By Karl Hardt

As snowmobiles glide across the snow in the Norns, they almost look like they're flying. Actually, as some of the riders hit ridges and drops, they literally do take to the air. A spectacular expanse of snow covered mountains blankets the background.

"Anyone who goes there is blown away by how beautiful it is up there," said Castlegar Snowmobile Association president Graham Menzies. there's no traffic, no telephone poles, no nothing. You get away from everything. It's always Beautiful" The association manages two massive areas of back country under an agreement with Ministry of Forests. With the surrounding back country, it's an almost endless playground of snow, extending to Cayus Creek near Deer Park and all the way to South Slocan.

Menzies said the group is building up to what it hopes will be a membership of 120 snowmobilers, similar to last year. "We've got dome new guys as well" said Menzies. Those members range from 3 to 80+ years old.

"We're trying to make it a lot more family orientated," Menzies said.

Menzies said the Norns side of the area is perfect for families.

"It's great for kids. It's a little bit more gentle and it's less steep," he said. The Ladybird side features bigger drops, jumps and steeps great for climbing. "It's a lot more extreme riding on the Ladybird side," Menzies said.

The association's new sno-cat made its first run last weekend, packing snow on the 13- kilometre access trail to the cabin. "It's running great," said Menzies. The new sno-cat will make life much easier on riders, especially those who might have back problems or physical strains, by creating a smoother path to the alpine areas surrounding the cabin.

"It's really hard on the body going up on moguls all the way up," Menzies said.

Purchasing the sno-cat was made possible by donations from City of Castlegar, ROCK Area J, Columbia Power Corporation and Celgar Pulp. The association also raised money at last summer's demolition derby.

Thanks to some volunteer labour over the summer, Menzies said the association hopes to be able to move its old sno-cat over to the Ladybird side of its snowmobiling area.

Volunteer help, said Menzies, has made the club successful.

"There are a lot of people who put a lot of time into the club," Menzies said. Safety is key for the association, and Menzies said the club has spoken to an expert in avalanche safety to organize avalanche awareness courses. "Everybody's really interested in that which is great. The risk is always there," said Menzies.

The association is also putting in new signage to make for a safer, more enjoyable experience. This is only the third year of snowmobiling for Menzies, but he said he's definitely hooked. "It's just an addiction with me now," Menzies said.

Menzies said snowmobiles can cost $500 for a used model for children to $2,000 for a used adult sled, and all the way up to $15,000 for a fully-loaded new sled. "It depends how much you want to go," said Menzies.

Membership for the association is $50 a year for residents 16 and older and free for kids. For non-members, there is a $10 fee for use of the trail. Menzies said it has been tough to get all area snowmobilers to sign on to the association, but stressed that all the money collected benefits the riders.

"Everything that the club brings in goes back into the club," said Menzies.

That means maintenance and purchase of equipment and even the gas needed to power the sno-cat and make riding more comfortable.

Menzies said the club has also reached out to other snowmobiling clubs in the region and waives any fees from members of those organizations. For more information, contact Menzies at 365-8268.