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Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association Inc. Toll Free: 1-800-499-7533 (SK only) sasksnow@sasktel.net
Media Releases
MEDIA RELEASE JULY 27, 2010
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and Trans Canada Trail announce new partnership
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) today officially welcomed the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) as the new provincial representative of the Trans Canada Trail in Saskatchewan. As a result of a new partnership agreement between the two organizations, the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association will be responsible for overseeing the development of the proposed 1400-km Trans Canada Trail route across the province.
“TCT looks forward to working with the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association along with local trail groups and municipalities in developing the Trans Canada Trail in Saskatchewan. The SSA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year: It has a long history and demonstrated commitment to trail development and will help us connect the Trail across the province,” says Trans Canada Trail President and CEO Deborah Apps.
Today close to 40% of the Trans Canada Trail in Saskatchewan is developed. With 550 kilometres of operational trail, it offers a range of trail experiences from the rolling hills and shimmering lakes of Duck Mountain Provincial Park to the spectacular vistas in the Qu’Appelle Valley and popular urban pathways in many Saskatchewan communities including Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and North Battleford. The Trail provides a unique way to explore and discover Canada’s magnificent landscapes and rich history – walking, cycling, snowmobiling, skiing, canoeing or horseback-riding. TCT’s goal is to connect the Trail from coast to coast to coast by 2017.
“The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association looks forward to teaming with the Trans Canada Trail in creating this important national trail linking Canadians in over 1000 communities,” says Chris Brewer, SSA President/CEO.
CONTACT:
Deborah
Apps Chris
Brewer
President and CEO, Trans Canada Trail President/CEO, Saskatchewan
Snowmobile Association
e-mail ceo@tctrail.ca
email
sasksnow@sasktel.net
phone 800-465-3636 ext.4348 phone
800-499-7533 (SK only) or 306-729-3500
Jo-Ann Carignan-Vallée
Regional Trail Coordinator TCT – SK
e-mail jvallee@tctrail.ca
phone 306-642-4298 cell 306-640-7208
THE TRANS CANADA TRAIL is the world’s longest network of trails. When completed, the Trail will stretch over 22,000 kilometres from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans, linking 1000 communities and 33 million Canadians. Today more than 16,500 kilometres of trail have been developed. Millions of Canadians and international visitors are using the Trail to get active and to explore. The Trail is supported by the federal government (Canadian Heritage), provincial and municipal governments, corporations, local businesses and individual Canadians. See www.tctrail.ca.
MEDIA RELEASE FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Provincial Take A Friend/GoSasksnowmobiling Week
February 14-21, 2010
On behalf of all snowmobilers in Saskatchewan the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association is pleased to announce GoSaskSnowmobiling Week.
Get your sleds ready and go to our new web site www.gosasksnowmobiling.com and check out the documented Snowmobile Tours on this website. You just “Hit the Throttle” and it will take you directly to the tours. Here you will find Saskatchewan snowmobile tour information that will leave you and your friends wanting more!
You will find
- The Itinerary which will outline all the activities and places that happen daily on each snowmobile tour;
- A Statistics Sheet that will provide you with the cost of accommodation, food and gas/oil for your sled;
- Pictures of the tour, a Short Story which will identify some of the highlights you will see and experience on each tour;
- A Photo Gallery for you to view (if the camera did not freeze up);
- A Full Map showing you where each tour rode and also the links to the current up to date maps for you to use if you are going to ride this tour;
- A VIDEO of each tour is on the web for you to view.
We want you to take a friend snowmobiling during the week of February 14-21, 2010 and show them how much fun it is to be a Saskatchewan Snowmobiler!
CONTACT:
Barry Bradshaw
John Popoff
Chairman of the Board
Secretary/Treasurer
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
(306) 792-4761 cell. (306) 621-8028
(306) 373-2991 cell. (306) 221-6555
MEDIA RELEASE JANUARY 7, 2010
Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week
January 10-16, 2010
Contact: Chris Brewer Contact: Peter Huebner
Title: President / CEO Title: Saskatchewan Safety Council
Phone: 306-729-3500 Phone: 757-3197
In observance of International Snowmobile Safety Week, The Honourable Dustin Duncan, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has proclaimed January 10-16, 2010 as Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week.
Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week will be observed by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and it’s 66 member snowmobile clubs. Numerous events and activities are scheduled to take place this week, including Snowmobile Safety Courses, clinics, and seminars. Exhibits will be on display at shopping centers and snowmobile dealerships throughout the province.
18,000 thousand snowmobiles are registered each year in Saskatchewan and are operated by men, women and children of all ages. Depending on weather conditions, approximately 10,000 km’s of snow-covered trails are maintained and groomed by snowmobile club volunteers across the province, and enjoyed by a variety of winter recreationists including cross-country skiers, dog sledders, winter hikers, and snowmobile enthusiasts.
Activities and events held during Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week will promote responsible attitudes and actions that will foster the safe, family image of snowmobiling.
“Safe Snowmobiling means riding within your own capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain, and never drinking alcoholic beverages before or while driving,” says Chris Brewer, President of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. “Always wear a helmet and adequate clothing, stay within designated riding areas, and always snowmobile with another person, never alone also do not forget when night riding – slow down and expect the unexpected.”
Occasionally problems occur, and snowmobilers should be prepared for all possibilities. “Take along a spare belt, spark plugs and tools to do basic repairs. You also should carry emergency supplies, such as a basic first aid and overnight survival provisions such as food, matches, flashlight and extra batteries, and shelter building materials,” recommends Brewer.
“Most importantly, always use common sense and keep a clear head. Learn all you can about responsible snowmobiling and keep safety as your top priority.”
Visit www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca for more information or call 1-800-499-7533 toll free in Saskatchewan.
Mr. Chris Brewer
President / CEO
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
Phone: 1-306-729-3500
Fax: 1-306-729-3505
Email: sasksnow@sasktel.net
MEDIA RELEASE DECEMBER 11, 2009
GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS TRAILS
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) have signed a new, five-year, Trail Management Agreement. It includes greater trail management, accountability and reporting requirements which are intended to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the snowmobile trail system in Saskatchewan. The previous three-year agreement expired in March 2009.
"We are always looking for ways to improve and sustain our trail system," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Trails provide wonderful opportunities for recreation so people can experience nature in a way that respects the environment and encourages its thoughtful conservation."
The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport engaged Trails Work Consulting to review the snowmobile sector in Saskatchewan and provide recommendations to help it become more sustainable.
Since 1999, the SSA has acted as trail manager for the Saskatchewan snowmobile trail network pursuant to The Snowmobile Act.
"The new agreement provides the long-term sustainability of snowmobile safety promotion and provides the public with safe snowmobile trails," Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association President and CEO Chris Brewer said. "Improving the quality of signage, trails, efficiencies and making updates to equipment will be undertaken to provide safe snowmobiling to all in Saskatchewan."
Since 2005, all snowmobile registration fees collected by Saskatchewan Government Insurance have gone to the SSA in its capacity as trail manager to maintain provincial snowmobile trails and promote safe snowmobiling. The Trail Management Agreement specifies the roles and responsibilities of both the Government of Saskatchewan and the SSA in this regard.
For more information on the snowmobile sector review results, please visit www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca
For more information, contact:
Art
Jones Chris
Brewer, President/CEO
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Saskatchewan
Snowmobile Association
Regina Regina
Beach
Phone: 306-787-3506 Phone:
306-729-3500
MEDIA RELEASE NOVEMBER 5, 2009
Plan on Participating in Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
The snowmobile community is excited to announce the second annual Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week – which will be held (in Saskatchewan) February 14-21, 2010. This week celebrates friends and family snowmobiling. The snowmobile week was introduced to go hand in hand with the Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign and has been developed to encourage all of us to take our non-snowmobiling friends out snowmobiling. We have all had many conversations, telling stories about how much fun it is to take people snowmobiling, and many of us are realizing that we have
The event is really designed to be simple. There are a few recommended guidelines. They are:
· Safety training – make sure to cover all the safe snowmobiling behavior with your friend before taking them out on their first ride. Points to cover should include:
a. Proper operation of the brake and throttle
b. Shifting weight and slowing down in curves
c. Staying on the right hand side of the trail
d. Dismount the snowmobile on the right hand side of the sled
e. Make sure the vehicle is in good mechanical order
f. Make sure your friend is appropriately dressed and sober
A key ingredient to a good time for a first time snowmobiler is for us seasoned riders to make sure non-snowmobilers are comfortable when they first get on a snowmobile. You need to be cautious and ride slow when taking out a new rider. You should plan on making numerous stops and enjoying the scenery. It is always recommended that the first ride be rather short and include a stop for a light meal or hot chocolate or coffee and a little camaraderie and storytelling at the local restaurant, clubhouse or outdoor barbecue area.
Clubs are encouraged to participate in the activity and try to hold a special day or weekend encouraging members to bring non-snowmobiling friends to the clubhouse to go for a short ride and discover what snowmobilers do during the winter.
This effort follows the guidelines and recommendations our customer research has shown us, which highlights that non-snowmobilers know very little about snowmobiling. Most non-snowmobilers don’t know where the trails are, really don’t know who builds and maintains and pays for the trail systems, and have no idea of the beautiful scenery that we enjoy and the fun that we have in the winter riding our snowmobiles. The research has showed us that folks who don’t snowmobile rate their desire to go snowmobiling a solid 9 on a 10 point scale. All we need to do is ask.
We have all heard the stories of snowmobilers taking friends out, and much to their surprise the friends enjoy themselves so much, they end up buying a new or used snowmobile to join in the winter fun. What a pleasant surprise that is for all of us and why not encourage our family and friends to join us outside this winter on a snowmobile?
As a special incentive to take non-snowmobilers snowmobiling, the manufacturers will give away a $250.00 gift certificate to a lucky individual who registers and participates in the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week event. The Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week Registration Form is now displayed on the Go Snowmobiling web site: www.gosnowmobiling.org, the ACSA web site: www.snowmobilers.org and the CCSO web site:
· printed out and faxed to the ISMA Office at (517) 339-7798,
Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
MEDIA RELEASE - OCTOBER 29, 2009
IMPROVED TRAILS FOR SASKATCHEWAN SNOWMOBILERS
The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association announced today, effective November 1, 2009, that the snowmobile registration fee will be increased to $70.
On behalf of our members, we approached the provincial government to consider an increase to the $40 snowmobile registration fee. Government took our request under advisement and engaged an independent consultant to review the recreational snowmobile sector. After careful analysis, government has decided to increase the fee to $70 so that our Association can continue to maintain the snowmobile trail network in a safe and sustainable manner. Saskatchewan still continues to have the lowest fee in Canada to register a snowmobile and use a provincially groomed trail system.
“Snowmobiling is a cherished winter recreation activity for the people of Saskatchewan and our trail network is a big part of that,” Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Sustaining and managing grooming operations, maintaining safer trails and supporting safety programs benefit all riders and contribute to healthy lifestyles and economic development of our great province.”
“I would like to thank Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan and his officials from Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport for working with the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association to address the many issues that face the Saskatchewan snowmobile sector,” Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association Chairman Barry Bradshaw said. “Snowmobiling and our trails are not only important to the folks that head out and have fun on them, they are also very important to Saskatchewan communities as they provide an economic and tourism boost during the longest season in our province.”
The fee helps cover the cost of trail maintenance, replacing grooming equipment, additional safety training and promotion, assisting with upgrades to trail shelters, signs and provides long-term viability of the provincial snowmobile trail network.
Snowmobile safety is an important part of sustaining snowmobiling in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association will continue to work with the Saskatchewan Safety Council to promote snowmobile safety education and awareness.
For more information on Saskatchewan snowmobile trails please visit www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca or www.gosasksnowmobiling.com
For more information, contact:
Chris Brewer, President/CEO
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
221 Center Street
Regina Beach, SK
Phone: 306-729-3500
Toll Free: 1-800-499-7533
e-mail: sasksnow@sasktel.net
MEDIA RELEASE - AUGUST 12, 2009
Snowmobile Economic Indicators Are Positive
We enter the 2009-2010 season with a positive outlook supported by robust activity and vigorous support for organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile registrations in North America were up in 2009 compared to 2008. In the 2008-2009 season there were 765,275 registered snowmobiles in Canada compared to 708,490 in 2007-2008 - an 8% increase in registered snowmobiles (a trend that started in 2003). In the United States, snowmobile registrations this year were 1,652,642 compared to the previous year’s 1,635,361. This is a 1% increase in the number of registered snowmobiles in the US, which is heartwarming in today’s economy.2010 is another milestone year for the manufacturers and the snowmobile community. The snowmobile manufacturers are required to meet phase 2 of the EPA emission standard with the new 2010 models. These rigid emission requirements, established by the EPA in 2002, are being met by the manufacturers through advanced technology, new engine specifications with dramatic improvement to the quality of the product.
For the month of July 2009, the global cooling continued. Climatologists across the northern sectors of North America reported a 70F BELOW AVERAGE temperature. In some regions, this summer has been the coldest in more than 100 years. Based on initial reports, the global cooling will continue and we can expect good snowfall with great snowmobiling temperatures this winter. The statistics, regardless of what some extremists may report, bode well for the continuation of mankind and the return to normal weather patterns, which includes considerable snowfall and average winter temperatures.
Last year showed a continued increase in sale of parts garments and accessories as many individuals fixed up their snowmobiles and purchased new garments and accessories to help them enjoy the winter. Based on last year’s level of activity we expect 2009-2010 to be a quality year for the snowmobile industry.
Last year, snowmobilers averaged over 1300 miles of riding, which was a 20% increase from the previous year. The increase in riding, along with the increase in snowmobile registrations resulted in a strong tourism impact report for snowmobiling. Restaurants, Motels, and related businesses all benefitted from an excellent 2008-2009 snowmobiling season. Over $28 billion dollars in economic activity occurred in North America – related to snowmobiling in the 2008-2009 season.
This year you can expect to see more young faces on the trail. Survey results show that the average snowmobiler is now one year younger than last year – so younger folks are joining the snowmobiling family and bringing a renewed level of enthusiasm and confidence to the market.
We are looking forward to a great snowmobile season this year. I recommend you take the time to inspect the new snowmobiles and discover the amazing technology that is now available for all of us to enjoy.
Contact:
Chris Brewer – CEO / President
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
221 Centre Street, Box 533
Regina Beach, SK S0G 4C0
(Toll Free in SK) 1-800-499-7533
Email:
sasksnow@sasktel.net
