14 | Snowmobile VERMONT TRAILS By Matt Tetreault, VAST Trails Administrator REPORT The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has recently sent out a press release entitled “Go Snowmobiling.” I am going to piggyback on that release and utilize many pieces of it as part of my article in this issue. It is imperative that new riders are introduced to this recreational activity that we all enjoy, and introducing them in an appropriate way is the key to success. If their first experience on a snowmobile leaves a bad taste in their mouth, that is it. They will look for other winter activities that spark their interest and leave them feeling good. The Go Snowmobiling campaign has been supported by the snowmobile community over the years. Clubs, groups, and associations across North America have taken military personnel out snowmobiling, coordinated enlightenment rides with land managers, and often just have fun organizing snowmobile rides with friends and family. The trails and riding areas in many parts of North America are in great shape and offer great opportunities to take friends snowmobiling. If you were to take someone snowmobiling, whether it be a friend, relative, neighbor or a dignitary, you want them to experience first-hand that “wow-factor” and the pure enjoyment that we all experienced (hopefully) the first time we ever rode a snowmobile. When the ride is over, we want them talking to everyone they know about how much fun it was and how they cannot wait to do it again. An important piece of this puzzle is being well prepared for the ride, making sure the guests are well dressed and comfortable. As we have all learned form other adventures in life, we can, with a little planning, guarantee our friends’ experience in snowmobiling will be a great one. When you take a friend snowmobiling, remember: this may very well be their first time on a snowmobile. Keep the ride slow, short, and simple. Chances are that your normal ride would seem like a marathon to an uninitiated friend. Don’t show off or push the envelope or challenge your friends to ride beyond their capabilities or their comfort zone. Wait for them at intersections or road crossings and constantly check with them to ensure they are comfortable and ready to continue along the route before taking off again. You are the one who snowmobiles regularly and understands your machine. Let your friend enjoy that first day of snowmobiling. Again, go slow, make it short, make it simple, and remember that it is always a good idea to feed them well. We always plan the ride around a lunch stop, right? Each year the VAST staff takes the opportunity to introduce partners and dignitaries to snowmobiling. It is important that political figures and the partners we work with from the state and federal government get a first- hand understanding of what VAST does by sitting on a snowmobile and experiencing our trail system. This opportunity provides them with a glimpse of the bigger picture, which they will hopefully remember the next time they are in the state house or their office reading over legislation that has been introduced or a new management plan for a parcel of state land. Last year, we took Congressman Peter Welch out for a ride, and he could not stop raving about what a great time he had. Just a few short weeks ago, VAST had the privilege of hosting the Governor, Phil Scott, and a number of his constituents on a ride in Essex County. Additionally, Ken Brown from VAST has arranged a ride of the Camels Hump Area for our partners from the Forest Parks & Recreation office out of Essex. This provides them with the opportunity to see the snowmobile trails in their district from the seat of a snowmobile. This ride is scheduled for a future date and we are hopeful they will return with lots of smiles. For each of these rides a short, simple and slow ride was planned. The routes are under 30 miles, and lunch stops are scheduled into the mix. Lunch at towards the end of the ride provides a chance for the participants to warm up and reflect on their experience out on the trail. The Go Snowmobiling campaign is coupled with the Safe Riders campaign. For some additional information, a new 13 chapter Safe Riders video series that can be found VAST leadership and volunteers escorted Governor Phil Scott, his cabinet, VASA leadership, State Police, Fish and Wildlife through our trails in Essex county in late January.