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Archive to Oct 28 2007 - Archive to Oct 12 2007 - Arch to Nov 17 2007
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Archived to Dec 4th 2007

Get a room in St-Michel . . .Rent an ATV in St-Michel

Comfort Inn and Dynastie Hotel join Zenwaiter.com

Welcome our new Sponsor
Last week, Marco the owner of the Comfort Inn and the Dynastie Hotel in Mont Laurier, confirmed that he indeed wanted to become a Zenwaiter Sponsor. I have known these places, and the Sports Cage Restaurant in the Comfort Inn, for years. Marco is an avid snowmobile guy himself, (And a friend of Rabaska), so naturally, he makes it a priority to service his fellow riders with high security, low prices, and a great party atmosphere in the Sports Bar. I know where I want to be for the Super Bowl this year. Ben and Mike are your hosts, and are sled heads as well. They know about trail conditions. They can be reached by phone or e-mail anytime to help plan your trip. They have all the snowmobile info you'll need to enjoy the snowmobile season in the Mont Laurier area.
(Thanks Marco) zw

Ben at Comfort Inn .1-819-623-6465

Mike at Dynastie Hotel . 1-819-623-5252

Please tell the boys that Zenwaiter sent ya!

 

Click here to see Bernard clean up the snow at Motel Safari.

Zen Reporter Patrick Gramuglia Rides the Blizzard Today
Montreal QC Dec 16 2007; Hey Zen - - I went riding around Montreal today and yesterday, trails are great and open. I was in the Monteregie West area near Rigaud and Saint Lazare. At least 2 feet of snow on the ground and we were in a blizzard out there today.
From Pat G. - Star Zen Reporter from Montreal.

Funny Video (very large file) Zen & Martin!

From your desk in New York City to Quebec snowmobile trails in 45 minutes
Click Here for video clips and story

35 to 55 cm's of snow hitting Quebec Today

9:30 am Sunday Dec 16th. - - Shawinigan: I am with Bernard at Motel Safari this morning, to report the big storm live on Blog TV later today. The snow started falling at 6 am in Montreal, and at 7 am here.(Click for Weather Warnings)

I just got back from visiting Dom and Martin up at Rabaska Outfitter, one hour east of Mont Laurier. My computer jammed up there, so I have not yet given you the report. This morning, I will work steady to bring you the story of Rabaska, and the story of the new Continental Air Lines flight service from Newark to Mont Tremblant. (the air field is in the town of Macaza.) I will also check my email for the first time in four days.

I witnessed the first jet arrival two days ago. You will get the photos, clips, and story in a few hours, once I get the computer sorted out. After I deliver those two stories, I will bring you to the parking lot here in Shawinigan LIVE at around noon today, to see the storm action. Shawinigan is in the path of the heaviest shot of snow, so it should be fun. Bernard is out there right now (9.28 AM) clearing off the first inch. He wants to stay on top of it. Stay tuned to this page! Back soon with more.

PS: For those thinking about heading up here today, I recommend you wait a few days, give the highway maintenance crews a few days to dig out, and also the clubs time to Groom the trails again. It has remained cold up here (-20 every night) so for your Christmas week, it should be the best trails ever! zw

Cool Video of the Day- 129 MPH??

Good News for a Change - Snowfall Windfall - Sales are Up!
Early winter storms are a boon to three Minnesota companies who've seen sales of snowmobiles and snow blowers suffer for want of the white stuff in years past. For the first time in more than a decade, some of Minnesota's largest manufacturers are sounding optimistic in December. Thanks to the early snow covering large parts of the U.S. and Canada, companies such as Polaris Industries, Toro and Arctic Cat are looking for a boost in sales of snowmobiles and snow blowers. Get this snowmobile story here

Snow Clothing: All our readers can save 20% Click Here

SooNews Wire warns of Early Season Riding Hazards
Dec 12 2007; Early season riding ultimately contributes to snowmobiling deaths and the OPP are warning snowmobilers about unsafe ice conditions and limited OFSC trail travel, wet marshland and bogs. “Riding responsibly is a personal choice that must be made every time someone starts up a sled. Snowmobile operators are urged to use common sense, exercise caution and slow down,” states Sgt. Kevin Sydock, OPP S.A.V.E. team. “If you don’t know, don’t go.” Sledders often lose control of their machines because of excessive speed and collide with boulders, trees and vehicles. Others go through thin ice or drive into open water. Some fail to yield to roadway traffic. The sudden impact of a high-speed collisions or open water incident leave riders little in the way of a second chance. Speed and alcohol prove to be a deadly mix. Get this snowmobile news article here

Dec 12 Video Clip at Esterel

Dec 12 2007: Esterel - - I enjoyed another first class breakfast this morning with snowmobile veterans Keith R from Perry County in PA, and Dave K from Dauphin County near Harrisburg PA. These boys ride 6,000 miles a year. "In '05 and '06, we ran a total of 25,000 miles. We went through three snowmobiles each. This year we have Bombardiers. We go wherever the trails lead us!" said Keith. "Today we will go to St-Donat then ride through the Park. We will be back to Esterel for sure."
See Video Clip of Breakfast

Dec 10 2007: Esterel Quebec: The past two days I have been spoiled night and day by Wanda the director of snowmobile tourism here at the Esterel. Tomorrow, I will spend time in the groomer with Robert the snow groomer driver for the Blizzard Snowmobile Club. Remember the photos I took two years ago? Well, get ready for more soon! The snowmobile trail is shaping up very nicely, as the club works full time with all volunteer drivers. The place is so beautiful, and the people so warm and hospitable here at L'Esterel, Zenwaiter may never leave! Thanks to the owner, Mr Z, and to all the staff here for their kindness. Let's all come to Esterel this winter, at least once, to enjoy Five Star accommodations and service, for the very reasonable price of 89. bucks per night, the price includes an amazing breakfast in the dining room, secure parking for your truck and trailer, and the most beautiful snowmobile hostess on the planet, bar none. WHOA!!! Somebody give me some Nitro, I'm on the verge of having full cardiac arrest! zw
Click Here for the more photos, the story and video clips

Dec 11 2007 New Photo Essay Here

Early this morning, I drove to the Esterel Hotel - winter resort about one hour north of Montreal. The snow on the ground created an awesome feeling as I drove through the Laurentian mountains past lakes and rivers, and forests of Maple trees. I met the new snowmobile coordinator, Wanda, and I am happy to report that she is fully committed to making your stay at L'Esterel, your best snowmobile holiday ever. The Blizzard snowmobile club here, is working hard at grooming their 80 kilometers of trails. So far, they have run through them one time to flatten the big snow into a solid base. Wanda and I went for a spin from the hotel up to the village of Entre-Lac. The trail had a good foot of snow, but was very rough with iced over low spots, exposed roots, and branches reachig out for my face shield. We helped one snowmobiler to get un-stuck. She had strayed from the trail into deep soft powder. With continuing cold weather, the trails will soon harden. Then the club will send the groomer out with the scraper in tow to make excellent trail. The Esterel is unique as far as snowmobile resorts is concerned, for many reasons. More on this soon with lots of photos and video clips.

 

Dec 6 Snow at the Chute on Lake Taurau

Go for a ride in the power with Denny and Zen

 

Map Man Denny from the Chute rides Dec 6 2007


I picked up my new sled at Location Haute Matawinie today, gassed her up, then spent some powder trail breaking time with the Map Man from The Chute (Auberge au pied de la Chute) in St Michele-des-Saints. In the photo Denny is sticking my trail pass onto my sled. I saved 25 bucks today. The groomers flattened everything down over a week ago, and now there is a fresh foot of powder on top. It's time for early season riding- with all the usual surprises- open water, mud sometimes under the deep snow, and many snowmobile places, like the government snowmobile cafeteria in the Park, is not open yet. You have to be careful out there folks. Wait one more week. Tonight in St-Michel, it is - 20 and colder. Things are setting up real nice. Get ready Boys, we are set to have the best Quebec riding in 7 years!
Call now to save money on your trail pass. 1-866-833-1171

Latest snow storm photos & clips from Dec 3rd

The mail man didn't make it today, but the beer man came through. In Quebec, there are some things that take a high priority- Snowmobiles and beer are the top two! Click here for new pictures.

Alcohol and speed are factors in crash that kills Champlain Man
Dec42007; PLATTSBURGH — A Champlain man was killed late Monday night in a snowmobile accident. According to Chazy-based State Police, Raymond G. Labelle, 39, was riding a snowsled on the Creek Road about 11:30 p.m. He lost control due to unsafe speed, troopers said, and went off the left shoulder of the road and was partially ejected from the machine when it hit a tree. Troopers said Labelle was riding with two other people, one of whom called 911 to report the accident. He was taken to CVPH Medical Center by Champlain EMS, where he was pronounced dead. State Police said alcohol was a factor in the accident. Get this snowmobile accident story here.

Blizzard at Auberge Beaulieu still Raging

This photo was taken on December first. It was taken on the wind swept parairie. In the woods, there was well over a foot on the trail. The next day it began to snow steadily and the wind picked up. Now it has been storming hard for about 24 hours. The result is, that this little town of St- Joseph de Mekinac is covered in high snow drifts and a new accumulation of at least one foot bringing the total to over over two feet with drifts up to four feet high in places. We have been shoveling the snow all day. At this time, 5 pm, it is howling like we were in Siberia, and the new snow is still falling heavy. I love it! The Mauricie club grommer is going to come through tonight to pack the trails down. This will be our excellent base snow. Could it be that we will have an awesome early winter, like the days of old? Stay tuned. Click here to see the cool photos and vdeo clips. zw

Auberge Beaulieu in Mekinac is ready for Snowmobilers
Dec 3 2007: St-Joseph-de-Mekinac-- The Mauricie Region has been blessed with tons of snow and cold temperatures, and the big river is in the process of freezing over. The snowmobile club says they will soon be running the trail groomers, without pulling the big scrapper on the first go round. They will run the 350 kms of trail once, to flatten and pack the two feet of snow and create a solid base, then they will go over it again pulling a two ton sled, to make it smooth for the snowmobiles. Auberge Beaulieu is on that trail, and has the staff, the rooms, the bar and the restaurant ready to go. The party is definitely on! (The photo above shows the amount of snow in front of the town church.)
See the photos & clips here.

Mauricie Region Snowmobile Club Preparing for Grooming

Dec 1 2007; Shawinigan - - Bernard from Motel Safari takes Zen to Shawinigan North to see the staging area where all the Mauricie club members got together to discuss the grooming procedures. The club will be starting to groom their 350 kms of snowmobile trails for the first time on Monday, which does not mean the trails are officially open - but they will be shortly, if the cold weather strong snow fall continues. The weather office of Canada has warned the public this week, of a seriously cold winter - which is good news for all of us! In Quebec, we are expecting a snow storm Monday and Tuesday which is expected to dump up to 25 cms of fresh snow on many regions, including the Mauricie. Looks like the snow dances have finally paid off!
Click here for the rest of the story and photos.

Zenwaiter on Blog TV Live TV and Recorded Archives!
Dec 1st 2007: Good morning, you are watching the Zenwaiter LIVE TV Show direct from Motel Safari in Shawinigan Quebec- my guest today is the one and only Bernard. Join in to the chat. Go to BlogTV.COM and sign up, then log onto the Zenwaiter snowmobile show! Clcik Here to find my recorded tv shows on blogtv.com

Bruno the Auto-Electric Guru of Rawdon

Occasionally when I am on the road, I discover people who are so helpful, skilled and talented, that I just have to tell you about them. Today I met Bruno at his Ram-Ko Glass Shop, while driving through Rawdon Quebec in the Lanaudiere Region. I needed some wiring done on my little Nissan, and although he was fully booked, he made time to repair my electrical problem. He fixed me up in about ten minutes and charged me a pittance. Wow! Also in the winter months, he allows the snowmobile guests in the motel next door, to park sleds inside his garage. I recommend you jot down his number and keep it for your next trip to Rawdon. He can repair any electrical problems you have, install electronics such as theft alarms or satellite radios. By the way people, it is snowing like crazy up here and cold!
Thanks man! zw 1-450-834-4312

High gas prices & lack of snow = Reduced Arctic Cat Sales
Ten years of light snowfall, rising gasoline prices and, recently, a drop in consumer discretionary spending have hurt sales of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles across the nation and in Minnesota in particular. Snowmobile sales have plummeted 50 percent over the past 10 years, while the once-hot ATV sector has dropped 11 percent this year. While other players in the field, such as Polaris Industries Inc., have also retrenched, it is the smaller Arctic Cat Inc. that has taken the bigger beating. Click here for news story.

Nov 27 - Photos & Clips of big Ski-Doo dealer in St-Michel-des-Saints
Nov 27 - New snow photos of Matawinie North Region

Arctic Cat faces declines as snow needed to boost sales
Arctic Cat faced with tougher than anticipated times ahead? That’s what you can read into the latest quarterly reports. Sled sales for the quarter were down. ATV sales were down. Overall sales were down. Get this story here on snowmobile.com

 

Nov 23 2007 Video Clip from Wawa Ontario: Motels Closed
Nov 23 2007 Video Clip - Beauty of Northern Ontario

Nov 26 2007- - Wawa Ont- - I interviewed Russ Jones, owner of Jones Power Sports in Wawa Ontario. Several lumber related mills have closed recently which has made it tough on everyone. Still, he is optimistic about the tourism that his region has to offer, ATVing, snowmobiling and more. "I got into this business years ago, because I love to ride." he said. "We do our best to offer everything a sledhead could need here in Wawa." The pristine beauty of the Ontario wilderness is undeniable, any time of year. Call Russ today for free trail conditions and other information about snowmobiling in North Western Ontario. Look for the new radio pod cast in a few days.

Snowmobile Safety Reminder List -A must Read

Nov 25th 2007 -Letter of the Week

Nov 21 Trapper Floyd takes Zen up to the Bush

Story and Video Clips of the Trap line Here

Nov 19 Mini podcast from Kenora Ontario

Get the Kenora Photo Spread Here

Kenora Ontario Trapper gives Zen a warm bed and fresh Venison!

Nov 19 - The last couple of days, I stayed with Trapper Floyd at his cabin on the shores of Lake of the Woods in NW Ontario. In this picture, he showed me his moose and deer meat hanging in the garage. Later, he sliced off some steaks which his wife Paulie then cooked up for us- deeelicious! Full story & pics to follow soon. Click below to see his grandson's Moose rack.

Nov 18- Kenora Ont "Hunter Bob" shows Rack

Nov 17- Video Portage La Prairie Days Inn starring Rocky!

Nov 17 - 2007 Zen Talk - Days Inn - Portage La Prairie Manitoba

Nov 16 - Zen Talk -Mount Vallin has Snow Now!

Get the Latest Snowmobile Information Here

E-Mail Zenwaiter Now

Intense mountain climbing snowmobile crash Video

Snowmobile Accommodations: Best rooms and prices Here!

Labrador Powder crunching time: New GPS on all Groomers

Grandriver Newfoundland - - Nov 14 2008 - - Snowmobile Club encouraged about season. NEW TOOLS – “Something new this year will be the installation of GPS trackers on all groomers. Members can go online and see which groomer has made its way up a trail” – Rob Pilgrim, Treasurer, Grandriver Snowmobile Club "One of the biggest things I'm excited about this year are changes the club is under going. We have a new Bombardier Piston Bully 200 snow machine which is the biggest unit that we have here in Labrador".
Get this Labrador Canada snowmobile news story here...

Daily Videos 1) A good example of not using your Head
2) Awesome mountain drops in Alaska - Whoa!