b'VAST NEWSTRAIL TIPS: KNOW WHEN TO GOBy Mike Mutascio media, this person was busy directing There are countless times I spendgripes towards a club. Even though staring at the calendar every year. Asthere was ample snow to pack, the club winter approaches, its time to executereported a trail was still closed because my plan: do everything possible topreparations were not completed.ensure snow will pile up for VASTAs expected, there were salvos of Opening Day. Snowmobiling is myvarious feedback related to shortfalls favorite hobby. December 16 is myin volunteerism. Stop complaining favorite day. was a frequent retort. At first, I felt Step one is randomly wearing pajamasbad for the club that was taking the inside out. During the day, I wear socksheat. Interestingly and surprisingly, I that do not match (but same size isdiscovered the delay had nothing to do ok). Definitely service the sleds, butwith the club. There were other factors never touch any riding gear. Off-limitsI had not considered. You and your sled may be ready, but are is checking the snowblower. I wontVermont law does identify a start datethe trails?top off the gas cans until the ridingfor snowmobiling. But I soon learnedSo even though it is VAST Opening season starts. Using a snow shovel isthat, even with ample snow, there canDay, it is important that every a no-no. Even though the snow flagbe delays in opening the trails. Onsnowmobiler check in with local clubs was kept in the closet, its ok to warm itoccasion, clubs cannot access trailsto check trail status. Stay tuned to the up a few times during some pre-seasondue to landowner preference, loggingOnline VAST Trail Conditions site or accumulations. I am always confidentor construction, or State lands thatVAST Mobile App. With each passing my plan would work. are used for hunting right up untilyear, VAST has been improving The annual ritual is tantalizing. I feelDecember 15. Wet, boggy ground cancommunications that assist riders in a certain power when my tactics andalso result in a setback until freeze-upmaking informed decisions before persistence yield a snowy Openingoccurs. Such events and conditions canheading out on the trails.Day. Yet I remember a few seasonsdelay hammering in stakes, securing back when another rider clearly did notsigns, or accessing bridges and culvertsKeep informed and you will keep share the same enthusiasm. On socialthat need a once-over. riding!FREE wEEkEnd !V ermontF reeW eekend isFeB. 7,8 & 9n o trail pass required ! a ll you need is a Validregistration in any state orproVince & liaBility insurance on your sled .Snow on the ground on Dec. 16 does not necessarily mean the trails are open! Check your( saFety course also required iF Bornlocal clubs Facebook page, website, and the online trail conditions on the VAST website and trail map app on your smartphone.(Roger Gosselin photo) aFter july1, 1983)2 | Snowmobile VERMONT'