Thanks to Discovery Co-0p and Allout Graphics and Design, Battlefords Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club now has a stunning new warm-up shelter.
President Dale Woytiuk cut the ribbon Thursday, Dec. 17 to signify the opening for all members, who are hoping the snow comes for yet another successful season.
The warm-up shelter is the only fully themed building out of all the trails around Saskatchewan. Roughrider fans will feel right at home when they first step inside a warm and cozy area that is synonymous with the locker room. The names of Ron Atchison, Bill Baker, George Reed and Ron Lancaster cast themselves around the wall, as if the football team is getting ready to hit the field.
The shelter took a volunteer crew just about a month to build, finishing it Wednesday last week.
The Trail Breakers’ expansive trails rank as the third longest in Saskatchewan, with 450 kilometres of groomed trails. Sledders explore seemingly endless trails, which stretch across North Battleford, Meota, Vawn, Edam, Livelong, Turtle Lake, Glaslyn, Cochin and Delmas. The trails run along creeks, through valleys and over rolling hills. Approximately 10 people oversee each section, who then employ their own staff to keep it running smoothly.
“You could literally get on the trail here and sled all the way to the Maritimes. Every province has a trail system,” said Woytiuk, who has been working with the club since 1998.
“It takes a huge volunteer base and a dedicated volunteer base. If you don’t have that dedication then it won’t happen,” Tim Schultz said of how they keep the trails in good condition.
Volunteers set up signs throughout the trails, which is one of the most important jobs that can be done in this activity.
Woytiuk says they usually get around 25-30 volunteers each season.
The Trail Breakers are still not concerned with the way the warm weather has stuck around, saying there have been worse years in the past.
Knowing Saskatchewan, the trails will be in perfect shape sooner rather than later.
And it’s never too early to get in on the fun. Feb. 26-27 will be the Provincial Snowmobile Festival in North Battleford. There will be self-guided trail rides and pre-determined trail rides throughout the weekend. Prizes will also be available at the cowboy and cowgirl themed festival.
