We are honored to officially announce the inductees to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. For 36 years, this prestigious Hall of Fame honor is bestowed upon the incoming class of recipients in recognition of their achievements in the sport of Snowmobiling; as awarded each year from select categories that include: • Inventors, Designers & Manufacturers
• Explorers & Adventurers • Trail & Program Developers • Volunteers & Club Organizers • Publishers & Journalists
Let’s Meet the ISHOF Class of 2025 Inductees:
Alan Butler from Foxwarren, Manitoba – Volunteer & Club Organizer
Alan was raised on a family farm in western Manitoba and getting involved in the community and volunteering was in his DNA. It is with those family values that he and his wife Linda raised their children. In 2011 Snowmobilers of Manitoba (Snoman) held their first annual Snoman Congress and Alan Butler spearheaded this event, and it was regarded as a tremendous success with an overwhelming majority of club attendance. It is now an annual event. During the 2012-2013 season, Alan was instrumental in introducing a provincial trail numbering system. One year later Snoman enhanced this trail numbering system to further emphasize safe operation of the snowmobile. Under the watchful eye of Alan, this program included the development and implementation of an online “Snowmobile Operators Safety Course” made available to those under the age of 18 free of charge. Another project spearheaded by Alan was to get more riders out on the snow to experience all that Manitoba snowmobiling had to offer, a “Free Ride Weekend” to promote the trail system. In 2014, Snoman was awarded funding through the National Trails Coalition and the Provincial Government to carry out 11 projects amounting to $350,000. Alan was instrumental in Snoman receiving the funding. As Chair of the Snoman Planning Committee, Alan and his team were awarded the bid for the 49th International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) in Winnipeg for 2017. That ISC proved to be successful with participants from as far away as Norway. For the 2018-2019 season, Mapgears and Snoman partnered together, thanks to Alan’s initiative, to create an interactive map which would allow snowmobilers to plan their trips online and see which trails are open or closed and when they were groomed last. In 2024 at Snoman’s Congress, Alan was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award, recognizing outstanding commitment and significant contributions to recreational snowmobiling. Alan has always been available to meet with government representatives. He has done countless interviews on television, radio and print. Alan is an individual who works adamantly for the good of the community and of snowmobiling throughout Manitoba and
beyond. His contributions can be felt in every facet of the Snoman organization. It is his deep dedication to organized snowmobiling that makes Alan Butler a worthy choice for induction into the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Michel (Micky) Garneau from Montreal, Quebec – Publisher & Journalist
Michel (Micky) Garneau’s years in the snowmobile industry have been both a labor of love and a passionate fulfillment of a childhood dream. Growing up in the very small town of Larder Lake (pop. 745) Micky feverishly devoured every power sports publication to hit the newsstands of his hometown’s general store. His fascination with snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles made his passion only stronger with every magazine he could get his hands on. From his doorstep he could wrench on his sleds and learned to service and tune them. Fast forward to his adulthood, Micky became a prolific and accomplished journalist. He has a lengthy list of career highlights that spans over 25 years. As an articulate bilingual journalist, Micky has been able to introduce Quebec snowmobilers to a variety of English publications bringing them new content, ideas and perspectives previously unavailable in French. Serving in various capacities for Motoneige Quebec Magazine from 2001-2025, including Technical Editor and Editor-in-Chief since 2018, Micky has been responsible for delivering content for four yearly 100-page issues, most of which he writes himself, edits and translates into French. Micky is highly respected for his ability to explain complicated issues and technical content in easily understandable terms. Along with his primary journalistic position with the FCMQ (Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs), Micky also makes effective and ongoing contributions to provincial government relations, successfully representing and advocating for the betterment of organized snowmobiling in Quebec on many different issues. Micky serves as a board member representing the FCMQ on the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) (2001-2025) initiating and being instrumental in developing resolutions to timely important issues. He has served as designated FCMQ delegate to ISC from 2001 to 2025. Micky has made presentations for organized snowmobiling, trail systems and winter tourism on behalf of BRP to delegations from Russia, China and Brazil as recently as 2019 and 2023. As North America’s premier bilingual journalist in snowmobiling for more than 25 years, Micky has been an unsung media leader making an indelible and prolific contribution to the provincial, national and international snowmobile community and to winter tourism. For his many recognized achievements and behind the scenes accomplishments, Michel (Micky) Garneau has earned his induction into the Publishers & Journalists Category for the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Bob Kirchner from St. Marys, Pennsylvania – Volunteer & Club Organizer
Bob purchased his first snowmobile in 1979, joined the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) in 1980 and his involvement in organized snowmobiling grew stronger from there on. By 1990, Bob was elected President of the Pigeon Hills Snowmobile Club. A few years later a work transfer took Bob and his wife Kathy to St. Marys, PA where they joined the St. Marys Snowmobile Association (SMASA). They remain members to date. Bob and family also hold yearly memberships in several other Pennsylvania snowmobile clubs. Bob is a founding member of the West Creek Recreational Trail Association which successfully converted a 19-mile railroad grade in the area to a multi-use recreational trail. Bob made sure that the snowmobilers’ interests were included in the development of the trail. Bob tried his hand in snowmobile racing over a span of about a decade and in that time
started a race team, the highlight of which they competed in the “24 hours of Eagle River” race where they finished in 13th place. Bob attended his first International Snowmobile Congress in 1997 and subsequently attended most ISC’s since then. In 2005, Bob was elected President of PSSA where he served through 2008. He served on the Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Snowmobile/ATV Advisory Committee for several years. Bob also became very active in the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), serving as their Vice-President for 2013 & 2014 and elected President of ACSA in 2015 & 2016. Still very involved with the DCNR, in 2022, Bob was appointed in a leadership role to help evaluate and recommend changes to the Snowmobile and ATV funding measures for the State of Pennsylvania. In 2023, Bob was accepted as a member of the Iron Dog Brigade. In 2024, Bob joined the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame Board of Directors. By 2025, Bob was selected to serve on the by-laws committee for the International Snowmobile Council. Bob has been an unrelenting advocate for snowmobiling most of his life, approaching the sport not just as a hobby but as a passion. His extensive volunteer work spans the local, state and national levels, reflecting his commitment to advancing and promoting snowmobiling. It is this unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the snowmobiling community that lands Bob Kirchner squarely in the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Sam Landes from Dane, Wisconsin – Volunteer & Club Organizer
Sam crossed the threshold into organized snowmobiling in 1989 and soon became a leader in his local snowmobile community. After the subsequent merger of two major clubs in Dane County, he became the founding President of the Waunakee Winter Wanderers in 1992 and laid the groundwork for a successful grassroots snowmobile club. At the same time, Sam already spread his dedication of time and talents serving as a delegate since 1989 to the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs. A volunteer Wisconsin DNR certified snowmobile safety instructor, Sam has helped facilitate the safe operation of snowmobiles to countless students and mentored six other instructors, multiplying his impact on safety and education. Government relations are key to monitoring and implementing snowmobile legislation and that is Sam’s strong suit. Sam has served on the Governor’s Snowmobile Recreation Council since 2003. His ability to earn respect and maintain positive relationships with state legislators and WI state governors (from both sides of the aisle) is unparalleled. Sam has worked effectively with both majority and minority leadership, which has been crucial for the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and the sport of snowmobiling. Sam is a two-time recipient of the AWSC President’s Cup. When it comes to trail preservation, Sam’s proactive approach is evident in his swift and decisive actions during critical legislative measures. He spearheaded the multi-use trail connecting Dane and Sauk counties which led to the construction of a vital and safe bridge over the Wisconsin River. He also led the fight to keep snowmobiling in Blue Mounds State Park. When the WI state snowmobile program faced funding challenges, Sam played a pivotal role in negotiating the development of the current annual trail pass system. Most would regard this as Wisconsin’s most significant snowmobiling legislative measure to date. Sam’s influence extends beyond state borders. When a trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula faced closure, he dedicated numerous weekends working with local businesses, volunteers and legislators to preserve this crucial trail system. Sam also played a huge role in the development of the future of snowmobiling through his support of the AWSC’s Kids and Adults On Snowmobiles (KAOS) youth program. This program has spread far
beyond the borders of WI and has spilled over to the adoption of similar youth programs in a dozen US states and Canadian provinces. His commitment and genuine passion for the sport of snowmobiling and his desire to ensure its preservation and growth places Sam Landes among those inducted into the International Snowmobiling Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Stan & Kate Stutheit from Syracuse, Nebraska – Volunteers & Club Organizers
Stan began his snowmobile journey as a youngster on a 1970 Homelite snowmobile taking countless laps around the house. His real involvement in snowmobiling began after graduating college, he would go on multiple snowmobile trips with friends and from there found himself participating in local club functions and attending state association conventions. Stan and Kate were married in 1981, took their first snowmobile trip out west, joined their first snowmobile club and the Nebraska State Snowmobile Association (NSSA) that same year. They both love to ride their snowmobiles traveling every winter to South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. They understand the need to protect snowmobile access from state to state and north of the border. Where Stan is, Kate is right by his side. Together they attend state conventions, summer campouts, mountain region riding summits, Midwest chapter meetings and International Snowmobile Congresses. They have been active in the NSSA for decades. Stan has served in many of the positions from Membership Chair to President. Kate has also served in many positions and is currently serving as Publicity/Social Committee Chair. They both are active in the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). Stan has attended the ACSA DC Fly-Ins and Land Summits. He also served on the ACSA board as a delegate for many years. Stan and Kate were instrumental in getting Nebraska to host the 2021 ISC and they cochaired that successful event despite challenging times in the wake of the Covid crisis. Regardless of all the involvement Stan and Kate have devoted on a national and international level of organized snowmobiling, they never lost touch and remained true to their grassroots local snowmobile club, the Syracuse Snoflakers. Between them they held a position in every office, multiple times. Over the years they invited many folks, new to snowmobiling, on a ride to ensure they had a positive first experience providing them with sleds and all necessary gear. Stan is always sharing information that affects snowmobiling to help engage others on potential trail issues and pending legislation. Kate has gone above and beyond for the snowmobiling youth, organizing special activities and working on the Syracuse scholarship program, anything to keep the young snowmobile enthusiasts engaged for the future of the sport. For several decades, both Stan and Kate have shared their talents as volunteers, exhibiting positivity, outstanding leadership and a strong unwavering dedication to the sport of snowmobiling on all levels. For these reasons, Stan and Kate Stutheit make a solid addition to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Other Special Award Recipients of 2025:
2025 International Snowmobile Club of the Year – sponsored by Woody’s, American Council of Snowmobile Associations,
Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and International Snowmobile Council :
Sutherland’s Lake Trail Groomers Association from Sutherland Lake, Nova Scotia
The Sutherland’s Lake Trail Groomers Association (SLTGA) has been in operation since 1993. They are located in the higher elevation in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. They have significant snowfall, so their trails are very busy in the winter season. The other three seasons have plenty of recreational activity from ATV’s and side-by-sides as well. The SLTGA grooms 220 km (137 miles). In 2020 they added an additional 30 km (18 miles) and built a cable bridge and re-opened the cable bridge trail. In 2025, they installed two bridges and re-decked two other bridges. They promote snowmobile safety with their website and Facebook posts and hold a safety course annually. They are a huge advocate of directional signing and trail advance warning signage. SLTGA has seen major growth with 65 family memberships in 2018 climbing to 330 family memberships in 2025. This equates to an estimated 1250 individuals. The club has done a lot of promotion and fundraising. They have a well-attended “Club Opener” in October, “Winterfest” in February and an “Environmental Clean Up” day where each participant picks a portion of trail and makes certain that it is left in the same condition as when the season started. The SLTGA promotes responsible riding practices and educates members about minimizing their environmental impact. They also ensure that snowmobiling can be enjoyed sustainably for future generations. It is this kind of commitment that makes the Sutherland’s Lake Trail Groomers Association a deserving choice for the 2025 International Snowmobile Club of the Year.
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame
Located at the World Snowmobile Headquarters
1521 N. Railroad Street ● Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-2186
www.ishof.com
a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
