If you’ve never been on a snowmobile before or have just hit the trails a few times, renting a sled may be the way to go before you spend thousands of dollars on a sled, equipment, clothing, insurance and a trailer if you plan to take your sleds to different parts of the state.

Renting can cost around $200 a day per person, depending on where you rent and the time of the week. It can also give you the opportunity to try out different models if you are seriously considering buying a snowmobile.

Most outfitters include a helmet, clothing and even a free lesson on how to operate the sled along with the rental fee.

“If people want to try snowmobiling, rentals are the best. You don’t have to invest thousands of dollars,” said Bob Meyers, the executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association. “You can try before you buy. If you go riding only a few times a year, renting can be very cost effective and you still get to go out on one of the best trail systems in the entire northeast. Renting is the way to go for many people.”

Renting also saves on the cost of maintaining a snowmobile and storing it for the summer and getting it tuned up for the season in the fall. However, once you fall in love with the sport, you may soon find that the benefits of ownership far outweigh those of renting.

SO WHERE is the snow?

That is the question being asked by snowmobilers, skiers, snowshoers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts. We had one of the warmest Novembers on record, and January has had days in the 40s. However, it is still very early in the season and snow often lasts into April in some parts of the state, including the St. John Valley. Snow has arrived late during other seasons, and there is still plenty of time left for some big Nor’ easters to blanket the state with several feet of rideable snow.

“I was talking with folks at Chin Pond last season and they groomed for the first time on Dec. 30, 2010, and then it rained on Dec. 31, washing away all the snow. Then, a big storm hit around Jan. 15, 2011, and they had great riding from then on,” said Meyers.

“There is hope. I was talking to a meteorologist the other day and he assured me that the storms will be delivering the snow. The cold air from Canada has to come down in order for us to get some substantial snowfall here in Maine. It has just been so warm this season. The snow will come. It is difficult to wait, but that is why patience is a virtue.”

Snowmobile club volunteers are champing at the bit to get out and start grooming. Remember, it is never too early to register your sled so that when the snow does fly, you don’t have to waste time standing in line at the town office. Plus, part of your registration fee goes toward helping to fund the maintenance and grooming of trails in the state.

Cathy Genthner is the owner of River Bluff Camps, located off of ITS-83 and is licensed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to guide snowmobile trips.

 

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