SSA - Media Releases

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.

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

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 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:

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.

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

MEDIA RELEASE - JULY 30, 2009

Canada’s Economic Action Plan Funds Over 500 Recreational Trail Projects

Work is set to begin across Canada on hundreds of outdoor trails, which will help to create jobs and enhance the country’s national trail system. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), and Terry Norman, National Coordinator, National Trails Coalition (NTC) today announced that over 500 trail projects will benefit from the Government’s $25 million investment in recreational trails, as part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan.

“As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Canada is proud to provide the first payment of $12.5 million to the National Trails Coalition to get construction underway,” said Minister of State Lunn. “By partnering with the National Trails Coalition we are boosting local economies, creating jobs, getting shovels in the ground and providing Canadians with better quality trails.”

The funds will be used to create, upgrade and sustain recreational trails throughout Canada. The first payment of $12.5 million is part of the Government of Canada’s $25 million commitment that will be matched by the NTC and their provincial, territorial, municipal or private funding partners for eligible projects.

Applications for this funding were received between May 26, 2009 and June 26, 2009. With the intake for this funding now complete and projects approved, this first payment to the National Trails Coalition will allow work on trails to begin right away and generate economic activity in Canada’s construction sector.

“This $25 million funding initiative has, for the first time in trail development history, made it possible for a growing network of multiple-use trails to be built across Canada,” stated Terry Norman, National Coordinator for the NTC. Norman added, “with over 500 shovel-ready trail projects approved for completion by March 2010, the NTC believes this is the first step in providing trail infrastructure and tourism products that will be used by millions of Canadians and visitors to Canada.”

The NTC is made up of the following non-profit organizations and their provincial/territorial affiliates: Canadian Trails Federation, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council. For additional information, visit www.ntc-canada.ca.

The Government of Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years.

In June 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was awarded the highest honour granted by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) for delivering on his commitment to expand and improve trail infrastructure through the Economic Action Plan.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. For more information on the Government of Canada’s investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca

Chris Day                                                                           Michelle Yao
Press Secretary                                                                  Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport                       Office of Minister of State Gary Lunn
and Infrastructure                                                              Tel: 819.934.1131
613-991-0700                                                                      michelle.yao@pch.gc.ca

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

MEDIA RELEASE - JUNE 12, 2009

The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) gave Prime Minister Stephen Harper its highest award Friday for funding an expansion of the national trail network.

Harper spoke at the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations awards ceremony in Summerside, P.E.I. The awards ceremony was part of a meeting of the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) on the Island. The event brings together 500 delegates that represent major snowmobiling areas around the world.

The Prime Minister said he was honoured to receive the award because of the group's commitment to preserving the country's heritage.

"Investing in Canada's national trails helps create jobs today. It also opens up new opportunities for tourism businesses and allows more Canadians to enjoy the Canadian countryside in a safe and responsible manner," he said.

CCSO president Kevin Sweetland praised Harper's "exceptional leadership" for giving the National Trails Coalition $25 million in the Jan. 27 budget to build and improve snowmobile trails across the country.

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

MEDIA RELEASE - JUNE 2, 2009

Open For Business
Federal Government and National Trails Coalition Launch Call for Applications

Ottawa, Ontario, May 26, 2009 – A program aimed at building and upgrading trails as well as creating
jobs for Canadians took another step forward today when the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State
(Sport), and Terry Norman, National Coordinator for the National Trails Coalition (NTC), launched the call
for applications for the Government of Canada’s $25 million investment in recreational trails, part of the
Government’s 2009 Economic Action Plan.

“Our Government sees this investment as a win for recreational trails, a win for everyone who uses
healthy living space, and a win for job creation and investment in communities across Canada,” said
Minister of State Lunn. “Shovel ready projects that are set to break ground in 2009-2010 will create new
and better trail infrastructure for a variety of trail users such as hiking, cycling, equestrian, ATVs, cross
country skiing and snowmobiling, just to name a few. Even better, these projects will leave a lasting
legacy of trail infrastructure that will benefit Canadians for years to come.”

The funds will be used to create, upgrade and sustain non-motorized, snowmobile and all-terrain-vehicle
trails throughout the country. Eligible projects will include the construction of new trails, the upgrade,
improvement and rehabilitation of existing trails and bridge and water crossings, improved signage as
well as trail surveying and tracking. The Government of Canada's investment of $25 million will be
matched by the NTC and their provincial, territorial, municipal or private funding partners.

Terry Norman, National Coordinator for the NTC stated: “The NTC was founded in the belief that trail
users and volunteer trail builders/managers can achieve much more by working collaboratively and
supporting each other’s goals. Thanks to the support of our Federal Government, trail user groups can
now apply for one year project funding to facilitate trail building, refurbishment, and upgrade activities that
will be beneficial to the long term sustainability of all forms of trail-based activities across Canada.”
The NTC is made up of the following non-profit organizations and their provincial/territorial affiliates:
Canadian Trails Federation, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and the Canadian Off-
Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.

Organizations can access information, applications and guidelines for project proposal submissions at
www.ntc-canada.ca.

The Government of Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing
federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada with almost $12 billion in new
infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. For more information
on the Government of Canada’s investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca

Contact:

Chris Day                                                                           Michelle Yao
Press Secretary                                                                  Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport                       Office of Minister of State Gary Lunn
and Infrastructure                                                              Tel: 819.934.1131
613-991-0700                                                                      michelle.yao@pch.gc.ca

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

Great Northern Snowmobile Ride 2009
73 Riders from Ontario

The Great Northern Ride first started in 2001, with 13 Rotarian snowmobilers, who wanted to raise money for children that needed some help.

Bob Caissie has chaired the event since the beginning and the ride has covered all of Ontario, most of Quebec, and some of New Brunswick.

This will be our 9th year, and 73 men will leave for Cold Lake, Alberta, and ride all of Northern Saskatchewan ending in Duck Mountain, Manitoba.

To date, we have raised over $650,000 and our goal this year, is to raise another $150,000.

None of the riders have ever been through Saskatchewan on snowmobiles before, and are looking forward to our biggest ride ever.

To date, everyone from Saskatchewan have been a tremendous help.

Looking forward to making many new, western friends from Saturday, Feb. 21st – 28th.

Saturday, February 21^st

- Fly from Toronto to Edmonton

- Travel from Edmonton to Cold Lake (Aprx. 2 ½ hours)

(Imperial Motor Inn (780) 594 – 7133)

Wednesday, February 25^th

- Sled from Candle Lake to Nipawin (Aprx. 265km)

(Northern Green (306) 862 - 2686)

Sunday, February 22^nd

- Sled from Cold Lake to Saskatchewan Border (Aprx. 60 km) (Guided)

- Continue Aprx. 100km more to Meadow Lake

(Meadow Lake Super 8 (306) 236 – 1188)

Thursday, February 26^th

- Sled from Nipawin to Hudson Bay (Aprx. 250km)

(Lakeland Inn Motel (306) 547 - 3114)

Monday, February 23^rd

- Sled from Meadow Lake to Big River (Aprx. 170km)

(Timberland Motel (306) 469 - 4888)

Friday, February 27^nth

- Sled from Hudson Bay to Duck Mountain (Aprx. 250km)

(Duck Mountain Lodge (306) 542 - 3466)

Tuesday, February 24^th

- Sled from Big River to Candle Lake (Aprx. 250km)

(Ship Lantern (306) 929 - 4555)

Saturday, February 28^th

- Bus to Regina

- Fly out of Regina at 3:00pm (Flight # 211)

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Prairie Women on Snowmobiles are being inducted into the

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame

The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) headquartered in Bovey, Minnesota, will be celebrating its 20^th annual induction ceremony on February 28^th, 2009. ISHOF was founded to promote and preserve the historical aspects of snowmobiling. ISHOF is used to recognize achievements of individuals in all aspects of snowmobiling that have been instrumental in the development of snowmobiling to the level it now enjoys.

ISHOF’s recognition categories include inventors/designers, explorers/adventurers, trail and program developers, journalists/historians, promoters and volunteer and club organizers. Over the past 19 years, of the 75 individuals have been inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame for their contributions to snowmobiling, 40 of those individuals were recognized for their volunteerism, without whom snowmobiling would not have achieved the organizational level it has attained.

This year is no exception for recognition of volunteers instrumental in the development of the sport. Inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame will be Jeff Mausolf of Duluth, Minnesota, Bruno Andreini of Dallas Center, Iowa, and Prairie Women on Snowmobiles of Wadena, Saskatchewan.

Mausolf has held many positions in local, state, national and international snowmobile associations, including three terms as president of MnUSA. He is the snowmobile expert on past unsuccessful litigation initiated by anti-snowmobile groups to oust snowmobiling from the Voyaguers National Park, and served on the Citizens Council for the Voyaguers National Park to protect snowmobiling interests in the Park. He has been deeply involved in trail development, trail access and legislative issues for many years.

Andreini has also held positions in many levels of snowmobile associations, including president of the Iowa State Snowmobile Association (ISSA). He is the founder of the national Snowmobilers Protecting Our Recreational Trails (SPORT) program to raise funds to fight trail closures, and as legislative chair and co-chair of the emergency funding committee for the ISSA, has successfully worked over several years to have funds raided from the Iowa Snowmobile Account restored. Three years ago Andreini resurrected the annual ISSA ride for Spina Bifida, raising funds for the charity and taking children stricken with the disease snowmobiling.

The Prairie Women on Snowmobiles club was formed by an avid snowmobiler and breast cancer survivor and her friend. Each year since 2001 they have organized a core group of riders for the Ride for Breast Cancer to raise money for cancer research. Their group enlists these riders to cover about 1800km over 8 days and invites people to join in and ride along the way. In eight years Prairie Women on Snowmobiles have raised over $1 million for Breast Cancer Research and the publicity opportunities along the ride give voice to cancer issues and awareness. Prairie Women on Snowmobiles along with 10 core riders will begin their Mission Ride 2009 on January 29, 2009 with a Kick Off Banquet in North Battleford. From there they will travel across Saskatchewan touching many hearts as they raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The ISHOF ceremony on Saturday, February 28^th at the Timberlake Lodge, culminates an entire week recognizing snowmobiling in Grand Rapids, MN. An old snowmobile expo will be held at Grand Rapids’ Central Mall during the week and Friday and Saturday (Feb. 27 &28) will bring the Minnesota’s largest hands-on groomer demonstration to the Grand Rapids Airport Terminal.

Friday evening a reception will be held at the Timberlake Lodge recognizing landowners and snowmobile volunteers and awarding David Carmichael of Tripoli, IA, as Arctic Cat’s 10^th Annual International Groomer Operator of the Year. Saturday morning will bring a trail ride with the “Legends” of snowmobiling.

Events are open to the general public. For more information, dinner reservations, contributions or silent auction donations, contact ISHOF at 218-245-1725 or visit www.ishof.com.

Please visit the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame’s venue at the World Snowmobile Headquarters located on Hwy 45 in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

MEDIA RELEASE - January 7, 2009

Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week
January 11-17, 2009

In observance of International Snowmobile Safety Week, The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association has proclaimed January 11-17, 2009 as Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week.

Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week will be observed by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and it’s 69 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.

Activities and events held during Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week will promote responsible attitudes and actions that will foster the safe, family image of snowmobiling.

“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.

MEDIA RELEASE - December 4, 2008
Snowmobiling – The Way to Vacation Close to Home

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

Snowmobiling provides a growing number of families with the opportunity to vacation close to home, as a family. Families are staying closer to home, traveling and flying far less than in previous years and have a tendency to vacation and recreate close to or within their home province. The shift is profound and it can be realized when looking at the number of airline flights that have been cancelled, the empty cruise ships and the very quiet airports. Meanwhile, resorts that cater to snowmobilers, downhill skiers and other winter enthusiasts are reporting robust bookings with snow cover aplenty.

The snowmobile manufacturers have initiated a communications effort between the snowmobile community, Travel and Tourism. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is sending to all of these organizations up to date family snowmobiling photos that can be used in their promotion pieces, trail maps and more.

To help support that effort, ISMA is sending positive news release stories and articles to over 4,000 daily and weekly newspapers throughout North America and are developing working relationships with editors and sports writers across the Snow Belt. We believe this extensive outreach to the general media creates positive working relationships for the entire snowmobile community. We are already receiving numerous inquiries on the positive economic impact of snowmobiling as well as the positive family social fabric that snowmobiling brings to the community.

Finally, the manufacturers have collectively initiated an extensive internet advertising campaign which has targeted non-snowmobilers and snowmobilers alike. If you have a computer, you should soon be seeing ads depicting fun family snowmobiling encouraging you and your neighbors to go snowmobiling. Ride safe and enjoy the winter. Consider taking a non-snowmobiling friend snowmobiling during our special Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week – February 14-22, 2009. For more information on snowmobiling in Saskatchewan please visit our web site at www.gosasksnowmobiling.com

MEDIA RELEASE JANUARY 7, 2010

MEDIA RELEASE DECEMBER 11, 2009

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS TRAILS

MEDIA RELEASE NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Plan on Participating in Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week

MEDIA RELEASE - OCTOBER 29, 2009

IMPROVED TRAILS FOR SASKATCHEWAN SNOWMOBILERS

MEDIA RELEASE - AUGUST 12, 2009

Snowmobile Economic Indicators Are Positive

MEDIA RELEASE - JULY 30, 2009

Canada’s Economic Action Plan Funds Over 500 Recreational Trail Projects

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

MEDIA RELEASE - JUNE 12, 2009

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

Great Northern Snowmobile Ride 2009
73 Riders from Ontario

The Great Northern Ride first started in 2001, with 13 Rotarian snowmobilers, who wanted to raise money for children that needed some help.

Bob Caissie has chaired the event since the beginning and the ride has covered all of Ontario, most of Quebec, and some of New Brunswick.

This will be our 9th year, and 73 men will leave for Cold Lake, Alberta, and ride all of Northern Saskatchewan ending in Duck Mountain, Manitoba.

To date, we have raised over $650,000 and our goal this year, is to raise another $150,000.

None of the riders have ever been through Saskatchewan on snowmobiles before, and are looking forward to our biggest ride ever.

To date, everyone from Saskatchewan have been a tremendous help.

Looking forward to making many new, western friends from Saturday, Feb. 21st – 28th.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Prairie Women on Snowmobiles are being inducted into the

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame

EVENT

LOCATION

MEDIA RELEASE JANUARY 7, 2010

MEDIA RELEASE DECEMBER 11, 2009

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS TRAILS

MEDIA RELEASE NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Plan on Participating in Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week

MEDIA RELEASE - OCTOBER 29, 2009

IMPROVED TRAILS FOR SASKATCHEWAN SNOWMOBILERS

MEDIA RELEASE - AUGUST 12, 2009

Snowmobile Economic Indicators Are Positive

MEDIA RELEASE - JULY 30, 2009

Canada’s Economic Action Plan Funds Over 500 Recreational Trail Projects

Chris Day Michelle Yao Press Secretary Press Secretary Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport Office of Minister of State Gary Lunn and Infrastructure Tel: 819.934.1131 613-991-0700 michelle.yao@pch.gc.ca

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148 Tel: 1-902-429-8810 Fax: 1-902-429-0287 tnorman@ntc-canada.ca www.ntc-canada.ca

MEDIA RELEASE - JUNE 12, 2009

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148 Tel: 1-902-429-8810 Fax: 1-902-429-0287 tnorman@ntc-canada.ca www.ntc-canada.ca

Great Northern Snowmobile Ride 2009 73 Riders from Ontario

The Great Northern Ride first started in 2001, with 13 Rotarian snowmobilers, who wanted to raise money for children that needed some help.

Bob Caissie has chaired the event since the beginning and the ride has covered all of Ontario, most of Quebec, and some of New Brunswick.

This will be our 9th year, and 73 men will leave for Cold Lake, Alberta, and ride all of Northern Saskatchewan ending in Duck Mountain, Manitoba.

To date, we have raised over $650,000 and our goal this year, is to raise another $150,000.

None of the riders have ever been through Saskatchewan on snowmobiles before, and are looking forward to our biggest ride ever.

To date, everyone from Saskatchewan have been a tremendous help.

Looking forward to making many new, western friends from Saturday, Feb. 21st – 28th.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Prairie Women on Snowmobiles are being inducted into the

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame

EVENT

LOCATION

Chris Day Michelle Yao
Press Secretary Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport Office of Minister of State Gary Lunn
and Infrastructure Tel: 819.934.1131
613-991-0700 michelle.yao@pch.gc.ca

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

Terry Norman Infrastructure Canada
National Trails Coalition 613-948-1148
Tel: 1-902-429-8810
Fax: 1-902-429-0287
tnorman@ntc-canada.ca
www.ntc-canada.ca

Great Northern Snowmobile Ride 2009
73 Riders from Ontario