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MASSIVE PRIZES FOR 2022 AVALANCHE ALLIANCE SWEEPSTAKES

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Avalanche Alliance has announced a massive sweepstakes including a customized 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty plus many other incredible prizes from FLY Racing, KLIM and Marlon to raise money for avalanche awareness and education initiatives around North America. The Avalanche Alliance is made up of multiple companies and organizations across the motorized community who all collaborate to bring Avalanche Education and Awareness to the forefront of our industry.

Proceeds from these sweepstakes will be awarded to Avalanche Centers in support of motorized-focused programs, Avalanche Alliance Scholarship Programs, and Avalanche Alliance Ambassador Training & Community Education Initiatives.

This is a monumental step for the motorized snowsport community, with brands and riders joining together for the common goal of reducing avalanche fatalities among the community. The need for motorized-specific avalanche safety improvements remains significant, and this partnership of like-minded brands and organizations indicates a noteworthy step towards improvements in training, forecasting and infrastructure for the benefit of riders everywhere.

“Avalanche Centers are a key link in the connection between the snowmobiling community and the goal of reducing the impact of avalanches and avalanche accidents,” said Jeff Hambelton, AIARE Motorized Program Manager and NWAC staff member. “With these sweepstakes, we can support Avalanche Centers’ efforts to build better tools for the motorized community.”

Following the success of three previous Avalanche Alliance / KLIM sled giveaways, massive prizes have been added for 2022. The grand prize is bigger than ever before: a brand new 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty with upgrades from Wheel Pros, ReadyLIFT, ReadyAIR and Morimoto. First prize is a Marlon Xplore Pro II sled deck. Second prize is a KLIM riding gear kit including top-shelf products like their F3 Carbon Helmet, Lochsa One-Piece, Atlas 26 Avy Pack, Edge Goggles and Adrenaline Pro GTX BOA Boots. Third Prize is a Fly Racing Snow Gear Package including the Formula Helmet, Zone Pro Goggles, Incline Jacket and Pants, Heated Title Gloves and Inversion Double BOA Boots.

The Grand Prize 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty is upgraded with Wheel Pros wheels, ReadyLIFT 2.5” Lift & Leveling Kit w/ Falcon Shocks, ReadyAIR Load Leveling Bags, Morimoto Head/Tail Lights & Aux Lights and features the Lariat trim package with Ford’s 6.7 Powerstroke V8 Diesel among a host of other desirable features.

Avalanche Centers, while partially funded in the U.S. by the USFS, rely on strong community support for their efforts to present the most up-to-date and useful information for backcountry travelers. Avalanche Centers fund and manage remote weather stations, employ forecasters to track and interpret field and weather data, and increasingly play a leading role in education efforts for underserved populations in the backcountry.

Avalanche safety is extremely important to motorized users. This fundraiser is a way for Avalanche Alliance to join snowmobilers, snowbikers, manufacturers, avalanche centers, training providers, and others together in support of avalanche safety initiatives. More fundraisers in the future will continue to support these efforts.

Visit https://www.tapkat.org/american-institute-for-avalanche-research-education/m9mn65 to donate for a chance to win! Entries start at $25 for three entries, with seven more donation levels to gain even more entries.

Sweepstakes close March 26, 2023, 4:00 p.m. MST.

The winners will be announced April 4, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. MST.

FULL PRIZE LIST DETAILS:

The Grand Prize Custom 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty is upgraded with:

  • Wheel Pros wheels
  • ReadyLIFT 2.5″ Lift & Leveling Kit w/ Falcon Shocks
  • ReadyAIR Load Leveling Bags
  • Morimoto Head/Tail Lights & Aux Lights
  • Wrapped Rocker Panels

Truck features include:

  • Lariat trim package
  • 6.7 Powerstroke V8 Diesel
  • 4×4 Crew Cab
  • Power running boards
  • Block heater
  • E-locking axle

Please note: International donations are welcome with the understanding that the prize will need to be collected in Rigby, ID and may be subject to tax or importation limitations

First Prize: Marlon Deck

  • Xplore Pro II sled deck
  • Delivery included

Second Prize: KLIM Riding Gear Package

  • KLIM Lochsa One-Piece
  • KLIM F3 Carbon Helmet
  • KLIM Atlas 26L Avalanche Backpack
  • KLIM Edge Goggle
  • KLIM Adrenaline Pro GTX BOA Boot

Third Prize: FLY Racing Snow Gear Package

  • Incline Gear Set
  • Formula Tracer Helmet
  • Zone Pro Goggles
  • Heated Title Gloves
  • Inversion Double BOA Boots

About Avalanche Alliance – Avalanche Alliance’s mission is to raise avalanche awareness and improve backcountry safety for motorized users. With a full spectrum of focuses ranging from sponsoring beacon check stations to supporting avalanche educators, Avalanche Alliance is at the forefront of avalanche safety improvement.

For more information, visit avalanche-alliance.org

POLARIS RECALL AND STOP RIDE ORDER

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Some of you have been wondering why Supertrax/SNOWTRAX didn’t release comments and info on the Polaris recall and “stop ride” announcement circulated about 10 days ago.

Simply put, we knew we would be face-to-face with the key people from Polaris Engineering and Marketing this past weekend at Hay Days. While the previous announcement described in very generic terms what the issue is, we knew we could get all the info from Polaris staff at Hay Days.

The Potential Problem

The issue at play here deals with static electricity building up inside the current polyethylene fuel tanks used in MATRYX, AXYS and certain Pro-Ride models dating from current back to MY 2013. There have been very few (30 incidents where fuel tanks have ruptured and/or caught fire as a result of sparks from static electricity build-up in the fuel tank.

The specific conditions this may occur under are an extended storage period combined with “old” or “stale” gas in the tank. Obviously, this is not a good thing and Polaris has gotten in front of this issue by notifying customers who own affected models to not ride – or even start their sled if it is on the affected model list.

Second, Polaris has instructed its dealers to not sell (or deliver) any affected models until updates can be performed. Polaris has indicated if you own an affected model and it must be run the owner should not do so until they have filled the fuel tank of their sled with fresh gas.

How Many Sleds?

According to Polaris, the number of units affected is approximately 230,000 sleds globally. This is not an inconsequential number by any stretch of the imagination. In no uncertain terms, Polaris made it clear it is working non-stop with its vendors to get the necessary parts to correct this problem.

If our understanding is right, we believe at this writing, a new fuel pump may be central to the fix. Polaris is confident after exhaustive testing that it does have the fix and the recall will completely deal with this issue.

How Do I Know If My Sled Is Affected?

Polaris will be notifying customers with affected units directly, as well as contacting the original selling dealers. Obviously, with a recall of this size there will be many affected units in the hands of second and third owners.

If you’re concerned your sled might be in this category, Polaris dealers will be able to help you find out what you need to know to ensure your sled (if affected) is included in the recall.

How Long Will It Take?

At this writing we have no specifics on the time required to facilitate the fix and when you will be able to schedule an appointment with your dealer. What we are quite sure of is this: Polaris wants to have this issue resolved and the “Stop Ride” order removed as fast as possible, so owners can safely enjoy the upcoming riding season on their Polaris snowmobiles.

2023 SKI-DOO MXZX 600RS

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Snocross racing’s most dominant sled, the one independent racers can count on for out of the box podium performance, returns with some not so subtle refinements to remain a favorite for the top step in 2023.

Four straight seasons of championship form, led by Elias Ishoel’s, Jordan Lebel’s and Malene Cottew’s ISOC crowns last season, hasn’t affected the team developing the MXZx 600RS as they continue to chase their own records and push for even more performance.

The REV Gen4 platform continues to prove its flexibility and prowess for riders of all abilities, and that focus – making it fast, adaptable and reliable for all – remains the same formula for this season.

Most noticeable will be the yellow color update that maintains the Ski-Doo DNA, while other chassis and powertrain refinements ensure the winning ways continue. Changes focus mainly on better traction, faster corner speeds and a smoother ride to deliver better holeshots, faster overall lap times and less rider fatigue – but no stone is left unturned as engine and clutching improvements are constantly updated every year too.

The chassis changes start up front in the RAS RS suspension with new shocks that are shorter in overall length while maintaining the same travel to help lower the center of gravity, and spring rate has been increased to reduce roll, both changes support better cornering. The front suspension continues to feature a long spindle design that allows high cornering speeds and a unique power steering system exclusive to the MXZx RS race sled that provides ultra-precise handling with less effort.

The RAS RS front suspension updates are complemented by the redesigned rMotion RS rear suspension where the front arm is shortened and the rail mount is moved up for a flatter profile that results in less ski lift and more forward traction when on the throttle out of corners.

The center shock also grows in length to position the front of the rail in more constant contact with the snow surface for better traction everywhere. The increased length also delivers more shock and suspension travel at the front and also provides a motion ratio closer to 1:1 (more linear) for better shock control, bump compliance and rider comfort.

The rMotion RS’s rear arm mounting points are moved back, the shock travel is increased, and its motion ratio also gets closer to 1:1 – these changes support a lower center of gravity, better traction and less ski lift out of turns to drive the sled forward faster.

The coupling system is revised for a wider window of adjustment and there’s a new easily activated and more effective holeshot device.

The MXZ RS retains 46 mm KYB Pro Series shocks that have Integral Base Valves with the ability to adjust not only High and Low Speed Compression but also High Speed rebound and calibration has been updated to match the suspension geometry changes based on feedback from racers testing prototypes last winter.

The MXZx 600RS E-TEC uses the REV Gen4 platform with its open cockpit design and centrally balanced engine for superior rider ergonomics and handling in rough conditions. The REV Gen4 layout delivers agility and responsiveness while the Ergo Step side panels and beveled tunnel allow racers the room they need to attack the course – without interference from the chassis.

The Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine features E-TEC direct injection that consistently delivers quick response and perfect calibration no matter the altitude or weather conditions, allowing racers and their crew to have less to worry about.

Features include booster injectors first deployed on the Rotax 850 E-TEC, a short intake tract with double reeds and digital eRAVE. Engine calibration refinement for 2023 focused on better low RPM and low vehicle speed responsiveness to provide more power out of deep holes or under heavy load conditions – letting racers accelerate faster.

REV Gen4 Platform:

  • Taper/tilt tunnel design
  • Short heat exchanger with internal loop
  • 137” Track
  • Lightweight Lexan Hood
  • Quiet, high flow Airbox Design
  • LED Lightweight Headlights
  • Reinforced E and S modules
  • MX inspired seat and hi-traction cover
  • Racing foot box
  • 5-gallon fuel tank
  • NEW Lower center of gravity
  • High Air Flow Left Vent

RAS RS Front Suspension

  • NEW shorter Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro Series shocks (High Speed /Low Speed compression and High Speed / Low Speed Rebound adjustments)
  • Integral Base Valve Adjuster
  • NEW shock springs
  • Rack steering with power assist
  • Long Spindle design (Stronger + better speed cornering)
  • New Color
  • Lightweight Pilot R2 Ski – Reinforced rMotion RS Rear Suspension
  • NEW Race proven rail design, higher front arm mount, new color
  • 137” length
  • NEW shorter front arm
  • NEW longer front shock
  • NEW rear arm mounted back approximately 1”
  • Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro Series piggyback center shock w/ High Speed / Low

Speed compression and High Speed Rebound adjustment

  • Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro Series piggyback rear shock w/ High Speed / Low Speed compression and High Speed / Low Speed rebound adjustment
  • Integral Base Valve Adjuster
  • Revised geometry
  • NEW Coupling configuration NEW Holeshot Device

Rotax 600RS E-TEC Engine (599.4 cc)

  • E-TEC direct injection
  • Monoblock cylinder design with Plasma coating- delivering more horsepower
  • NEW engine calibration
  • Intake booster injectors (850 E-TEC-inspired)
  • Shorter intake length (850 E-TEC-inspired)
  • Double reed valves (850 E-TEC-inspired)
  • eRAVE (850 E-TEC-inspired)
  • Lightweight exhaust system (Stainless steel tuned pipe)
  • Racing Throttle Block – Ready for 50% throttle applications
  • Reinforced engine mounts
  • Hot Start Button

Drivetrain

  • Large brake backing plate
  • Brembo Brake System – large diameter rotor, easy maintenance caliper
  • pDrive primary clutch
  • TEAM TSS-04 secondary clutch
  • Slip gear – Better durability, less maintenance
  • Lightweight belt guard – better air flow

DETAILS ABOUT THE ARCTIC CAT CATALYST PLATFORM

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Centralized Design for More Responsive Handling

  • The centralized design makes the operator the active force and requires less rider effort to corner and carve, giving riders more control than ever before. 
  • The laydown engine design allows for mass centralization.

    Lightweight for Maximum Maneuverability
  • The optimized design with fewer parts utilizes different composite materials, providing a drastic weight reduction for Trail, Crossover, and Mountain, making it one of the lightest platforms available. 
     
    Durable and Easy to Service
  • The new drive system is belt-driven, unlike the current chain drive, resulting in fewer parts and allowing more power to the track with increased durability. 
  • The plastic panels’ toolless design allows for easy removal and greater access to key components such as the belt, oil reservoir and coolant. 
  • The new seat is easily removable with a quarter turn for easy battery access to.

    Improved Ergonomics for a More Comfortable Ride
  • The ergonomics, coupled with a narrower and centralized design, provides an agile, easily maneuverable sled that minimizes rider fatigue and makes the operator a more confident rider. A more ergonomic design allows the rider to become one with the sled.

    All-New High-End Styling
  • The platform’s aggressive exterior continues Arctic Cat’s heritage of creating state-of-the-art, cutting-edge snowmobiles. Its sleek, aerodynamic, and agile look with a unique LED headlight complements the innovation found inside. 
  • Sliding lap joints provide seamless transitions in plastic for better fit and finish.

    Optimized Suspension and Steering for Different Riding Styles and Segments 
  • Optimized suspension and steering provide use-specific systems based on segment. 
  • The suspension and steering systems are differentiated based on Mountain, Trail and Crossover segments where needed to provide better performance in varying conditions, but commonality was kept where it made sense, so the platform works for all segments.
  • The geometry changes, paired with the new suspension, give the rider a more position-reactive sled and improved cornering for a more confidence-inspiring, agile ride experience. The sled works in tandem with the rider instead of the rider muscling the sled. 

    First Integrated Accessory Mounting System for Added Security
  • Available for the platform is the new ATACH the first integrated accessory mounting system that allows for a quick and easy lockdown. To prevent theft, the system comes with a set of keys that will allow you to physically lock your accessories to your sled.

Electric Sleds From Mainstream OEMs?

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Not only are we expecting electric sleds from the current crop of OEMs but we have actually heard officially from BRP on this topic.

I’ll paraphrase what BRP has said recently: It intends to produce electric powered models in every powersport segment it occupies. Essentially, based on this claim, in the next few years we can expect the rollout of an electric Ski-Doo snowmobile.

On top of this, BRP has announced the purchase of Great Wall Motor in Austria, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor China, an electric technology specialist in the areas of eDrive systems and transmissions. We suspect most of this expertise is in electrified motorcycles.

This seems like a pretty bold move on its own considering BRP does not participate in the 2-wheeled motorcycle market with an internal combustion engine (ICE) product line. It doesn’t matter; the new Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric 2-wheelers are a reality.

So, what about Polaris? We haven’t heard officially from the Polaris snowmobile division whether it intends to enter the electric snowmobile market. However, Polaris is shaking the ground with the just released state-of-the-art, electric Ranger XP Kinetic.

This all-new vehicle uses lithium-ion batteries and is purpose built as an electric vehicle – not a modified ICE platform. Consider this as well. Polaris has a cozy relationship with ZERO Motorcycles.

The Ranger Kinetic uses ZERO electric motors and numerous other fully developed technologies now available to Polaris from this relationship. ZERO Motorcycles has a substantial amount of market credibility.

So, here’s where we’re at. We expect Ski-Doo to land a full electric snowmobile with strong ties to the “G” series chassis in the next couple years. It’s a no brainer for Ski-Doo to jump into the deep end of the pool with its very first electric snowmobile offering.

The excellent technology the brand possesses, combined with superb manufacturing capability and a strong financial position will get Ski-Doo in the electric market with a solid performing vehicle. Keep in mind at this writing the same range and time to recharge realities will be part of the equation. That is, unless the “Super Battery” appears. BTW: if the Super Battery happens it will most certainly come from automotive battery research first.

What about Polaris? We can’t be sure what Polaris will do about an entry into the electric snowmobile market. Polaris will and are addressing the largest volume markets it participates in. Next – I suspect – will be an electrified Sportsman ATV.

The snowmobile market is, from a unit production perspective, quite small compared to the off-road market and Polaris is very savvy about where it spends its development dollars. An electric MATRYX may be a bit still.

Clearly, our sport, among all offroad sports, demands the most from the vehicles we call “snowmobiles”. The reality of severe cold weather use puts snowmobiles in a restrictive range category using current battery technology.

The remote nature of where we ride restricts or at least slows the development of a credible recharging network.

If electric motor range is tricky at warm temperatures it is surely a giant hurdle in 24-7 winter climates.

Ski-Doo Replicates the Spark In The Neo and Neo +

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Yes, this has been huge news for this season. When the Sea-Doo division at BRP launched the Spark Personal Watercraft (PWC) it turned the PWC biz upside down overnight. The recipe was simple. Build a real full-size PWC with an MSRP from the 1990’s. Simple to say but a huge challenge to execute.

After less than five years in the marketplace, the Sea Doo Spark is the single largest selling product by volume BRP builds. More importantly a huge number of new-to-the-sport buyers became PWC enthusiasts. I mean new buyers – people who otherwise would not have bought a “regular” PWC. The idea is sound and frankly the entire sno-mo-industry has been waiting for the snowmobile equivalent to the Spark PWC.

My friends, it is here. The new NEO and NEO+ are full featured, full sized snowmobiles with a US and Canadian MSRP that goes back two decades. The sled is not just barely credible but thoroughly credible in the marketplace.

There’s a full-on liquid cooled 600cc Rotax twin under-hood with EFI, electric start, Ski-Doo clutches and generally speaking, enough go to keep up with the crowd on an all-day ride. Honestly, the NEO feels like a “real” snowmobile from every perspective. The arrival of this product is significant.

For far too long our sport has incrementally and consistently become more expensive to participate in. The MSRP “creep” we’ve witnessed has been (thankfully) tolerated and even accepted as the OEMs focused on the higher end of the market.

There’s little doubt hardcore 850 buyers are driving the success of the business from a profitability standpoint. Simply put – building 850s makes big jing.

Because of the entrenched demographic profile of big iron buyers no one needs to worry the NEO will cut into existing sales. What the NEO will do is attract brand new buyers and current buyers looking for a second, third or fourth ride.

The NEO will tangibly contribute to increased growth and acceptance of snowmobiling by significantly lowering the cost to participate. The NEO may also cause the over-inflated value of used snowmobiles to come back to a reasonable level. The past two COVID years have seen used iron prices skyrocket.

The only downside to this otherwise happy story is this: There are literally no unsold NEOs at Ski-Doo dealers across the North American snowbelt. They sold to the bare walls on Spring Break.

To make this story a truly happy one, next year Ski-Doo is going to have to produce more NEOs – significantly beyond what Spring Break consumers are booking. Why? Because newbie buyers are overwhelmingly in-season buyers.

Are Gas Prices Changing Our Expectations?

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No denying it; everyone who owns something with an ICE (internal combustion engine) under the hood is feeling the pain of stratospheric gas price increases the past year. What I find personally beyond the limits of reason is the ludicrous assertion these insane prices are justifiable as a pry bar to move people across North America from ICE power to electric powered vehicles.

This logic is so flawed, so blinkered it qualifies as rationale from the “Twilight Zone”. Why am I even daring to challenge this politically-correct mindset?

First, there is no credible nationwide charging infrastructure close to ready for consumer use. It will be 15 to 20 years before you can strike out on a holiday trip or a cross-country tour with an electric vehicle that can stay toe-to-toe with a gas burning conveyance. The second problem is the continued “no-show” of the much ballyhooed “super battery” promised to deliver comparable range to an average ICE powered vehicle and – this is a biggy – a recharge time of 15 minutes or less (like a gas engine) plus stable performance at any temperature (like a gas engine).

These realities loom large and as such they discourage the wide acceptance of battery power over ICE power in the near future. However, if the Super Battery shows up tomorrow I will acquiesce and accept the fact electric power is practical and here to stay.

Right now, not so much. In fact, check how many electric powered cars are back on the market after relatively short ownership. Many surveys show a high degree of frustration, to the point of purchasers claiming they’ll never buy another electric vehicle.

Okay, that’s my rant for now. Here’s what I think is important for the snowmobiling fraternity to consider. Right now we have one electric snowmobile OEM: Taiga. They have delivered an exceptionally good snowmobile from every competitive aspect of comparison.

Good handling, respectable ride quality, high quality of finish, seamless integration of electric power and the list goes on. So here’s the real issue. Albeit Taiga’s products have a host of top-notch features, they do not, as of this writing, have acceptable range or time to recharge, let alone the potential for a snowbelt wide chain of Super Chargers (Series 3 fast chargers). These realities, all related to electric power are enormous.

Taiga does not claim a range of 100 miles (160 kms) per charge yet. IMO, that’s not going to undermine Taiga’s first couple years of sales. There will be demand from utility/ski hill/poleline/resort/rental operators for the Taiga. What won’t be huge will be the line marked “seasoned, experienced, savvy snowmobilers stand here for the next available Taiga”. Snowmobilers need range, rapid recharging and the ability to resist degradation in cold temperatures.

Okay, none of this info is new. The powersports world, including ATVs, SxS, dirt bikes and the PWC/Marine market are in the same boat (pun intended). Oh, and right now the expectation of an off-road charging network is linked to the super low cost of electricity for the retail automotive on-road market. Does anyone think a resort or rural charging station located on a remote snowmobile trail will “fill you up” cheap? I don’t.

These same operators who sell us fuel in the winter for our sleds are faced with huge costs to stock and dispense gasoline. Everyone who’s done any travelling by snowmobile knows on-trail fuel has always been crazy expensive. With the significant cost of capitalizing electric charging stations and a short season to generate payback on that investment, I expect owners of off-road electric powered snowmobiles prepare for a reality check at recharge stations with, yes, surcharges added to cover those extra on-site costs.

So, we’re staring down both barrels at increased fuel costs for this winter’s riding. What to do? I’m not sure there’s anything our relatively small number of participants can leverage in terms of fuel cost reductions or recovery. Our trucks are going to cost more to fuel and our sleds will, too.

Here’s what I think: How much more jing are you going to spend on fuel this season compared to last winter? If riding the same distance this year costs 50% more than last will you take the winter off? How about 75% more than last winter? What’s your threshold? I know this: The winter riding season is relatively short – about the same length as a northern summer boating season.

Snowmobilers live to ride in the winter and often focus their holiday time on the snowmobiling months. I suspect there will be some who scale back their riding and some who will walk away. However, my sense is the overwhelming majority of snowmobilers will be back – tanks full and ready to ride.

Craig Nicholson Inducted Into International Snowmobile Hall of Fame

Popularly known as “The Intrepid Snowmobiler”, Craig Nicholson is a print, radio and TV journalist, social media influencer and communications consultant specializing in motorized recreational activities, especially snowmobiling.

Craig has been a high mileage touring snowmobiler for many years, logging tens of thousands of kilometres on the snow across Canada and the U.S. His one-of-a-kind book, Canada’s Best Snowmobiling – The Ultimate Ride Guide chronicles many of his adventures.

During his distinguished career, Craig’s been touring editor for Supertrax International, North America’s largest circulation snowmobile magazine and prior to that for Snow Goer Canada Magazine. He has also served as editor for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club’s Go Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine.

Craig’s touring and tips articles also appeared in a variety of other snowmobiling publications such as SnowTech, Michigan Snowmobiler, Motoneige Quebec, as well as many mainstream newspapers and magazines.

His syndicated Intrepid Snowmobiler on Radio feature aired on many stations in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan, while Craig also had a regular presence on Snowmobiler Television for many years. Craig is well known both within and outside of the snowmobile community through this substantial media exposure, including his strong social media presence.

Craig is a consummate professional journalist whose exciting, intriguing snowmobile travel features and stories promoted snowmobile tourism far and wide. His ability to tell readers what it’s like to ride in literally hundreds of different destinations is second to none. In various volunteer roles, Craig furthered responsible use, developing and participating in many snowmobile safety and environment initiatives through the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, where he also volunteered as Communications Chair.

Since the 1980’s, Craig has been an influential and passionate advocate for, and defender of, both organized snowmobiling and the snowmobile industry, while also reaching out to promote snowmobiling to the general public. His support and contributions, both as a journalist and a volunteer, have made the snowmobile community stronger and healthier.

It is this service and commitment to snowmobiling that lands Craig Nicholson squarely among the inductees in the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2022.

SNOWTRAX TV 2022 – Episode 13

It’s that time of year again when we cast our votes to crown the winner of the 2022 SNOWTRAX Real World Sled of The Year award (SOFTY). At the same time we award the recipient for this season’s Revolutionary Advanced Design (RAD) award, which focuses on new and innovative, game-changing technology introduced in the sport of snowmobiling. Then we turn our attention to newest 2023 models from Arctic Cat and Yamaha providing an overview of what’s coming up from these two brands. Finally, we wrap up the last episode of the season with AJ’s exclusive TEST RIDE of the 2023 Arctic Cat Riot 9000 ATAC EPS.

2023 Arctic Cat RIOT 9000 ATAC EPS

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AJ gives an exclusive review of the 2023 Arctic Cat Riot 9000 ATAC EPS featuring the 998cc turbocharged engine looking at its on-trail vs off-trail capabilities and offering his opinion on where this sled shines.

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