RANGELEY – The Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club will participate in “Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week” for the first time, joining the national campaign developed by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.

The local club plans a two-day event during school vacation week.

“We want to get non-snowmobilers interested in getting out there to enjoy the outdoors and do it safely,” said registered Maine guide Caroleen “Mac” Dudley, whose husband Stephen is club president.

As an incentive, people who participate in Take A Friend Snowmobiling week have a chance to win a snowmobile from the ISMA.

While snowmobiling has been excellent, Dudley sees the need for a safety course. The club has not offered one for quite some time, if ever, she said.

On the first day of the event, Feb. 18, Dudley will lead a snowmobile safety course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s clubhouse on Old Skiway Drive.

Along with safe handling, the course offers other hands-on activities, she said; from what to do when things go wrong to how to change spark plugs and belts is included in the six-hour thorough course, she said. Mapping, survival, how to dress, rules of the road, snowmobile trail identification are also included.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, along with the snowmobile club, is sponsoring the course and will provide some snowmobiles for the outdoor parts of the course or participants can bring their own machines.

The Take a Friend Snowmobiling event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 19. Dudley will guide a trip west on Interconnected Trail System route 84, one of the most scenic trips in Western Maine.

Heading for the New Hampshire border, the distance of the ride will depend on abilities of people who go, she said. Dudley is preparing for a trail-side cookout along the way but weather could change that.

The ride will begin at 9 a.m. at the Oquossoc Marine parking lot and will last all-day event. Experienced riders are encouraged to invite someone along who many not be a snowmobiler. Helpers will be available so nonriders can rent a sled and gear and participate.

Absolute beginners should attend the safety course prior to the ride, but it is not a requirement.

Call Dudley at 864-5919 for details and to reserve for the safety course or trail ride no later than Feb. 15.