Meet Our Team
We’re proud to introduce the newly elected leadership of the Flathead Snowmobile Association! This year brings a fresh start with a passionate group of volunteers excited to support FSA’s mission and strengthen the voice of our snowmobiling community. Together, we’re committed to serving our members, protecting access, and promoting safe, responsible winter recreation across the Flathead Valley.
Amanda Berlinger
FSA 2025-2026 President |
Brian
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Christina
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Leah
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What We Do
Trail Maintenance & Grooming
The Flathead Snowmobile Association (FSA) is a volunteer-led nonprofit that protects and promotes winter motorized recreation throughout Northwest Montana. In partnership with the Montana Snowmobile Association (MSA), the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and other public land agencies, we work to maintain access to hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails—including over 200 miles of groomed routes across three riding areas.
Grooming is our largest annual expense. It’s funded through a combination of membership dues, donations, and public grants administered by the MSA using funds from snowmobile registrations and trail passes. FSA operates two groomers on Big Mountain and coordinates contracted grooming services at both Crane Mountain and Desert Mountain.
Beyond trail work, FSA brings snowmobilers together through club rides, community events, volunteer workdays, and seasonal gatherings. We’re here to preserve access, improve safety, and keep the Flathead Valley a premier destination for winter adventure.
Grooming is our largest annual expense. It’s funded through a combination of membership dues, donations, and public grants administered by the MSA using funds from snowmobile registrations and trail passes. FSA operates two groomers on Big Mountain and coordinates contracted grooming services at both Crane Mountain and Desert Mountain.
Beyond trail work, FSA brings snowmobilers together through club rides, community events, volunteer workdays, and seasonal gatherings. We’re here to preserve access, improve safety, and keep the Flathead Valley a premier destination for winter adventure.
An Introduction to Trail Grooming
Trail grooming is essential to creating the smooth, safe riding conditions we all enjoy—but it’s a complex process that requires a mix of science, strategy, and skill. Our grooming team includes trained operators with years of experience who carefully assess terrain, snow conditions, and safety considerations to determine when and where to groom.
We know questions come up during the season about grooming frequency, locations, and timing. The reality is that grooming isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s shaped by weather, trail use, equipment, and available resources.
That said, we hear you—and we’re committed to improving transparency around our grooming efforts. This season, we’ll be sharing more consistent updates on our grooming schedule and reporting, so members and riders can better understand what’s happening on the trails.
Your interest and engagement help strengthen our work. If you have questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re glad to have the conversation.
We know questions come up during the season about grooming frequency, locations, and timing. The reality is that grooming isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s shaped by weather, trail use, equipment, and available resources.
That said, we hear you—and we’re committed to improving transparency around our grooming efforts. This season, we’ll be sharing more consistent updates on our grooming schedule and reporting, so members and riders can better understand what’s happening on the trails.
Your interest and engagement help strengthen our work. If you have questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re glad to have the conversation.
Safety & Education
On the Canyon Creek Trail (Big Mountain), the FSA and USFS built and maintain a survival cabin and restroom. This cabin has a wood stove and every summer, members work to stock it with wood for the next winter. You can stop in any time while out on the trail, get warm, have lunch, and just enjoy the camaraderie of fellow snowmobilers! And as shown here, the FSA will hold cookout at least once a year up at the cabin complete with mobile grill and great food! Watch for the event!
Each year, the FSA marks all groomed trails with over 100 signs, markers and warnings. We've also put up named route signs at key intersections on the Canyon Creek Trail which makes navigation a breeze!
The FSA also works closely with Flathead County and specifically North Valley Search and Rescue making sure everyone is safe and if needed, help is as close as possible.
Finally, the FSA works closely with the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center which conducts avalanche awareness and search/rescue training. Check out their website for specific training classes coming up.
Each year, the FSA marks all groomed trails with over 100 signs, markers and warnings. We've also put up named route signs at key intersections on the Canyon Creek Trail which makes navigation a breeze!
The FSA also works closely with Flathead County and specifically North Valley Search and Rescue making sure everyone is safe and if needed, help is as close as possible.
Finally, the FSA works closely with the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center which conducts avalanche awareness and search/rescue training. Check out their website for specific training classes coming up.
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The Snowmobiler's Pledge: - I will operate my snowmobile only when sober.
- I will driver within the limits of my machine and my own abilities. - I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting. - I will be careful when crossing roads and always cross at a right angle to traffic. - I will keep my machine in good condition and perform a preride inspection check before each ride. - I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots, and a helmet with a visor. - I will let someone know my planned route, my destination, and my expected return or arrival time. - I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation. - I will respect other people's property and rights and lend a hand when I see someone in need. - I will not snowmobile where it is prohibited |