thank you for the great season, see you next winter! be safe out there.
Bulletin Board
Alaska Long Trail Update 4/7/25
Our club supports the Alaska Long Trail but we oppose restrictions to motorized recreation on the trails.
We encourage our members to review this information and make our voices heard. Public Comment Ends April 14th.
The proposed National Scenic Trail designation is a direct issue for Alaska — but it doesn’t stop here. Through ongoing discussions in Washington D.C., national motorized groups have confirmed that Alaska is being used as the testing ground for new federal land management strategies. The outcome here will set a precedent that could be pushed into the Lower 48 if left unchecked.
Recognizing the gravity of this situation, our partners at the BlueRibbon Coalition have graciously stepped up to help us organize and amplify our voices. They've launched a website specifically designed to drive public comment submissions and get more people involved.
This type of trail dedication could have some significant impacts to those of us who do motorized use of these trails along this route. The trail would dissect an area with a large amount of current motorized access to state and private lands that no doubt would be compromised if the US Congress chose to designate it as a National scenic trail.
If they designate the Alaska Long Trail as a National Scenic trail this will include any connection to trails like Petersville, Willow, South Denali, Big Lake, Eklutna, and Jim Creek. Although this doesn’t touch our Lake Louise trails, it could impact you if you want to ride the trails mentioned above in the future.
BLM presentation on the Alaska Long Trail feasibility study
Trail Courtesy Reminder
We need to be more conscience of others using the trails.
Dog mushing teams are training during the day and at night. Mushers recommend that as they are approached head on, snow machine's should get to the side or off the trail and let the sled dogs pass. If coming upon a dog sled from behind, snowmobilers should wait for the musher to wave them by. We don't want any sled dog snow machine accidents on our trails. Lets be courteous to others.
Basic Riding Etiquette Reminders
1. Keep right at all times. Trails have two-way traffic with limited visibility sight lines, often a narrow path though the forest or brush. Pay attention to how tight or wide the trail path is and how far you can see on-coming traffic.
2. A basic rule is to always be able to stop your sled within the distance you can see. Do not overdrive your ability to see what is around the corner, or over the hill.
3. Expect on-coming traffic at all times. Others will be using the same path, coming from the opposite direction. Do not stop directly on the trail, instead, pull off to the side of the trail to allow safe passage for others.
4. Operate your snowmobile only in areas and on land where it is legal to do so. Just because you see tracks going off the trail does not indicate it is safe or legal to do so.
5. Never exceed your own capability or comfort level. Allow your skill and comfort level to grow with your experience and knowledge. While riding a snowmobile can be exhilarating it can also be dangerous, as most any form of recreation is at speed.
6. Do not ride alone. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
7. Most snowmobile accidents occur at night, with excess speed, and often times on frozen surfaces or with alcohol involved. Safe riders stay sober, avoid frozen surfaces, stay on the designated trail and do not exceed safe speeds.
Groomer vs. Snowmobile?
When you meet a groomer out on the trail, what do you do? Try to get around him as fast as possible, or do you get out of the way and yield?
Trail groomers ALWAYS have the right of way. It is your responsibility to get out of his path, quickly and safely. If you come upon a groomer from behind or meet one, do not assume the groomer operator has seen you and go past them! Do not pass the groomer until they motion you to do so. Groomers do not back up for you, groomers do not pull off the packed trail for you. Also, turn down your high beams when approaching a groomer. And if you meet a groomer coming up a hill, he is not going to stop for you, get out of his way!
Once past the groomer if you find a fresh ribbon of freshly groomed trail, slow down and minimize your impact. It takes time for the fresh–groomed snow to set-up and become firm. Do not spin your track. Do not lock up your track. Accelerate slowly. Brake gently. Finally, do not ride down the middle of the trail as this creates a trench, please keep to the right side of the trail.
(This article is copied from the December 24 issue of Snow Tech Magazine, p. 19)
Help Wanted: Groomer Operators Needed!
We need people to step up and help as operators. Contact Harry Holt if you would like to help. Great opportunity to learn in our new machine!
Special thanks go out to club member, Rob Williams for doing all the needed maintenance on Big Foot this fall. Our plan is to begin first week in January.
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About Us
The Wolfpack
Was formed in 1994 by founding member, Tree Farmer, as a way to streamline the area's grooming efforts. The Club's first duties were directed at helping the Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race with the Lake Louise portion of their race trails. Our responsibilities grew over the years as more volunteers and members helped the Club grow into a non-profit organization responsible for 311 miles of winter trails in the Lake Louise and Copper River area.
Groomer in Action on the Moore Lake Loop Trail