This article was first published on the Maine Snowmobile Association website. Reprinted with permission.
Snowmobiling… Through the Eyes of a Teenager
By David Hemmerdinger
Growing up being tall, everyone always told me “David, you should play basketball. I’d bet you
be very good at it” and every time I always said, “I snowmobile.” I just knew they wouldn’t
understand why I wouldn’t play sports instead. Well it’s because of the feeling that we all get as
the sleds come out of the trailer. The feeling of cresting that hill and seeing miles of freshly
groomed trail. Many parents don’t understand it but my Mom does. Being raised by a single
mother, it is super important to me to spend time with her and there is no better way than to go
out every weekend and chase the snow together.
I have met some amazing people throughout my years of snowmobiling and participating in my
local snowmobile club The Bog Hooters. One person in particular is Tom Webster. He is one of
the hardest working Trail Masters that I know. Before anyone knows it, the fallen trees are gone,
the bridges are repaired, and all the trail signs are up. He puts more hours in a groomer than
most people ride in a season. Tom’s as well as many others dedication to the sport is the
reason that people come from all over the country to ride snowmobiles in Maine.
Snowmobiles can take you to some of the most beautiful places across the great state of Maine.
From climbing to the Peak of Coburn Mountain, to seeing the water rushing of Grand Falls, or
admiring the rock slides on Deboullie Pond. Seeing amazing views when snowmobiling in Maine
isn’t a question of if, it is a question of when. Which is why so many people love snowmobiling.
One of my favorite places to ride is Portage. They groom every night, alternating directions so
you count on either north or south being flat and ready to ride. With gas and great food, you can
either spend the week or stop in for lunch and to warm up. Another one of my favorite places to
ride is Jackman. Jackman normally has snow later in the season than most places in Maine and
they groom later than most. If you are looking for a good final weekend trip, Jackman would be
my recommendation.
But nothing can compare to The County. The trails are like snow-highways and the people are always kind and helpful.
If you are broken down, everyone is more than happy to pull over and help you. If you are lost or confused on directions, just ask!
Most businesses that have snowmobile trail access also work with snowmobile clubs to give people
the best riding experience possible so when you sit down for lunch, you may also find out what
trails were groomed the night before and this is always very helpful.
Snowmobiling in Maine is an amazing activity that I would recommend for anyone to try. If you have kids of your own, buy
them a sled the memories that you will make with them will be incredible!
Snowmobiling… Through the Eyes of a Teenager
By David Hemmerdinger
Growing up being tall, everyone always told me “David, you should play basketball. I’d bet you
be very good at it” and every time I always said, “I snowmobile.” I just knew they wouldn’t
understand why I wouldn’t play sports instead. Well it’s because of the feeling that we all get as
the sleds come out of the trailer. The feeling of cresting that hill and seeing miles of freshly
groomed trail. Many parents don’t understand it but my Mom does. Being raised by a single
mother, it is super important to me to spend time with her and there is no better way than to go
out every weekend and chase the snow together.
I have met some amazing people throughout my years of snowmobiling and participating in my
local snowmobile club The Bog Hooters. One person in particular is Tom Webster. He is one of
the hardest working Trail Masters that I know. Before anyone knows it, the fallen trees are gone,
the bridges are repaired, and all the trail signs are up. He puts more hours in a groomer than
most people ride in a season. Tom’s as well as many others dedication to the sport is the
reason that people come from all over the country to ride snowmobiles in Maine.
Snowmobiles can take you to some of the most beautiful places across the great state of Maine.
From climbing to the Peak of Coburn Mountain, to seeing the water rushing of Grand Falls, or
admiring the rock slides on Deboullie Pond. Seeing amazing views when snowmobiling in Maine
isn’t a question of if, it is a question of when. Which is why so many people love snowmobiling.
One of my favorite places to ride is Portage. They groom every night, alternating directions so
you count on either north or south being flat and ready to ride. With gas and great food, you can
either spend the week or stop in for lunch and to warm up. Another one of my favorite places to
ride is Jackman. Jackman normally has snow later in the season than most places in Maine and
they groom later than most. If you are looking for a good final weekend trip, Jackman would be
my recommendation.
But nothing can compare to The County. The trails are like snow-highways and the people are always kind and helpful.
If you are broken down, everyone is more than happy to pull over and help you. If you are lost or confused on directions, just ask!
Most businesses that have snowmobile trail access also work with snowmobile clubs to give people
the best riding experience possible so when you sit down for lunch, you may also find out what
trails were groomed the night before and this is always very helpful.
Snowmobiling in Maine is an amazing activity that I would recommend for anyone to try. If you have kids of your own, buy
them a sled the memories that you will make with them will be incredible!