking Snowfalls in Much of North America Record snowfalls are being reported from the West Coast of North America all the way to the Northeast. Snow began falling on a consistent basis in late November 2007 in many parts of the Snowbelt and happily many of the riding areas are reporting perfect snow conditions. Snow continues to fall in much of North America and it appears many snowmobile enthusiasts will be able to enjoy snowmobiling through February and on into March and even early April in some regions. Record snowfalls have also been reported in much of Europe as winter enthusiasts worldwide are smiling and enjoying winter's beauty. Snowmobile Registrations up for 2008 Along with the early snow and excellent snowmobiling conditions, snowmobile registrations and permit sales are reported to be on the increase. Snowmobilers build and maintain their trail systems and pay for them through registration and permit fees that are paid either to a government agency or to the state or provincial snowmobile association. Fees range in price but the monies collected are allocated to the maintenance of the trail system to include grooming, trail clearing, and signage where needed. In addition to permit and registration fees, snowmobile clubs and associations sponsor fundraising activities to pay for the trail systems. Clubs sponsor activities such as hot dog cookouts, selling hot chocolate on the trail, and holding raffles and other fundraising activities on a weekly basis. All snowmobilers are welcome and encouraged to join a club or association in the area where they live and snowmobile. The associations represent the interests of snowmobilers and are responsible for trail and riding area development and more. The clubs and associations serve as a fun, social club that holds year-round events including campouts, horseshoe tournaments and more. Please visit the state or provincial association web sites to make contact with your local club or association. Snowmobile Safety - Always a 'Top of Mind Awareness' Issue Snowmobile safety is always a "top of mind awareness" issue with the snowmobile community. Most organizations hold snowmobile safety training programs throughout the year and all of them encourage responsible riding behavior. The Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe™ campaign is a unique partnership among the associations, government administrators and the snowmobile manufacturers. The campaign features important position statements, which highlight the key areas of safe, responsible snowmobiling. An important part of the program is a special 22-minute DVD used by safety instructors as an adjunct to snowmobile safety training programs. Additional information on the Safe Riders!™ campaign can be obtained through the ISMA website: www.snowmobile.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OffRoadDotCom
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