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PHOTO: Jake Warn, of Winslow, who created a website that consolidates the state’s snowmobile maps and information. (Submitted photo)
WATERVILLE — A Thomas College student has created a website to help make snowmobile trip planning for resident and out-of-state riders.
SledTRX.com is a free website that removes barriers to identifying routes, finding amenities and enjoying points of interest. Jake Warn, of Winslow, a Thomas junior who created the app, said that he also hopes it will help snowmobile clubs attract new riders, and businesses that cater to snowmobilers get more customers.
Snowmobiling still relies on traditional mail distribution of paper maps for riders. Each of Maine’s approximately 280 volunteer-based clubs maintain their own trails, requiring riders to contact multiple clubs to plan a trip. Trail maps may be uploaded to a club’s website, available via mail for a small fee, or simply posted at the trailhead. The inconsistent, time-consuming process can deter even veteran resident riders like Warn, who saw an opportunity to simplify trip-planning and make Maine’s snowmobile trails more attractive to resident and non-resident riders.
“I’d spend six hours planning a trip to a new region. It’s really important to support snowmobile clubs all over Maine, and I wanted to make it easier for veteran and first-time riders to explore new areas across our state,” he said. “Plus, an online presence helps snowmobile clubs expand their membership and seasonal businesses can connect directly with a large customer base.”
Warn had a passion for snowmobilin, but little technical expertise, and connected with Mike Duguay, executive director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College, who encouraged him to enroll in a free Tortoise Labs course to learn how to turn his idea into a business. Doing the market research required by the course, Warn found that industry experts and longtime riders shared his challenge of gathering accurate trail information, and that snowmobile clubs and related businesses would derive significant value from one statewide consolidated online trail map.
