ST. PAUL - With the extreme cold weather forecasted to end this week, outdoor enthusiasts will no doubt take advantage of the more mild temperatures to enjoy winter activities - which often includes snowmobiling.
In the St. Paul area, an extensive trail system exists, running in various areas, such as south of St. Paul toward the North Saskatchewan River, and also along the Iron Horse Trail. A dedicated group of volunteers regularly takes time to ensure the necessary pieces are in place so area residents can continue to enjoy the trails.
The group cuts firewood to ensure cabins along some of the trails are well-stocked and families can warm up, and they groom trails ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all snowmobilers. They also often field concerns from people who may not be entirely aware about how things work.
President of the St. Paul Trailblazers Club Danny Smyl has been involved with the snowmobile club for over three decades. He's proud of what has been accomplished in that time, and says he will continue to ensure future generations have a place to enjoy snowmobiling, but the hard work does not come without challenges.
Often, it's the same core group of volunteers who take time to cut wood and clean trails, and it's disheartening when other people take advantage of that, burning the wood needlessly, for example. He acknowledges that the cabins located along the trails are known destinations for many people, but the intent is not for them to become places to party or be abused.
The club also fields concerns from people who believe the Trailblazers oversee all snowmobilers in the region - which simply isn't true and would be outright impossible, says Smyl.
This season, the Trailblazers have been working with the Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club, along with a private landowner and the County of St. Paul, as the ski club creates trails out in the Westcove/Vincent Lake area.
Not long after the cross country tracks were set and signs were put up warning snowmobilers to stay off the area, Smyl heard feedback from snowmobilers who had been riding on the land in question, in the past. The private landowner, however, had not given permission to snowmobilers to be on the property.
The situation serves as a reminder that snowmobilers do need to ask permission, and be aware of where they are and are not allowed to be. Other examples where snowmobiles are not allowed include playgrounds and school yards, and of course, the St. Paul Golf Course. These areas are off strictly limits.
"We have a lot of people who get upset at sledders," admits Smyl, referring to when trespassing occurs. But, he doesn't want the Trailblazers to take on a bad reputation, as the members work hard and do a lot of good for the community.
In fact, Smyl hopes more snowmobilers will jump on board with the club, so they can be part of the good that is happening.
The club has held a variety of events in the past, from snowmobile races to rallies. And over the last couple of seasons has been focusing on hosting family trail rides. The rides are simple, and are family-focused.
Smyl believes that if more snowmobilers become involved with the club, they would be aware of the work that goes into maintaining the trail systems that exist. He says members aren't required to attend meetings, but he would love to see more people showing up at work bees to clean up the trails and cut wood.
When people join the St. Paul Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, they also become members of the Alberta SnowMobile Association. Memberships cost $80 a year, and includes insurance so the club is covered when work is being done out on the trails.
More members also means the association has a louder voice on a provincial level when issues arise, says Smyl.
To become involved with the club, contact Smyl with the Trailblazers at 780-645-3607.
