Thrill-seekers hit slopes for Sno-Kat event near Libby

Putting thumb to throttle, the cat cackles forward. Torque digging in, an arcing roost and grips tighten to offset the g-forces of trail riding and summit climbing.

Rising out of the inversion, sleds as colorful as the characters they carried traversed the Purcell Mountain’s slopes and made a playground of old clear-cuts.

Grooming over 200 miles of alpine track and promoting full family fun, the Lincoln County Sno-Kats held its annual Fun Run up Pipe Creek this past Saturday.

From East Fork Road to the top of Big Creek Baldy, slednecks of all ages made the ride – stopping along the way to draw cards for the poker run and having a sun-drenched picnic near 5,000 feet.

The event eclipsed last year’s participation, with well over 80 enthusiasts cruising the course. Like a Harley rally in Sturgis, sleds lined the trail while people warmed themselves with a bonfire and chili dogs.

The previous week’s snowfall helped dampen the ride and cover the harder snow pack, creating decent sledding conditions amongst the fir, larch, cedar and spruce.

Sam Walters, 6, of Troy hitched a ride with his father, Mitch.

“It’s cold. I like the cold,” Sam said with cheeks to match his red snow suit and avalanche beacon around waist. Going fast is his request to dad … never slow down.

“I teach responsibility in everything we do,” Mitch said. “We discuss fun and safety.”

Sno-Kats President Donna O’Neil and Vice President Adam Carr have a simple message – get out, have fun and help others to do the same. 

“We are family oriented,” Carr said. “It is about the little ones, the future of the sport.”

Carr said the nonprofit Sno-Kats put all fees and donations back into the community and keeping the trails groomed.

The poker run, with 100 percent payouts, had four drawing stations on the trail and the final card at Treasure Mountain Restaurant where the finale was held.

The Sno-Kats received enough donations that the raffle and auction lasted a couple of hours. Grand prizes included a 2008 trailer, Honda generator, gift certificate to Dream Marine and a Winchester 270 rifle.

“We had a tremendous turnout this year and couldn’t say thank you enough to the community,” Carr said.