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More Women Getting into Snowmobiling

January 10, 2011 - AUGUSTA - Maine's high quality trail system has attracted a growing number of women snowmobilers. When snowmobiling first got going in the 1970s, it took place in fields and backyards. Today, there are more than 14,500 miles of groomed trails in Maine.

The growing number of clubs also welcome women.

"I think participating in the club as a family is popular and that brings women out on the trails, because they want an activity they can do with their children and spouses," said Emily Jones, coordinator of the Becoming an Outdoor Woman in Maine program sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "When we have had our snowmobile clinics as part of the BOW program, we have always had a lot of interest from women. The course was offered in the Bangor area and it went well. We had a hands-on component to the course so participants actually got to ride."

In the past, participants practiced on a course that gave them the chance to take skills learned in the classroom out in the field. Unfortunately, last season's snowmobile clinic had to be canceled because of lack of snow. However, Jones said there could be a snowmobile clinic this season, if the weather cooperates and Maine has adequate snowfall for riding.

In addition to joining clubs, women are becoming active in those groups, according to Bob Meyers, the executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association.

"There are a lot of women involved in it. We see it in the leadership of the clubs. Many women are president of the clubs and we've had several women presidents of the MSA," said Meyers. "They are not just tagging along with their husbands. They are out there riding and are doing things."

Anyone out riding does see more women on the trails, and not just on the back of a sled. This has caught the attention of snowmobile manufacturers, who are marketing to women.

"Manufacturers are offering more light colors and different graphics on the snowmobiles, with designs that appeal to women," said Ed Klim, the president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. "When I went to the Snow Shoot a few years ago, I noticed that all the manufacturers produced a white snowmobile, because women like white and some manufacturers can even do a pink paint. They are discreetly aiming at women. They are also making sleds lighter, which makes them easier to handle."

Snowmobile clothing has also changed drastically in the past 10 years or so.

Today, all snowmobile dealers offer women's clothing and boots, as well as helmets designed for women. Gone are the days when women could only find equipment and clothing made for men with masculine lines and motifs.

"When you see an ad for a snowmobile, you will see the ads have more and more women driving the sleds. This is a good thing," said Klim.

Guides and outfitters are also offering women-only snowmobiling trips.

One of the best ways to connect with other female snowmobilers is by joining a local club, where women can make new friends who share their love of snowmobiling.


By CATHY GENTHNER riverbluffcamps@maine.rr.com
Portland Press Herald, January 9, 2011



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