It happens many times in life that we have to loose something to understand how important it was to us. I had to decline the invitation to attend the 2015 Snow Shoot due to personal reasons and I did not know at that time if I could ever return. I was OK with that possibility and I thought that after 7 years of participation, I would get over it. But no, I saw how wrong I was when my colleagues left for the Montana. This is why as soon as Denis Lavoie, president of the web magazine Motoneiges.ca, offered me to be part of the team again, I said « Yes » almost right away, just after I checked the usual stuff like vacation, etc…
Over time, I think that we end up forgetting how lucky we are when we participate many times : 4 manufacturers who present almost one hundred 2016 snowmobiles all at the same place and available for tests. A unique decor in the American Rockies. To be part of a team made of selected specialized journalists from North America and Europe. To have the chance to ask questions to those who take part in the design and the marketing of the snowmobiles. To present our comments on the current and future technical innovations. Finally, to try out all these models in the various conditions they have been built for. This is what it is all about when you are a member of this exceptional team. It is obvious to me that going back to the 2016 Snow Shoot has been the unique opportunity to realize the privilege I have to be part of this event.
And there is even more! To be part of a group of enthusiasts with special team spirit who share and use the strengths of each member to achieve our mission. That is what finally motivates us to be present and this, in order to offer the most accurate informations to our readers. To be able to get familiar with a new lineup and to find out which will be the greatest hit(s) on the market of the north-eastern part of the continent, this is another pleasure when we are on the site. The 4 manufacturers’ teams treat us with a respect that proves our credibility obtained over the years, and the importance of our market to them. Furthermore, these people work hard before and during all the event in order to offer the optimal configurations of their snowmobiles. We must remember that we ride at an elevation between 6 000 and 9 000 ft (1 828 and 2 743 m), which affects the engines performances.
Besides the wonderful Montana landscape, there is also the unique atmosphere in West Yellowstone. This village becomes a city during summer as it is one of the most visited by Americans for their summer vacations. In winter, the city is half-closed and snowmobile becomes the main business in West Yellowstone. Including the pre-organization for the Snow Shoot, manufacturers and journalists are present during almost 2 months. This is why the city is Snow Shoot! And we can see it also in the inhabitants. We can feel that they are happy to see us. This is also part of attending the Snow Shoot. We are recognized and greeted everywhere we visit and local residents are very interested by us, our culture, our snowmobiling season. Then again, we are proud to be there, to talk with the inhabitants and all other journalists from different countries.
I did not think I would be able to write an article about my impressions of the Snow Shoot after my 8th experience, but I must admit that my previous absence made me appreciate each moment of this journey and realize how it is important to me. So, I decided to live each Snow Shoot as though it were the last because there is nothing we can count on in this world. Nevertheless, I hope to receive the phone call next September to experience again this unique event in the snowmobile world.
