Sno-Cats on parade

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer TOWNSHIP - After a run of days with sub-zero temperatures, Saturday's mild temperatures filled the ski slopes at Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

But the base of the hill also had an additional crowd of folks reveling in the 2023 Midwest Cat Clowder, which provided an opportunity to view a parking lot full of vintage Sno-Cats and groomers.

A playful sign warned "Caution: Cat Crossing" while some of the engines rumbled, emitting the dense, distinct odor of diesel and gas.

Mostly, there was an air of joy as people of all ages wandered and joked, while cameras snapped and dogs enjoyed sitting on the backs of vehicles or even, sometimes, inside the cabs.

"It's pretty awesome," said Alex Young, director of Powderhorn's Ski Patrol. He said this year's gathering broke a record with 40 participants, some of whom traveled from other states.

"It's a blast," said Rohan Kuschel, who was standing with Greg Smedsrud while studying a yellow Tucker snow kitten - a vehicle so small that it warrants a tyke-size name. The two men were from Nimrod and Battle Lake, Minnesota, respectively.

The traditional definition of "clowder" refers to a group of felines, but the Midwest Clowder clearly expands upon that definition.

Organizers also warned attendees: "Sno-Cats are very addictive," resulting in some visitors returning the next year with a Cat of their own.

Devin Griol of Bessemer can attest to that. He said he'd just bought a 1982 Tucker Sno-Cat 542 the day before this year's event. "I just think it's fascinating what these machines can do," he said.

Historically, Sno-cats have been used for snow-clearing, sled-towing, expeditions on snowy terrains, industrial purposes, or for other creative applications.

Joel Brandt of Saxon, Wisconsin - who was decked out with a top hat, sunglasses, a plaid flannel shirt and, not the least, a huge grin - said he also bought a 1982 Tucker Sno-Cat.

Both he and Griol claimed they had grown up in a snowmobiling culture and never lost interest in it.

Brandt said the typical cost of the old-timer machines is $12,000-$30,000, and he added that, due to increasing popularity, "They are going up." Meanwhile, Griol said the biggest and best modern groomers are about $300,000, which he joked is "crazy, huh?"

Jeff Faught of Bismarck, North Dakota, who had his 1974 Thiokol on display, was happy to be in the U.P. "You got real snow here," he said.

Faught, who also has been in a couple of previous Midwest Clowders, said he attends such events a few times a year as "a hobby."

As for repairing the old machines, he said the ease in getting parts depends on what is at stake. He claimed that anything relating to the engine or transmission is "pretty common" and therefore not generally a challenge to remedy.

"But when you're talking track parts," he mused, "those are harder to find."

He added, "There's a few people that have old parts, but then - of course - you have to pay for it. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade, and a pilot, so that helps a lot. Also, I know people - that always helps."

In a pinch, he said he and other owners of the vintage vehicles will invent a part if needed.

Young was at the event with Dave Grospitz, the assistant director of the Ski Patrol, to provide a measure of security in case anything went wrong, but he had a sense of humor about possible mishaps, particularly at the close of the public viewing when riders took their Sno-Cats on a "parade" around the ski slopes.

"I think if something breaks down and they have to fix it, that's part of the fun," said Young while laughing.

While packing his machine onto a trailer, Josh Nichols of Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin, was a prime example of that theory.

"Mine actually died up there," he said, referring to the top of the mountain during the parade. "But we all pitched in," he added, good-naturedly, and got the engine going.

Nichols took his wife, Savannah, and their daughter, Rylie, 3, along for the ride, and the child was all smiles afterward, declaring the adventure fun.

Nichols said he uses his vehicle for practical purposes as well, such as for "swamp packing" or preparing the ground for the snowmobiling season.