Winter Fun in our Public Lands

by Zachary Key | December 1, 2011

We at Intrepid are always talking about the use of public lands and why they are so important to us and future generations. So I figured lets change topics up a little bit, leave hunting behind and hit a topic that maybe new to some and well-loved by others: Snow machining. Snow machining is a wonderful sport that I encourage everyone to try once in their life time because it is an absolute blast.

Here's an interesting fact that most don't know. According to the International Snowmobile Manufactures Association, Snowmobilers in Canada and the United States spend over $28 billion on snowmobiling each year. This includes expenditures on equipment, clothing, accessories, snowmobiling vacations (lodging, fuel, and food), maintenance, etc. Often, this is the only source of income for some smaller towns that rely solely on tourism during the summer and winter months.

So not only is this a great sport for friends and family, but we are talking about jobs for everyone associated with this industry on so many levels. Just think of the thousands of jobs this provides nationwide. Cool to think about isn't it?

I wanted to share some pictures of a trip I do every year with my family and friends I grew up with. We always hold this trip the last weekend of February and we rent a National Forest Service cabin to lodge in called Kelly's Ranger Station. All you have to do is swing down to your local Forest Service office and they will rent this cabin to anyone at a low rate of $35 per night. It's a great experience for anyone looking to disconnect from their blackberry and reconnect with nature, loved ones, and themselves for a day or two.

These pictures are from our 2011 trip. We had an amazing three feet of fresh snow. All I can say is go out there and utilize your public lands! Snow machining and other recreational opportunities are abundant. You'll have fun, make some memories and help provide good jobs for someone across the nation you've never even met before.