RESOTRRTA PILR TOAFLIELES
The club purchased the BR350 with under 10,000 hours in 2018
and it has become a “wonderful” machine
He added that the club works hard to resolve issues before
they become emergencies and the operators always check on
riders and offer assistance when needed. They have towed
several sleds out and given a few rides back to the snow
parks. “The groomers are slow, but a lot better than a night
in the snow.”
Like many organizations, volunteer participation is a big
concern. Burts said that while they have lots of new riders
and members, only a few people do the work and that group
is aging. “At 61, I am one of the youngest of the eight who
maintains the machines,” he said.
Another issue is land use, which has been a major battle
over the last five years since non-motorized users want to
prohibit the club from its traditional riding areas.
“In 2017, non-motorized users wanted nearly half of our
riding area including all of the best high altitude bowls.
They even wanted one of our two snow parks. Our riders ral-lied
to resist this takeover and a compromise was approved
by the governing agencies. We expect this battle to continue
since the plan is scheduled for biannual reviews.”
Despite the work and responsibilities, Burts says that the
club remains a lot of fun. There are plenty of rides, an an-nual
Christmas party and this year they will be hosting the
Winter Recreation Snowmobile Advisory Committee meet-ing
with a guided tour of the trail system and a barbeque on
the mountain. Club members also attend the Washington
State Snowmobile Association meeting in the nearby city
of Chelan.
Membership is $15 a year per family and all events are
family friendly. Membership can be paid through the club’s
website at www.applecountrysnowmobileclub.com. Burts
says the club recently started an ambassador program that
pairs an experienced rider with people who are unfamiliar
with the trail system.
“We will continue to lobby support for snowmobile activi-ties
with our state, city and county legislators to maintain
and expand riding opportunities,” said Burts. “And, above all,
we will continue to have fun on the mountain.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF APPLE COUNTRY SNOWMOBILE CLUB
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