Now going into its seventh year, the Idaho Snowmobile Show, sponsored by SnoWest Magazine and the Idaho State Snowmobile Association, will once again bring in sledders from all over the region to see the latest the industry has to offer in just about every snowmobiling category you can think of.
But it's not just what you'll see at this year's snow show that will be interesting; it's what you'll be able to learn. We're expanding this year's show to include several different seminars ranging from riding tips and techniques to avalanche safety to cool places to ride to ideas on how to pump up the performance on your sled.
The snow show is set for the last weekend of September, specifically Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th. Show times are 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.
As it has been from the very beginning, the Idaho Snowmobile Show will take place at Expo Idaho on the corner of Glenwood Street and Chinden Blvd. in Garden City, a suburb of Boise.
Once again, SnoWest Magazine has tried to bring together a variety of companies offering snowmobile-related products and services so sledders can find what they need (or want) for the upcoming season. If your list includes the 2010 snowmobile models, snowmobile clothing and accessories, aftermarket parts of all kinds, vacation spots, snowmobile trailers, that latest sledding videos/DVDs and bargains of all sorts, then Expo Idaho is where you need to be the last weekend of September. It will all be there. To see a list of the companies which will be exhibiting at the Idaho Snowmobile Show, log on to www.snowest.com, click on the SnoWest Snowmobile Shows button in the upper left hand corner of the webpage and navigate from there to the show's information page.
We're bringing back the Magnificent Mod part of the show for another year. Sponsored by Western Power Sports and Carlisle Belts, the Mod Show allows anyone who wants to show off their project sled to plunk down a few bucks and let show attendees vote on which one they like the best. Up for grabs is $2,500 in prizes from Western Power Sports and Carlisle Belts. In past shows, hundreds of showgoers have voted on which sled they like the best and then their machine has been featured in SledHeads Magazine.
Then there's the Used Sled Corral. For $25 you can bring your sled to the show to try and sell it. Your sled will be on display for both days of the show.
Hoping to build on the first year of hosting the SnoWest.com Swap Meet, the Cougar Mountain Snowmobile Club will be back again on the front lawn where anyone who would like to sell some old or no longer needed snowmobile parts can set up shop. The cost is $25 for a two-place trailer and $45 for a four-place trailer. You can stuff as much as you like on the trailers to bring in and sell.
If you'd like to learn more about snowmobiling, there will be several seminars going on during the two days on a variety of topics that should interest nearly all snowmobilers.
For example, Bret Rasmussen will be doing seminars on riding techniques. Rasmussen, who has a long history with snowmobile racing, testing and promoting, has worked with Chris Burandt on an instructional riding video. Rasmussen will take the time to explain specific riding techniques, where to stand and how to lean on a snowmobile and demonstrate various types of moves for deep powder and high elevation riding. Similar seminars will also be conducted at the Utah Snow Show.
This will be the first of its type instruction where snow participants can get up close and see exactly how moves are performed.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will also be holding an avalanche safety seminar, which is beneficial to anyone who rides in the mountains.
And, of course, there will be lots of door prizes. The Idaho State Snowmobile Association has rounded up some excellent prizes for this year's show, many of which you do have to be present to win-yep, they're that good.
We have lowered the admission price to $5 for adults, just another little nudge for you to get out to the show to see old friends, see what's new and learn something.
Following is a partial list of exhibitors at this year's Idaho Snowmobile Show. For a more complete list, go to www.snowest.com, click on the SnoWest Snowmobile Shows button on the top of the homepage and then hit the Idaho Snowmobile Show section. Once there, go to "Exhibitors" and then click on floor plan.
You can see the latest M Series snowmobiles, which feature all the up-to-date changes Arctic Cat has made for the 2010 season. Info: www.arctic-cat.com.
FirstPlaceParts.com has the best selection and prices on aftermarket snowmobile parts, clothing and accessories. Offering Klim, FXR, Castle, Boss Seats, SLP pipes, avalanche gear, SlideKicks, Snobunje and more. Visit their booth at the Idaho and Utah snow Shows. Info: (800) 396-7034 or www.firstplaceparts.com.
Gene Fine Amsoil will have a good supply of Amsoil Interceptor Oil, Dominator Racing oil, HP Injector oil and other Amsoil products. Info: (541) 534-4895 or www.pao-oils.com.
Kent Kawasaki/Arctic Cat can handle all of your snowmobile needs. Special pricing on parts and accessories from Arctic Cat, Scott, Powermadd, A.M.P. and Vega Helmets. Info: www.kentkaw.com.
Mountain Village Resort is located in the heart of Idaho in the Sawtooth Valley. The property consists of a restaurant and lounge, mercantile with state liquor store, service station/convenience store and motel with natural hot springs. Info: (800) 843-5475 or www.mountainvillage.com.
Polaris will be showing off its 2010 RMKs as well as one of the hottest sleds on the snow-the Assault. Info: www.polarisindustries.com.
RSI Racing will be on hand with handlebar systems for snowmobiles as well as handlebars, risers, extended cables, heaters, grips, hooks and hand guards. RSI will have the best in scratchers for $39.95/pr. Innovation not duplication. Info: (952) 225-0452 or www.rsiracing.com.
Here is your chance to throw a leg over the newest 2010 Ski-Doo snowmobiles for the upcoming winter season. Info: www.ski-doo.com.
Timbersled Products is the builder of lightweight snowmobile products and custom built mountain sleds. Info: (208) 255-5644 or www.timbersled.com.
Two Top Snowmobile Rental is West Yellowstone's premier outfitter for snowmobiling in Gallatin and Targhee national forests. Two Top offers interpretive tours into Yellowstone National Park. Discount snowmobile/lodging packages available. Info: (800) 522-7802 or (406) 646-7802 or www.twotopsnowmobile.com.