8151-R5_MSA_SnowmobileMaine

Services for Snowmobilers There are Maine businesses, Chambers of Commerce and tourism organizations throughout the state who will gladly assist with trip planning and local trail information. Snowmobiling has a significant economic impact for many communities in the state, and lodging facilities, restaurants and other local businesses look forward to the arrival of snowmobilers in their area. The advertisements in this guide and listings and links on the MSAweb site, www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com , contain information about a number of these welcoming businesses. Depending on where you choose to ride, lodging choices may include resorts (lodging, dining, sled rentals and guide service available in one location), modern motels, inns, B&B’s and sporting camps. Some groups prefer to rent cabins where they can prepare meals and enjoy one another’s company in a private setting. Couples may prefer private cottages or suites. Families with youngsters may enjoy a motel with a swimming pool and on-site dining. You’ll find restaurants from home-style cooking to fast food, upscale dining to grab and go. If you have the opportunity, stop by a snowmobile club public supper (or breakfast or lunch...). There’s always lots of good home made food at a can’t be beat price. If you’re planning to rent sleds, reserve the machines in advance. Expect a minimum age for operators, and a damage deposit requirement. The rental agent should go over operation and safety guidelines before you head out. First time riders may consider hiring a recreational guide to lead a knowledgeable tour of the area trails. Remember that in some areas of the state, particularly the north woods, there will be a distance between any stops for gas and food, so plan ahead. The Maine Snowmobile Association The volunteers of the 280 +/- affiliated clubs of the Maine Snowmobile Association accept responsibility for maintaining much of Maine’s snowmobile trail system. Members work with landowners, cut, brush, sign and groom trails, build bridges, purchase, maintain and operate grooming equipment, produce local trail maps, maintain the records and paperwork required for trail and equipment grants, host fundraisers and recruit new members. Some MSAclubs are involved with charitable fundraising events and sponsor safety courses and voluntary trail checks during the season. Early leaders of the MSA successfully pushed legislation to establish a state snowmobile registration system to assist clubs with trail expenses. Several years ago the MSA successfully lobbied to credit the trail fund with a small portion of the state gasoline tax attributable to snowmobiling. The trail system is supported in part through a state grant program funded by these user pay sources, but clubs must raise funds to cover expenses not reimbursed by their grant. Club fundraising events may include public suppers, dances, winter festivals, swap meets and racing events. Attendance at any club hosted fundraiser is a great way to have fun, meet other snowmobilers and support the club’s efforts.

Snowmobiling Hand Signals Please learn these standardized signals and use them when riding. STOP

Arm raised from the shoulder and extended straight up over the head with palm of hand flat.

RIGHT TURN

Left arm raised at shoulder heigt, elbow bent and forearm vertical with palm of hand flat.

SLEDS FOLLOWING

Arm raised, elbow bent, with thumb pointing backward, in hitch-hiking motion move arm forward to backward over your shoulder.

LAST SLED IN LINE Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical with fist clenched.

LEFT TURN

Left arm extended straight out from shoulder an pointing in the direction of the turn.

SLOWING

ONCOMING SLEDS Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move arm from left to right over head, pointing to right side of trail. Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion of hand to signal warning or caution.

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SNOWMOBILE MAINE 2022-2023