44 | Snowmobile VERMONT RUTLAND COUNTY can download forms and information from our website and there is also the VAST online option. It’s quick, easy and you’re ready to ride. We wish everyone a safe and exciting season. We hope, as you ride through the Orleans area, that you will take time to stop and support our businesses that cater to snowmobiling. Keep your speed in check and ride to the right. We all enjoy the wonderful attributes of snowmobiling, so let’s all make sure we are around for a long time to enjoy. If you like our trails and what we do, send us a post on our Facebook. Think snow! Gloria Rodrigue, Secretary orleanssnowstormers.com Like us on Facebook Club News Chittenden Dammers Well, it certainly has been a super riding season so far. We opened on time and have held on to snow quite nicely. Cold temps have been a little bothersome, but better than too warm. The Dammers had brisk Early Bird TMA sales with a significant increase over last season. Thank you to all you folks who have continued to help support snowmobiling in Chittenden. We have word that the Trust For Public Land has acquired the Rolston Rest that is a 2,500-acre parcel of land in Chittenden, Mendon and Killington. This is good news for all outdoor enthusiasts in the area, including backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, mountain bikers and hikers. The Chittenden Dammers look forward to working with Holly Knox of the United States Forest Service on this project. It is our hope to move the snowmobile trail off Wildcat Road and assist in any other way we can. VAST Rutland County Trails Cooordinator Tim Park has put together a potential plan to bring the VAST trail through Killington. This could provide a boost for Killington businesses as well as fuel and lodging for snowmobilers. This will be very beneficial, as fuel is no longer available in Chittenden. The closest fuel is now located in Pittsfield. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting idea! The club had a well-attended ride to The Clear River Tavern for dinner. We have a breakfast ride scheduled for Feb. 18 to the Swiss Farm in Pittsfield. Meet at the Chittenden Dam parking area at 8: 30 a.m. and head over for breakfast and a ride in the area. This is a nice opportunity to get together with some fellow club members and learn your way around the trails if you are new to the sport. We hope that you are all getting out and enjoying the riding. This season is expected to provide reasonably consistent riding weather. We all know how Mother Nature works, so get it while you can. Keep up to date on trail conditions on our website, Instagram @chittenden_dammers and the vtvast. org interactive website. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Mountain Top Inn at 7 p.m. Charlie Robbins, Treasurer chittendendammers.org Like us on Facebook Mount Holly Snow Flyers  Mother Nature has provided us with a great start to the riding season. It may have been cold, but we have snow with more in the forecast! We had hoped to be in good shape with our groomers after the problems we’ve had the past few years, only to be bitten by the mechanical bug again. The Defender’s drag needed to be reworked and the Tucker has had numerous problems. On our first grooming attempt, the transfer case decided that chewing up its gears may be fun. Needless to say, a couple of us were stranded for a few hours until Mike P. came looking for us. After replacing the transfer case, then came engine problems, all pointing to the fuel system. After several days of trying numerous combinations of filters and pumps, we finally hit upon the one that seems to be working. Due to the age of our 1996 Tucker, the club is looking at our options. The continued expensive repairs have become a serious burden. We are dedicated to keeping our trails in the best possible riding condition. If you find them below par, know that there is an underlying problem we are working on. The Belmont Store will not be open on Sundays for gas or food due to staffing issues. The store will be open Monday through Saturday only. Plan accordingly if you are traveling north or south on Corridor 7 through this area. We are planning a ride-in for Feb. 17 at The Stonehouse in Shrewsbury. The ride-in will feature food, drink, raffles and games. The inclement weather date will be Feb. 24. More information will be available on our Facebook page and club website. Ride safe and enjoy our Vermont winter.  Dale Sutherland, Vice President mounthollysnowflyers.org  Like us on Facebook Poultney Valley Snowmobile Devils We got snow and we started out the season with snow on opening day! The trails have been checked, flagged and groomers have been out on the trails. Now this is what we call snowmobile weather! I think firing Mother Nature and bringing in the Old Man Winter of the north seems to be working. Let’s hope this is a good sign for the rest of the year. We had a nice Christmas party at our December meeting with roasted turkey and all the fixings. We also did our annual collection of food for the Poultney Food Shelf. We taught a snowmobile safety course on Dec. 2 with eight students and several parents. We thank the Poultney Fire Company for the use of their meeting room and facilities. Everyone enjoyed pizza with goodies