Snowmobile Report

Polaris Industries Inc., based in Medina, Minn., will host several 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2004. The kick-off event will take place in its founding town of Roseau, Minn., on Feb. 21–23 at the Frostbite Days festival. This will also be the culmination of a cross-country fund raising snowmobile tour organized by Polaris, called Way Out Women. Another celebration will take place on June 18–19, also in Roseau, will include a parade, fireworks and a grandstand show. On July 24, Polaris will host Way Out Weekend at the Minnesota State Fair grounds in St. Paul, Minn. This event will include a concert, new and vintage machine displays, interactive activities and fireworks.
RENO/TAHOE TO HOST SLEDFEST
The Reno, Nev. and Lake Tahoe area will host a spring snowmobile event called SledFest 2004. The event will include a tradeshow and organized rides in the Lake Tahoe, California, area. It will take place from April 1 to April 4, and the organizers hope to make it an annual event. “We are attempting to bring more than just a convention to Reno-Tahoe…we want to bring the entire experience,” said Jeff Beckelman, president and CEO for the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA). “SledFest is designed to be an annual event to reach a demographic we normally would not. A majority of snowmobilers recreate in the mid-west and by hosting this event we are looking to change the perception of the region and show attendees and participants what great snow and what a beautiful area we have.” The RSCVA hopes to attract 5,000 snowmobilers.
LEAD-DOG GETS PATENT
Helmetlight Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, has received a patent for the original design of its helmet-mounted light, sold under the name Lead-Dog Helmet Light. “This is the final step in developing our product,” said Helmetlight president Bill Fischer. The company has been waiting more than three years for the patent. Integrated into the light is a brake and taillight. The light operates through a special electrical hookup to the snowmobile. It can also operate with a 12-volt battery.
NEW SLEDS
Two snowmobile manufacturers have introduced early release 2005 snowmobiles: Arctic Cat Inc. released two machines: a T660 Turbo ST ($9,199) and a King Cat 900 ($10,599); Bombardier released a special edition version of its MX Z Renegade hybrid ($8,249 for the 1.25-inch-lug track; $8,449 for the 1.75-inch-lug track).