Nearly 200 groomer operators from all over Michigan as well as from all over the Midwest were in Alger County to check out the newest equipment, ask questions and test drive some of the equipment.

2008 MSA Groomer Workshop

Grants Sponsors and Groomer Operators Get Hands-on With New Equipment

 Grooming a trail is somewhat of an art, and for those who volunteer their time to actually man the groomers on Michigan’s 6,546 miles of trails, this year’s Groomer Workshop offered an opportunity to check out the latest tools of the trade. 

The15th annual Groomer Workshop hosted by the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) took place Feb. 29 through March 1, 2008, in Whitmore near Munising. The event is held in a high snow area so those attending can do more than just look over the equipment. They can actually test it out on snow.

Nearly 200 groomer operators from all over Michigan as well as from all over the Midwest were in Alger County to check out the newest equipment, ask questions and test drive some
of the equipment.

"It gives them a chance to look at top level stuff down to the bottom level stuff," said MSA President Don Reed. “They look it over, kick the tires (so to speak) and even test it out.”

Reed explained the importance of an event like this to grooming, groomer operators and grant sponsors. He said he felt this year’s event was one of the best ever, with a good exchange of ideas.

“We were able to talk about grooming together,” said Reed. “We had grant sponsors talking the trade and sharing ideas of what works and what doesn’t work.”

Reed stressed that snowmobilers need to remember that before they can get out and ride, the trails need to be properly groomed and that is a task taken on by hundreds of volunteers in Michigan.

for grooming in the Lake Gogebic area (a high snow area) isn’t necessarily suited for trails in the northern Lower Peninsula.

The groomer operators got a chance to test out the newest models to see if the machines will work in their specific area. 

Participants also got a peek at some of the latest in grooming technology. The Tucker 2000 is equipped with a gauge cluster, so your hands can stay in the same area at all times.

The event was organized by Larry Marzean, Region 2 Executive Committee member. “Larry and the MSA staff did a tremendous job,” said Reed.

Grooming equipment in Michigan is purchased through the Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund (STIF). That fund consists of monies paid for by snowmobilers including registration fees, trail permits and a small portion of the state’s gas tax.

Michigan’s trails are groomed and maintained by 69 grant sponsors in the state consisting of clubs, chambers of commerce and business groups. Nearly all of these groups are made up of volunteers. MSA continues to applaud them for their time and efforts.

 Reed explained that there were 28 of those grant sponsors represented at the 2008 Groomer Workshop. He pledged his support at working toward making the Groomer Handbook more user-friendly and not a Catch 22 for the grant sponsors. “We are doing everything we can to open the lines of communication,” he said. “This workshop is just one example of that.”  

Plans are already underway for the 2009 MSA Groomer Workshop. Look to the September issue of the Michigan Snowmobile News for details.

Equipment Manufacturers at 2008 MSA Groomer Workshop

Bader and Sons — Portland, Mich.

Voelker Implement — Lake City, Mich.

Gregware Equipment — Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sno* Boss Groomers — St. Germain, Wis.

Vogel Enterprises — St. Germain, Wis.

Nortec Northern Technologies — Antigo, Wis.

Pisten Bully — Shakopee, Minn.

Track Inc. — Bloomington, Minn.

Snowtrack  — Wausau, Wis.

LaCross Groomers — East Jordan, Mich.

Trailmaster Trail Grooming — Lakeville, Minn.

Asten Equipment — Duluth, Minn.

Mark’s Mobile Welding — Gaylord, Mich.

Shop Industrial — Lively, Ontario, Canada