Observing Snowmobile Laws in Vermont

Snowmobiling in Vermont

Snowmobile Clubs and VAST

• In the fall of 1967 in South Burlington, Vermont, a small group of snowmobilers formed an association called the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Not long after that, the first laws pertaining to snowmobile operation were passed.
• There are approximately 145 local clubs that form the VAST organization and more than 35,000 members. VAST and its local clubs are volunteer organizations.
• Due to VAST and its local clubs, Vermont snowmobilers can experience some of the best snowmobiling available anywhere.

Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS)

• The Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS), created by VAST and local clubs working with state and federal agencies, consists of more than 4,500 miles of corridor trails and more than 1,500 miles of secondary trails (generally used to access services, such as food and gas, from the main trail). These are maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers. Eighty percent of the SSTS is located on private land.
• These trails and the land around them must be respected, or landowners will close their land to snowmobiling. Please volunteer when possible to help maintain your local club’s trails. Always remember that trail passage is a privilege, not a right.

Help Make Snowmobiling Safe

Remember the snowmobile industry’s official safety message: “Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe.” Please take this message to heart and help concerned snowmobilers everywhere keep the sport as safe as possible.