4 | Snowmobile Vermont	
	
	
	
	
	
         
A message from VAST President Patty Companik
By the time you read this, our 
riding season will have officially 
come to an end . What a season it 
was! We had great snow, and for 
an extended period riders were 
able to travel from one end of the 
state to the other on our 5,000+ 
miles of trails.
While we all would have welcomed 
a little more time on the trails, the 
season we had was consistent and 
steady once it arrived. And I know 
for myself (and for many others) it 
made for some truly great riding.
Riding would not have been 
possible without the many 
volunteer groomer operators who 
spend countless hours out on 
the trails, often grooming while 
many of us are sleeping at night. 
Their dedication and commitment 
help ensure that riders can enjoy 
safe, smooth trails throughout the 
season.
The same appreciation goes out 
to the many club members and 
volunteers who work tirelessly to 
prepare and maintain our trails. 
They put in countless hours during 
the summer and fall, especially in 
the fall, getting everything ready 
for the season ahead.
This is also where many of 
you can help. Keep an eye out 
for announcements from your 
local clubs about upcoming 
trail workdays and work parties. 
Whether you’re able to lend a hand 
on the trail, help organize efforts, 
provide lunch for volunteers, or 
make a donation to support the 
purchase of materials for bridges 
and other trail improvements, 
every contribution makes a 
difference. Whatever is within 
your ability to do will be greatly 
appreciated by the clubs.
To all of our club officers and 
members, thank you for your hard 
work and dedication in keeping 
everything running smoothly. Your 
efforts help maintain the strong 
relationships we have with our 
landowners. These relationships 
are critical to the success of our 
trail system. The connections 
you build with local businesses 
and communities are also an 
important part of what makes our 
trail network possible, and that all 
begins at the club level.
And to our landowners, we extend 
our deepest thanks. Without your 
generosity, we simply would not 
have trails. While some trails 
cross state land, the majority 
rely on private property, and your 
willingness to allow our members 
to ride across your land each 
season does not go unnoticed. 
It is truly appreciated, and your 
partnership is invaluable to our 
association.
And finally, to everyone who 
chooses to become a member of 
VAST, thank you for choosing to 
ride in Vermont.
We are Volunteer Strong!
Patty Companik
VAST President
VAST News
Snowmobiling on the 
property of others is a privilege 
that can be revoked at any time.
Please respect landowners by:
• Staying on marked trails
• Properly disposing of trash
• Obeying signage
• Keeping noise and speed 
   to a minimum
Dedicated Club volunteers work year
round to obtain 
permission from 
almost 10,000 
 
gracious landowners 
who are kind 
enough to allow the 
use of their land for 
snowmobiling.
Maintaining these permissions and the 
future of the VAST trail system depends 
on your actions.
Respect the landowners 
and ride responsibly!

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