Giving Back to the CommunityThe Friends of FSA and the FSA is working hard to always look for ways to give back to the community that so generously supports us every year!
There are Six courses we are covering this year:
Together with Flathead Electric's Roundup for Safety, FWP's Snowmobile Program and the Friends of the FSA, we will be able to fund 100% of all 48 slots for the classes listed above (that's $10,450!). We are unable to fund guides that are professionally employed where this training is required. To get reimbursed for your class of choice, do this:
By taking advantage of this scholarship, it helps us get future funding--so don't think you are robbing us! If you'd like to pay it forward, take the scholarship and make a donation to Friends of the FSA (you can use the donate button on the home page here). It takes a lot of work getting these grants, so please use them, fill the classes and be safe!
Pictured below are all the FSA members and Brock who completed the January Level 1 Training! Congrats to everyone and special thanks to Mike Duffey and Brock Bolin for doing the training!!!
From L-R: Alan, Jay, Mark, Terrie, Dave, Mark, Brock, Frank and Moose.
Harold Keller Scholarship The HKS is available to any college student who is a member or whose family is a member of the FSA. The $200 scholarship is paid in full after successful completion of classes with a B (3.0) average or higher, paid 1/2 ($100) for C (2.0) average. You must apply prior to the semester starting by simply writing a letter stating your need and goals. The board will decide each year how many to award based on funds and applicants. Click Here for the Application Form. Flathead Industries Ride Each year, we take out a bunch of folks from Flathead Industries who never get a chance to experience what riding a snowmobile is like. It's a great event filled with smiles and fun. Come join us! Watch for the event on our calendar of events. |
Trail Maintenance & Grooming Working in conjunction with the Montana Snowmobile Association, the US Forest Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Flathead Snowmobile Association works to maintain access to hundreds of miles of trails, over 200 of which are groomed in three different areas.
Grooming is our single largest expense and we are funded via club membership dues and the MSA which manages the funds coming from registrations and trail passes. We operate two groomers on Big Mountain and contract for grooming at Crane Mountain and Desert Mountain. 
We have Recco Reflectors for Sale!Once again, to help keep everyone safe, we've partnered with Recco to bring you their ultra-cool technology to you (at a huge discount!). These do NOT replace avalanche beacons--they are one more tool to help rescue find you if should ever need help. Two Bear Air has a Recco Sensor and can find you faster if you have the reflectors...so take advantage of this offer and BE SEARCHABLE! We'll have them for sale at club meetings and events--sorry, shipping is too hard, but we can meet you in the valley to deliver. We have red and black helmet stickers or bag tags. Helmet Sticker is $25 (reg $36), and Bag Tags are $28 (reg $38). For more info on Recco technology, click here!
An Introduction to Trail GroomingIf you would like to know more about trail grooming and what goes into it, you can watch a great video on the topic by clicking here. This video is geared at Operator Awareness Training, but it shows riders just how involved grooming is and how these operators' skills give us that perfect trail.
We field many questions throughout the winter as to why aren't we grooming "this place" more often or why can't the groomer do this or that? Grooming is an art AND a science which requires indepth training and knowledge to do properly. We field expert groomers who have years of experience and training to do the job properly.
In an effort to give you some idea of just how complex grooming can be, we are sharing this video produced by the State of Maine on Groomer Operation. While this video may be "technical" in places, the overall content can give the public a much better understanding of just how complex trail grooming can be. This video is just over an hour in length, but there is some invaluable information and insight into what it takes to groom trails properly. We hope you find it educational and as always, please keep asking questions...we really don't mind :-) |
Safety & EducationOn 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. 
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Join the Trans Montana Charity Snowmobile Ride!
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Fun EventsEvery year, the FSA works hard to schedule a number of events for our members and fellow snowmobilers. Everyone is welcome and we encourage all riders to come join us on one of our fun day rides.
We also sponsor the Trans-Montana Snowmobile Ride which benefits the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). When asked, we host one leg of the ride each year on one of our trail systems. We encourage our members to get involved and take part in this fun and worthy cause. |
GPS Enabled Trail Maps are Here!Again his year, the FSA is partnering with Trail Treker (a local Montana-based company) to provide it's members with high resolution, GPS-enabled trail maps for all three areas we maintain. Members purchase the Trail Treker app (Apple or Android) for $2 on the app store and will receive a code from the FSA to get all three maps (a $6 value) to download the maps to their smartphone.
Once loaded, the map is cached on your smartphone and shows you where you at any time WITHOUT phone service! We are proud to support a local company and even more pleased that we can bring our members this added piece of mind on the trails. Check out the Area Trail Maps page for more information on our trail systems!
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And More Benefits!
Every member gets a membership card that with a set of coupons that provide discounts at various sponsors throughout the valley!
We email every member a card and membership package. If you didn't get yours, please check your spam or Promotions folders in your email system. Look for an email from members@flatheadsnowmobiler.com And just email us at that same address if you'd like us to resend.
We email every member a card and membership package. If you didn't get yours, please check your spam or Promotions folders in your email system. Look for an email from members@flatheadsnowmobiler.com And just email us at that same address if you'd like us to resend.
17% Off your Stay at the Brandin' Iron!!!Get 17% off your stay in West Yellowstone when you book at the Brandin' Iron Inn! Just use the code MTSA (you have to book directly) and tell them you're a member of the FSA!
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30% Off your Stay at Z Bar in Buffalo, WY!!!Just tell them that you're a member of the FSA and show your member card when you check-in to get the discount. Make sure you reserve ahead to get the discount!
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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 |