Living in Maine in the winter can be challenging. It helps to have an outdoor activity to participate in to make the short days go by faster. The SnoGoers of Gorham provide just that.

Tom Mazza, president of the group, said, “The SnoGoers are comprised of like minded people who generally enjoy the outdoors and have a special interest in the sport of snowmobiling and keeping the trail system in the Town of Gorham open for all to enjoy.”

The SnoGoers’ main objective is to maintain and improve the local trails in the community. The trails are used not only by snowmobilers, but also by those who enjoy them for walking, snowshoeing, skiing, and fat tire biking throughout the winter months. Mazza shared, “While some of our trails are not accessible during the summer, many still are used year round which is a great benefit to the local community.”

One of the bigger “behind the scenes” jobs for the club is working with local land owners. Mazza said, “Over 95% of the trails in Maine are on privately held property so we know as a club that without our landowners, there would be no active trail system in this area or throughout the State. Because of this, we do our best to ensure that all trails are used in accordance with landowner wishes and will work with the landowners throughout the year as different needs arise.”

Mazza said there are two aspects in maintaining the trail system in Gorham. First, like many snowmobile clubs in Southern Maine, the active real estate market has resulted in many new homes being built each year. With that, it is necessary to work with the Town of Gorham, developers, and local land owners to either preserve the existing trails or come up with solutions for re-routes that allow the trails to remain open.

The second aspect in maintaining the trail system includes adding or replacing bridges throughout the trail network, widening and smoothing trails when possible, and keeping the areas signed for ease of use.

“During the winter months, we are actively grooming the trails with our two track trucks with large 14’ drags and two snowmobiles with smaller drags, which are primarily used in and around town where the trails tend to be a bit narrower. Our volunteers work hundreds of hours each year on maintaining our equipment and the trail system,” said Mazza.

The group plans activities for its members such as pot luck dinners and organized club rides. It will be looking to involve the general public in activities in the future. For instance, as the snow conditions allow, the club hopes to have a trail-side public event which will include music, food, and a bonfire.

Gorham SnoGoers is a family oriented organization. Mazza shared, “We believe snowmobiling is a great way to get kids involved in outdoor activities and to provide an opportunity to appreciate all that this beautiful region has to offer.”

If you have the same love for snowmobiling, Mazza encourages you to check out the SnoGoers. Whether you plan to be an active participant in the club or not, he believes membership is a great way to help support the SnoGoers in their efforts to maintain the many parts of the local trail system in Gorham for all recreationists to use.

The group relies on support from the State of Maine Snowmobile Division as well as the support given by the Town of Gorham and its citizens to continue to operate each year. With much of its annual expenditures going to maintain equipment and improve the trail systems, the group is getting creative in its fundraising. To learn more, visit www.gorhamsnogoers.com or follow them on Facebook.

The SnoGoers take pride in their relationships with landowners and they work hard to maintain the trails for community members. Mazza said, “We ask that you help us in respecting our valued land owners and would encourage all that enjoy the trail system to reach out to provide a helping hand.”