Behind the Trails: What It Takes to Run a Snowmobile Club
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
A recent segment from WAGM-TV in Presque Isle highlights the work that goes on behind the scenes at local snowmobile clubs. The Sledding the County feature takes viewers inside the operations of the Benedicta Snow Gang and shows just how much effort volunteers put into maintaining trails for riders each winter.
This story is a great reminder that the trail systems snowmobilers enjoy across Maine exist thanks to the dedication of club members and volunteers.
Watch this episode of Sledding the County:
Snowmobile Club Trail Volunteers Make it all Possible
If you’re a member of a snowmobile club or have helped clear or groom trails, tell us which club you ride with and what keeps you involved.
Snowmobilers often think about the miles of groomed trails waiting for them on a winter weekend ride. But behind every smooth stretch of trail is a group of dedicated volunteers working long hours to keep the system running.
The Work Behind the Ride
At the heart of every snowmobile club are volunteers who invest countless hours preparing and maintaining trails. For clubs like the Benedicta Snow Gang, that work often continues long after most riders have gone home.
Trail Master Patrick Joyce says grooming can involve extremely long days—especially when balancing club responsibilities with a full-time job.
Some grooming sessions can stretch 9 to 10 hours overnight, and the first grooming pass of the season can take even longer as crews work slowly to build a proper trail base.
Preparing Trails Before Grooming
Before a groomer ever hits the trail, volunteers must prepare the route manually. This includes:
Clearing fallen trees
Removing debris and branches
Checking bridges and trail conditions
Making safe routes through the woods
Without that preparation, a grooming machine would struggle to even make it down the trail.
The Cost of Keeping Trails Open
Operating a snowmobile club also involves significant expenses. Fuel alone can cost thousands of dollars each season, and maintenance for grooming equipment adds even more.
For some clubs, annual operating costs may include:
Fuel: around $6,000 per year
Replacement parts and maintenance: $4,000–$5,000 per year
Membership dues, donations, and volunteers help keep these operations running.
Supporting Local Winter Economies
Snowmobile clubs don’t just benefit riders—they also support local communities.
Without the trail system maintained by volunteers, winter tourism in many rural areas would slow dramatically. Restaurants, gas stations, lodging businesses, and small-town shops often rely on snowmobilers during the winter months.
Why Volunteers Keep Doing It
Despite the late nights, hard work, and expenses, many volunteers say the reward comes from seeing others enjoy the trails.
Watching families ride together and knowing their efforts helped make that experience possible gives club members a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.
At the end of the day, Maine’s snowmobile trail system exists because of volunteers willing to give their time so others can enjoy the ride.