ADMDQ update from Greg

[Greg du Vermont]

As the season begins the Association of Quebec Snowmobilers (AdmdQ) has been continually gaining visibility and credibility by actively promoting the positives of our sport and defending positions that will protect the future of snowmobiling. AdmdQ President Patrick Boucher has been busy giving radio interviews, writing newspaper articles/editorials and attending cooperative discussions with Provincial Government and the Federation of Quebec Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ).

Many of the AdmdQ’s regional directors have been active in attending local club functions, spreading the mission of the AdmdQ and offering support and resources to address both existing and future difficulties.

Membership Director, Lyne Brouillard has been busy with new memberships and renewals as well as being the main force in the overwhelming success of the AdmdQ members lodging discount program. This dedicated snowmobiler has dedicated countless hours of contacting Hotels, Motel and Gites across Quebec all on behalf of and for the added benefit of AdmdQ members. I believe that 100 is the new number of partners offering a 10% discount, check the sites clickable map for partners where you plan to ride.

Other Directors have been active with, the new safety Public service announcements which are cooperatively presented by the Association and the many significant enhancements and additions to the AdmdQ.org web site.

Director Yves Lebrecque from the Beauce-Amiante region has been instrumental in the production and distribution of the radio broadcast trail condition reports which are now in full swing on stations throughout Quebec and many other activities to strengthen the credibility and positive impact of the combined AdmdQ voice.

These people are all dedicated snowmobilers anticipating riding soon, just as much as we are, yet they give of their time and talents to help promote, protect and defend the future of snowmobiling. My hat is off to each of them.

And me, I’m just trying to be a part of something that may help to protect the sport that is a part of who I am. I try to spread the word of the Associations positive activities and benefits, to those of us Americans who are fortunate enough to enjoy Quebec and to encourage each of us to lend our support to their efforts and impact for $10 a year.

One final note

If you have checked the AdmdQ.org site you may have seen that Choko has been a significant supporter of the AdmdQ since the AdmdQ was formed in 2005. We here at Quebecrider also have the good fortune of having ChokoNewEngland.com as one of QR’s founding supporters. All the Choko snowmobile products available to us and easy to order. Cool………… I ordered my new stuff and bango, it’s on the way. Support Choko!

And a question………… Why are there so many more guest readers than posting members? This thing would work even better with the input and information of more Quebec riders. Come on Winter!!!!!

[patg85]

Hi I am joining the association but I want to say the english side is not working and it is still jumping to a endless google page. The french side works though that is where I joined. As for the partner hotels you are talking is that listed on the site?

[Greg du Vermont]

Patg85 Thanks for joining the voice of Quebec snowmobilers. Sorry that you are experiencing difficulty on the English side. I have had reports of this before, but everytime I try it, it works without problem.

If you or anyone else can offer additional feedback, I would be glad to try to correct it.

Anyone have a similar sucess or failure?

When you are at the admdq.org opening site, is the trouble as soon as you click Welcome to direct you to the English side?

or

Does the problem begin when you click become a member on the left side tool bar?

or

Is the problem when you hit the paypal option?

Thanks for you help with trouble shooting this, the AdmdQ has worked hard on this addition to the site and want to get it right if there is a problem.

Here is the link that should take you right to English joining

http://www.admdq.org/member.html

If you continue to have problems with the English side for joining please join on the French side (very easy). Actually one of the goals of this site was to develop better communication between Quebec and American riders, so learning a few new words will be a good thing.

So open admdq.org click bienvenue to go to the French side. The key words that you are looking for are Devenez membre "become a member" it is located on the left side tool bar highlighted in red.

The link to the list of Rabais hebergement "discount lodging" partners is also in this location also highlightend in red on both the English and French sides.

Anyway, when you click devenez membre it takes you to the joining page. On this page you have the choice of Abonnement par la poste "joining by mail" where you can cliquez ici pour la document "click here for the document", print it out fill it out and send it to the address on the application. The entry information would be as you would imagine, name, address, how many years have you been a snowmobiler, that kind of thing. If you join by mail you will need to rejoin each year as the admdQ does not send out renewals.

You will also see Abonnement par carte de credit "join by credit card via pay pal" If you join in this way your membership renouvellera automatiquement a tous les anniversaires "will renew automatically each year".

I hope that you enjoyed this little French lesson, school is ajourned.

Seriously thanks for joining the AdmdQ and giving your feedback on the difficulties you had.

[Greg du Vermont]

I just sent a note to AdmdQ President asking if he could look into the problems some of you are having.

It is really a mystery as I just went to the admdq.org and navigated all over the place without problem discounts by region, trail conditions from the clickable map, tourism links, membership page and the AdmdQ partners page featuring Quebecrider.com

I just don't get it. :wacko: Could someone else please go and navigate around and report back. Thanks guys

We really would like to find out if these problems are very isolated or more widespread.

[rob]

I just sent a note to AdmdQ President asking if he could look into the problems some of you are having.

It is really a mystery as I just went to the admdq.org and navigated all over the place without problem discounts by region, trail conditions from the clickable map, tourism links, membership page and the AdmdQ partners page featuring Quebecrider.com

I just don't get it. :wacko: Could someone else please go and navigate around and report back. Thanks guys

We really would like to find out if these problems are very isolated or more widespread.

I have no problem at all. If you click on http://www.admdq.org/ you have the option of English or French by clicking on 'welcome' or 'bienvenue'. It is similar to this site if you go to the homepage at http://www.quebecrider.com/ where you find basically the same option.

[patg85]

I just tried the site again and it seems to be working so with all that said I look forward to being a member and if they are any other issues I will be sure to post. I will be on here all winter posting trail reports and as well on zenwaiter.com.

Thanks guys

Pat

[Greg du Vermont]

Published today in French throughout Quebec in the Presse Canadienne and translated by Greg du Vermont for Quebec riders.

The snowmobile season begins in Quebec with a message of safety for all from the AdmdQ.

Snowmobilers Association of Quebec (AdmdQ) is pleased to note that several regions of Quebec have received enough snow in recent days to allow the opening of many snowmobile trails and want to stress that none of these trails would be possible without the contribution of landowners and thousands of volunteers from Snowmobile clubs across Quebec.

The regions of Abitibi, Bas-St-Laurent, Chaudiere Appalaches, North Shore, Gaspé, Lanaudière, Laurentians, Mauricie, Ottawa, Quebec / Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean began to offer opened and marked trails. Areas such as the Eastern Townships and the Montérégie, which usually begin their seasons later in December have also begun to open certain sectors.

The AdmdQ wishes to remind snowmobilers to exercise great caution at the start of the season. Respect landowner trail permissions, do not travel on ice until the clubs have authorized it’s use, never consume alcohol while riding your snowmobile and always ride within reasonable and prudent limits. In addition, the AdmdQ encourages all snowmobilers to obtain their snowmobile trail passes through a local clubs before using the trails.

The AdmdQ participates actively throughout the winter in a broad national campaign of snowmobile safety. This campaign is in cooperation with major partners such as La Capitale General Insurance, BRP and the Ministry of Transport of Quebec and several other important partners.

The campaign will promote safety in various ways, from this begining of the season message, daily broadcast radio safety messages, Safety posters distributed to Snowmobile dealers and all clubs snowmobiles in the province. In addition, the safety campaigns messages will be displayed on many on the major websites dealing with snowmobiling in Quebec.

The AdmdQ has also introduced a new format of presenting trail information on its AdmdQ.org website. In addition to the traditional color codes showing the status of trails, the AdmdQ.org site offers real-time display of weather for all sectors of the province, a link to road conditions and links to various tourism associations and snowmobile clubs.

Link to the conditions of the trails AdmdQ:

http://www.admdq.org/conditionsdesentiersmotoneige.html

The AdmdQ recognizes, reminds and promotes that the sport of Snowmobiling and snowmobile tourism is a huge economic engine which generates over one billion annually in Quebec.

[Greg du Vermont]

Here is an exciting announcement.

The AdmdQ would like to Thank Saguenay Bill for giving his support of the AdmdQ mission by offering AdmdQ memberships at his Holiday Inn Saguenay snowmobile corner. Getting your AdmdQ membership can now be done in person with Bill. Saguenay It has been arranged that Bill will have membership cards immediatly available so that there will be no delay in being able to take full advantage of AdmdQ member discounts.

Thanks Bill. You truly represent all that is good in the great adventure that is snowmobiling.

[Greg du Vermont]

I hope that Quebec riders everywhere have started the magic of another season. New sleds, new desinations, new friends and memories to last a lifetime. Ride safe.

The Association of Quebec Snowmobilers AdmdQ invites all Quebec snowmobilers to the 9th annual celebration of the joys and friendships of snowmobiling. Friday January 30 and Saturday January 31 snowmobilers are invited to participate in the annual event, held each year at one of the world’s most prestigious snowmobile destinations, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, in the incredible Charlevoix region of Quebec.

Rally Poker Casino de Charlevoix

Saturday, January 31 departure Poker Casino de Charlevoix rally will start from 8:30 pm, participants will have the chance to win more than $ 1,000 in prizes while also discovering the beauties of the Charlevoix region.

Dinner gathering

After a beautiful day of riding, participants will have the opportunity to celebrate together at the dinner show featuring the Grand 'Debacle. That is a great way to celebrate and stay at the Fairmont Richelieu.

Snowmobilers will be able to celebrate with and meet many Snowmobilers from throughout Quebec and the U.S.

Anyone who wishes to join this event can make reservation by calling the Fairmont Richelieu 1-888-349-6799.

If you are looking for a great time, this place is a must see.

If anyone goes, be sure and stop by the AdmdQ booth to say hello.

[Greg du Vermont]

As translated by Greg from recent AdmdQ press release

The group of partners, including the Ministry of Transport, BRP, La Capitale General Insurance and the AdmdQ is proud of any positive results that their extensive snowmobile safety campaign may have had so far.

Currently, the toll of Quebec snowmobiling fatalities this season is 2 as compared with the unfortunate number at the same date last year which was 11. The recorded number of deaths for the same period in previous years was 3 in 2006-2007, 5 deaths in 2005-2006 and 7 deaths in 2004-2005 (Source balance: Ministry of Transport)

The goal of this program is to improve safety and to reduce the number of fatalities by the end of the 2009 season by encouraging an increased awareness of the basic rules of attention, prudence and safety.

At present this campaign includes 5,000 large Safety posters which have been distributed among the various snowmobile dealers in Quebec to raise awareness among snowmobile enthusiasts. Safety messages are also being broadcast on the Weather Network television station.

Snowmobilers can view these same messages as well as current snowmobile trail conditions, which are provided by the Association of Quebec Snowmobilers on AdmdQ.org.

The Quebec Association of Snowmobilers has established this section of it’s site, dedicated specifically to the conditions of trails as well as offering real-time weather, area snowmobile trail maps and road conditions, all of which are aimed at increasing information available to Quebec snowmobilers as they enjoy Quebec’s 33,000 km of trails.

http://www.admdq.org/conditionsdesentiersmotoneige.html

The safety program’s goal to reduce risky behavior and to encourage snowmobilers to think safety first is also being promoted on many snowmobiling web sites with the intention of directly reaching as many snowmobilers as possible.

Snowmobile safety is the absolute priority of these partners and they invite all Quebec snowmobilers to play a part in contributing to the success of this campaign.

Be Smart……… Ride Safe!

[Greasemonkey]

Just a hint for the French to English problems people are having with this site. If you use Firefox for your browser, and have the latest versions, if you right click any page that might be in another language, scroll down to where it says "page info" and click on that. You will see a tab to "translate page into English".

When you click on that, the page you are viewing will come up in English. Makes it kinda easy to surf on many Canadian only websites.

[Greasemonkey]

I MIGHT have made a slight mistake with the translation post above. You might have to have the Google Toolbar installed with Firefox. I'm not sure if this is a Firefox xtra or a Google item. Hope I didn't drive anybody nuts trying to find the translation button.

[Greg du Vermont]

Just a short update as to the continued growth in membership in the Quebec Snowmobilers Asssociation. Our numbers continue to increase with the goal of reaching 5,000 active members this season getting closer with each new member.

I would like to personally thank the many Quebec riders who have joined in supporting the mission of the AdmdQ. For those who have not yet joined this important organized voice, I ask for your further consideration. For those who have please help me spread the word. Thanks

Saguenay Bill is now offering AdmdQ memberships at his Holiday Inn Saguenay snowmobile kiosk. Thanks to Bill's commitment and support, membership in the AdmdQ can now be made immediatly and in person.

I read that many Quebec riders include the Roquemont in St Raymond in their itinerary. Don't forget that they are a partner in the AdmdQ's Quebec wide hotel discount program. Show your AdmdQ card, save 10% on your room and save the amount of your AdmdQ membership in just one use. Check AdmdQ.org for over 110 other partners.

Upcoming events were the AdmdQ will be promoting awarness, safety and membership will be at

The 9th annual Snowmobile frienship celebration at the Fairmount Manior Richelieu in Charlevoix January 30 and 31, were We will have the AdmdQ canopy in the main hall. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello.

The 50th celebration of BRP in Valcourt in February, were you will also see the AdmdQ canopy.

Ride right, ride safe.

[Belle des Neiges]

Wow Greg, your info is really good.

Thanks

[Greg du Vermont]

Your assistance is requested

The 9th Rassemblement des motoneigiste dans Charlevoix last weekend at the Manoir Richelieu / Quebec Casino was a great success. Over 500 snowmobilers participated in the events and enjoyed meeting new snowmobile friends. The AdmdQ received great exposure and the AdmdQ team had many positive meetings. One of the significant highlights of this event was the presence and speech of Quebec Minister of Transport, Norman MacMillan. This man is a key player in directing the future projects, programs and financing to sustain and grow the future of the snowmobile trail system throughout Quebec. Needless to say he is a very important individual to all Quebec Snowmobilers. In determining future direction and goals he wanted to learn more about our sport by attending this event and pledged continued and increased investment in snowmobiling. One of his pledges was a commitment to meet with the involved groups in the near future to learn more about the needs and issues affecting our sport. Giving the users of the trail system “snowmobilers” an organized, credible and unified voice was a primary goal in the formation of the AdmdQ. Being recognized and respected at this event and by this level of government official was a real success. While the FCMQ speaks for the clubs the AdmdQ now has the opportunity to speak even louder on behalf of the users. Mr. MacMillan was an avid snowmobiler in the 80’s and 90’s but responsibilities and work curtailed his enjoyment of the sport. He joined AdmdQ officials including myself and others for a beautiful ride in Charlevoix on Saturday where he was very impressed by the sophistication and comfort of today’s sleds as well as the natural beauty of the area. Many positive introductions and conversations were had and a meeting with Minister MacMillan will be in our near future.

Now for the part about your assistance

In preparation for this opportunity, the AdmdQ is drafting an outline of items of concern as well as desired future directions, investments and efforts for the future of snowmobiling. Here is your opportunity to express your concerns and desires. As the American Ambassador to the AdmdQ it will be my pleasure to represent the interest of the American Quebec riders.

What do the users / customers / snowmobilers want?

A few items that have already been shared by Quebec riders include

Increased investment in the encouragement and creation of permanent snowmobile trail easements

Protected status for current snowmobile trails in Quebec provincial parks and public lands

Opening of new trails within Quebec provincial parks and public lands

Increased funds for preseason trail maintenance (wider cleared trails, less trail edge obstacles and branches)

Increase safety training for rental tourism users.

Please put some thought into this and share your thoughts weather by e-mail or here.

What do you believe is of sincere concern to the future of Quebec snowmobiling?

Not just to survive, but to flourish and grow.

If you’re not a member, please join us.

[Greg du Vermont]

AdmdQ.org Trail conditions map update

After several weeks of work, the AdmdQ Snowmobilers Association of Quebec is please to announce that an enhanced provincial map of the conditions of trails is now active and available on the AdmdQ.org website. This new interactive map allows you to see the whole province of Quebec by displaying the various regions with color codes indicating the status of trails.

In addition to seeing the whole province, you can view each region of Quebec with much higher detail with a zoom feature which can take you right to what you want to see. On the map an icon display of information for snowmobilers and warning messages will also be posted as needed to make your rides safer, smoother with less surprise.

Soon, a new symbol will be added to easily access various web cameras that are available in the province so you can see in real time the snow conditions of a specific region.

This new map was produced with the collaboration of ViaExplora and the dedicated volunteer efforts of the AdmdQ Snowmobilers Association of Quebec. The continued improvement to accurate, available information is another effort in the AdmdQ becoming the voice and assistance to all Quebec Snowmobilers

To view the new map visit AdmdQ.org

http://www.admdq.org:80/conditionsdesentiersmotoneige.html

It is pretty cool to zoom in really close, check it out.

[Greg du Vermont]

The following are some of the communications I have offered the AdmdQ in my capacity as their American Ambassador in preparation for important discussions to be held in upcoming meetings with Quebec government officials regarding the future of our sport.

It would seem to me that the primary reason for Quebec government officials being interested in the voice of Quebec snowmobilers (the AdmdQ) is in regard to how the input of our members could help with the preservation and increase of the snowmobiling tourism industry. Minister of Transport Norman MacMillan’s comments at the 9iem Rassemblement in Charlevoix clearly referenced a Provincial concern and awareness of the increasing competition for a declining snowmobile tourism dollar.

If Quebec is to welcome continued, increased and new snowmobile business, it will need to promote new and welcoming initiatives. The investment in and promotion of programs such as increased trail maintenance, increased safety for users, the protection of existing trails, the introduction of new trails, increased secure parking facilities, increased training for inexperienced tourist / rental sled riders, a convenient central source for user information and increased safety promotion initiatives will go a long way in welcoming and encouraging snowmobilers to choose Quebec and tourist to choose snowmobiling.

First time Quebec riders and Tourist snowmobilers want a safer experience via wider, better side brushed trails, increased access to natural beauty and scenic views, a central source for information and secure parking.

Experienced Quebec riding Americans also want, wider safer trails, promotion of permanent rights of passage protecting the interconnecting trail system, keeping long distance touring possible, a higher commitment to theft prevention actions and increases in value priced hotel packages allowing for more excursions per winter.

If Quebec introduced headlines of “safer, more beautiful, more economical and more secure” it would have a positive impact on something that is the best in the world, being “new and improved for the experiences of a lifetime”.

As it is now, we are losing trails, the interconnecting system has significant voids, bush trails are getting narrower with more trail edge dangers and thefts and inexperienced riders being a real concern to many.

As the demographics of Snowmobilers change, the industry must adapt to the needs, desires and demands of the users. While much of the core snowmobiling population remains to be loyal enthusiast with a deep passion for the sport, a significant number of users are tourist and occasional participants who are making adjustments due to shrinking disposable recreation budgets and being courted by an increasing number of alternative recreational choices.

If the Quebec snowmobile industry is to remain and grow as major economic force, snowmobilers will need to feel more personally invested in the improvement and success of the sport.

It is important that the snowmobile community share an active role in the direction, goals, investments, improvements and actions taken in regard to snowmobiling. If users feel such a connection to the sport, they will continue to choose this sport as their recreation and Quebec as their destination. If the infrastructure and maintenance of the system declines and decisions are made without the benefit of user input, participation will certainly decline.

Significant components in the success of such a new direction will be Government decision makers having access to credible, organized, snowmobiler information and opinion.

The Quebec Snowmobilers Association

Association des Motoneigiste du Quebec

AdmdQ

and

the reporting and promotion of these snowmobiler inspired directions, programs and actions through an established, organized, credible voice.

The Quebec Snowmobilers Association

Association des Motoneigiste du Quebec

AdmdQ

So…………. based on my observations/experiences and the comments of many Quebec riders our input to the AdmdQ looks like this:

• Increased investment in the encouragement and creation of permanent snowmobile trail easements to protect trails on private lands.

• Protected status for current snowmobile trails in Quebec provincial parks and public lands.

• Opening of new trails within Quebec provincial parks and public lands.

• Expansion of the electronic early warning system program on grooming equipment

• A supported centralized source for meaningful Snowmobiler information and snowmobiler input

• Renewed commitment to, incentive for and expansion of the secured parking area programs and other such theft prevention initiatives

• Safer trails for all users via increased funding for preseason trail maintenance (wider cleared trails, less trail edge obstacles and dangerous branches)

• Increase point of purchase, safety training for rental tourism users.

• Promotion of Lodging and restaurant participation in value pricing programs and offerings.

Your comments and feedback are welcomed

[Greg du Vermont]

Long time no type. My apologies for limited AdmdQ updates during my riding. I hope all of you have been busy soaking up as much trail time as possible. From the regions of Lanaudiere, Quebec, Saguenay lac St Jean to les Monts Valin, Charlevoix, Bas Saint Laurent and Gaspesie, 2008-2009 continues to be a great season, full of friendships, adventures and memories that will last forever. I must say that I am enjoying my 25th year of riding Quebec as much as I enjoyed my first introduction to the belle province back in 1984.

Here are a few of the AdmdQ’s activities and actions since my last update which was just was prior to the AdmdQ’s important meeting with Quebec Minister of Transport in charge of off road motorized activities.

The February 19th meeting with Minister McMillan was a very positive exchange, discussing issues affecting our sport and the resource and role that the AdmdQ’s voice of Quebec snowmobilers can play in identifying and developing programs which will protect the future and have a positive impact on our sport. The AdmdQ was received with great acceptance, recognition and respect.

The AdmdQ continues to be the credible voice of snowmobilers in multiple TV, radio and print media interviews regarding safety, the positive promotion of our sport and the important economic impact that it contributes. While we as American “Quebec Riders” don’t see many of these interviews. they are a very important function of our organization.

The AdmdQ.org website continues to be a central resource for helpful information and trail conditions. As the season draws closer to the end the information contained can be more important than ever. A new feature giving information on important warnings is the exclamation icons “!” which are located as needed on the trail maps. Clicking an exclamation point will give you info on early closures, open water or other helpful details.

Based on the concern and feedback from many snowmobilers as well as several unfortunate accidents, the AdmdQ is undertaking the promotion of a program encouraging increased rental sled safety. This program includes greater initial information regarding rules of the trails including a video training component as well as more intensive actual “hands on” operation education at the point of rental and better emergency equipped rental sleds. Hopefully this initiative can assist in keeping all Quebec riders safer. This program will be in full operation for the 09-10 season.

The AdmdQ wishes to offer a special THANK YOU to Saguenay Bill for his promotion of the AdmdQ’s mission at his Holiday Inn snowmobile kiosk where he added many new members to the association.

Snowmobiler feedback is the most important component to the Associations work. Please feel free to offer your thoughts as to safety, services and important issues for which you wish to have greater voice.

The season is not done yet……………….keep on riding and enjoy!

[clarkely]

Is there a way to view the this page http://www.admdq.org/conditionsdesentiersmotoneige.html from the english entrance....i can get to it via the french entry but not the english entry.....

Thanks

[Greg du Vermont]

Clarkely,

Thanks for the question

Due to its recent addition to the AdmdQ.org site, the explora style map with its zoom in feature, greater trail detail and other extra info items is currently only accessable from the french side of the site. The actual printed report for each of the areas which you select are typically the same on both the french and english sides. As of now, just the maps differ.

I agree that the new map feature is cool and as it continues to function glitch free we will see the english side get the same update. I'm glad that you are checking out the available info. Hang in there, practice francais and use google translate as I do, because there will always be greater content available on the french side.

[SnomoGary]

Clarkely,

I agree that the new map feature is cool and as it continues to function glitch free we will see the english side get the same update. I'm glad that you are checking out the available info. Hang in there, practice francais and use google translate as I do, because there will always be greater content available on the french side.

Greg, this sounds good especially to us. My wife and I first 'came to snowmobiling' in 2003 on a dog-sledding adventure holiday from the U.K. We wern't keen on the ds but fell in love with snowmobiling and beautiful Quebec region. We have had 5 holidays in the Saguenay area now and totally agree with you regarding several points about renting tourist's such as ourselves. Our first two holidays were lucky enough to be guided and instructed by an amazing man called Jean-Claude Leduc, from Jonquiere, who is sadly no longer with us. He instilled all aspects of safety into us continually. As you can imagine coming all the way from U.K. plus having to rent everything, including a guide, when we get there is a very expensive holiday for us and we would welcome any sort of concession for long distance tourists. We have quite a few friends who love the idea of what we do but it is just to expensive for them to give it a try. Also I am in total agreement with you that more training is necessary for renting tourists, especially regarding road crossings.

Our thanks also go to Saguenay Bill who is a never ending source of information at the HI.

Gary

[Greg du Vermont]

Snomogary,

Thank you for your comments of agreement and support for the safety efforts of the AdmdQ.

I thought that the furthest distance member to the AdmdQ was a guy I met from South Carolina who chose to support and join the voice of Quebec snowmobilers. If you are or become an AdmdQ member you would easily take that record. The AdmdQ is very interested in feedback and suggestions from all users, including tourist from the UK. Safety = greater enjoyment, better memories and many more return trips. Thanks for reading.

[clarkely]

Snomogary,

Thank you for your comments of agreement and support for the safety efforts of the AdmdQ.

I thought that the furthest distance member to the AdmdQ was a guy I met from South Carolina who chose to support and join the voice of Quebec snowmobilers. If you are or become an AdmdQ member you would easily take that record. The AdmdQ is very interested in feedback and suggestions from all users, including tourist from the UK. Safety = greater enjoyment, better memories and many more return trips. Thanks for reading.

How long will trails remain open??? ANd Maintained??

[combat]

Greg:I don't do alot of commenting on sites,however I read alot of forums about snowmobiling as it is my passion. I probably will get some comments saying i am against Canada and Quebec. Believe me when I say I LOVE CANADA! I have been snowmobiling since 1972. I went on my first trip to St Zenon in 1963. I went every year multiple times until 2006. Over the years I made many friends in Quebec and will always have some wonderful memories of some of the best snowmobiling I've ever done. My wife and I also used to visit Montreal 2-3 times a year for weekend getaways.I never had any property stolen. I became more and more aware of the theft problem over the years,however. The iceing on the cake was in Montreal in 2006. My wife and I were going to spend the weekend at our usual hotel. When we pulled in the parking lot, the owner told us he didn't want us to park in his lot. He said the vehicle would not be there in the morning. It was a chevey 4wd trailblazer. He reccommended two hotels down the street that had underground garages and felt the vehicle would be safe there. Needless to say we were very disappointed as we used our vehicle at different times to go to Old Montreal for dinner etc. The parking lot owner we have known for years and had become friends with. Obviously I couldn't thank him enough.

I guess what I'm saying is, if you want the american snowmobiler and tourist back fix the problem. Here in my hometown just 2 weeks ago there was a lengthy story of two men who had truck,trailer, and two snowmobiles stolen from their motel within an hour after they checked in. $70,000-80,000 of equiptment and the police do nothing.

I rest my case.

I would go back to quebec in a heart beat if I knew my things were safe.I still see some friends at the Big East Snowmobile show in Syracuse,NY. and I always tell them to say hello to everyone we know.

I hope you continue to work on things in Quebec for us snowmobilers as my dream is to be able to go there once again.

I still Love the country,it is a beautiful land and the hospitality is #1.

Best of luck ,Regards Combat

[Greg du Vermont]

Thanks for your comments. Obviously the issue of theft and property security is of huge concern to all. Not only from the stand point of it's possible personal impact, but from a general image standpoint. One of the issues raised by the AdmdQ at a recent meeting with government officials was this very issue and the urging of continuing efforts for secure facilities. While it still unfortunatly occurs, I personally have not heard of as many reports in the past few seasons. Hopefully this is a positive trend that will continue.

My first trip to the Zenon area was in '84 and it was pretty basic then. Cabanon was a roofed over foundation, dark as it could be with a nice guy named Gaston at the helm. Can't imaging what it was like in the 60's and 70's.

Can't assure anyone that theives will never find you but I can assure you of the best snowmobiling experiences on the planet.

Be vigilent and enjoy everyday.