Winter Knights by Al McCarty
- deannafinchamp
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Winter is a special time of the year in the Inland Northwest, with snow accumulating in the higher elevations, allowing a variety of seasonal activities to take place. Among them is the sport of snowmobiling. Travel across the snow by machine has had a rich history dating as far back as the early 1900s, with the first over-the-snow vehicle designed to be a log hauler, a train-like vehicle with skis instead of front wheels, that improved the lumber industry. Then, in 1922, J. Armand Bombardier created what might be considered the first real “snow gliding” vehicle. This spurred on more innovation, and in 1927, Carl Eliason patented the first one-person, single-track, engine-powered toboggan, and the sport of snowmobiling was born.
Today’s modern snowmobiles, or “sleds”, are a far cry from their early ancestors. Modern sleds have comforts and technology not imagined in the early years, with heated seats and hand grips, power steering, on-the-fly adjustable suspension, on-board navigation, and of course, the turbocharger. There is also the recently developed snow machine that blends off-road motorcycles with snowmobiles, called appropriately, the “Snow Bike”. Kits are available to convert your own dirt machine into a snow machine, and back again once the snow is gone, to provide flexibility and affordability to the sport. There’s a machine for all types of riding and every type of rider. For those just getting started in the sport, snowmobile rentals are available to provide those interested with an easy way to step lightly into the game.
The sport has grown significantly over the years, with a variety of ways to become involved and educated. States, counties,s and regions, like those here in Eastern Washington, have designed Sno-Parks with the sport of snowmobiling in mind and provide trail grooming services to keep travel smooth and worry-free. Maps of the groomed trail systems are commonly available at these parks, or they can be found online, as an aid in finding your way around. State and national organizations that represent snowmobilers’ interests are also bountiful resources for snowmobilers. The Washington State Snowmobile Association is a great example, providing riders with up-to-date information. With finding riding parks, clubs, and supplies made easy through internet searches and visiting your local dealerships, it’s a great time to enjoy this sport.
Snowmobile clubs are also a great way of getting information about the sport and may offer the newly interested rider an opportunity to participate and learn with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. One such organization is the Spokane Winter Knights Snowmobile Club. Like the advent of the early snowmobiles, this club also has a rich history in the sport. Back in 1967, a few snowmobile racers helped a stranded pregnant woman during a snowstorm to the hospital, and not knowing who they were, the woman later told the local newspaper about her “Winter Knights in Shining Armor”. From that the club was officially named and began its journey to represent the sport and provide help to those in need. Some 55 years later, the club is still going strong and welcomes new riders to join its efforts. Check out their website for information about the club and where you’ll see their motto, “A family-oriented club offering a wide variety of ride opportunities for members of all skill levels”.
So, whether you’re already a snowmobile rider or just thinking of getting started, there’s plenty of riding to be found in the Inland Northwest. The sport has grown in popularity, and with a little bit of research, it’s easy to become involved at whatever level suits your comfort. Feel free to reach out to the many organizations to learn more, and we hope to see you out there on the trails.
BY AL MCCARTY
PRESIDENT, SPOKANE WINTER KNIGHTS ASSN.
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