Thats right another 2 ft coming in starting tonight and ends on sunday. We are over 15 ft easy. Looks like another storm coming on wed.

great! your getting another storm adding to the excellent base already there, just in time to stop grooming for the year. rub it in some more. were does all the trail permitt money go again????

[quote name='rkraiza' date='Mar 7 2008, 08:49 PM' post='3757152']
great! your getting another storm adding to the excellent base already there, just in time to stop grooming for the year. rub it in some more. were does all the trail permitt money go again????
[/quote

not to be crass but maybe you should come to a club meeting and see the books so we could show you where the money goes...so far 15,000+ in fuel 35,000$ in machinery repair,we have 3 machines...the signage ,the event planning, and not the whole portion of your pass goes to the club either, we are still grooming but are waiting for the big storm to go by. we are everybody's hero at the beginning of the season it's funny how people turn on you perhaps more should join a club and volunteer and they could get a better view on this. IMO

Perhaps there should be more transparency.

Perhaps the clubs should publish their yearly budgets?

Perhaps the FCMQ should publish their yearly budgets?

How would any of us know where the money goes? It seems to be hidden.

Statistics of ridership, passes sold, where the money goes, etc.

ever go to the FCMQ site?? there's a lot of information there...in both languages.

How much do motel owners get back for selling trail passes?

Here's were the sarcasm stems from: Vermont was great, then clubs defunked and peoples pockets got larger. Maine, was the best, same thing on a bigger scale. Now quebec!! The difference here is snowmobileing seems to be woven in the fabric of most quebecers. I didn't think this could happen here.
To be honest, with all the snow this year, the trail system as a whole was less then desireable. Here's why; Half the trails on the map weren't there. yet, you figured money to groom them i'm sure. I was told on a couple different occasions that some trails were not groomed cause the funds were not there or the client didn't pay his bill. Huh? The signage wasn't in place till halfway through the season and was less then desireable in alot of areas. Do you allocate funds for that? The clubs relaise were not informational at any level. I used to be able to stop at any one of these, ask a trail or motomeige question and have it answered responsable, to which i was greatfull. Now it's, "huh" that i'll be 5.00 dollers man for the soda. "dude i'm so stoned"WTF!
I rode from south and west of shawin to north and east of charliviox this year, on many different occasions. The local people were absolutely incredable, and surpriseingly, equally if not more pist then ussuall at the various trail sittuations that came up.
FCMQ, good tool for the tool box, however, there trail map to is very inacurate. Again, I don't buy the fact that there's no money left for grooming. Were's the money from previous years when there was minimall snow?
As a snowmobiler who whole-hartedly suuports quebec and everything about it, i think it may be time to reasses what direction you guys ae headed up there in regaurds to the trail system and it's maintenece. Why should i spend over 7000 grand a year(that's trip costs only) in quebec if you don't care about the little guy behind your saleries?
And, this is not a personal attack on anyone. If it can be groomed in a safe manner, it should till the snow is gone or there's no more paying customers. Like it or not, it's a buisness and should be treated as one with accounatbility as a first priority. I'm off my sopabox now, soo bring it on....

I do not do alot of posting here, but I can't restrain myself on this. I see a number of Charges in your post with no facts to support them. You say "peoples pockets got bigger". What exactly do you mean ?

You seem to be in the know as to how the FCMQ and clubs function. I presume thats the result of all the time and effort you have given to the clubs.

With regard to the lack of help at relais, may I suggest that the way you ask the question has a direct bearing on how it is answered ?

As much as I hate to aggree with you, I did find signage and grooming a bit off in some cases this year. The question is, do you take some steps to find out why and get involved to help fix the problems or do disparrage the motives of all who are pulling the wagon ? It would seem that you have chosen the latter.

As far as your threat to ride elswhere is concerned, it seems that no state or province makes the grade with you.

I have seen that vague graphic as well.

I am talking about a real yearly budget, so we could see how the money is _really_ spent.

I don't think that is fair.

It is not reasonable to expect every snowmobiler, especially US ones, to volunteer or donate time. It is simply, in most cases, not possible. So, in lieu of this, we buy a trail pass which is supposed to fund the clubs and grooming operations.

I too am very disappointed with this year. Many trails were not groomed or maintained, many areas are closed, some clubs have disappeared, and this happens in one of the snowiest winters in recent history.

The FCMQ should step in and really address the situation. Clearly, someone like the equivalent of the Provincial Chamber of Commerce should be involved as well, since snowmobiling has a clear financial impact on businesses in Quebec.

Im sure I didnt do as many miles as most of you guys, but it was 4 trips of 2500 miles total this year. All between Shawinigan east and North towards L St.J or East of Q city. Maybe I lucked out, but, we only hit 1 crap trail and that was 23 South from Letape to St. Raymond. And on that day, as luck would have it, the groomer was right behind us.
Most of the trails we hit (Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday all 4 trips) were just about perfect. So we didnt really see a drop off in Quality this year. As far as signs go, at Christmas time they were a little thin in spots. By mid January I thought they were good. And by February, I think many of the temporary signs that are just stuck in the snow were gone! They disappeared under the 4-6 feet of snow this year.
Now should the club have found/replaced them all? Maybe. But I think thats pretty tough to do. I can say the signs that will save your life- Stop Ahead and Stop were all lifted and replaced to be visible.

As far as grooming goes, yeah I agree that they should groom till the funds are bare, but if your neighboring club is outta $ and they stop grooming and yank all the signs, do you really want to have your club open so your members can head out to get lost and blow thru un-marked road crossings?
Also I believe the groomer drivers in Quebec are paid employees (where as in NH theyre all free volunteers). So the clubs must have a budget for X number of weeks to pay them.
I dont think the #'s are in yet, but it appeared to me most US riders stayed home. The motels were far less booked than normal this winter, so that had to have hurt trail pass sales.

And finally, dont forget how much manpower, money and time is now going to 4 wheeler (VTT) trails and clubs. All those local folks you see on Quads were riding sleds 10 yrs ago. They aint anymore, and lets hope this incredible winter helps bring a few back to our sport!!

The Quebec Goverment has to get involved for the wellfare of our sport.

In the 10 plus years I have been riding in Quebec the trail conditions this year were not the best, but not the worst either. I was expecting better trail conditions in certain areas, but was surprised by conditions in others. I too rode Lac St Jean area this year both in early December and mid January and trails were mint!. Also conditions around Albertville (groomers) area and all western Gaspe were a perfect 10 in February. Eastern Gaspe where there was more snow, was rough. St Zenon area was also disappointing this year. Overall like NHTOM I have to say I can’t complain too much about the conditions of trails.

For the price of the permit I believe we are getting good value. Conditions are much better then most locations I have ridden in Ontario, Michigan or New York. Permit purchases were down in Quebec this year I believe close to 20%. There are many other costs involved (insurance) and volunteer rate is down. Although this winter seen lots of snow, there was also mild temps with rain that caused addition groomer dollars to be spend. Starting over again. As mentioned early grooming then normal. MT Valin started grooming November 23. It all adds up fast! And nothing is left over.

I don't know about you, but I would gladly pay two or three times the current trail pass price to ensure better trails. In fact, even if they sold half as many for twice as much each, they would have the same amount of money and half the riders, half the traffic, and perhaps much beter conditions. Perhaps this is being too selfish.

This is why I have moved east to Gaspie or northern Maine (The County), they REALLY work hard for it and it shows.
I drive right thru NY,VT,NH most times
Less traffic, more open trails
I think the whole quebec system needs a little work but fuel and insurance is killing everyone.
Nevermind the lack of volunteers.
Also, maybe I should'nt be giving my little secrets out but try Bancroft/Pembroke Ontario.

PS: I always join where I ride, 7 club memberships this year and I am a club president in NY.
You need to know where it is good for the time of year you ride.
Northern maine will groom until the ice won't hold a groomer, no matter what is in the kitty.
all for $63 non resident. $45 to ride ny, just need to know where to ride.

I agree I would glady pay more. It is a short winter and when it is time to ride you want good trails.

Fireatak - you are right Bancroft / MLSS / Pudash, Barry's Bay are great clubs and have great conditions. I rode there a few times this winter and it was great. Although I don't think Bancroft is a secert anymore as there seems to be lots of traffic.

Are you Boys in NY getting pounded today with snow?

Our Club with 3 groomers use $ 5000 Dollars of Fuel a week thats $75000.00 thousand dollars right there, Groomer Drivers $50.000 thousand. Paying our loan at the bank for our 3 B.R. 180 cost $ 48.000.00 thousand a year and we are going to break down. How much will that cost??????? We need a new DRAG and that cost $ 17.000.00 So don't give me that Budget crap. WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN, WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY. AND I AM WRIGHTING THIS FOR ALL THE CLUBS IN CANADA AND THE U.S.A. GIVE US A BREAK OR TAKE OUR PLACE AND TRY AND DO BETTER. GOOD LUCK. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM. O by the way, the total budget for the year is $ 230.000.00 THOUSAND. THINK ABOUT IT. Thats my 2 cents, if you want a dollars worth, come and see me.

Good post mustang.......I 've seen some ignorant posts over here.They think operating a snowmobile club is down to "selling trail passes" or agitating the magic wand

I have personally been involved with Bernards "Heck" of a good free beer budget and it is WAY over for this year.

The first Beer is free, But the Captain Spice Rum, all you can Drink,You only have the Coke to Pay&?%$%?&%

Let's see some pictures of all that snow Bernard!

x2

SHAWINIGAN SNOW. CHECK OUT STOP SIGN.

LOT OF SNOW.

PLENTY OF SNOW.

SNOW BOUND.

LAST CHANCE TO RIDE ON THE BEST TRAILS IN THE WORLD. VIVA QUEBEC.

What does that mean? It's time to close, toomuch snow?

[quote name='Jackstraw' date='Mar 10 2008, 04:45 PM' post='3768215']
What does that mean? It's time to close, toomuch snow?
[/quo

Snowmobiling is like Skiing, Plenty of snow on the mountain, Great weather, but after the 15 march, no more Skiers, I guess they just ran out of MONEY. Our club will do better than that, We will groom till 31st March However i can"t say for other Clubs. I have a great idea, after 15th march you buy another trail pass and it will be a pleasure to keep on GROOMING. How many votes can we get on that idea.????????

Bernard, you are too funny!
Keep the rum under the desk!
Going to the rock from Caribou, starting tomorrow, will track down Groomer and Patsy.
May come see you next week if the wife let's me back in the house after this last trip!
Been away alot since Jan, just hafta ride when the ground is white!
Hope you find room for the next storm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Gerry stopping by?

hi fireatak !!!

might be tough to catch me for the next days.will spend all day tomorrow grooming local trails and maybe wednesday morning too.if possible , might go back on tq 5 wednesday night or thursday night for sure .anyways ,if you stop at the clubhouse just ask the waitress to call me .


groomer !!!

I hope so.