05/27/2026
Now that the dust has settled, ok maybe the mud has dried, and the sleds have been washed and most have been put away….
That was a hell of a Sledfest 2026! While the Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Association was excited to play a small part, it was exciting to see so many sledders come to Cooke City for another winter/spring event for such a great cause! We thank the promoters and supporters and most of all we thank the community for the patience that they showed throughout the event. We all know that some festivities went further than they should have and some of you should write thank you’s and I’m sorry cards….
I’m throwing out the request…hell, I’m throwing out the challenge to those ambassadors, team riders, manufacturer reps, and just the everyday sledders that came to watch or to grab air miles on your sled with the pro’s. Let’s not leave out those winter event promoters they are also a large part of this community. I’m asking that YOU 🫵🏼 get involved in your state snowmobile association’s and local snowmobile clubs. I’m talking, at a minimum while you are doing your influencing vids, and your promo parts vids, that you mention your state snowmobile association and/or your local club on occasion. Your popularity can help these organizations grow. Your presence at a meeting or event can help them grow. These associations/clubs help you now and helped when you first started on a sled. They are still helping the future riders.
Honestly, you should join your state association and help promote what they do to help keep the sport alive and thriving. Snowmobilers, as a whole, are a very small group of outdoor enthusiasts and as economic prices increase the group will get smaller. We need to support each other throughout the industry. A $30-$40 dollar a year membership fee really is a small price to pay for what they do for you. Snowmobile associations and local groups are your boots on the ground for fighting for access. Sure, locally, we groom trails so that you can safely access your steep and deep areas. I know that doesn’t always help you in May spring conditions but it does throughout the year….Do you know where the money comes from for a club to run a snowcat/groomer? Your local clubs raise money for and install beacon check stations and promote avalanche awareness and classes We also work with Forest Service with contracts, access, and so many other projects. You know the USFS that DIDN’T write tickets during SledFest (when they could have….) We work with locals, we cut firewood, we fix trails, and we talk to the suits that define what we get to do in our states. We go to National and International snowmobile events to learn, meet the lawmakers, and meet the government suits. We write letters to or meet with commissioners, governors, and senators. We meet with other outdoor organizations and even environmentalists. We also pay for Economic Impact Studies that show those suits what sledders and outdoor enthusiast bring to the table. Did you know that not only is there state associations, but also national snowmobile associations and international associations? Did you know that there is even an International Snowmobile Manufacturer Association? All these entities fight for you…..
This is a short social media post but we can go into more of course. Just ask, just get involved. It sure seems like the majority buy a new sled, hopefully buy a trail pass, fill it full of fuel, load it up and then forget about the associations and clubs that help make it all possible. We just ask that you make an effort to keep this sport alive, be responsible enough to know that you are ambassadors, know that people see what you do everyday and at events, know that people do look up to you and value your opinion…..so show them that you are a supporter of your state and local snowmobile organization……
Pic Credit —> Jesse with an E
