Category Archives: Contributed

Snowmobiles Tempt Thieves — Here Are 3 Ways to Prevent Snowmobile Theft

With winter approaching, many outdoors enthusiasts are looking forward to hitting the trail on their snowmobiles. Although winter sports and recreation is all about having fun and enjoying the season, there are those who are tempted to commit a crime that can put a real damper on this time of year: snowmobile thieves.

Nearly 12 million people are processed through jails across the country in a given year. However, many thieves who target snowmobiles are never caught or charged. In one recent incident in Rochester Hills, Michigan, a woman reported her stolen snowmobile to police and provided them with the address of the thief. The snowmobile was found in the man’s garage, and was released pending further investigation.

Some criminals will steal a snowmobile for their own pleasure or to sell. Other times, thieves will try to steal valuable snowmobile parts. In a recent burglary and theft case, two employees stole copper sheeting and snowmobile parts from an employer in an attempt to sell the materials for scrap. Luckily, in this case, the criminals were apprehended and charged, and the snowmobile parts were returned to their owner.

But some snowmobile owners are not as fortunate when they experience a theft. Because snowmobiles can be easier to steal than automobiles and are oftentimes more valuable than other wintertime recreational equipment, many owners never get their vehicles back. In order to help prevent snowmobile theft, you should:

• Remove and store the ignition key
  Believe it or not, most keys are stolen out of garages and have the keys still in the ignition. If a thief can’t locate the key, he or she may not even attempt to steal it because of the extra work involved.

 

• Secure your vehicle
  Whether you park in a locked trailer, secured garage, or use cables or chains to attach to a tree, you will want to take steps to make sure no one can simply walk away with your vehicle. Don’t park at the top of a snow bank or leave your snowmobile unattended while you’re out. Even if you think it will be fine in your car park, anchor your snowmobile to something for extra security.

 

• Keep documents safe
  In case of a theft, you’ll want to have legal proof that you own your snowmobile. Do not keep documents in a compartment on the vehicle — or if you need to, make a photocopy. If by chance your vehicle is still stolen after following the above tips, you’ll be able to prove your ownership to police and will come in handy if you have snowmobile insurance.

 

Follow these tips to keep your vehicle safe from thieves this season. You’ll want to enjoy your snowmobile for many winters to come.

U.S. Overtakes France as Top Ski Destination in the World

Internet users conduct over 100 billion global searches each month, and it appears that these days, more winter sports enthusiasts are searching for skiing destinations in the U.S. than any other country.

For years, France has held the title of top winter sports destination in the world, with its pristine Alpine resorts and Pyrenean vistas. The U.S. has always been a close rival, but over the past two years, France has seen the volume of its ski resort attendance take a smooth slide down the slopes, putting the U.S. at the top.

Marie Tissier, the spokesperson for Domaines Skiables de France (DSF), blames the weather for last year’s low attendance, saying, “The start of the season was very complicated because there was very little snow at low and medium altitudes … The larger stations did OK, but the smaller and middle-sized resorts didn’t come out of it so well. The problem was basically the weather, and that’s out of our hands. What we need this year is more snow earlier.”

The U.S. simply had better snow conditions last season. American resorts experienced an increased number of ski days on the west coast.

Additionally, the French Research Centre for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions reported back in 2010 that the cost of skiing holidays has reached levels beyond the means of most French families.

“Apart from the cost of winter holidays, it’s above all the cost of the sports and activities that 40% of French people object to,” said the report. “The general public has shown a desire for less costly activities.”

This possibly explains why less than 10% of French people actually take to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding each year. The country is home to more than 357 resorts, accounting for just less than nine percent of the world’s share, and the majority of skiers at these resorts are visitors from other countries. With the weather conditions becoming less suitable for good ski days, it seems that more skiers across the globe are choosing to hit America’s slopes instead.

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone: Get In Before It’s Too Late

Time is running out for snowmobile enthusiasts looking to hit the trails in Yellowstone National Park — perhaps in more ways than one.

The application window is now open for non-commercially guided snowmobile trips through Yellowstone during the 2016-2017 winter season. All travelers who wish to ride by snowmobile through the park must apply for a permit, which are distributed through a lottery system.

The application deadline is September 30, and lottery recipients will be notified about their permits in mid-October. Any remaining permits will become available on a first-come, first-serve basis in November.

To ride through the park, it’s safety first: all riders must have a valid state-issued driver’s license and complete the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification program. Something as minor as a sprained ankle, which affects some 25,000 Americans every day, can turn into a serious issue out in the park’s vast wilderness without the proper knowledge.

At the same time, snowmobilers might be eager to get a ride in at Yellowstone at all while there’s still snow cover to be found in the park.

Recent research suggests that snowpack levels have been declining in the Yellowstone area over recent years, and will only continue to get worse as global temperatures continue to rise over the coming decades.

Mike Tercek, a Montana-based ecologist and co-author of the study, estimates that the winter recreation season could be shortened by 16% by 2050, and 26% by 2090.

“This isn’t just an isolated incident when you have a bad year,” Tercek told the Idaho Falls-based Post Register recently. “What we consider to be a bad year now is going to be average in the future.”

Less snowpack means fewer usable snowmobile trails, especially around the West Entrance area in Montana. Higher elevation areas may continue to receive adequate snow, Tercek said, but “it’s something we’re going to have to adapt to.”

SLAM Fest Returns to Riverside

Motocross spawned in the U.S. in the 1970s, with simple off-road races. Today, the sport now generates millions of dollars in revenue, taking place in huge stadiums and attracting spectators from all over the world.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, The TransWorld Motocross SLAM Fest, presented by MTA Distributing, will kick off at Milestone Motocross Park in Riverside, California, and extend to the following day. Admission to the event is free, and will feature two races, Hell On Wheels “Run What You Brung,” featuring vintage bikes, as well as the always popular pro Supercross race.

About 40 vendors will attend the event, both selling their products and allowing attendees to test them out. Open track practice will be available on two Milestone tracks, and kids’ learn-to-ride classes will also be taking places throughout the weekend.

On Friday, before SLAM Fest actually begins, industry workers will take a break from the office and participate in the TransWorld Motocross Industry Cup. Riders of all skill levels will race on a brand new track that covers the entirety of Milestone Park. There will be three classes for the race: one for professionals, one for intermediate riders, and the “desk jockey” race, meant for beginner riders or even those who have never gotten on a bike before. Each class will be broken up by age group as well.

After the individual races, the Tretta Motoda Cup Team Race will take place in a Grand Prix format, different from the more intense, cutthroat style from years prior — these races are just for fun!

For those who don’t want to miss out on any weekend racing action, set up camp and bring the whole family. For those of age, bring some adult beverages to tailgate with. Plan on two to three drinks per person, just like a cocktail party. Don’t get your fill too early, though. There will be a spectators-only beer garden available on-site, as well as food for sale.