Cool News

Stimulus funds push forward 47 snowmobile infrastructure projects in Ontario

2009-11-04T16:06:00Z

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has 47 new infrastructure projects worth $4.3 million presently underway on Ontario's snowmobile trails, according to a OFSC press release.

These projects are part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, through a $25 million investment to expand Canada's national trail system announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last spring. The OFSC is adding to its $1.88 million federal stimulus allocation from this fund to deliver the $4.3 million investment in Ontario snowmobiling.

The stimulus money is flowing, so the OFSC work is already benefiting the Ontario economy. The 47 "shovel-ready" projects are creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for tourism businesses. The trail improvements will also allow more Ontarians to go snowmobiling in a safe and responsible manner. The infrastructure projects occur in all 17 OFSC districts and include placing new signage on over 15,000 kilometers of trails, installing or repairing over 60 bridges and numerous culverts, and undertaking upgrade projects on almost 6,000 more kilometres of OFSC snowmobile trails.

"Many remarkable projects are underway, such as building a 240' bridge near Gravenhurst (Muskoka) and an inter-district undertaking to revitalize the RAP Tour (Ride ‘Round Algonquin), Ontario's premier signature loop for snowmobiling," noted Mike Farr, OFSC trails manager. "Our clubs and districts have hit the ground running to ensure that every project delivers a significant return on investment for Canadian taxpayers."

Canadian Tourism Lanaudière releases snowmobile trail maps

2009-11-04T16:05:00Z

Tourisme Lanaudière announced the release of their free 2010 snowmobile trail map and 2010 ATV trail map.

The maps are available at tourist information and tourist welcome locations throughout the region. They can also be obtained at businesses featured on the maps, as well as from certain ATV and snowmobile clubs. Or you can order the maps at www.lanaudiere.ca.

The maps feature a network of 2,300 km of well marked and regularly groomed trails criss-crossing the region, as well as 10 recommended circuits for you to explore. Four of the circuits are under 200 km and six are over 200 km. The map also features many useful services for snowmobilers: restaurants, lodging, gasoline, snowmobile rentals, dealers, tourist attractions, etc.

the interactive trail map available at www.snowmobilecountry.ca. Use it to work out your own itinerary based on the type and length of tour you want to make. The site also has regular updates on trail conditions in Lanaudière.

If you're an ATV-ing fan, our 2010 ATV trail map is essential! Explore more than 2,125 km of trails available in all 4 seasons throughout the region. The map also features many useful services including restaurants, lodging, tourist attractions and dealers.

Where you can pick up your map:

- Joliette: tourist information office 450　759-5013

- Saint-Donat: tourist information office 1　888-783-6628

- Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon: tourist information office 450 835-2105

- Terrebonne: tourist information office 450 964-0681

- Saint-Côme: tourist welcome office 450 883-2730

- Saint-Felix-de-Valois: tourist welcome office 450 889-8161

- Saint-Michel-des-Saints: tourist welcome office 450 833-1334

Visit www.lanaudiere.ca for more details and to download maps.

USCC schedules race school for Nov. 21

2009-11-04T16:04:00Z

USCC announced their USCC Race School will be held November 21 in Mounds View, Minn.

"This will be a great opportunity for racers and crew members to get all the information they need for the upcoming season from USCC officials, factory personnel and vendors. You will have the chance to have all your questions answered,"said a USCC representative.

Attendees will also get a chance to meet with Race Department and/or Engineering personnel from each manufacturer to get the very latest setup and race tips for your race sled. A variety of vendors will be on hand with their latest products and other items to get you ready for the race season.

The cost for the school, including lunch, is $35.00 per person if paid prior to November 14th. A very limited number of spots will be available for those who don't pre-register, however the cost will increase to $50.00. There is a block of rooms reserved under "USCC" for this event. The room rate is $89.95 per night. Hope to see you there!

Go to usccracing.com to download the registration form.

What: USCC 2009-2010 Race School
When: November 21, 2009, 8:30-3:00

Where:
AmericInn, Mounds View
2200 Hwy. 10,
Mounds View, MN 55112
Toll Free: 800/396-5007
Direct: 763/786-2000

Yamaha Motor Co. promotes new president

2009-11-04T16:04:00Z

Yamaha Motor Co. recently announced Tsuneji Togami as its' new president, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director effective November 1, according to their website.

This decision was made at the Board of Directors meeting Oct. 26, 2009, according to their website.

Prior to this position, Togami was Yamaha Motor Co.'s chairman and director.

Former President Takashi Kajikawa will now be Yamaha Motor Co.'s director.

N.Y. state snowmobile trail web map now available

2009-11-04T16:03:00Z

Mohawk Valley Geographic Information Systems has created an interactive snowmobile trail web map of New York.

"Our interactive web map makes it easy to zoom in on a trail section of interest and print a map. Find lodging and dining establishments, gas stations, dealers and much more within a distance of a particular trail. Numerous search options are provided. Easily plan an entire day's outing" said a representative on the NY Snowmobile Trail Webmap Web site.

According to the site, the information comes from local participating clubs and the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The map comes with a search engine to help in finding local lodging, dining, dealers and more. In addition, there is a section to search for local club trails.

MVGIS creates interactive web maps for municipalities, businesses and non-profit organizations, according to MVGIS's website.

Check out AmSnow's Interactive Trail Guide for snowmobiling across the country

Rocky Mountain snowmobilers receive up to 4 feet of snow

2009-10-30T17:45:00Z

From the Town of Vail, Colorado's web cam

Snowmobilers in the Rockies received a much welcomed surprise of nearly four feet of snow the week before Halloween, according to the USA Today.

Heavy snow fell from northern Utah's Wasatch Front to Nebraska's northern border. The foothills near Pinecliffe, Colo. received the most snow at 43.8-inches by midday Thrusday.

October's snow records were set form Cheyenne, Wyo. at 2 feet and Fort Collins, Colo. at 21.1-inches. At the Denver International Airport there are reports of 11 and 16-inches of snow, and this was the largest snowfall in October for Denver since 1997.

In Boulder, Colo. officials at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center are warning about potential avalanches due to the heavy snow.

Check out our webcam links to see what midwest and east coast snowmobilers are dreaming of right now!

Mountain Lake Properties, Grand Lake, Colorado Camera

Mammoth Hot Springs, Montana Camera

SnowEye Colorado Cameras

Click here to read USA Today's story.

Cat reports sales, earnings decline

2009-10-30T17:40:00Z

Arctic Cat reports second quarter earnings of $14.8 million, down from $16.9 million last year, but total cash and short-term investments were up $7.5 million from last year's quarter.

"We continued to face difficult selling conditions during the second quarter, given the global economic environment," said Christopher A. Twomey, Arctic Cat's chairman and chief executive officer.

The Thief River Falls, Minn.,-based maker of snowmobiles and ATVs reports second quarter sales dipped 19% to $166.3 million from $200.3 million in the quarter a year ago. Year-to-date sales decreased 21% from $298.1 million a year earlier to $235.7 million.

Fiscal year sales are estimated to be in the range of $425 million to $460 million.

"We are also taking appropriate actions to preserve cash and maintain dealer health as well as developing select innovative products that position Arctic Cat to emerge as a stronger company once the economy recovers," Twomey said.

Inventories decreased 23% to $133.6 million from $172.3 million in the second quarter.

Snowmobile sales had the smallest decrease for Cat at 13% to $85.7 million from $98.4 million in 2008's second quarter. Year-to-date, snowmobile sales were $103.7 million vs. $119.8 million in the period last year. Arctic Cat expects lower worldwide snowmobile orders, but it is focusing on new technologies to boost sales.

"We like the snow we see so far, and if that continues we see a positive snow season ahead," Twomey said, during the fiscal report conference call.

ATV sales dipped 28% to $51.7 million compared to $71.6 million in 2008. Year-to-date sales have declined 33% to $83.9 million from $125.4 million a year ago.

The Parts, Garments, and Accessories division saw sales drop 16% to $28.8 million from $34.3 million in last year's second quarter. Year-to-date sales fell 9% to $48.1 million from $53 million a year earlier.

Arctic Cat recently recalled its' 2009 Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo, Z1 Turbo Sno Pro and TZ1 Turbo model snowmobiles due to a potential fire hazard.

Timothy Delmore, Arctic Cat's chief financial officer, said he does not see the recall having any financial impact on the company. Most of the cost will be recovered through the vendor, Delmore said.

Update: Arctic Cat releases Track information

2009-10-30T17:39:00Z

Want to know the exact track dimensions and track features on all the 2010 Arctic Cat sleds? Well we've got the entire list here in this spreadsheet! Now you'll know which sleds come with single ply tracks, big lugs, wider tracks and more. Check it out!

Note: There was a change to the Z1 Turbo having a Hacksaw track, not a Ripsaw.

Click here to download the PDF.

Cat recalls ’09 Turbo models

2009-10-29T18:31:00Z

Arctic Cat has voluntarily recalled 3,000 of its 2009 Z1 Turbo, Z1 Turbo Sno Pro and TZ1 Turbo models due to a potential fire hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to the USPSC's Web site, oil in those models could leak into the engine compartment posing a fire hazard. In addition, the fuel tank can come into contact with the engine posing a possibility of wearing through, causing fuel leakage and a fire hazard.

The USPSC says there have been 33 reports of oil leaks including eight vehicle fires. However, there have been no injuries reported from the incidents.

All sleds have their model name and number displayed on the side and in the registration materials/owner's manual, if you are unsure if your sled is affected.

These snowmobiles were sold nationwide from June 2008 through July 2009 for between $12,500 and $14,300, the USPSC reports.

Riders should immediately stop using their snowmobile and contact their local Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat has notified registered owners directly about this recall through the mail.

For additional information, call Arctic Cat at 800-279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or visit the company Web site, www.arctic-cat.com.

ISOC adds Utah Snocross race

2009-10-29T18:09:00Z

ISOC Racing has announced that Rio Tinto Stadium, in Sandy Utah, will host the Western Nationals on Jan. 9, 2010, according to a press release from Rio Tinto Stadium.

The first-time event is one of the nine nationals on the 2009-2010 schedule and the only one west of the Mississippi.

"Utah will receive significant benefit from this new event providing an anticipated $3-4 million in economic impact and national and international media exposure through its televised broadcast on Versus," said Jef Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission.

The event will culminate with the main event starting at 7:00 pm MT. This event will feature Pro and Semi-Pro racing, freestyle shows, and other finals.

For more information visit www.RioTintoStadium.com.

8% attendance boost at Milwaukee snowmobile show

2009-10-29T14:31:00Z

Snowmobile USA reported that a total of 12,238 customers attended the Milwaukee Snowmobile Show which was an 8% increase in attendance.

"After much apprehension regarding the economy and its effect on the shows, crowds of snowmobilers filled the Milwaukee show floor with a robust excitement and energy," said a representative of Snowmobile USA.

Friday's crowd saw a 17% increase in attendance from the previous year with 3,848 shoppers and buyers roaming the aisles of the Wisconsin Expo Center.

Then on Saturday there was 6,094 snowmobile enthusiasts filling the show grounds.

"By the end of the night, several vendors were out of product and were taking orders to be shipped later," said a representative of Snowmobile USA.

Sunday's crowd was a bit down at 2,296 in comparison to last year.

If you missed the Milwaukee Show make sure to visit Novi, Mich.'s show, Nov. 6-8, or Green Bay, Wis.'s show, Nov. 13-14.

Ontario launches online trail permit sales

2009-10-22T16:32:00Z

Snowmobilers are now able to buy their Full Season Trail Permits online for Ontario, according to an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club's permit.

OFSC launched online permit sales at www.ofsc.on.ca, after a year of research.

For the first time provincially, snowmobilers are now able to buy their Full Season Trail Permits online, just in time to save $50 by purchasing on or before December 1. The new site, approved by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), is secure, confidential and private, meeting all the Government of Ontario privacy and risk standards to protect consumers and safeguard web site transactions.

"Our clubs and our customers have requested the convenience and simplicity of online permits sales," commented Paul Shaughnessy, OFSC executive director. "We expect our new online business to also significantly reduce the workload of both our volunteers and our traditional permit selling outlets."

Available only through OFSC district offices, the new Classic Permit is a Go Snowmobiling initiative intended to increase trail riding among owners of antique sleds and participation among families whose older snowmobiles may have previously been inactive. The Classic Permit is only for sleds that are model year 1995 or older, at a fee that is 50% of the regular cost of a Full Season Permit. For 2010, a Classic Permit sells for $125 and is available only through OFSC districts. A VIN number is required to
purchase a Classic Permit.

For 2010, Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit fees and types authorized by MTO and sold through the OFSC are:

Full Season Permit

o Pre-Season Fee - On or before December 1, 2009: $200
o Regular Fee - After December 1, 2009: $250

Seven-Day Permit: $140
Three-Day Permit: $100
Special Event Permit: $35 (available only for club sanctioned events)
Classic Permit: $125 (sleds 15 years or older)
Replacement Permit: $10 (from selling club with proof of purchase)

All Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits are official and legal instruments of the Ministry
of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). Recreational snowmobiles entering or travelling an
OFSC Prescribed Trail are required by Ontario law to have and display a valid
snowmobile trail permit (some exceptions may apply for certain user groups, see Ontario
Regulation 185/01, Section 4)

AmSnow attends Milwaukee, Wis., snowmobile show

2009-10-19T16:21:00Z

AmSnow's crew was fired up on Saturday at the show, selling subscriptions and answering folks snowmobile questions. Cool AmSnow TV show on the screen there too!

Snowmobile USA kicked off its round of 2009 snowmobile shows last weekend, October 16-18, in Milwaukee, Wis. and the AmSnow team was there in full force. The show was at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, about five miles from downtown Milwaukee, and about 6 miles east of AmSnow's offices.

Crowds were great, especially Friday night and Saturday, and got to enjoy a swap meet outside the hall and large snowmobile manufacturer displays inside. There were a bunch of aftermarket folks there displaying a load of new stuff too, plus clubs, tourist locations, trailers, beef and vinison jerky, and some beverages for the adults. A lot of good industry chatter at these events too, some of which you might even see in print ... in the magazine!

Suffice it to say we had a blast talking with folks all weekend. As usual the crowds especially wanted to pick Olav's brain. That's our Tech Editor Olav Aaen. He always has fans swarming him at these events! Everyone has a story from last year's riding and we enjoy walking the show and "kicking the tires" along with the rest of the crowd. Hope to see you even more of you at the Novi, Mich., show Nov. 6-8. Stop by the booth and visit with us!

In addition, Straightline Performance brought the AmSnow 2010 Project Sled to the Milwaukee show. You'll see more info on this snowmobile later in our magazine.

Ski-Doo's booth was abuzz with shoppers on Sunday, Oct. 18. All four of the manufacturers booths were busy since they were loaded with their latest snowmobiles.

Klim like many snowmobile clothing makers were at the show, displaying their latest and greatest.

Scheuring Speed Sports extends contract AMSOIL

2009-10-19T16:20:00Z

Scheuring Speed Sports reached a contract extension with its longtime title sponsor AMSOIL, Inc.

The agreement will continue the 13-year partnership through the 2012-2013 snocross season.

For the upcoming 2009-2010 AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series the AMSOIL/Makita/U.S. Air Force team has retooled its championship formula by adding new riders Robbie Malinoski and Andrew Johnstad.

"Since 1997, Steve and his team have delivered dedication and direction to AMSOIL and our race program. With the new additions to his program, all of us at AMSOIL are excited about what the future holds," said AMSOIL Race Program Manager Jeremy Meyer.

Arctic Cat announces financing agreement with GE Commercial Distribution Finance

2009-10-19T16:19:00Z

Arctic Cat announced entering into an agreement with GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance for it to become the exclusive provider of floorplan financing for Arctic Cat's dealers.

The new multi-year financing program will replace Arctic Cat's current financing agreement with Textron Financial Corporation, which had previously announced its intent to exit the dealer floorplan business. The new financing program is expected to begin December 1, 2009.

"Arctic Cat and GE Capital share a commitment to meet the financial needs of our ATV and snowmobile dealers," said Christopher Twomey, Arctic Cat's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are excited and pleased with our new partnership and expect it to continue to provide innovative financing programs and superior service."