Routt Powder Riders, snowmobile, snowboard, skiing, touring, backcountry recreation and riders club

Routt Powder Riders
Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Welcome!

What's New

Raffle Tickets Available
The CSA Raffle took place on December 17th at the Granby Power Sports.
We would like to thank all who supported our annual raffle by purchasing tickets.
50% of the ticket sales provides insurance for CSA’s groomer network that maintain the winter trails systems throughout the state and the other 50% of the ticket sales come right back here to maintain the trails on Rabbit Ears Pass.
This year’s winner of the Arctic Cat M8 Sno Pro snowmobile provided in part by Arctic Cat and the Colorado Arctic Cat dealers was Tim Schulte of Colorado Springs; the second prize winner of $1,000 cash was Jeremy Webb of South Fork.
Congratulations to both winners! And thanks again to the Arctic Cat Dealers, the ticket purchasers and all the members who sold tickets.

Rabbit Ears Parking Improvement
On the Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA), the Forest Service has listed Rabbit Ears Parking Improvement. Any impartial person can clearly see the need for additional motorized parking areas on Rabbit Ears Pass and official Forest Service parking lot vehicle counts clearly show the number of motorized users far exceeds the number of non-motorized users. We hope the scoping document, expected in December of 2011, will clearly define the need for motorized parking expansion. Simply improving parking for safety concerns and better parking conditions will not resolve the need for expansion.

On a similar note, we would like to publicly thank the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for all they have done in recent years to address safety concerns on Rabbit Ears Pass. Obviously, with traffic moving 65 mph, safety of recreationists is of grave concern. There has already been a tragic loss of life on Rabbit Ears Pass by a snowmobiler who could not see over snow banks alongside of the highway. CDOT’s recent grooming activity alongside of Highway 40 not only provides for better visibility and improved safety, but helps with blowing snow as well.

Overlook Trail
Also on the SOPA, the Overlook Trail request of the Routt Powder Riders will be put out for public comment later this year. In the 2005 Winter Travel Management Plan, the club thought as the paper cited and the Forest Service promised that the Overlook Trail would be preserved. But over the years, trail markers have been removed and the trail remains ungroomed and unlisted on any winter trail map. The Routt Powder Riders have requested the Overlook Trail be recognized on our winter trail maps and remain ungroomed. This scoping document is due out in November or December of 2011. Please support the preservation of this historical motorized trail that was part of the 2005 WTMP Decision Notice.

Columbine Access Decision
The Forest Service has reached a Decision in the Columbine Access Matter. To read the Decision Notice, click here . The Decision was appealed and this map pdf form or jpg form shows the amended decision as a result of the informal disposition. The Forest Service met with the Routt County Board of County Commissioners and provided an implementation schedule. This implementation schedule is apparently still up for debate. What will be implemented and when remains a mystery. Those who appealed the Decision still have the ability to sue for redress.

The Routt Powder Riders
Meet the second Tuesday of the month, October through May at 6pm.
Hope to see you at the Yampa Valley Electric Association Building on 10th Street.

Joyce Hartless

Emily Scherer

Mission Statement

The purpose of this organization is to stimulate and advance the general welfare of snowmobiling and to serve the interests of snowmobile owners; to develop a fraternal spirit among its members and other winter sports enthusiasts; to provide a medium for the exchange of information; and to perform desirable and lawful functions for its members, their community and the general public.

Located on the continental divide in northwest Colorado, the area is a winter wonderland for snowmobilers. Colorado boasts of 3,000 miles of some of the highest and most beautiful snowmobile trails in the world. The abundant snowfall and breathtaking scenery on Rabbit Ears and Buffalo Passes make it one of the best in Colorado and beyond. Visit our maps page or Colorado Sled City for continually updated reports on snow, weather and trail conditions for this area and around the state.

Our club consists of snowmobilers of all skill levels from beginner to expert. Members range in age from 12 to over 70. Many of our members have either Search and Rescue or Guiding experience, which makes them very familiar with the area. So if you want to gain more knowledge of the area or become a more confident and skilled snowmobiler, then come ride with us! Check out our rides section for more information. Also, most of our rides are oriented so all skill levels can participate and enjoy challenging terrain while not being overwhelmed.

Meetings are held from November through May on the second Tuesday of each month. Meeting location is most often the Yampa Valley Electric Association on 10th Street in downtown Steamboat Springs and the time is 6pm. Meetings are occasionally held at local restaurants where dinner is part of the meeting, so check our newsletter for updates.