Welcome to Northwest Riders!
During the mid 1960's an organization was founded to promote the sport of snowmobiling in Vermont. This organization was named the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, or VAST. Shortly after this, around 1969, 2 local clubs were formed, one in Sheldon called the Jack-o-Lopes, and another in Highgate called the Mississquoi Stump-Jumpers. The clubs were founded by local families and friends interested in the sport, and also in helping VAST form a statewide trail system.The clubs built, and maintained around 20 miles of trail combined. Unlike modern day snowmobiling where we travel 200 miles in one day on wide, smooth, groomed trails, these folks traveled 200 miles in one year on trails barely wide enough to fit a sled through with moguls like mountains!
1992 brought about the formation of an alliance between the Jack-o-Lopes, and Stump-Jumpers working together to accommodate the newly built Mississquoi Valley Rail Trail. This alliance was called Northwest Grooming which was formed in 1993. 1994 brought about exciting changes with the purchase of a new, modern groomer and drag, a 1994 LMC Bearcat 1800 coupled with a 18x8 mogul master drag. These were busy times because of the work involved to widen the trail, and build new bridges to accommodate the new groomer. The addition of the new rail trail increased the clubs mileage to 62.
The Jack-o-Lopes and Stump-Jumpers joined together as one club in 1997, known as the Northwest Riders. In 2001, the club purchased a new groomer and drag, a Bombardier BR 180 with a new 18x9 mogul master drag. This new machine boasted the latest technology and allowed the club to increase its trails to almost 90 miles, which is our current mileage. 2004 brought about more expansion with the addition of a second groomer, a used Case/Gilbert tractor and drag. A year later, a new mogul master drag was purchased for the Br 180 and the old one was adapted to the Gilbert groomer.
The purchase of the second groomer was to accommodate a new trail to be called the Lamoille valley rail trail, which will stretch from Swanton to St. Johnsbury. The Northwest Riders have opened a section of this trail this year to take the place of the old Highgate Falls trail, which has been closed.
This year the club has purchased and built brush cutters for each of the groomers, which will greatly improve the quality of our trails. Now, with membership around 400 the Northwest Riders have become one of the largest clubs in the state, thanks to the work of many. Throughout the years, the club has been blessed with many individuals, and families that have made significant sacrifices to promote our sport. Some have received awards from VAST for "snowmobiling family of the year", as well as "trailmaster of the year". If not for dedication such as this, rest assured we would not be riding the spectacular trails we enjoy today!
In closing, we would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all past, present, and future members, landowners and local businesses whom continually support, and donate countless hours of time to the sport we all love so much! Happy sledding, and please ride safely.