Ever wondered what it takes to be part of an elite group of snowmobiling enthusiasts who live and breathe the thrill of the sport? Meet the Iron Dog Brigade (IDB), a unique honorary society dedicated to the pure joy of snowmobiling. With a membership that includes some of the most influential figures in the snowmobile world, the IDB is more than just a club—it’s a celebration of the sport’s rich history and its vibrant future. From legendary industry leaders to passionate volunteers, this group of passionate sledders brings together the best of the best. They unite through their love for snowmobiling and commitment to having fun on the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about the culture, the Brigade’s story is one you won’t want to miss. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of the Iron Dog Brigade, where the snow is always fresh, and the adventures never end.
What is the Iron Dog Brigade All About?
As I mentioned earlier, the Iron Dog Brigade is an honorary society dedicated to the fun of snowmobiling. “Fun” is the key word here, and I trust many of these photos in this article will show how very true that is. From its beginning and to its core values and membership today, the focus is on fun.
The IDB is truly an honorary society of snowmobilers. Of the 107 current members, 39 have been inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Many others have been inducted into their own provincial or state Snowmobile Hall of Fame as well. Furthermore, all of them are, or were, highly successful leaders in their respective snowmobile-related professions or volunteer groups.
New members can only be nominated by current members, also known as “Dogs”. Upon a candidate’s selection, or acceptance, they are known as “Pups” until such time as they are formally inducted. This induction happens at the annual International Snowmobile Congress in North America, every June. Together, all Dogs and Pups share the same goal of promoting the sport of snowmobiling.
IDB Snowmobiling Ride in Gorham, New Hampshire
In February 2024, many current Dogs and their guests gathered in Gorham, New Hampshire, for a winter get-together. These guests originated from the northeastern regions of Canada and New England. Their single purpose was, of course, to have fun.
The Northeast Dogs met at the Town & Country Inn & Resort following the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association’s annual Easter Seal Ride-In. We were fortunate to have Clint Savage, from the NH Bureau of Trails, join us. Iron Dogs in attendance included Charlie Kurtz, Dottie Kurtz, Gail Hanson, Jim Holbrook, Bonnie Holbrook, Paul Bergeron, Chris Gamache, Dan Gould, Terry Callum, Roger Wright, and myself, Ross Anworth.
Our group was treated to a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway up to the Waumsett Station. We rode an NH Snowmobile Association trail to reach the base operations of the Cog Railway. Effectively, we had yet another picture-perfect day on our ride to Errol, a small town in New Hampshire. It was neither cold nor windy either day. The usually consistent clouds moved off the top of Mount Washington to show her beautiful peak.
We rode New Hampshire’s trails for two bluebird days. No meetings, no agendas, and no stress; just riding snowmobiles and having fun with the Iron Dog Brigade.
Fun Snowmobiling Rides Across America Every Winter
Every winter, the Dogs host multiple rides across the snowbelt. They usually plan three rides, which are reserved for current members and their select guests. Indeed, in 2025, the Iron Dog Brigade will be hosting three events to celebrate the fun of snowmobiling.
First, in the East, we have a three-day event planned for northern New Hampshire. Riding will take place near Mt. Washington, which is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Then, we visit Central Minnesota, in the Midwest, for another event. And finally, westbound to the famous Black Hills, in Western South Dakota, for this annual ride. In my opinion, the trails in this part of the world should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to ride!
Famous Members of the Iron Dog Brigade
Meet some of the most influential figures in the snowmobiling world who have been honoured as members of the Iron Dog Brigade. These legendary individuals have not only shaped the industry but also left a lasting legacy in the snowmobile community.
Laurent Beaudoin : A Visionary Leader Behind BRP’s Success
The first Iron Dog I want you to meet is Laurent Beaudoin, from Quebec. Laurent is the son-in-law of Ski-Doo founder Joseph-Armand Bombardier. He led Bombardier, his father-in-law’s company, for thirty years before it became today’s BRP. Laurent is credited with putting it on a fast growth trajectory in its multiple acquisitions and diversification plans from the small red and white garage in Valcourt, PQ.
Edgar Hetteen: The Grandfather of Snowmobiling and Industry Pioneer
Next, meet Edgar Hetteen, of Minnesota, who was also an Iron Dog until his passing, in 2011. Born in rural Roseau, Minnesota, in 1920, Edgar was often called the grandfather of snowmobiling. Indeed, he founded both Polaris Industries and Arctic Enterprises. He then went on to found many other smaller, but successful, businesses later in his career. Edgar was inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in the initial class of 1990.
David Johnson: The Innovator Who Revolutionized Polaris Snowmobiles
Finally, let me introduce you to David Johnson, also from Minnesota, also an Iron Dog until his passing, in 2016. David cofounded Polaris in the early 1950s and was responsible for the first Polaris snowmobile.
Iron Dog Brigade Members From Across Canada and the USA
Today’s members come from almost every snowbelt in North America. Some of them come from western states like Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and South Dakota. Our ranks also include two former leaders of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation, and one Dog from Alberta as well. From the Midwest, we also count a strong contingent of leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa. Canada’s Midwest provided a new Dog who recently led SnoMan, Manitoba’s provincial organization.
Closer to home, the Iron Dog Brigade can count on multiple members from states like Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. On the Canadian side of the border, we also find Dogs in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
What does the Iron Dog Brigade Represent?
To some, the Iron Dog Brigade represents a symbol of the mystical romance of the sport. “There is no secret handshake or greeting. But [the Iron Dog Brigade] are the most respected and hardest-working members of the snowmobile community. They are not a political lobbying group or safety organization. Nor will they promote any one brand over the other.”
The Future of the Iron Dog Brigade
I am very honoured and humbled to have been asked to become an Iron Dog in 2013. It is very vibrant, as we have added 15 members in just the past two years. We do, however, need to recognize more snowmobilers in Canada than are currently part of the Iron Dog Brigade. Therefore, if you have someone in mind, from your province (or state), that shows up as a leader in the snowmobile community, please reach out to me. You can reach me on Facebook or Messenger.
Finally, thank you Denis Lavoie and the team at Sledmagazine.com for allowing me to educate our readers about this unique group in the larger snowmobile community.
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