Shortly after the first snowflake makes landfall the NHSA office is often peppered with two particular questions: “Why aren’t the snowmobile trails open?” and “Why aren’t the trails groomed?” Everyone is itching to ride. Me too!Why Aren’t The Snowmobile Trails Open?Why is it so complicated to get the trails opened at times? Storms can wreak trail havoc. It can take every ounce of club resources to … [Read more...] about Why Aren’t The Snowmobile Trails Open?
Trail Riding
Stay on the Trail
“Stay on the Trail, or Stay Home” is a trail sign and slogan used by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails, local clubs, and Fish and Game Conservation Officers here in New Hampshire. Ninety-nine percent of riders follow this simple rule, but then there is the 1% of riders who don’t. Can this short statement save my life? The answer is YES!! Is Off-Trail Riding Bad? Off-trail riding is an issue … [Read more...] about Stay on the Trail
Snowmobile Hand Signal Debate
The snowmobile hand signal debate has raged on for the past few decades. While some organizations endorse snowmobile hand signals to communicate, others argue that you should never take your hands of the handlebars. A few winters back I was out on snowmobile patrol in Pillsbury State Park in Washington. It was a busy holiday weekend with plenty of sled traffic. As I rounded a bend on the Mad … [Read more...] about Snowmobile Hand Signal Debate