ISHOF ANNOUNCES 2026 INDUCTEES
The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame™ (ISHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees.
The Class of 2026 includes individuals being recognized in the following categories: Inventors, Designers & Manufacturers; Explorers & Adventurers; Trail & Program Developers; Volunteers & Club Organizers; and Publishers & Journalists.
The official induction ceremony will take place Sept. 18-19, 2026, in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Those interested in attending and honoring the inductees for their accomplishments can register online at www.ishof.com.
Fred Bailey – Helena, Montana
Volunteer & Club Organizer
Fred Bailey began snowmobiling at a young age with his grandfather in Avon, Montana. He and his wife, Julie, have been snowmobiling for more than 30 years, and Fred has been an advocate for the sport for just as long.
His passion for snowmobiling ultimately led to a lifetime of commitment to organized snowmobiling at the local, state, and national levels. As a young adult, he quickly became an officer of his local club, the Helena Snow Drifters (HSD). Fred was instrumental in acquiring the property where the HSD groomer shed is located and helped secure the truck and trailer used to transport the groomer. He also played a key role in achieving and maintaining the club’s nonprofit status.
Fred has consistently volunteered his time for work parties, trail maintenance days, bridge construction projects, and the relocation of the groomer shed. He served as a district representative, four years as vice president, and four years as president of the Montana Snowmobile Association (MSA).
He has attended numerous Washington, D.C., Fly-Ins representing MSA, understanding the importance of advocating directly with senators and representatives on behalf of snowmobilers. For many years, he has served as trails coordinator, working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Through decades of service, Fred has built strong partnerships and earned the respect of fellow recreationists and public officials alike. These relationships have proven invaluable when addressing winter travel plans, legislation, trail access, and land-use issues.
A state- and nationally certified snowmobile safety instructor, as well as an instructor with the ATV Safety Institute, Fred has spent countless hours at the Montana Legislature testifying on issues related to funding, trail access, and snowmobile safety. Recreation, education, safety, trail development, economics, legislation, and land-use issues remain among his highest priorities.
He also has a remarkable ability to connect with young riders and ensure they feel welcomed and included in the snowmobiling community.
What sets Fred apart is his lifelong commitment and consistency of service. He has never sought recognition, never stepped away from responsibility, and never hesitated to dedicate his time when the snowmobiling community needed him most. Individuals with his level of expertise, passion, and willingness to serve others are rare.
José Boisjoli – Valcourt, Quebec
Inventors, Designers & Manufacturers
José Boisjoli’s passion for snowmobiling began in Wickham, Quebec, where he received his first Ski-Doo snowmobile at age 10. The town where he grew up is located just 30 minutes from what would later become BRP’s world headquarters in Valcourt.
Throughout his unparalleled career as President and CEO of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Boisjoli has had a worldwide and multifaceted impact on the powersports industry. He has earned the respect of his peers through countless accomplishments that have helped shape the snowmobile industry and recreational snowmobiling as it exists today.
Snowmobile legend J. Armand Bombardier founded the company and invented the Ski-Doo snowmobile. Boisjoli built upon that legacy, leading Ski-Doo to become the world’s No. 1-selling snowmobile brand. Under his leadership, BRP grew into one of the world’s leading powersports OEMs.
In January 2026, Boisjoli retired after a remarkable 36-year career, including 14 years with Bombardier Inc. and 22 years as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of BRP. Today, BRP employs approximately 17,000 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Finland (Lynx snowmobiles), Austria (Rotax engines), Australia, and Germany, with products sold in more than 110 countries.
It is estimated that one out of every three motorized recreational vehicles sold worldwide carries the BRP logo.
Among Boisjoli’s most significant contributions to the snowmobile industry was the introduction of the groundbreaking “rider-forward” concept featured on the 2003 Ski-Doo REV platform. This revolutionary design changed the rider’s position on the snowmobile and was eventually adopted throughout the industry by competing manufacturers.
The REV platform is just one example of the many innovations developed and patented by BRP for its Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobile lines. These innovations demonstrate Boisjoli’s pivotal role in advancing recreational snowmobiling and benefiting the broader snowmobiling community.
Under his leadership, BRP received numerous industry awards. Boisjoli himself was recognized as Powersports Magazine’s Executive of the Year in 2005, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014, Les Affaires CEO of the Year in 2017, and The Globe and Mail’s Global Visionary of the Year in 2023.
Mike & Cheryl Clevenger – Morristown, Minnesota
Volunteers & Club Organizers
Mike and Cheryl Clevenger’s commitment to snowmobiling began when Mike was 14 years old and worked to earn enough money to purchase his first sled. What started as a teenage passion became the foundation for a lifetime of involvement in the sport.
When Mike and Cheryl began dating, Cheryl had little experience with snowmobiling. She initially rode as a passenger before purchasing her own snowmobile and becoming an active rider herself.
After they were married, the Clevengers became involved with their local snowmobile club, the Waseca SnoSeekers, which was in need of revitalization. Mike took on a leadership role, while Cheryl organized meetings and club events. As club president, Mike helped grow membership to more than 100 families within two years.
Their efforts helped establish the Waseca County Trail Association and led to the county becoming the sponsor and owner of trail equipment. Under their leadership, countless weekends were spent brushing, marking, and maintaining snowmobile trails.
The Clevengers later became involved with several other area clubs and continued working to advance the sport. They were instrumental in organizing snowmobile drag racing events, which became important fundraisers. As the events grew, they evolved into the Minnesota Snowmobile Drag Racing Series (MSDRS), where Mike served as race director.
In the late 1990s, Mike became Region 5 Director for the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA). His leadership eventually led to service as both vice president and president of the organization. Cheryl also became heavily involved, serving as secretary/treasurer and publicity chair.
For 15 years, Mike and Cheryl dedicated countless hours to organizing events, coordinating fundraisers, and keeping all 46 clubs in the region informed about legislative issues and developments affecting snowmobiling.
Recognizing the need for additional snowmobile safety instructors, the couple became state-certified instructors in 2013. Since then, they have taught a minimum of three safety courses annually through their local clubs.
Greg & Diane Hiles – De Smet, South Dakota
Volunteers & Club Organizers
Greg and Diane Hiles embody the very best of organized snowmobiling. Through decades of leadership and volunteer service, their impact has been felt at every level of the sport.
At the local level, they have been active members of the Town & Country Riders since 1995. They consistently volunteer their time for fundraisers, safety courses, Governor’s Rides, and numerous club activities. Greg has served multiple terms as vice president and trails coordinator, while both Greg and Diane have spent countless hours maintaining and marking trails.
The Hileses are longtime supporters of the South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA), attending the annual convention each year and volunteering extensively at the state level. They are Legacy Members of SDSA and were inducted into the SDSA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Greg became an SDSA director in 2003 and later served as president from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure, he also represented SDSA as a delegate to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). In that role, he launched a fundraiser for the ACSA Legal Defense Fund, raising more than $18,000 at the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) and ultimately helping grow the fund to more than $40,000.
Greg was elected ACSA vice president in 2015 and president in 2017. He was named ACSA Snowmobiler of the Year in 2019 and continues to serve as a trusted advisor to the organization.
Diane has also played an integral role in organized snowmobiling. She served as club secretary for 10 years, handling responsibilities ranging from membership management to grant writing. Her ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously has been invaluable while organizing state conventions, Governor’s Rides, fundraisers, and safety courses.
She later served 10 years as SDSA treasurer and contributed to numerous committees, including Charity, Bylaws, and Government Relations. Diane was recognized as SDSA Snowmobiler of the Year in 2007.
At the national level, Diane has been a dedicated ACSA volunteer, serving in a variety of leadership positions. She currently serves on the ACSA Board of Directors and chairs several committees. Diane also chaired the 2016 International Snowmobile Congress in South Dakota, a highly successful event that welcomed more than 400 attendees.
Snowmobiling has always been a family activity for the Hiles family. In recognition of their dedication, they were named SDSA Family of the Year in 2009.
Lowell & Ila Morton – New Holland, Pennsylvania
Volunteers & Club Organizers
Lowell and Ila Morton’s dedication to snowmobiling began in 1973 when they purchased their first snowmobile and introduced their entire family to the sport.
In the mid-1970s, they joined the Blue Mountain Snowmobile Club and quickly became active in club fundraisers and leadership roles, eventually serving as president and secretary. As their family grew into a three-snowmobile household, they became active members of the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) in 1975 and frequently organized trail rides with their four children.
In the late 1980s, the Mortons joined the Dutch Trail Cutters Snowmobile Club. Over the years, both Lowell and Ila served in leadership positions, including president, vice president, and secretary.
The couple were regular attendees of the International Snowmobile Congress and served as delegates for PSSA. They also actively participated in meetings at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, advocating for snowmobiling and trail access.
In 1979, Lowell became a regional director for PSSA. When the association faced severe financial challenges in 1987, Lowell and Ila stepped forward to help. Unable to afford office space, PSSA moved its daily operations into the Mortons’ home at no cost to the organization.
Members elected Lowell as president, while Ila served as an unpaid volunteer executive secretary. At the time, PSSA was facing the possibility of closure. Through the leadership of the Mortons and the support of dedicated members, the association organized successful fundraising efforts and returned to financial stability within a few years.
During Lowell’s 15 years as PSSA president, membership grew to record levels. Meanwhile, Ila continued serving as executive secretary, managing membership records, renewals, club correspondence, and many other day-to-day operations. She also became known as the organization’s primary fundraiser, helping maintain PSSA’s strong financial footing.
Lowell passed away in 2019 and is being inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame posthumously. Ila remains an active member of the local snowmobile clubs they helped build and continues her involvement with PSSA.
2026 International Snowmobile Club of the Year
Sponsored by Woody’s, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, and the International Snowmobile Council
Driftrunners Snowmobile Club – Cresco, Iowa
Founded in 1969, the Driftrunners Snowmobile Club averages 124 members annually, the highest club membership in Iowa.
The club maintains approximately 200 miles of trails across Howard, Winneshiek, and Chickasaw counties, covering a variety of terrain that includes road ditches, private farmland, and fence-line routes. Their grooming team maintains some of the best-signed and groomed trails in the state, typically grooming between 800 and 900 miles each season.
The club’s signature fundraising events include Snowfest in January and the Chili Feed in February. Additional events include a Vintage Sled Show, Poker Run, Torchlight Parade, and Snowball Dance.
The Driftrunners are also deeply committed to their community. Each year, they support organizations including the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, the Howard County Cancer Association, and the Community Action Corporation’s Christmas toy program. They also partner with the local American Legion to host bingo during Snowfest and contribute volunteer time and donations to numerous other local and state organizations.
2026 International Snowmobile Dealer of the Year
Sponsored by Snow Goer, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, and the International Snowmobile Council
Chudds PowerSports – Gimli, Manitoba
Chudds PowerSports is a family-owned business established in 1997, but its roots extend back nearly 90 years. What began as a blacksmith shop evolved into a tractor dealership, then a Chrysler dealership, and eventually a powersports business representing Arctic Cat and Polaris snowmobiles.
The Chudd family has built its reputation on providing customers with a welcoming buying experience and exceptional after-sales service. Equally important is the company’s commitment to supporting the snowmobiling community throughout Manitoba and beyond.
Chudds PowerSports has long been a strong supporter of the Interlake Snow Trackers Snowmobile Club (IST) and the Manitoba Snowmobile Association Inc. (SNOMAN). Mike Chudd and his wife, Corrine, actively participate in club rides, fundraising events, and other activities, while Mike currently serves as vice president of the IST.
Over the years, Chudds PowerSports has consistently provided financial support, in-kind donations, and technical expertise to organizations that promote and protect the sport of snowmobiling.
One notable example came during the challenging 2024-25 snowmobile season, when the Interlake Snow Trackers faced significant equipment failures that sidelined one of their groomers. Mike and his parts team worked diligently to source the necessary components and repairs, helping return the club’s equipment to service while saving more than $40,000 in costs during a single season.
2026 International Groomer of the Year
Sponsored by Arrowhead Groomers, Track Inc., PistenBully, and Prinoth Ltd.
Larry Traxler – Corbett, Oregon
Larry Traxler began grooming trails in 1978 when the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club launched its grooming program. Nearly five decades later, he remains one of the most dependable, hardworking, and influential volunteers the club has ever known.
Larry began grooming in his mid-20s and continues to groom trails today. He is known for his determination and resourcefulness, always finding a way to return equipment safely to the groomer shed, even when temporary repairs were needed on the trail to complete the journey.
His contributions extend far beyond operating grooming equipment. Throughout the years, Larry has played a vital role in equipment maintenance, operator training, mentoring, and encouraging new volunteers to become involved in the grooming program.
His decades of dedication, behind-the-scenes work, and unwavering commitment have made him a cornerstone of the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club’s trail-grooming efforts. With 47 years of continuous volunteer service to trail grooming and equipment maintenance, along with more than 50 years of involvement in the club, Larry has become the heart of its grooming program.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Larry was named the Oregon State Snowmobile Association’s Groomer of the Year for 2026.
2026 Edgar Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit
Sponsored by the Elmer Cone Family and the Iron Dog Brigade
Rob Bick – Brewerton, New York
Rob Bick is a knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated snowmobile enthusiast whose 55 years of volunteer service have left a lasting impact on the sport.
A lifelong advocate for snowmobiling, Rob has contributed to the industry in numerous ways. He was an original member of the Polaris PRO Consumer Council in 1996, has published many articles on snowmobiling and volunteerism, and has produced dozens of published snowmobiling photographs, including four magazine cover images for the New York State Snowmobile Association.
Among Rob’s most significant contributions is the creation and management of the annual “Snowmobile Rides for Children with Special Needs” program. For the past 22 years, he has organized the event in communities throughout New York State, providing children with special needs an opportunity to experience snowmobiling—something many would not otherwise have the chance to enjoy.
For dozens of children and their families, the event has become a highlight of the winter season and a meaningful opportunity to experience the outdoors and the snowmobiling community.
Rob has also shared his extensive knowledge of the sport through his writing, photography, and community outreach efforts. His passion for introducing others to outdoor recreation has inspired many families to become involved in snowmobiling and ATV riding.
Whether through his volunteer service, educational efforts, published work, or community engagement, Rob has made a profound impact on the sport at the grassroots level and beyond.
