What is the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST)?
Founded in 1967, The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) organizes snowmobilers across the state, maintaining and grooming over 4,700 miles of trails. The organization has 127 clubs across the state, with over 24,000 members combined. Their goal? To make it easier than ever for people to snowmobile in Vermont.
Snowmobiling encourages Vermonters to get outside and breathe the fresh air, benefitting their overall physical and mental health. Plus, VAST clubs provide a great source of community, where residents with a similar interest can connect with one another. Snowmobilers often travel with friends or family members, giving them the chance to bond with one another through an exciting outdoor activity.
VAST is not only about maintenance, but also providing resources. On the VAST website, snowmobilers will find an interactive map, informing about trails and their status as well as restaurants, gas, ATMs, lodging and other stops along the way.
In order to ride a snowmobile in Vermont, you have to purchase a VAST trail pass and join a county and local club where you ride most. This keeps all riders and property owners safe and held accountable if needed.
The backbone behind Vermont’s extensive snowmobiling trails is the private land donated by landowners statewide. With over 9,000 landowners involved, 80 percent of Vermont’s trail system is on private land. But, why do landowners donate this land, and how are they protected in case of accidents on their property?
How VAST Property Donation Works
Landowners donate portions of their land to VAST to encourage safe traveling via snowmobile across the state. Their permission is required to ride on private land. When a new owner purchases a piece of land with a VAST trail, the local club contacts them to get permission before allowing members to snowmobile in that area.
Once they receive an owner’s permission, they keep the trails groomed during the winter, adding flags so snowmobilers don’t accidentally enter the rest of the property. This makes it so landowners have the least amount of responsibility for the trails. VAST wants landowners to feel like they don’t have to pay attention to this section of their land or the riders that travel through it.
VAST trails are only available for snowmobiling during the winter months, typically from December through April, when there is snow on the ground. If there is no snow on a specific trail, the VAST map will be updated to show riders that it is closed, preserving private land from accidents or destruction. Other vehicles, like ATVs, four wheelers, and mountain bikes, are not permitted during the winter season, again promoting safety on all trails.
Donating land to VAST gives fellow Vermonters a safe way to appreciate the land and nature in our beautiful state. And don’t forget about the economic boost to your town. Vermont snowmobilers travel across the state on these trails, stopping at local restaurants, shops, and gas stations along the way. VAST also encourages riders to get involved in their community through their local clubs, supporting activism in areas throughout Vermont.
If you love snowmobiling, having a VAST trail in your backyard will give you easy access when you’re ready to ride.
VAST Land Owner Protection
Because owners are graciously donating their land, VAST ensures their protection in the case of an accident, injuring either a person or the property. There are two main enactments of protection: the Vermont Trail System and Limitations on Landowner Liability.
The Vermont Trail System
The Vermont Legislature created this policy to declare the development, operation, and maintenance of the Vermont Trail System to be public purpose, even when it falls on private land.
It states: “No public or private owner of land which is part of the Vermont trail system shall be liable for any property damage or personal injury sustained by any person using these trails unless the public or private owner intentionally inflicts the damage or injury.” (10 V.S.A.Chapter 20, Sections 441-449.)
Limitations on Landowner Liability
This policy encourages landowners to make their land and water available to the public for recreational purposes. Permission for recreational use should be reflected in a payment to the owner. Without this payment, if someone enters the property for recreational use, the landowner can consider them a trespasser.
The policy reads: “An owner shall not be liable for property damage or personal injury sustained by a person who, without consideration, enters or goes upon an owner’s land for recreational use unless the damage or injury is the result of the willful or wanton misconduct of the owner.” (12 V.S.A. Chapter 203 Limitations on Landowner Liability).”
Additional Landowner Protections
VAST has a general liability policy “with limits of Three Million Dollars for each occurrence with an aggregate of Six Million Dollars.” Every landowner who donates their land to VAST is automatically identified as additional insured and will receive a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
In Vermont, we have a strong community built on trust and appreciation for our neighbors. Participation with VAST is just one way to solidify an incredible relationship between snowmobilers and landowners.
For half a century, VAST has given Vermonters a way to enjoy the winter season outdoors. Thanks to generous private landowners, VAST maintains an extensive network of trails that promote health, community, and economic activity. With everyone working together, the organization can continue connecting riders with the gorgeous Vermont landscape for years to come.
Want to learn more about living in Vermont? Contact an agent today to start the conversation.
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