Frequently asked questions about the Snowmobile Club
version: 12/27/07
Every year we see the same questions asked. Here are some of the questions and replies for 2007-2008.
Question: How do I join the club ?
Answer: Currently it is possible to join the club. We have expanded the membership to 300. If you'd like to join fill out the form and send it in. We especially would like members who are interested in helping out with the club activities. If you'd like to do something useful with other club members stop in the clubhouse at a meeting and we can discuss with you some ideas.
Question: Where can I rent a snowmobile in the Laurel Highlands area ?
Answer: No rentals available in the LH area. You can go out for a few hours on a Tour/Rental at 7Springs Ski Resort. As of Winter 2007-2008 we have the following Rentals available in Pennsylvania. Please be aware I have no other info on any of them so give them a call and make sure you let them know you saw it on the Laurel Highlands Club website. Thanks !
c Nolt Ventures (Ephrata): 717-629-6211 – www.noltventuresrentals.com
c Slaven's Sled Rentals: 814-558-4189 or 814-362-2363
c Seven Springs Resort – 1-800-452-2223 www.7springs.com
c Caesar’s Pocono Resort – 1-866-456-6467 – www.caesarspoconoresorts.com
c Pocono Snowmobile Rental: 570-839-6061 www.poconomotorsports.com
c Rent Recreation (ANF Area): 814-817-1283 www.rentrecreation.com
Question: What available services for Snowmobiles are on the trail system ?
Answer: There is no service on the trail system for snowmobiles. You'd have to take it to one of the local dealers for repairs.
Question: What lodging is available in the Laurel Highlands for overnight stays ?
Answer: There are motels at Exit 9 and 10 on the PA turnpike. There are very few rooms available on the trail system. They are limited to 7Springs or the DCNR Cottages in the Lynn Run State Park area (contact the DCNR for that info). You can also get a list of motels and numbers from here.
Question: What about parking in the Snowmobile Club area with my truck and trailer even though I'm not a member.
Answer: The Snowmobile Club parking area is for Members only. This is a privilege of being a member.
Question: Why isn't the Parking lot plowed when I come up during the week ?
Answer: The Snowmobile club makes every attempt to keep the lot clear but remember, we are an all Volunteer organization. Volunteers do the plowing. If you'd like to volunteer your time you'll need to join the club and become a board member to have access to the tools to do the job.
Question: Is there any place to buy Gas and Food on the trail in the Laurel Highlands trail system ?
Answer: Currently (as of Dec 2005) there is still no gas available on the trail system.
Answer: Food is available at 7Springs at the Main Lodge parking area (there is a parking area next to the Gas pumps near the gas pump trail) and walking to the main lodge. Also, the Tahoe lodge at the top of the North Face Ski slope is available for food as well. This year they are building luxury condos there so it will make access by snowmobile more questionable in the future and even for this season. And they have paved the road to them making access difficult.
**Update** It looks like there will be access to the Tahoe lodge but on a new trail ( I was helping to cut it in today (11/12/06) and it will run from the 7springs airport road to the left of the new luxury condos on the hillside. You will want to obey the marked signs and keep your sled speed in check as all of this will depend on YOU to keep the trail open in the future. Remember that those condos are $500k LUXURY CONDOS. Not some $10 cheapo thing. They will want their privacy so respect that and we will be able to get some lunch if so.
Question: How big is the trail system in the Laurel Highlands ?
Answer: It's bigger than most people ride ! Well, actually it's about 100 miles from the Ohiopyle area to just before Route 30. You are basically riding on the edge of the mountain ridge from North to South.
Question: Where do I park my truck/trailer on the Northern end of the trail system by the Cross county skiers warming hut ?
Answer: They've changed where you are allowed to park due to conflicts with the skier population. Please use the new round parking area just above the warming hut. Access to that is off of Lynn Run Road and there should be signs indicating it and the designated parking area. Please use it.
Question: Who do I contact about trail issues such as trees down and other things like grooming schedules or grooming concerns.
Answer: The DCNR is responsible for most of our riding area. Some areas are on private property but for the most part you want to contact the DCNR office in Laughlintown. Their number is 724-238-1200. If you are calling about grooming please ask for Ed Callahan. He is the primary contact for that info.
Question: How old do my kids need to be to ride a snowmobile on State lands ?
Answer: The current minimum age for kids is 10 years old. And they MUST pass a snowmobile safety class and get a certificate BEFORE operating a snowmobile and even then they must ride with the parent for supervision. Please adhere to this DCNR law. They will be monitoring it this season.
Question: Are snowmobilers subject to the same drinking and driving regulations as other motorized vehicle operation ?
Answer: (direct from the DCNR) The forest rangers have been certified in field sobriety. They have the same authority as a city police officer and can arrest you on a D.U.I.
Please do not drink and drive. It reflects on us all as Snowmobile Ambassadors to the rest of the population.
In closing,
We are constantly working on improving the trail system and we need your support to make these things happen. It doesn't come easy or cheaply. It takes money and lots of work. The Maple Summit Snowmobile Club works the south end of the trail system for maintenance each year. $1000's are spent on improving the trails regularly.
If after reading this whole thing and you still have a question please email the Secretary of the club. (at the bottom of the main page)
Thanks,
The Laurel Highlands Snowmobile Club