Snowmobile Clubs and Associations Play a Vital Role

HASLETT, MI--(Marketwire - January 26, 2009) - Snowmobiling clubs and associations connect snowmobilers with others who enjoy the lifestyle, but they play a larger role for this favorite winter recreation activity. These 3,000 clubs in North America are more than just a way for snowmobilers to share their passion. Clubs and associations are responsible for the often overlooked, but vital, duties that make snowmobiling safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Without snowmobile clubs and associations, the 230,000 marked and groomed snowmobile trails would likely not exist. Clubs and associations are responsible for many of the new trails built and maintaining the existing trails. They're also the ones who put up all the trail signs, including stop signs and directional arrows to help keep snowmobiling safe.

State and provincial associations keep snowmobiling organized. By building membership, clubs and associations can speak on behalf of their group and influence local lawmakers to fund bills that affect snowmobilers.

Many snowmobile clubs and associations are currently getting ready to participate in Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week, held February 14-22, 2009. This elongated week celebrates friends and family snowmobiling for nine days, including two weekends. The snowmobile week was developed to encourage snowmobilers to take their non-snowmobiling friends out snowmobiling. As a special incentive, the manufacturers will give away a new snowmobile to a lucky individual who registers on www.snowmobile.org and participates in the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week event. If a club organizes an event, participating club members, guests and the club are all able to register to win.

Club membership dues vary from club to club, but usually cost no more than $30. To search for clubs and associations in your state or provincial area, visit www.gosnowmobiling.org/funpeople.html. If you'd like to get started in snowmobiling, your state or provincial association can help too.

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is an organization representing the four manufacturers of snowmobiles. ISMA's main function is to provide and encourage policies, programs and activities to improve the lifestyle activity of snowmobiling throughout the world. It maintains strong partnerships with the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO/CCOM) and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). For more information about ISMA, visit www.snowmobile.org. International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, 1640 Haslett Road, Suite 170, Haslett, MI 48840.

Contact Information: Contact: Rachael Biermann Agency: All Seasons Communications Phone: (586) 752-6381