From AWSC. Price increases
- Thread starter LoveMyDobe
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LoveMyDobe
Active member
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LoveMyDobe
Active member
Sorry for the first post. Read my second comment it’s all there in order. Darn iPhone
It's ABOUT TIME!!! nobody will get any argument or objection from me, all goes back to the saying that "snowmobiling is not a right, its a privilege" and privileges cost money. last time there was a increase was 2013. We've had discussions at our club meetings about raising alliance fee's which are an appalling low $20.00/year. Im sure there will be those that will say "i never get to ride because it never snows" "what am I paying for if the trails never open"? my response to that is REALLY?? How much does a enclosed aluminum trailer cost now a days? how about a half ton truck? gear? premium gas in the north woods? how much did that sled cost ya? how much do you spend at the bar on beverages or food out on the trail? how about that fancy helmet? what did that cost ya? If people are going to scoff at increase in fees like $45.00/ 3year registration thats $15/year, still seems pretty cheap to me. Increase in trail fees? ok.... and??? whether it snows or not the AWSC has to prepare as if it will, there still needs to be a governing body to not only watch over but represent the sport, and all the costs that come along with it. lets not also forget all the volunteers that make this sport possible. Clubs are struggling with membership, even with the discounted trail passes. and if its because "it hasn't snowed" that's hypocritical. What if the AWSC or clubs waited to do anything until it snowed? what would we have? Membership involvement in clubs is also lacking, Fundraisers are also struggling. Least attended meeting is elections, most attended meeting is the Christmas party when the food and drinks are free. I apologize for the rant but it really is ABOUT TIME and anyone who has an issue with.....move on. This sport isn't free and if you take into consideration the behind the scenes and what it takes to keep the sport alive and that even though trails haven't been open as much as we would like, the AWSC and clubs still have to prepare as if they will, and if you look at the budget shortfalls the increases are pretty minimal, and hasn't been any since 2013, what hasn't increased to the n'th degree since then. Again its about time! JOIN A CLUB! not just for discounted trail pass, BECOME ACTIVE and not just say "I belong", the sport needs money and people!
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SHOOT2KILL
Active member
Devils advocate here...I was an AWSC/ club member dating back to 1971...Went to a few club meetings back then, and it became apparent that the "Local Good Old Boyz Club" didnt want any FIB's voicing opinions or suggestions...So we let it be and moved on....Fast forward 2 decades or so...Went to another meeting and had the same response from the Boyz Club...Again moved on...Fast forward again to sometime around 2012ish when they started chopping counties up into zones...Thats when I said im done with paying club dues and relinquished my AWSC/Club membership...Although I will purchase raffle tickets from various clubs thru out the state during the riding season that actually amounts to more than what a club membership was costing me back then...Last season my out of pocket expense for Wi sled registration was $340.00...5 Trail Passes and 2 $45.00 3 year sled registrations...Add another $100.00+ for 2 Mi permits...I also am understanding of the sledders that have the mindset that if the trails dont open due to weather conditions why am I paying these fees, especially if they dont/wont travel chasing snow in other areas...Last season I rode in 12 different counties...3 season ago I rode in 17 counties...And the common denominator in all those southern/central counties was the amount of sleds with NO updated/current registrations...IMO...Raise the Trail Pass fee to $100.00, and do a better job enforcing it...
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indy_500
Well-known member
Same experience here… local club president does all the trail work during the week (retired) asks for no help, then complains he’s the only one doing the work…
Were down from 8 miles to 6 miles of trail I believe in our local trail system? Lost a landowner pretty close to my house, on a main corridor trail that allows you to head west from Appleton. I came to the following meeting prepared with multiple ideas of new trails we could add to the system to get around that landowner and expand our dwindling trail system (half of the landowners on the proposed trails were already a YES) I offered to do the remaining door knocking, and it was a big fat no, “we knew this day was coming, it is what it is”. Haven’t been back… I care way too much about our local trails to be surrounded by a few guys who don’t give a rats @$$ if we lose them all. Have since paid dues to St Germain club… 1 more year of coaching football then I think I’d like to get involved with the neighboring club as I’ll have a lot more time.
Interesting.. I am a member and have been for years and this is the only place I have heard about this. No communication from AWSC.
They have my email as I just received my current membership through email. So I wonder, why if it so important they couldn't get the news out in all ways available.
See how it plays out....
They have my email as I just received my current membership through email. So I wonder, why if it so important they couldn't get the news out in all ways available.
See how it plays out....
indy_500
Well-known member
It’s a post being thrown around all over Facebook. Won’t see it if you’re not on there.
Forwarded by clubs to members some did and some didn’t forward
It's just happening now. If you haven't heard from your club they may be behind, but not by much. I just got the email under a week ago and our secretary for the county is usually on top these things.
You may be right but driving an extra hour or two will offset the savings with increased gas usage. Also, Michigan increases their pass regularly and would expect one within one to two years.
This is a very short-minded mindset, and I'm guessing by people who are not in clubs and, therefore, not in the loop of how things actually work. Grooming is only a small part of the expense. Putting in signs, taking out signs, repairing culverts, bridge decks, trail trimming, etc. happen every year regardless of snow. Low snow years more maintenance gets done cause less money is spent on grooming. High snow years maintenance that can be put off does and goes to grooming. This is a complete non-argument by very ignorant snowmobilers. But you are right, there are way too many that believe this. And the dumbest part about the whole deal is it's literally the cheapest part of the sport, and the most important!
SHOOT2KILL
Active member
It's major issue in Kenosha County...I was riding there 3 seasons ago on one of the few weekdays they were actually open...I got flagged down by 2 other riders on the trail...I was amazed what words came out of their mouths when we started talking...QUOTE..."WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THE CURRENT TRAIL PASS AND DISPLAYING IT ON YOUR WINDSHIELD"...I started laughing, and asked if this is some kind of a joke?...They then proceeded to tell the story of whats happening in their county...Most of the old school members have left the club, and now REFUSE to purchase the $50.00 trail pass...They sight that the original intent for the trail pass was for out of state riders to help with revenue, and now locals too are req'd to have one also, they are PISSED...They said it's rampant there...I personally have witnessed in multiple counties the same disregard for the trail pass...
I am not voting for or against the increase. However all the years (but one - 2017) mentioned in the AWSC letter are from before the 2015-2016 season. The 2015-2016 season was the first year a trail permit was required. So before the 2015-2016 season there was no income from trail permits.
SHOOT2KILL
Active member
Correct for Wi residents...The out of state trail pass program was started in 1998...I purchased 4 that year...Serial #'s 000004-00007...I still have #000004...
Out of State Snowmobile Trail Pass Program in Wisconsin
Introduction of the Program
- The Out of State Snowmobile Trail Pass program in Wisconsin was established to allow non-residents to access the state's extensive snowmobile trail system.
Year of Implementation
- The program began in 1998. This marked the first year that out-of-state snowmobilers could purchase a pass to legally ride on Wisconsin trails.
Purpose and Benefits
- The program aims to promote tourism and provide a structured way for non-residents to enjoy Wisconsin's snowmobiling opportunities.
- It supports the maintenance and development of the trail system, which is vital for both local and visiting snowmobilers.