The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership.
Winner: Bonne Bay Recreation from Glenburrie, Newfoundland & Labrador

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Organized Snowmobile Related Company.
Winner: Integrity Maintenance Ltd. from Carlyle Saskatchewan

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism Promotion and Development.
Winner: Pascal Roy from Clarence Creek, Ontario

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Club.
Winner: Hunters Range Snowmobile Association from Enderby, British Columbia

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Family.
Winner: The Taman Family – James & Bernadette from Warman, Saskatchewan

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobiler.
Winner: Jean-Benoit Dubé from Rimouski, Quebec

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Groomer Operator.
Winner: Tim Mandzuk from Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership.
Winner: Universe Satellite Sales from Rocanville, Saskatchewan

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Organized Snowmobile Related Company.
Winner: Kimpex from Drummondville, Quebec

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism Promotion and Development.
Winner: Valemount & Area Recreation Development from Valemount, British Columbia

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Club.
Winner: Windemere Valley Snowmobile Society from Invermere, British Columbia

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Family.
Winner: The Stevens Family – Randy, Yvonne, Kyle & Dylan from Wellington, Nova Scotia

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobiler.
Winner: Martin Nicol from St-Magloire, Quebec

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Youth Contribution – in memory of Pete Greenlaw.
Winner: Alec Bruneau from Great Falls, Manitoba

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Groomer Operator.
Winner: Don Matheson from Bruce Mines, Ontario

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Snowmobile Dealer of the Year
Winner: Schraders Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki of Yorkton SK
Schrader’s has been working with the Yorkton Sno-Riders Snowmobile Club for the past 27 years. Schrader’s believes it is important to support the local club as much as possible on many levels. At the beginning of each season, Manager Rick Bradshaw provides a work sled to ensure the trail prep team has the necessary equipment to get the job done.  Schrader’s believe in the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, the member clubs, the volunteers, and they provide fantastic service to snowmobilers.  Schrader’s promote registration and insurance to the snowmobile owners, and explain that the $110.00 registration fee goes towards funding the Province’s snowmobile trails & safety programs.    The dedicated Schrader’s staff contributes to the Yorkton community. Many have Sno-Rider family memberships and contribute personal time during fundraisers and events such as Snowarama for Easter Seals or the Sno Rider fall Dealer Tour.

The CCSO Award of Excellencefor a Snowmobile Related Company
Winner: Mid-Plains Implements Carberry MB
For over 42 years, Mid-Plains Implements has been involved with recreational snowmobiling.  The 3 owners, 11 employees and families are often out on the trails. The company has helped with moving shelters, putting up outhouses, grooming trails, and putting countless hours into the maintenance of groomers. In the off-season they help by cutting grass, stocking shelters with firewood, doing repairs and maintenance to the buildings in their surrounding areas. They do roadside service to the grooming equipment when it breaks down on the trail and they donate financial resources as well as manpower to the club’s fundraising events. Kevin, along with this wife, daughter and son ride the trails throughout the winter. It’s a great way to spend a day. They promote safe snowmobile operation which will benefit current and new riders for generations to come.

Mid-Plains Implements of Carberry know that without support by local businesses, recreational snowmobiling would not be what it is today.  They advertise on the trail maps, attend club events, BBQs, worker bees, volunteer labor to groom trails, trail signage, trail and warming hut maintenance, and actively looking for new members to join.

The CCSO Award of Excellencefor Groomer Operator of The Year
Winner: Snoman’s Jim Cottingham, Birtle Manitoba
Jim served as alternate groomer operator for 10 years when the Snowtraxx Club operated only one groomer. When they acquired the second groomer in 2012, Jim took over the grooming and regular maintenance of the south half of their trail system. He also doesall grooming and the groomer and drag maintenance.Jim signs and maintains approximately 40 kilometers of trails.  He also delivers wood for two southern club shelters, and picks up and delivers wood for the two northern shelters.Jim has carried out improvements on two of the shelters as well as maintaining them.  Jim is a farmer and has a heated workshop. He carries out all groomer maintenanceat no cost to the club. Jim’s generosity has saved the organization a significant amount of money!

Jim started snowmobiling at the age of 15. he is a dedicated snowmobiler and is always willing to lend a helping hand in club activities.Jim enjoys the social activities related to snowmobiling and would like to see more young people involved.

This past season Jim came up with the idea of recruiting groomer operators as well as promoting the club and snowmobiling. He built a float which included a snowmobile and promotional materials about the club and snowmobiling. He took the float to various Canada 150 parades that were held in communities which the club is affiliated with. His efforts resulted in a lot interest in the club, and new members & prospective groomer operators.

Jim is also an avid snowmobiler. He promotes snowmobiling! He is also the Vice President of the club, participates at the Regional level and actively promotes the youth program.

The CCSO Award of Excellencefor The Outstanding Snowmobile Club of the Year
Winner: Cumberland Snowmobile Club, Collingwood Corner Nova Scotia
For 50 years, the Cumberland snowmobile club has been supporting and promoting snowmobiling in Nova Scotia.  In 2017 Cumberland Snowmobile Club had 142 family members and achieved 400 trail permit sales. Their Face book page has over 1300 followers and promotes club events, activities, meetings, work parties, and their sponsors. It is also an information tool on trail conditions and other industry related information. They have a comprehensive Corporate Groomer Sponsor package that allows local businesses and individuals to help offset groomer expenses.  There are usually 20 or so groomer sponsors each year.

They have developed a working relationship with the local ATV club which accomplishes more with combined efforts.  With over 400 kms of trail maintained with 3 groomers operated by volunteers, this is an area that is enjoyed by those in the know.

The CCSO Award of Excellencefor The OutstandingSnowmobiling Family
Winner: The Bean Family, Fort McMurray Alberta
The Bean Family has been snowmobiling together since the 60s! The Bean family has been active members of the McMurray Sno-Drifters since 1998. They have been very helpful and supportive of the club and the ASA from the start. Whether grooming on Alpines, or Elburne towing a light groomer behind his own sled, the family have been involved in trail development and maintenance since day 1.  Frieda has been is out there with Elburne and is a recognized pillar in the club. Their Son Barry is a big part of the impact the family has had on recreational snowmobiling and their excellent trail system.  Elburne  personally bought a Piston Bully groomer that the club used for many years. Barry was the designated driver and spent hundreds of hours on operation and maintenance so equipment was good to go when needed!

When the wildfires known as “The Beast” hit the area much damage was left behind. With the help of others, they cleared fallen trees; repaired trails, and rebuilt many structures for comfort and warmth lost in the ordeal.  The Bean family is a great inspiration and an important part of recreational snowmobiling.

The CCSO Award of Excellencefor The OutstandingSnowmobiler Of The Year
Winner: Pat Patterson, Havelock & District Snowmobile Club, Ontario
Pat’s hard work and dedication to his club, and the hours volunteered have helped open trails, keep existing trails operational and enable club events to successfully occur. At the tender age of 81, Pat has been sledding for 62 years! His involvement with the Havelock & District Snowmobile Club spans 48 years! He was one of the founding Fathers. Each year you’ll find him volunteering at the clubs booth at shows, involved in organizing the poker run for fund raising, family day, safety initiatives, including the OPP in club events and more.  Pat is not content to just be a supporter of the trails, but rather is an avid rider still enjoying the trails and logged in more than 1200 kms last season.  Pat feels that his involvement with the club whether riding or volunteer efforts over the past 62 years have kept him young and engaged.

The CCSO Award of Excellence
for Outstanding Youth Snowmobiler Of The Year Winner: Katryn Crawford, Dalhousie Mountain Snowmobile Club, Nova Scotia
At 16 years of age Katryn has an impressive list of accomplishments. She has been an important youth participant with her club the Dalhousie Mountain Snowmobile Club. She is a founding member of the Nova Scotia Youth Snowmobilers (NSYS), a member of North Shore ATV club and winner of the SANS Outstanding Youth Snowmobiler in 2017.   Katryn has attended all NSYS events. She is a founding member participating in naming the group, designing the logo, developing code of ethics & creating the NSYS banner. She has arranged ice breakers for NSYS members & participates in all safety & leadership sessions.  Katryn attends club rallies promotes/encourages NSYS membership and more

Katryn helps her father Kevin, Uncle Dan and Grandfather Floyd with trail clearing and maintenance. Katryn’s keen eye is quick to find and mark any caution areas, always looking out for her friends and families safety.  The future of recreational snowmobiling is in good hands with young people like this coming up through the ranks.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership. 
Winner: Five Star Motor Sports, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Five Star Motorsports of Chilliwack BC earned Snowmobile Dealer of the Year due to their complete dedication to their customers, the sport of snowmobiling, and their snowmobile clubs. The business changed hands, moved, and had a name change, but the core values remained unchanged for 39 years. The dedication of the Five Star team goes above and beyond to make it a better day for snowmobilers. It was one of their customers who brought them to our attention with their nomination. It is very apparent that Five Star Motors realizes that without a loyal client base and excellent places to ride, the sport will suffer, and they are not about to let that happen.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for a Snowmobile Related Company
Winner: Harvest Meats, Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Harvest Meats has been producing quality meat products for 88 years and has also been directly promoting and supporting organized snowmobiling over 30 years in Saskatchewan.

Ken Propp, the Company President, loves snowmobiling and encourages his employees to enjoy his favorite past time as well. He invites new people to become active in the local club, the Yorkton Sno-Riders. Ken feels it is a worthwhile endeavour to promote a great family activity that brings friends and community together. Harvest Meats contributes directly to the club by volunteering, but also fundraising. Over $128,000 cash has been given to support club charities over the past 12 years. Ken and his team have gone that extra mile to support their favourite activity.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Tourism Initiative Of The Year
Winner: Luc Levesque, “ The Groomer Guy”, Dubreuilville, Ontario
The Groomer Guy concept was started in 1996 as pseudonym for Pat Dubreuil and Luc Levesque as they posted trail grooming conditions and information about the Dubreuilville Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trails in their area. Luc has been involved in the promotion of the sport for more than 21 years. He has amassed a large following over the last 10 years on social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube with the content being viewed by an expanding group of riders.

The Groomer Guy and his blogs, posts, videos and general perspective on Snowmobiling, while documenting trail conditions and equipment, bring a fresh and unique overview of what the sport of snowmobiling is about. It also gives insight into the efforts that are required to keep the sport alive and healthy going forward.

Luc keeps it real, and people follow his activities like it was a reality TV show… He has become so popular that people will reroute their snowmobile trips to include a stop in the small community of Dubreuilville, Ontario. The Groomer Guy has lifted the profile for the small community of Dubreuilville and the Algoma Region trails.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Snowmobile Club Of The Year
Winner: McMurray Snow Drifters, Fort McMurray, Alberta
In the beginning, membership participation in the Fort McMurray club was slow, but as local riders began to realize the importance of having safe areas to introduce and enjoy snowmobiling, the numbers steadily increased. The biggest boost to the club numbers happened when the club established a network of groomed trails. When local riders experienced how much better the riding was, they supported the club. These trails were accomplished with the hard work of volunteers, and support of the community. Membership started to increase rapidly. Their best membership year was in 2014-2015 with over 600 members.

The club has developed a strong use of social media and has used both a webpage and Facebook to inform members and non-members on club matters and ASA information. Since the huge fire “The Beast” last spring the club has implemented a new tag line. “Out of the Ashes & Back on the Trails”…. “Join the Drifters, and you will NEVER ride alone.”

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Snowmobile Family of the Year
Winner: The Warner Family, Arborfield, Saskatchewan
Darby and Cindy Warner have been involved with snowmobiling for several decades and their daughters Jennifer (24) and Jana (22) actively snowmobiling since they were little.

The Warner Family have belonged to the Pasquia Snow Goers Club from Arborfield, SK. for 15 years. This family stands out from most by the dedication and volunteering they have done. Darby works away from the community but does what he can. His Snow Condition Reports are top notch with good details for riders in the area.

The entire Warner family coordinates trail signage for half of the clubs trails. They fill the wood sheds and act as tour guides for the SSA and the Pasquia Snow Goers. Mom Cindy fills in when needed. Her duties include splitting and hauling firewood, hauling trail stakes to strategic locations, midnight runs to pick-up Darby when grooming and helping out when the trail closes in the spring. Jennifer focuses on the stakes and signs and uses her knowledge of photography to promote snowmobiling on the club’s Facebook page. She encourages her friends to pitch in and help as well. Jana is also helping with Facebook promotions and encourages young riders to come out to enjoy the trails.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Snowmobiler of the Year
Winner: Peter Haldimand, Lachute, Quebec
Peter Haldimand who has been a snowmobiler for over 35 years began playing an active role in The Hibou Blanc Snowmobile Club in 1990. He has held almost every executive position, and racked up an estimated 13,500 volunteer hours. Peter has helped to guide his club to new heights of success. He continues to work tirelessly and selflessly for his club. A pillar of the snowmobiling community in the Laurentian region, Peter has twice been recognized by his peers as volunteer of the year for his outstanding contributions. He was recipient of the 2016 Quebec Ministry of Transport Volunteer Recognition Award. Now entering his eighties, he is still active in his club.

Peter’s wife Connie has been a priceless contributor and supporter helping Peter make things happen. He has often said he couldn’t do what he does without her.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for the Outstanding Youth Snowmobiler in memory of Pete Greenlaw
Winner: Jarrett Crowell, Wellington, Nova Scotia
Jarrett has a passion for snowmobiling and is a great promoter of the activity to both young and old. He is a member of 3 snowmobile clubs Fundy Trail, North Shore and Driftclimbers. Jarrett helps with trail work for these clubs when needed, helps at auctions for one of the clubs, attends rallies and club meetings. Jarrett promotes the Nova Scotia Youth Snowmobilers at his school by wearing NSYS clothing and never misses an opportunity to talk the organization up.

Jarrett loves to ride. Safely is important to him. Jarrett has completed his OHV Safety course in both snowmobiling and 4 wheeling. He carries a backpack when riding which contains essential safety items that may be needed on the trail.
At the NSYS winter event 2015 Jarrett lead the group in a safety discussion sharing the contents of his backpack with the other members explaining the importance of what he carries. Jarrett and his family attended the Ride for Dad prostate cancer fundraiser for 4 years. Jarrett also does his own fundraising for the cause. Jarrett’s passion for snowmobiling and community involvement is both admirable and infectious.

The CCSO Award of Excellence for Groomer Operator of The Year
Winner: Barry Malcolm, Snoman Inc, Beausejour, Manitoba
Barry Malcolm has been operating the Snoman’s Club groomer for 13 years. Barry trains new groomer operators. This entails 40-60 hours with each new person. Barry has been a member of the Brokenhead Trail Blazers Power Toboggan Club Inc. for 16 years. During his grooming trips he notifies other sign captain’s areas requiring signage adjustments on their trails. He attends all Club monthly meetings and held the position of Treasurer for the Club which adds a significant amount of volunteer hours. This year, one of his newly trained Groomer operators took over some of his regular shifts.

Barry is hard at it for the roll-out the trails in the fall and again putting things back in the spring.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Dealer
Winner: Extreme Speed RV Limited, Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
Extreme Speed RV Limited has been a Polaris dealer since 1995. This dealer is known for outstanding customer service that goes beyond the counter to be involved in snowmobile activities throughout the season. They have assisted their local Saskatchewan club, the Northern Lights Snowmobile Club with trail development, trail clearing, snowmobiles to use for safety courses, and prizes. They are dedicated to assisting the club ensure a safe ride for everyone even if it means adjusting regular work hours to lend a helping hand.

Extreme Speed RV Ltd has been recognized as the Dealer of the Year because they go above and beyond what would necessarily be regular service to a customer. They ensure a quality product, make sure that the right product is sold to an individual and therefore receive repeat clients because of their fantastic customer service. For customer care, great service and their overall dedication to the sport of snowmobiling, Extreme Speed RV has been chosen as the CCSO Dealer of the Year.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snow-Related Company
Winner: B and B Wilson, Barrhead, Alberta
This Excellence Award goes to B and B Wilson of Alberta. The company was started in 1974 and is currently operated by Clair and Craig Wilson. Clair and his wife Maria are active members of the Northern Lights Club and contribute many hours of labour and equipment. Putting in $30,000 dollars’ worth of work for an allocated $15,000, the Wilsons ramped up the trails then donated the funds back to the club along with a groomer. The folks at B + B Wilson understand the value of getting things done for the community they grew up that way, knowing that if it helps families into getting outdoors it is a good thing and a benefit to the community.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism Promotion and Development
Winner: Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club, Atikokan, Ontario
The Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club has been in operation for over 30 years since been incorporated in 1984. Located in northwestern Ontario OFSC district 17, the Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club focuses on creating awareness to outside markets and helps increase tourism in their district. A lot of this is done through forms of social media, attending events and creating positive feedback from the club’s own events.

The club participates in many regional, national and international snowmobile and tourism events. Everywhere they go the club promotes their own activities as well as riding throughout Northwestern Ontario District 17. Their hard work has been recognized by the Heart of the Continent Geotourism Program and National Geographic for their valuable contribution and commitment toward the aesthetics, culture, environment, heritage and well-being of its community.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Winner: Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club, Truro, Nova Scotia
In the Snowmobile Club category, the winner is the Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club of Nova Scotia. The Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club is a family oriented club which has been in existence for 46 years and in 2015 was honoured as the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia’s club of the year. The Club has seen successful growth over the last two years and has a current membership of 227 participants.

Safety has also been a focus for the club, as evident by their coordinating of Off Highway Vehicle safety course for new members. Cooperation with others is a strong attribute of this club. They work with other snowmobile clubs but also work with cross country skiers and even a running club who utilized their clubhouse in the summer for an event. A pro-active approach and open communication are the hallmarks of this organization. They are also in constant communication via email updates, weekly newsletters which go to members clubs and dealers and regular submissions to the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia magazine, SnoTrails.

Building their membership, engaging other outdoors users, improving trails and promoting safety are key reasons why the Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club is the CCSO’s Outstanding Snowmobile Club of the Year.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Winner: Guenette Family, Whitecourt, Alberta
In the Snowmobile Family of the year category, the award winner is the Guenette family from Whitecourt, Alberta. Dan, Sue, Brad, Rachele and Hailey are all members of the Whitecourt Trailblazers, where Dan has been an executive member for over a decade. Dan’s business background helps to ensure that the club’s finances stay in good order from one season to the next.

This family is heavily involved with the Trailblazers through participation in fundraising, trail maintenance and clean up. This Alberta family strives to promote the sport and bring other families into this great outdoor activity. They are often seen volunteering at rallies, club rides and meetings and work the club’s booth at the Alberta Snowmobile Association show each year. The family-first approach to snowmobiling has kept all members of the Guenette family actively involved with the Trailblazers Snowmobiler Club and they are this year’s CCSO Snowmobile Family of the Year.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobiler
Winner: Gilles Roy, Temiscamingue Snowmobile Club, Quebec
Gilles Roy’s involvement in organized snowmobiling goes back to 1970 when he was a founder and president of the first local club. He remains a director to this day.

His passion and vision led him from the very start, as he worked to develop a local and regional trail network.  He devotes a significant amount of time every year to ensuring that the trails are safe and enjoyable for all.  He spearheaded his club`s drive to obtain partnerships and funding with various community stakeholders, helping to lay the groundwork for many developments beneficial to his club and all local snowmobilers.   His work was recognized by his provincial peers on two previous occasions, in 2005 as the FCMQ Volunteer of the Year, and more recently, as the overall winner of the 2015 Quebec Ministry of Transport Volunteer Recognition Award.  His selfless dedication, commitment and hard work exemplify all that is admirable about the lifeblood of organized snowmobiling and its volunteers.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Youth Contribution towards the Continued Development of Family Snowmobiling in memory of Pete Greenlaw
Winner: Jett Crowell, Wellington, Nova Scotia
Jett Crowell from Nova Scotia is 15 years old and a member of three clubs and attends meetings with his dad and younger brother. Jett loves to ride all year – snowmobiling in the winter and riding ATV in the spring, summer and fall. Whatever season, promoting safe riding is extremely important to him.

Jett helps with trail work, club events and rallies. His club promotes good environmental stewardship and he is learning and following best practices in this area. He understands the importance of trail maintenance, landowner respect and volunteerism.

Recently he had a chance to spend a bit of time in one of the local groomers learning the many aspects of trail grooming. He was very thrilled to get this opportunity and hopes to be able to do it again soon.

In memory of Pete Greenlaw, and for demonstrating dedication, commitment and leadership in all aspects of snowmobiling, we are proud to award the CCSO Excellence Award for Outstanding Youth Contribution to Jett Crowell.

The CCSO Excellence Award for Groomer Operator
Winner: Les Erixon, Kelvington Trailblazers, Kelvington, Saskatchewan
This Excellence Award goes to Les Erixon from the Kelvington Trailblazers of Saskatchewan. Les was one of the founding members of the Club which just finished its 29th season. Les is part of the grooming crew which consists of 4 other members who all enjoy getting out and making sure the trails are in top condition. Due to Les’s diligence the club has one of the best trail systems in the Province of Saskatchewan. Aside from his many hours out on the groomer, he spends time training each new operator before they are allowed on the trail. His outgoing and refreshing attitude draws people to the sport of snowmobiling and his knowledge of groomers and the trails make him an asset to his local club and the public.

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Winner: Valley Chainsaw, Pemberton, British Columbia
Commitment to volunteering, donating to the community and looking after his customers makes Valley Chainsaw the Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership of the Year. In operation for over 30 years, the owner, Albert Bush, is one of the founding members of the local snowmobile club and currently holds the position of club president. Through his dealership, Albert has given back to his community through the donation of countless volunteer hours as well as equipment or prizes – you can count on their support.

Outstanding Organized Snow Related Company
Winner: Alberta’s SnowandMud.com
This online resource for all things snowmobile and ATV related is locally owned and managed and has grown to over 47,000 members in a very short time. Started by Ron Willert, other volunteer moderators have been recruited to help keep the online forum current and relevant. This website has earned recognition and continues to grow as an excellent forum for snowmobilers to enjoy and exchange information and knowledge at no cost to the members.

Outstanding Promotion and Development of Snowmobiling

Winner: The Betties Snowmobile Club, Radium, British Columbia
The Betties Club, a women’s non-profit power sports club supports and promotes backcountry stewardship, safety, awareness, education and directs its energy and resources to growing program, projects and relationships that will enhance motorized recreation in Canada. By providing an environment that encourages women to be more involved in the sport and by providing mentorship and support, The Betties hope to further grow the industry, increasing club involvement and recruiting new members with new energy and resources. Support is provided to other snowmobile clubs through volunteer assistance with major projects, marketing, and promotion.

Outstanding Tourism Promotion and Development of Snowmobiling
Winner: Michelle Wolff, Sicamous Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia
Sicamous has been the emerging market in British Columbia as one of the top three sledding destinations. This is due largely to the efforts and support of Michelle and the Chamber of Commerce for the local snowmobile club. Michelle is the link for the clubs to the businesses. As an active sledder, she saw the opportunity and went after it. She also organizes an annual ladies ride which usually sees in excess of forty participants and last year over 20 of them had never ridden before!

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Winner: Candle Lake Sno-Drifters Club, Candle Lake, Saskatchewan
The Candle Lake Sno-Drifters were organized in 1981 and have experienced success in growing their membership on an annual basis, focussing on younger families and youth joining their club. They promote safe and responsible riding and are involved in community activities on a year round basis that promote snowmobiling. Remaining active and visible all year helps people learn about the trails and organized snowmobiling. They are visible on the trails on the weekends, welcoming people from across the province to their area and show them around the trails and the community.

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Winner: Marvin and Marlene Eckert, Alberta Beach, Alberta
Marvin and Marlene are both current executive members of their local club and have been for many years, being involved with the club for over 30 years. They are also very involved with trail development and associated funding. They have headed up media rides, maintained trail signage and helped with snow making for the drags. They play a big part in organizing rides, lobbying government, mediating with landowners and repairing equipment. Their list of involvement is endless!

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Winner: Rick Bilous, Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Rick has been a snowmobiler since 1960 and has been involved with the local club since its inception in 1990. Rick has made an outstanding commitment over the past 25 years. His dedication has reinforced organized snowmobiling in the Yorkton area and ensured that it is strong and viable for years to come. He has been involved in the planning and development of the existing and future trail systems. He genuinely cares about creating a fun, safe and enjoyable environment for everyone!

Outstanding Youth
Winner: Brandon Spooner, Rocky Mountain Riders Club, Mackenzie, British Columbia“]At sixteen years of age, Brandon has been actively involved in snowmobiling since he could walk! His father is actively involved in the club and Brandon is always at his side. He has attended club and provincial meetings, helped organize a group ride and Snowarama in his community, and keeps the club’s Facebook page filled with lots of pictures! Brandon hopes to increase youth involvement in the club as well as working with charities, the environment and promoting avalanche awareness.

President’s Award
Winner: Ron Purchase and Tim West, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
These two incredible and very deserving snowmobilers are very well known internationally for their work and efforts for organized snowmobiling. Both have left their mark on developing snowmobiling to new heights not only in Ontario but also internationally during their tenure as both volunteers and OFSC leaders. Congratulations to two great team players!

Check out the 2015 Excellence Awards Gallery

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Kelowna Yamaha, Terry & Laura Poirier from Kelowna British Columbia.

Outstanding Snow Related Company
Awarded To: Pineland Co-op from Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

Outstanding Promotion and Deveolpment Group
Awarded To: The Golden Triangle Committee from Alberta.

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Club Voyageur de Hearst from Hearst, Ontario.

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The Wyborn Family, Albert, Shirley, Kevin, Darcy, Tracy, Jessica & Miranda from Brandon Manitoba..

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Alphee LeBlanc from Moncton-St. Antoine Snowmobile Club in New Brunswick..

Outstanding Youth – The Pete Greenlaw Award
Awarded To: Jesse Guenther with the Nopiming Sno-Mads in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba

Winners of the CCSO 2013 Excellence Awards Hosted in Green Bay, Wisconsin

In June 2013 the Wisconsin Snowmobile Association (WSA) hosted a very successful International Snowmobile Congress (ISC). CCSO Excellence Awards were presented at the President’s Awards Banquet Gala on Saturday night at ISC. Congratulations to all of the nominees and a special thank you to all for your efforts to highlight the many success stories.

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Nickel City Motors from Thompson Manitoba

Outstanding Snow-Related Company
Awarded To: Choko Designs from Saint Leonard, Quebec

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club from Gravenhurst Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The Bromberger Family from Weslock, Alberta. Cliff, Nora, George and Becky

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Don Wheaton from the Miramichi Snow-Goers, New Brunswick

Outstanding Youth – (The Pete Greenlaw Award)
Awarded To: Connal Gurbach from the Pasqui Snow Goers Club in Arborfield, Saskatchewan

The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations would like to thank everyone for their nominations and wish to congratulate all of this year’s winners of the 2013 CCSO Excellence Awards.

Winners of the CCSO 2012 Excellence Awards Hosted in Sturbridge, Massachusetts

In June 2012 the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SledMass) hosted a very successful International Snowmobile Congress (ISC). CCSO Excellence Awards were presented at the President’s Awards Banquet Gala on Saturday night at ISC. Congratulations to all of the nominees and a special thank you to all for your efforts to highlight the many success stories.

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: City Argo from Miramichi, New Brunswick

Outstanding Snow-Related Company
Awarded To: Choko Designs from Saint Leonard, Quebec

Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion & Development
Awarded To: Alberta Beach Lions Club from Alberta

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Osgoode Carleton Snowmobile Club from Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The Brooks Family from Mazinaw Powerline Snowmobile Club in Ontario, Jim and Shawna Brooks

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Dale Hickox from Prince Edward Island

Outstanding Youth – (The Pete Greenlaw Award)
Awarded To: Tyler Ryerson from Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations would like to thank everyone for their nominations and wish to congratulate all of this year’s winners of the 2012 CCSO Excellence Awards.

Winners of the CCSO 2011 Excellence Awards Hosted in Calgary, Alberta

In June the Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA) hosted a very successful International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) with representatives from 4 countries in attendance. CCSO Excellence Awards were presented at the President’s Awards Banquet Gala on Saturday night at ISC. Congratulations to all of the nominees and a special thank you to all for your efforts to highlight the many success stories.

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Enns Brothers from Winnipeg Manitoba

Outstanding Snow-Related Company
Awarded To: SnowandMud.com, from Alberta

Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion & Development
Awarded To: Cycle Works West from Alberta

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Wasaga Snowmobile Club from Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The Byman Family from Revelstoke British Columbia. Greg, Barb and his son Bryce

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Laurent Caoutte from Quebec

Outstanding Youth – The Pete Greenlaw Award
Awarded To: Blake Schofield from Gravenhurst, Ontario

CCSO Environmental Recognition Award:
Awarded To: Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA).

The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations would like to thank everyone for their nominations and wish to congratulate all of this year’s winners of the 2011 CCSO Excellence Awards.

Winners of the CCSO 2010 Excellence Awards Hosted in Coralville, Iowa

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Sobetski Enterprises of Beausejour, Manitoba

Outstanding Organized Snowmobile Related Company
Awarded To: Capri Insurance from Kelowna British Columbia

Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion and Development of Snowmobiling
Awarded To: Port Perry Snowmobile Club from Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Annapolis Valley Lake & Ridge Runners from Nova Scotia

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The Stapley Family, Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Dwayne Wenger from Flin Flon, Manitoba

Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism, Promotion and Development
Awarded To: The Whitecourt Trailblazers from Alberta

Outstanding Youth (The Pete Greenlaw Award)
Awarded To: Chad Patriquin from Wellington, Nova Scotia

The Environment Award (presented in memory of CCSO President Pat Whiteway from Kelowna, BC)
Awarded To: The Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ)

Winners of the CCSO 2009 Excellence Awards Hosted in Summerside, PEI

The President’s Award for 2009
Awarded To: The Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Stephan Harper
The Prime Minister received this award, the highest honour granted by the association for delivering on his commitment to expand Canada’s network of trails. The Prime Mister was quoted ‘I am honoured to receive this award from an organization that appreciates and understands the importance of conserving Canada’s natural heritage so it can be enjoyed for future generations said the Prime Minister. ‘Investing in Canada’s national trails helps create jobs today. It also opens up new opportunities for tourism businesses and allows more Canadians to enjoy the Canadian countryside in a safe and responsible manner.’

The Environment Award for 2009 presented in memory of CCSO President Pat Whiteway from Kelowna, BC
Awarded Jointly To: British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Motor Tech Ltd, Golden BC

Outstanding Organized Snowmobile Related Company
Awarded To: SnoRiders West Magazine

Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion and Development of Snowmobiling
Awarded To: Dapp Corner Store, Dapp Alberta

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Arctic Riders from Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: The LaRoy Family, Revelstoke British Columbia

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Jack Hore, St Joseph Island Voyageurs Club, Ontario
Nominated by: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism, Promotion and Development
Awarded to: Alberta Lakeland Destination Marketing Organization, North Eastern Alberta

Outstanding Youth – The Pete Greenlaw Award
Awarded To: Brad Guenette from Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, Whitecourt Alberta

The winner for 2009-2010 Environmental Recognition Award:
Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) 
The Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has taken a proactive approach to addressing environmental issues specific to their province starting with the design and implementation of a five year action plan presented in September 2008.

Their Vision statement says it all:
– To become a proactive player in its environment in order to create synergies enabling it to face the social issues associated with the practice of snowmobiling in Quebec so that the snowmobile community may adhere to the principle of sustainable development.

The FCMQ has committed time and resources to the implementation of the action plan as evidenced by:

• Annual aggressive tree planting program along their trails in partnership with Tree Canada.
• Annual Support of the École de technologie for the green snowmobile research projects each year.
• Including information sessions on the environment at their annual congress.
• Updated their web site with environmental link and information.
• Planned to run a carbon neutral event with the Women’s breast Cancer snow run in 2010.
• Had two carbon-free promotional rides in February in support of the National Snowmobiling Environment month celebrations.
• Regular environmental messaging in their magazine.

Congratulations to the Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for their work and efforts to educate the general public on how Quebec Snowmobilers Care About the Environment – Well done!

The 2008 – 2009 Environmental Recognition Award was jointly awarded to:
The British Columbia Snowmobile Federations (BCSF) and The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).
Joint winner for 2008-2009 Environmental Recognition Award: The British Columbia Snowmobile Federations (BCSF)

Over the years the BCSF has worked hard to try and maintain snowmobiling riding areas in British Columbia but one issue that always comes forward is the Caribou issue. Mountain and Northern caribou areas affects half the snowmobile clubs in BC one way or another.

The BCSF is recognized for their Environmental Stewardship Program that consists of the following:

• A Guide to Environmental Stewardship – This guide contains links to laws or regulations pertaining to snowmobiling, Best Management Practices, Operating Procedures for snowmobiling clubs in Caribou Habitat, Code of Ethics, Memorandum of Understanding regarding Management of Snowmobiling in Mountain Caribou Habitats, Contacts, etc.
• A Monitoring/Reporting form ( to report animal sightings or observations of animals or riders in restricted areas) The need to report and record for future use is huge because if the herds do not increase or the animals continue to congregate into snowmobile areas, we will at the very least have some data collected.
• A Caribou Training Matrix( complete CD for educating people on caribou habits, Identifying habitat, tracks and more).
• Pamphlets on snowmobiling in Caribou habitat.
• Promoting Greener choices for snowmobilers to make people think about their choices from individuals to actions by their clubs.

These educational tools will help educate the public and volunteers that Snowmobilers really do care about our Environment!

Joint winner for 2008-2009 Environmental Recognition Award:
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

The OFSC is committed to a leadership role in fostering the environmentally responsible development and use of Ontario Snowmobile Trails by working with Stakeholders through a sustained program of dedicated funding, research, public education and innovative special projects.

Since 1992, the OFSC has invested $1.5 Million in projects to improve the environment and to assist clubs in minimizing environmental impacts. With $1 dollar from every Ontario trail permit committed to the environment, OFSC snowmobilers work closely with partners and member clubs to educate the public, draw attention to the environment and make capital improvements to trails and water crossings on their vast network of trails of over 34,000 kms.

From planting trees, to working with the media, to creating public service announcements, to holding public forums, the OFSC, its Board of Governors and its thousands of volunteers fully understands and are committed to let the world know that Snowmobilers really do care about our Environment!