| DATE 12/22/2003 1:45 PM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowmobilers Gearing Up for New Season |
| When the weather outside is frightful, snowmobilers know that one thing will soon be delightful: the trails in Sanpete County. The region boasts some of the best trails for snowmobiling in the entire country. In fact, the routes, friendly people and sporting opportunities resulted in Doug Miller, KUTV news’ outdoor specialist, proclaiming Sanpete County as the best outdoor recreation experience in the state earlier this year. Indeed, the combination of fresh snow and access to fabulous routes keep people coming back year after year. “I think the secret has gotten out,” said Judy Zumwalt, who, along with husband Glen, co-owns Big Pine Sports The two are known throughout Utah as the “unofficial source” for snowmobiling conditions in Utah. People call the store just about daily during the season for updates and conditions. Avid snowmobiler themselves, Glen is the past president of the Utah Snowmobile Association, while Judy handles the group’s public relations.Snowmobiling enthusiasts should be sure to visit the county this season and check out the redesign of the Arapeen trail system. The routes, found primarily in the Manti LaSal National Forest, have been carefully marked and mapped to ensure that riders find their way around the 370 miles that make up the trail system. The redesign was several years in the making and includes bridges, culverts and water bars.Another draw is Fairview Canyon. The paved canyon road leads to a trail head that provides access to more than 60 miles of trails to the north at Skyline Drive and some 30 miles to the south to Joe’s Valley. In fact, several clubs that are members of the Utah Snowmobile Association plant to visit Fairview in the new year. The Timp Ridge Runners Club has scheduled a visit for Jan. 10, and the Salt Lake Valley Club and the Snowflake Snowmobiler’s group both have booked Feb. 7 as a day to come to Fairview. There will also be a snowmobiler’s rally held in Fairview in April.
Economic development officials say snowmobiling is a huge benefit for the county. Visitors eat in local restaurants, stay in local hotels and bed and breakfasts, and visit stores and shops. “We have a tremendous opportunity down here for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, snowboarders, snow-shoers, all kind of winter sports,” Sally East, the county’s economic development director has said. “Our goal is to get the word out to people all across the state.” |
| For more information Contact:Monte Bona Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council (435) 462-2502 |
The unique landscape features a geological wonderland that has been the backdrop for feature films including; “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid,” and “Jeremiah Johnson.” While traveling through the picturesque scenery, you might recognize a scene or two. Included in the heritage area is the birthplace of Utah outlaws, Butch Cassidy and Matt Warner. Matt was a lifelong friend and a gang member alongside of Butch. Many movies were filmed in the scenic Under the Rim District of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
In the later part of the 1800s the Mormon pioneers began their great relocation to the west. They trekked 1,400 miles from Illinois to the Great Salt Lake. This mass-Exodus brought about colonization in Utah, Nevada, the southwest corner of Wyoming, the southeast corner of Idaho, southeast Oregon, and a large portion of southern and eastern California.
