Pearl Learns About Snowmobiles

Recently, Pearl was taking a winter stroll through the watershed on a sunny afternoon and noticed long and large tracks in the sn0w. At first, Pearl thought it was some sort of animal in the snow but on closer inspection, she saw that it was made by a human machine. Pearl then learned that these were snowmobile tracks. Having never ridden a snowmobile, Pearl got to work learning all she could about them!

Snowmobiling is a fun and popular winter activity that we see across the watershed. Much like people ride All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) in the spring, summer, and fall, people ride snowmobiles in the winter. Living in rural areas such as Franklin and Orleans Counties, it provides a quick and easy way to get around during the winter. Snowmobiling also offers an activity and fosters a sense of community when there is not much else to do

If you are looking to go snowmobiling, there are a few steps to follow. Pearl has complied them below.

The first step to is to pick your vehicle. Snowmobiles are specialized by terrain and use, categorized into several main types; Trail for groomed paths, Mountain to go with deep, steep powder, Crossover snowmobiles with those mixed on/off-trail paths, Utility/Wide track are best for work and hauling, and Touring goes along with long-distance comfort rides. Popular brands include Ski-Doo , Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Yamaha. Choosing the right type and brand of snowmobile depends on whether you prioritize speed, agility, or cargo capacity.

Something to consider is the lifespan of your snowmobile, They can last 5,000 to over 20,000 miles. Four stroke engines averaging outlasting 10,000- over 20,000 miles and two strike engines averaging 5,000- 10,000 miles. However, longevity depends largely on diligent maintenance, riding style, and usage, with proper care extending life significantly. Typically, there is a a lifespan of five to ten years, although, a well-maintained unit can last well over 15 years years.

Now that you selected your snowmobile or gotten your ol' reliable machine out of its resting spot, the next step is to plan your trip and pick your route. Snowmobiling can be done on private or public lands. Vermont is a popular destination for snowmobilers. This is largely due to the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Founded over fifty years ago, VAST is a non-profit origination responsible for organizing the sport of snowmobiling and maintaining and grooming over 5,000 miles of trails in the state. Visit their website to learn more and see their trail map, several of which are included in the Missisquoi Watershed. On their website you can also learn about snowmobile laws and regulations in the state and how to stay safe.

The last thing to consider is the environmental impacts of snowmobiling. As discussed in this blog post, there are many pros to snowmobiling, but, with pros also come cons. Many of those cons are the negative environmental impacts the activity poses. These impacts are primarily felt through air pollution, soil compaction, and disturbance to wildlife. They emit large quantities of hydrocarbons, often comparable to cars over long periods and produce toxic compounds. Additionally, the machines compact snow, which can damage vegetation and alter soil, leading to future erosion. Lastly, the loud noise disturbs nearby wildlife. To offset these environmental impacts, participants can use electric or four stroke engine, low carbon emission models, stay on designated trails to prevent habitat disruption and erosion, and use biodegradable lubricants. These simple swaps and practices can go a long way!

Pearl hopes you can enjoy snowmobiling in a safe and responsible manor this winter!