In the Snow

SNOWsat ToDo

Tasks that become apparent to the ski patrol or the slope manager during the day are noted, scheduled and entered as a job using SNOWsat ToDo. Nothing is forgotten, everything is completed promptly and everyone in the team knows about it.

There is always something to do 

A storm has knocked down some fences. The crest of the slope below the summit is very icy. And while traveling on the chairlift, the slope manager noticed a skier bypassing a sign at the edge of the slope. No problem, the manager pulls out their smartphone and adds this task, just like all the other little jobs that need to be resolved in the course of the day. If applicable, they can also note who and when, and mark the location – for example: a ski instructor just informed the snow manager that the protective mat at snow gun number 76 that has slipped out of place.

Nothing forgotten

The tasks transfer automatically from the server to the vehicle the next time the PistenBully is started or the next time it enters the WiFi zone. Drivers can now complete tasks promptly. No more scraps of paper, no “there was something else…,” all tasks are visible in every vehicle – including the current status. This is especially helpful for two-shift operations. There is no need for a time-consuming handover. The second driver immediately knows the tasks that have been assigned to the PistenBully and whether they have been completed already or are still outstanding. As soon as the icy patch below the summit has been recovered with fresh snow, the task gets ticked off. The snow manager sees in the office that this danger has been averted.

All around communication 

SNOWsat ToDo is a simple tool with a big impact for everyone. Everyone knows. Everyone is on the same page. Every driver knows the specific tasks that relate to them thanks to a personalised login. 

Standard tasks are added in typical weather conditions. Of course, everyone knows what needs to be done after heavy snowfall, but now the jobs are displayed for everyone and nothing is left out – especially when things are chaotic. 

SNOWsat ToDo simplifies and improves communication in the ski resort. Better understanding leads to better planning, which plays a major role in creating greater efficiency and perfect slopes.

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame announces Class of 2018 

Photos courtesy of ISHOF

The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is honored to officially announce the inductees to the ISHOF as part of the Class of 2018 and Special Award Recipients. For nearly 30 years, this prestigious Hall of Fame honor has been bestowed upon the incoming class of annual recipients in recognition for their achievements for the sport of Snowmobiling. 

ISHOF Class of 2018 Inductees 

Dave Guenther – Volunteer from Breezy Point, Minnesota 

Guenther’s fascination with snowmobiles started way back in 1963, when he was in first grade. In 1970, his family bought their first snowmobile. After wearing out four motors on that sled, Guenther bought his first snowmobile while still in high school.

Growing up in Minnesota – at the time the hotbed of snowmobile manufacturing – allowed him to associate with many icons of the new sport, establish lasting friendships with them and become very knowledgeable about the new sport that was sweeping the country. 

Guenther was instrumental in the formation of the Antique Snowmobile Club of America (ASCOA) and has served every office in the club, including nine years as president and 20 years as editor of the newsletter. He has been a safety instructor for 20-plus years and was the 2010 Instructor of the Year for the Minnesota DNR. 

With a never-ending passion for snowmobiling, he has created, organized and managed numerous snowmobile shows throughout the state and has been honored with numerous awards for his snowmobile and civic achievements.

Curt Kennedy – Volunteer from Salt Lake City, Utah 

Kennedy’s exposure to snowmobiling started in 1986. By 1992, he was heavily involved with the Utah Snowmobile Association (USA) and has become the backbone of that organization.

He is known as the expert on public land use issues and economic analysis of the importance of snowmobiling to rural communities in Utah. He lists his most favorable experiences as director of public lands for USA and has 15 years of dedicated and unassuming service to that organization. He has demonstrated the “voice of reason” when working to resolve sensitive land use issues many times. 

Among his many achievements are service to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) as treasurer for five years, assisted in founding the Avalanche Center, writing 15 different ISMA grants totaling $67,000 – to be used for medial support of snowmobiling in Utah, directing the 2005 ISC and orchestrating a State Economic Impact Study.

Kennedy received the Snowmobiler of the Year award from USA in 2003-04 for his untiring efforts to promote and grow snowmobiling in the state of Utah. While he is stepping away from all these snowmobile activities and organizations to enjoy some retirement, Kennedy is now being fittingly rewarded for a lifetime of service to the sport. 

Stan Slack – Volunteer from Nova Scotia, Canada 

Known there as the “Gentleman of Snowmobiling,” Slack has been an integral part of the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) for almost 40 years. He has served nine of those years as president and was a major factor in growing SANS from six clubs with 300 members to 21 clubs with over 2,400 family members.

He has created or chaired numerous programs and projects whose success can be attributed to Slack’s initiative and guidance. These successes include trail development, youth programs and promotions, trail signing, charity events, club development and trail grooming projects. 

Slack has given freely and without hesitation his time and talents to represent snowmobilers on the local, provincial and international levels. His vision built SANS, and he continues to provide the leadership and dynamic vision that leads the organization. Among these many accomplishments are: founding member of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation, initiated the SANS User Pay Trail Permit System – instrumental in helping set up the Off-Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund – and created the Geomapix GPS Trail Map. 

In 2012, Slack received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and in 2014 was presented the Nova Scotia Trails White Hills Summit Award for his outstanding contribution to trail development in the province.

Bobby Unser – Inventor from Albuquerque, New Mexico 

As a three-time winner of the famed Indianapolis 500 auto race, Unser is primarily known for his achievements in auto racing. However, in the snowmobile industry, he is known as the original inventor of the independent front suspension (IFS) now used by all manufacturers.

First introduced in 1972 on a Chaparral, Unser wanted no money for his work, only full control of the design and development process. It was a unique design for snowmobiles. Not a spin-off from automobiles, it allowed for low motor placement and room for tuned exhaust pipes. When Chaparral when out of business, Polaris immediately took on the concept. Their 1977 RXL race sleds were a dominate force on the track due to their new IFS suspensions. 

Also to his credit came the PAC ski shock absorbers, development of the plastic skis and other innovations to make the snowmobiles a better product.

Special Award Recipients 

International Snowmobile Club of the Year 2018: Cumberland Snowmobile Club from Collingwood Corner, Nova Scotia, Canada 

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Cumberland Snowmobile Club of Collingwood Corner, N.S., continues to grow and prosper. The club maintains and grooms over 400 km (249 miles) of trails with three groomers, all operated by volunteers. They built five warming shelters along the trail. Their annual operating budget exceeds $250,000. Each November to start the season the club holds a Dream Ride Lottery and Auction. Last year it raised over $20,000. They also work with the area ATV clubs to coordinate trails. 

International Dealer of the Year sponsored by Snow Goer: Pioneer Motorsport Inc. from Chaffee, New York 

Ken Armstrong founded Pioneer Motorsport Inc. in 1964, and together with his family have built the business into a thriving, state-of-the-art dealership for Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha brands, among others. A key ingredient to this success has been their hands-on involvement with local clubs. They host area club meetings, provide space for fundraisers, promote club membership, have youth rider development programs and do demo rides. Working with local and area clubs has been a priority for the Armstrong family since the start. A representative of the dealership can be seen at numerous ride-ins, shows, federation events and functions. Ken just turned 80, but his son, Larry, and family continue the traditions he inspired. 

International Groomer of the Year: Tim Haberberger from Alpine, Wyoming 

With 20 years of experience, Tim Haberberger of Alpine, Wyo., has mastered the art of grooming the challenging varied terrain of Western Wyoming’s trail systems. Conditions that range from wind swept flats to steep mountainous grades, Haberberger and his three Tucker Sno-Cats are up for the challenge.

His grooming totals over 2,800 miles a year based out of his family owned and operated Box Y Lodge that is so remote, supplies can only be brought in by snowmobile or Sno-Cat during the winter months. Haberberger has developed several grooming manuals for others to learn from. Even with all his knowledge and experience, Haberberger still attends grooming seminars.

Rated as one of the best all-time groomer operators, he is a master groomer that never quits learning and improving. 

Edgar Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit: Bill Schumann from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin 

Few people, if any, can provide as long a list of accomplishments, offices held, programs founded, clubs developed, challenges conquered and awards received than Bill Schumann of Manitowish Waters, Wis. His snowmobile journey started in Illinois where he helped to unite 90 snowmobile clubs into the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs (IASC) which he served five terms as president. His many programs there included receiving $67,000 in grant monies for their trail system, a state trail map, assistance for club operation and maintenance costs of groomers and chairing the 1993 ISC in Illinois. 

In 1992, Schumann was inducted into the Iron Dog Brigade and has served several officer capacities with that organization. In 1997, he was honored by induction into the IASC Hall of Fame. Schumann’s penchant for preserving the old sleds of the sport was evident when he became a charter member of the ASCOA and served as its president in 1993. He coordinated the club’s re-enactment of the first Eagle River Derby race. His honors continued in 1995 when he was honored as the United States Snowmobiler of the Year, the ASCOA Distinguished Service Award and the Harry Knoll Award for outstanding service. 

Schumann moved to Manitowish Waters in northern Wisconsin in 1998, and quickly continued his involvement in organized snowmobiling becoming treasurer of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and then its president from 2008 to 2010. In 2016, his Manitowish Waters Snowmobile Club dedicated a major bridge crossing as the “Bill Schumann Bridge” with a plaque in his honor for all of his dedication to the sport of snowmobiling. He is a charter director of the ISHOF and has served as its president until a recent retirement. 

The Class of 2018 and Special Award Recipients were honored with a Special Banquet and Induction Ceremony held in their honor in Eagle River, Wis., held from Sept. 21 to 22. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and Special Award Recipients!