Some of the most impressive people, families, clubs and businesses that make snowmobiling possible in the United States were honored recently for all they do for the sport.
The American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) annual awards program at the International Snowmobile Congress shines a light on a select few of the thousands of important volunteers, clubs and businesses that are vital to our sport.
This year, the Snowmobile Congress wrapped up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on June 15 with the Awards Program. To be considered for the national awards, nominees much first be the honored club/snowmobiler/snowmobile family/etc. of their state.
The 2024 ACSA honorees are shown below. Our very heartfelt “Congratulations, and THANK YOU!” goes out to each of the award winners.
ACSA Snowmobiler Of The Year
In the video announcing the award winners, Frank Slawiak of Vernon, New York, was described as a man who “says very little unless asked.” But he clearly does a lot without being asked for his local EZ Riders Snowmobile Club in Upstate New York.
Slawiak has served many roles within his club, many of them tied directly to the maintenance and grooming of the trail system. For the past decade, he has been the groomer coordinator, which involves everything from operator training, scheduling and maintenance to actually getting in the big rigs and running them down the trail.
He was also recognized for establishing a local trail by working with local business owners, putting in and taking out signage, operating equipment to brush the trails in the off-season and even storing groomer equipment on his property. From representing the club at shows and events to hosting club get-togethers at his auto repair business, being vital to the club’s plans for a new groomer barn to sharing years of knowledge, Slawiak’s efforts have been mighty. ” “To say Frank is all about the club is an understatement,” the awards video said.
ACSA Snowmobile Family Of The Year
The Joustra Family of Mercer, Wisconsin, was recognized as the ACSA Snowmobile Family of the Year for its deep and enthusiastic involvement with their local snowmobile club and community.
Parents Hank and Kelly Joustra and their children, Hannah, Ben and Levi, are involved on many levels. From operating groomers to promoting club membership, doing Facebook Live videos to starting online club membership processes and much more.
The Joustras have initiated a groomer operator donation program, led major rides, served in various club leadership roles and are helping to start a youth club, the video stated.
ACSA Snowmobile Club Of The Year
About 130 miles east of the Joustra family’s hometown is where you’ll find the 2024 ACSA Snowmobile Club Of The Year: The Chute Pond Snowmobile Club of Mountain, Wisconsin.
The 52-year-old club oversees 120 miles of trails in Oconto County, Wisconsin. It has 12 groomers, plus groomer operators that have more than 100 years of combined experienced to expertly maintain their well-marked and meticulously groomed network. The club was also recognized for its year-round dedication to the sport and the local communities it serves.
From club rides in the winter to participation in local town festival parades in the summer, the club is everywhere promoting the sport. The club also participates in fund raising for everything from snowmobile safety programs to local scholarship programs, and supports ALS and MS events. Plus, club members rose to a big challenge one recent summer, working with other local clubs to clear thousands of downed trees off of the trail network after a horrific summer storm.
ACSA Young Snowmobiler Of The Year
A relatively new annual ACSA award is the “Young Snowmobiler Of The Year,” and this year’s winner sounds very deserving. According to the award description, Jake Ward of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, was truly raised in the sport, attending snowmobile club meetings before he can walk with his parents and grandparents.
Though just one year out of high school, Ward has served as a trail boss, operated the groomer on overnight runs, worked on fund raisers and more. He’s served as a youth club representative, attended local, regional and national meetings, has spoken at youth safety training seminars and participated in MS Snow Tour events. Ward is also currently the president of the Kids and Adults On Snowmobiles (KOAS) youth club.
ACSA Snowmobile Dealer Of The Year
Rocky Mountain Powersports of Rocky Springs, Wyoming, was recognized for its dedication to the sport as the ACSA Snowmobile Dealer Of The Year. Owner Pete Leibee and his team were singled out for their unending support of snowmobiling in many different ways.
From sponsoring local clubs to promoting access to public lands, supporting local hillclimb and fun run events to being instrumental to the expansion of parking areas, boosting youth and women’s riding programs to introducing newcomers to the sport, the Rocky Mountain Powersports team is always there to lift up our sport, according to the intro video.
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