Back in 1965, Eagle River snowmobilers Doc Doyle and Rudy Spiess started the Northwoods Sno-Mo Club.   A few years later, the name was changed to the Sno-Eagles.

At that time, the purpose of the club was for members to meet socially and go on dinner rides.

Recognizing the need for trails to increase the enjoyment of the growing sport, the club was instrumental in acquiring permission from private landowners for trail development.  The first developed trails went to the Mapleview Resort and Club 45.  In those days, that was a long ride!

With snowmobiling gaining in popularity, additional area snowmobile clubs formed, and trails were developed.  In 1969, a small group of snowmobilers had the foresight to recognize this new sport could not survive without coordinated leadership.  At that time, five clubs joined together and formed the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) with the first meeting held in Minocqua.   Two months later, 51 additional clubs were added.

Initially, its purpose was to coordinate trail systems with the various clubs, instead of each club functioning independently.  The WDNR was becoming involved in snowmobiling and the clubs wanted to ensure they had a voice in the process.

Today the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to the preservation of snowmobiling in Wisconsin and subsequently monitors regulation and proposed legislation that could affect snowmobiling in Wisconsin.

The Sno-Eagles is one of eleven snowmobile clubs in Vilas County forming the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance.

 

Sno-Eagles Accomplishments

  • Sno-Eagles developed the reflective orange, diamond shaped trail marker sign
  • Sno-Eagles developed the first groomer drag with cutting blades placed at an angle for improved grooming
  • Women Sno-Eagle members formed the Flying Femmes which later became the very successful Women on Snow
  • Sno-Eagles worked with the City of Eagle River to secure trail access through Eagle River

 

 

History of the Sno-Eagles Club

The Rearview Mirror series highlights the Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club from 1965 until 2021. The author is Rusty Wolf, President of the Sno-Eagles.  Click here to view the articles or access them from our News page.