Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TMA?
TMA stands for Trails Maintenance Assessment and is the pass, which allows you to snowmobile on signed and groomed VAST trails. Each TMA is placed on the left-side of your snowmobile cowl adjacent to your state registration, according to VT law.
Where can I buy a TMA?
TMAs can only be purchased from a local club. There are 132 clubs throughout the state of Vermont. Many clubs contract with local businesses to sell TMAs for them or they are handled by mail or online. A list of clubs can be found on this site, pick an area where you will do most of your riding and give them a call!
How much is a TMA?
See Section on TMAs
When I purchase my TMA what am I paying for?
$15.50 goes to the VAST General Fund for Administrative costs
and .10 goes towards the Scholarship Fund.
The rest breaks down as follows:
Grooming - 63%
Construction Grants - 19%
Equipment Grants - 7%
Trail Insurance - 4%
Emergency Projects - 3%
Debrushing - 3%
Signing - 1%
Who sets the TMA prices?
You do. Every year, VAST Clubs send delegates to the VAST Annual Meeting and that is where the budget is passed and TMA prices are set based on the approved budget. Delegate numbers are based on local club membership numbers from the previous season.
What are club dues and why do I have to pay them?
Club dues are fees charged by the local club to cover expenses not covered by VAST. Additional expenses may include, but are not limited to, additional grooming costs, signs, sign posts and trail construction projects. Local clubs also obtain landowner permissions for snowmobiling and state law requires that you belong to a local club as well as VAST.
What is the fine for not having a TMA?
If you do not purchase a TMA and you ride on VAST Trails, you would be considered trespassing and subject to a large fine.
If I am registered in my own home state or province, do I need to register in VT too?
No, as long as your machine(s) is registered, you do not need to re-register it in the state of Vermont. You must be able to provide proof of registration when purchasing your TMA.
If I want to register in Vermont, but can't make it to the DMV, is there anywhere else that I can register?
Yes, as a service to our members, VAST has several Registration Agents located throughout the state, where you can register your machine. For more information on where these locations are, go to Registration Agents or call the VAST Office at (802) 229-0005 Ext. 10.
Who signs and maintains the VAST trails?
VAST trails are signed and maintained by the 135 local clubs. Thousands of members volunteer their time signing, constructing and grooming the trails. They also work with the landowners to gain their permission to use their land. 85% of VAST trails are on private land.
When can I ride on VAST Trails?
When are trails open and closed?
Trails are open December 16th assuming there is adequate snow cover (at least six inches) and/or the trails have been signed and groomed by the local club. Many Vermont landowners are hunters or allow hunting on their land, and as a gesture of goodwill, we ask that trail riding does not occur until the season is over. Most trails are closed on or around April 1st or 15th depending on snow coverage. Clubs will not be paid for any grooming done after April 1st, so if any grooming is being done, it is coming out of their own club funds.
Is State Forest Land open before Dec. 16th?
No, all State Forest Land is closed until after the 16th.
If I have a question or problem with a trail, who should I call?
The best place to start is with the local club, where the trail is located. Not only do club members know the area but if there is something wrong with a trail, then they need to know ASAP. If the club is unavailable or you are not sure which club to contact, each Vermont county has a Trailmaster and a Director. Directors are also volunteers who are voted into office by the local club members to represent them at monthly Board meetings and other various meetings.
Do I need insurance to ride on VAST Trails?
Effective September 1, 2003 all individuals operating a snowmobile, in Vermont on the statewide snowmobile trails system, shall have a liability insurance policy or bond in the amounts of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured and $10,000 for damages to property in any one accident. In lieu thereof, evidence of self-insurance in the amount of $115,000 must be filed with the commissioner. You must carry proof and be able to display it on demand.
Where can I buy VAST Trail maps?
VAST Trail Maps can be purchased through the VAST office by phone, email or online. They can also be purchased from local clubs and businesses that they contract with to sell maps.
Why are the Trail Condition Reports on the website not updated more often?
The people who update the trail conditions are volunteers who do this of their own generosity and on their own time and sometimes, there is nothing new to report.
Can I ride my ATV (Four-Wheeler) on VAST Trails?
No, VAST trails are for winter use only. Permission to use snowmobile trails does not extend to the use of these trails by ATVs, motor or mountain bikes, hiking or other uses, unless specifically authorized. If you want to find out where legal ATV trails are contact VASA (Vermont ATV Sportsman's Association) at (802) 229-2997. Fax (802) 229-6877 or web: www.vtvasa.org.
Are all VAST trails closed after 11 p.m. and before 6 a.m.?
No, only certain trails have curfews on them and they will be posted accordingly. There will also be an alternate route for you to take.
What happens if I lose my TMA sticker?
According to VAST policy, set by the Board of Directors, if you lose your TMA sticker you need to go back to the club in which you purchased the TMA. You need to have your hard copy of the TMA form to turn in so you will get a new sticker. There is a $5.00 replacement fee. If you lose both the sticker and the form, according to VAST policy, you will need to purchase a new sticker at the full price.
What happens if I sell or trade-in my snowmobile?
According to VAST policy, set by the Board of Directors, if you sell or trade-in your snowmobile, you need to go back to the club in which you purchased the TMA. You need to have your hard copy of the TMA form and part or all of the sticker from the sled you are selling to return to the club so you will get a new sticker. There is a $5.00 replacement fee. If you lose both the sticker and the form, according to VAST policy, you will need to purchase a new sticker at the full price.
Does VAST sell insurance?
No, VAST does not sell insurance. While, VAST was hoping to be able to offer insurance with the purchase of a TMA, it is not possible. VAST does not sell insurance from the office, but we do have companies that we can recommend.