Snowmobilers rev their engines

PITTSBURG – Paul Bergeron took his snowmobile out for a spin around his property at the top of New Hampshire over the weekend, a time of year he hasn't seen from a sled in quite some time.

"It's been a very long time since I've been out on a snowmobile this early," said Bergeron, president of the Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club, the state's largest.

With up to a foot of snow reported in some parts of northern New Hampshire, snowmobilers' enthusiasm is revving up, although officials urge riders to do some research on where trails are open for riding.

The Bureau of Trails reported yesterday that snowmobile trails typically don't open for riding until Dec. 15, the date when money is released to the more than 100 snowmobile clubs to begin their season of grooming operations.

But, said Gail Hanson, executive director of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, while there are some places that will have riding, snowmobilers may find that the trails won't be groomed and some won't be open.

"Some of the railroad beds aren't open," she said. "Some gates may be closed, so riders need to respect the landowner until those gates, such as on timber company property where there are logging operations in progress, are opened.

With yesterday's heavy snowfall in some parts of the state, the trails bureau reports, club volunteers are "working diligently on the 7,000 miles of trails throughout the state to get them open as soon as possible. At this point, clubs are putting up signs and packing down the snow, tasks that could take between one to three weeks in some areas.

Also, since much of the trail network depends on the generosity of landowners, officials urge snowmobilers not to ride in places that are not posted open, or have written permission from the landowner

"Though there are some early riding opportunities, riders are advised to check with the local clubs to get information on whether the trails are open or closed before riding, according to the Bureau of Trails. "Riders should also expect early season trail conditions."

Bergeron advised snowmobilers to be respectful of landowners. "We would just ask them to be patient and to work with us."

Mid-afternoon yesterday, the Twin Mountain Snowmobile Club Web site reported 6 inches of snow, with heavy winds.

"You can ride at your own risk, some gates will be closed and with the high winds there may be trees down, the club's posting read just before 2:30 p.m.

Hanson and Bergeron both reported brisk business from snowmobilers getting their sleds registered over the past few days.

The early season snows has not yet translated into a spike in sales of equipment, said Wayne Garneau of Garneau's Garage in Twin Mountain. "It's steady, not overwhelming

With less than generous snows over the past couple of winters, people have been cautious and have kept an eye on forecasts and trend, according to Garneau.

"This is a more normal weather pattern." he said. "If it continues, the ground is good and frozen, so its a good start."