New snowmobile trail pass funds grooming

It’s a daunting task local snowmobile clubs are up against each winter. There are 4,000 miles of groomed trail across the state and it’s their efforts that keep them in prime condition for public enjoyment.

It can be a constant struggle, however, with aging equipment and limited funding to make needed upgrades.

The state Legislature took a step in aiding these efforts when it passed a law earlier this year requiring Montana residents to purchase an $18 trail pass to operate a snowmobile, motorized snow bike or fat-tire pedal bicycle on trails groomed with state funding.

Revenue from pass sales will go to the Montana State Parks Snowmobile Program and be used for trail grooming and purchasing and maintaining grooming equipment.

Montana State Parks Snowmobile Program Manager Seth McArthur said the funds from the new trail pass will help to ensure that Montana’s network of trails will continue to be groomed.

“With the cost of trail grooming and equipment maintenance rising every year, it’s become harder to effectively sustain the snowmobile program,” McArthur said.

According to McArthur, there are currently 22 groomers across the state in differing states of disrepair.

“We can’t replace them fast enough,” he said. “They’re always broke down — it’s just the type of equipment they are, and parts are very expensive. We have a difficult time trying to replace things so our equipment isn’t garbage.”

A new groomer costs more the $200,000 — a price tag that’s simply out of reach with current funding.

But McArthur is optimistic that the new trail pass will provided a jolt of funding that is noticeable to the folks who are out on the trails.

“We’re hopeful this does benefit the program and that it does improve the trails,” he said. “I know for sure it will help in equipment purchases.”

The income generated through the pass sales will be dispersed to the 26 snowmobile clubs throughout the state.

McArthur says it’s too early to tell just how many passes will be sold. There are 56,000 registered snowmobiles in the state, but it’s unknown how many are active.

“Whether it’s 20,000 or 15,000, we just don’t know,” McArthur said.

Those caught riding snowmobiles or fat-tire bikes on state-groomed trails without the permit face a fine between $25 and $100.

McArthur notes that the state is making a concerted effort to educate riders about the pass with signs at major trailheads and through the media.

“It’s an education process and we’re still at the beginning,” he said. “There are still a lot of people who don’t know about it.”

The pass is good for three seasons, running from July 1 through June 30.

Rental equipment is exempt and nonresidents are not required to purchase the pass but must still purchase a $25 temporary use permit to ride in Montana.

For each pass sold, $1 is used for enforcement, $2 stays with the vendor and the remaining $15 supports the state’s grooming program.

In Kalispell, the permits can be bought at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional office, Jesco Marine and Power Sports, Penco Power Products, Snappy Sport Senter, Kelly Rae’s, Leland’s Honda Suzuki, Fastoys and Sportsman & Ski Haus.

To purchase a permit online, visit app.mt.gov/als.