b's uPPoRto n -t RaiLB usinessesBy Mike MutascioMillions of people throughout North America recall the feeling when they first discovered snowmobiling. We lauded the arrival of winter weather and prepared our sleds for the adventures that awaited us. After the rides, we would wonder where our next outing might take us. Access to a trailside business was usually key to the planning.During decades of snowmobile trail system development, it became increasingly evident that riders would push their fun-money towards convenient trailside fuel, food, lodging, supplies, and perhaps even repairs along the snowy byways. VAST unraveled these trends with economic impact studies. Suresurrounding major ski resorts. business equals the soundness of the enough, snowmobiling can directsnowmobile trail system we enjoy. hundreds of millions of dollarsVAST clubs foster strong relationships towards businesses and generatewith business owners, oftenVAST also enhances the experience tax revenue for the Green Mountainpromoting their products andby providing enthusiasts with online State. But heres a singular twist:services on social media, sponsorshipmapping and the free smartphone snowmobiling distributes thisbillboards, or specific signage thatapp. Users can select distinct service commerce throughout the rural townsdirects riders to the front door of anlayers specific to their needs. The along the 5,000 miles of groomedestablishment. Club volunteers striveannual Snow Travelers Guide is trails, not just the traditional areasto ensure the wellbeing of a nearbypacked with detailed information 6 |Vermont Association of Snow Travelers'