ISHOF Inductees - 2016

Jack Hausner - Volunteer
Minnesota

Jack Hausner - 2016 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Jack Hausner
Jack Hausner and the term snowmobiling are synonymous in a large part of Northwest Minnesota. And they have been so for over 50 years. Jack was instantly hooked on the sport following his first ride in 1963. Soon a Polaris dealer, Jack recognized that beyond the machines, the sport needed an infrastructure of social network, clubs, trail systems and a safety program. He was a stalwart in creating these systems. Jack was a member of seven different area clubs, holding offices, directorships and chairs in all of them during this time. He developed and promoted the Snodeo concept of local competitive events and fun activities and has run the Snodeo for 43 years. Always on hand to chair or help in poker runs, trail rides, Christmas rides and even starting a "Midnight Mass" ride, Jack's energetic enthusiasm and smile reflected his desire to share the enjoyment of the sport of snowmobiling with everybody. As owner of Jack's Motorsports he was a dealer for Polaris, Ski Doo, Kawasaki and Arctic Cat selling thousands of sleds. Customers came from two states to buy from the dealer with the reputation of honesty, integrity and fairness along with total dedication to the sport. Even in his retirement, the name of Jack Hausner resonates snowmobiles and snowmobiling. It is for over a half century of service that Jack Hausner joins other icons of the sport with his induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

Walter Pederson - Explorer
Minnesota

Walter Pederson - 2016 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Walter Pederson
Growing up on a farm, Walt Pederson's natural mechanical abilities soon flourished. Also a natural dreamer, explorer and snowmobile enthusiast, Walt did not hesitate to join the Plaisted Expedition to the North Pole in 1968. Walt's duty on the trip to the Pole was to keep the four Ski-Doo Olympic 300 sleds running throughout the grueling 800+ miles that took 43 days. And, at temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees. He also served as the "Chaplin" of the group and his positive attitude was many times the inspiration the four needed to keep going in spite of the harsh conditions they faced. Once, while holed up in tents for seven days during a storm, Walt wrote, "All the fears a man can have tormented through my mind from the claustrophobia." But they prevailed and were proven to be the first to reach the North Pole by overland route. Following the trip, Walt continued his involvement with snowmobiles as a Ski-Doo dealer, invented an improved snowmobile speedometer, handlebar warmers, a coloring book for kids and several other mechanical inventions. He was interviewed on numerous local and national news media, appeared on many TV shows always promoting the machines and the sport of snowmobiling. "God gave me more ambition than a man should have," he replied, when asked about his accomplishments. For his many contributions to the sport and adventures with snowmobiles, Walt Pederson has been inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

Jerry Schmier - Volunteer
Montana

Jerry Schmier - 2016 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Jerry Schmier
With the advent of snowmobiles in the 1960s, Jerry Schmier recognized their ability to allow winter travel in Yellowstone National Park. He was an early adventurer and explorer of the Park, creating a snowmobile rental dealership and operating a motel for visitors to the area. For over 50 years he has been a leader in developing the trails and grooming programs that, while starting out to be just for the locals, soon became a 200 mile trail system that ranks among the top most popular systems in the country. Jerry was one of the original founders of the West Yellowstone Snowmobile EXPO and volunteered in making the OEM "Snow Shoot" an annual event and a major economic boost the local economy. His business, Yellowstone Adventures is now managed by his sons as Jerry tries to retire. "Volunteers make a community and Jerry Schmier has made a wide swath on the trail to community enhancement and economic success due to his snowmobile dealership alliance, his knowledge and involvement of snowmobiles and to the sport of snowmobiling in general," states Marge Wanner, Snowmobile Event Coordinator for West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. For his lifetime of dedication to the sport, the snowmobile industry and community, Jerry Schmier has been inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.​

Donna White - Volunteer
Wisconsin

Donna White - 2016 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Eagle River, Wisconsin
Donna White
The same "snowmobile bug" that has infected so many of us really took over Donna White's life. For over 40 years, snowmobiling has been a major player in her daily activities. Her list of organizations served, offices held, programs created and chaired on local, state and national levels of the sport are too numerous to list here. As a charter member of her local club back in 1972, Donna has continued to advance through the ranks of organized snowmobiling with an unfailing dedication to making the sport better. She was the first women president of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC), served on the state's Governor's Council for 18 years, was Secretary/Treasurer of the Midwest Chapter of the International Snowmobile Council (ISC), then its Chair for two years. For the last 15 years she chairs the AWSC Scholarship Program. Donna co-chaired the ISC in Green Bay, WI in 2013 and has attended numerous ISC "Fly-Ins" in Washington to promote the sport to our elected representatives as a member of the Legislative Committee. All this plus ten years on her church board and many years as a 4-H Leader and local volunteer. Words to describe her career include unselfish volunteer, invaluable player, exemplary service, professionalism and dedication. Donna was inducted into the Iron Dog Brigade in 2004 and has been inducted into the prestigious International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

ISHOF Snowmobile Club of the Year 2016
Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club
Folly Lake, Nova Scotia CANADA

Over 225 members make up this active year around club that was started 46 years ago. Communication among themselves, other clubs in the area and the local community is a priority with the Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club. They emphasize safety and landowner respect in all their activities. Meeting all year at their renovated club house, they also have a trailside "Dad's" warming hut dedicated to the memory of their members Dads who have passed. The Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club was awarded the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia Club of the Year in 2015 and the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations Club of the Year for 2016. Now they are also the International Snowmobile Club of the Year, awarded by the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. For more information on Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club visit www.fundytrailsnowmobileclub.ca.