Last Saturday, Haugan looked as though snowmobiles were the only mode of transportation as Winterfest rolled into town.

Snowmobilers traveled from Washington, Idaho, British Columbia and Montana, with reports that one participant even came from Wisconsin. 

Winterfest is the largest vintage snowmobile show in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 80 sleds on display. Trophies were awarded in six categories: 1969 and older, 1970 to 1975, 1976 to 1981, 1982 to 1990, 1991 to 2005, and the Race/Muscle category. 

The oldest snowmobile on display was a 1963 model originally owned by a placer miner up Elk Creek outside of Greenough. Today, it is owned by Dick Feil of East Wenatchee, Washington, who happened to be riding his motorcycle with friends when he heard about it. 

“A guy from Seely Lake called me and said you gotta look at this. We were coming this direction, so we stopped. I bought it and glad that I did,” he said. 

The sled is one of more than 150 vintage snowmobiles in Feil’s collection.

Attendees were also encouraged to wear vintage snowmobiling attire if they wished to compete in the fashion show. Anna Blackford, an independent distributor for Off-Road Vixens Clothing Company out of Sandpoint, Idaho, attended her first Winterfest this year. 

“It’s a clothing line for women outdoor enthusiasts,” she explains. “Snowmobiling, dirt biking, side by siding. The fun-stuff. T-shirts, bags, hoodies and accessories gals like.” 

Blackford covers Montana, Idaho, and part of Washinton. 

“This weekend is really to introduce our line and get a little exposure for future events, plus I’ve heard about this and always wanted to attend just to see it. The day is beautiful and everyone is so happy that it’s just a great place to be.”

A timed agility course featured a $20 entry fee, with cash prizes awarded in four different classes, ranging from vintage single-cylinder sleds to current models from 2006 or newer. Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., the Kids Class for ages 4 to 16 was free to enter. Every participant won a prize, and kiddie-sized sleds and helmets were provided for young riders. Sponsors of this year’s event included the Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club, Lincoln’s $50,000 Silver Dollar Bar, Gull Boat & RV, Young Powersports, and Big Sky Brewing.

Tom Mullins of St. Ignatius, who spearheaded moving the event from Lolo Hot Springs to Haugan two years ago, couldn’t be happier with how the weekend turned out. 

“This is the 10th year of the event and it’s great. I mean, look at all of the people here! We have around 80 registered (for the vintage show) and it’s still early. We have more riders than we’ve ever had; I haven’t counted the board. It’s a beautiful day and we have snow.” 

Mullins said the Kids Class is always his favorite part of Winterfest. “Once we moved this over to Haugan, we’ve got 3 to 4 times more kids participating.” He added, “I’m so appreciative of the Montana Night Riders embracing us. It’s been a good marriage between our vintage group and the club.”

With spectators laughing, vendors smiling, and owners of vintage sleds hooting beneath a robin’s-egg blue sky, the 10th Annual Winterfest proved to be another successful celebration of snowmobiling history.

The vintage snowmobile ride on Sunday from Haugan to Saltese, Montana, with lunch at the Montana Bar, was so popular last year that organizers repeated it for the second year at Winterfest’s new location. The approximately 16-mile loop was open to all sleds and conducted as a group ride with support. Several Nightriders groomed the trail beforehand and carried tools and towropes in case an older sled needed assistance.

Next on the winter excitement docket in Haugan is the 37th Annual Fire & Ice $1,000 Super Poker Ride, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31. More information is available at montananightriders.com.

    Winterfest had the right amount of snow, beautiful bright blue skies with people and pets enjoying the activities. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Winterfest is about vintage snowmobiles, but riders and enthusiasts of all sled- generations attended for the festivities. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Hotdogs and burgers always taste delicious when the outdoor conditions are perfect, and that was how they were in Haugan last Saturday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)