Presented By: 
This marks the 5th anniversary of SnoBall! and where GLRE got started. For 2017 we are currently limited to 55 trucks and 5 groups and we are looking to use as much of the original SnoBall500 route that the DNR will allow us to use. The SnoBall is the only event in the world that combines High speed off-roading, deep snow, and skilled extractions with a Group/Team aspect. We also have a surprise are working on that is something new to make the 5th SnoBall an event to remember!
5 Groups will be led by:
- Alpha – Jason Kanakry (FRF: Kanakry)
- Bravo – Keith Mandoske (FRF: Kmandoske)
- Delta – Jeff Slater (FRF: Big Red)
- Spartan – Todd Dessain (FRF: ShooterAMG)
- Yeti – Mark Rowe (FRF: WorldTour)
Registration includes:
- 3 Days of offroading in the snow covered UP of Michigan lead by highly skilled and qualified GLRE Offroad support drivers
- 2017 SnoBall Sweatshirts for each particepent
- 2017 SnoBall Placards
- Entry to registration with Cash Bar and Vendors
- Entry to the 2017 SnoBall Banquet and Raffle
REGISTATION- Currently Sold Out
The 2017 SnoBall is the 5th Annual premier winter Raptor Run/driving experience. Some of the greatest memories and stories of Raptor adventures have been created during the past SnoBall’s. As in the 2016 SnoBall we will be staying at a centralized hotel in the UP, the Island Resort and Casino. At the 2017 Snoball you and your Raptor will encounter everything that Mother Nature and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can throw at it. There will be areas of two track roads, logging trails, forest service roads and country roads. These roads will have varying degrees of snowfall on them, from significant snow fall to minimal/scraped country roads. From the moment you put the SnoBall official placard on your truck you are in for one of the most unique and exciting weekends ever. This is not a race we will stay together as a pack and work as a team to insure everyone makes it to each destination.
We have made some significant changes to the format and route this year. There are 3 specific routes, including 1 brand new route that all the groups will be on at the same time similar to the 1st SnoBall 500. This trail will head to a area of the UP that has not been used previously during The SnoBall and will stop at a couple of photosites including the Pine Mountain Ski Jump.
Continuing from last year we will hold an awards presentation for participants during the banquet. We are going to be doing numerous awards including but not limited to, Best Truck of the SnoBall, Organizers Choice, Most Helpful Participant, Hard Luck award and Craziest outfit at Registration. These awards will be nominated by your lead and chase drivers and voted on during the event.
Great Lakes Raptor Excursions has chosen some of the most capable and experienced drivers as your group lead and chase trucks. You and your Ford Raptor will explore over 600 miles of the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan within your group of 15 other Raptors. Lead and Chase trucks are outfitted with first aid kits, extraction equipment, VHF radio communications, GPS navigation and trail knowledge to get everyone to the final destination safely.
But the driving isn’t the only appeal to this run. We will also be staying at the nicest Hotel/Casino in the Upper Peninsula, The Island Resort and Casino. There we will hopefully have plenty of time to unwind in whatever fashion you desire, whether it is hanging out at the sports bar, gambling or getting a massage.
Please visit the The SnoBall 
page:
SCHEDULE
Friday Night (1/13/2017)
There will be a mandatory SnoBall kick off and registration from 8:00pm to 10:00pm in the Eagles at the Island Resort and Casino during which time there will be vendors showing off product and talking about future plans There will also be an Cash Bar.
Schedule:
- 2000-2200 EST: SnoBall kick off meeting and registration at Island Resort and Casino in Eagles Room
All event times are in Eastern Time (Harris, MI is in the Central Time Zone)
Day 1: Saturday (1/14/2017)
This is the day everyone has been waiting for!!!! At 8:30am there will be a drivers meeting to go over some basics and so that everyone is on the same page.
Schedule:
- 0830 EST: Drivers Meeting
- 0900 EST: Depart the Island Resort and Casino
Day 2: Sunday (1/15/2017)
This is the day where if you didn’t attend the 1st few SnoBall’s you get to experience what it is like hanging out with over 50 Ford Raptors all day long. You will still be in your team but every group will be on the same trail at the same time. (There is a 15min or longer separation between groups at the beginning of the day). We will also be stopping at the Pine Mountain ski jump which at one point was the Largest man made ski jump in the world. This is a great chance to take in some of the scenic views from the top of Pine Mountain.
Schedule:
- 0830 EST: Drivers Meeting
- 0900 EST: Depart the Island Resort and Casino
Day 3: Monday (1/16/2017)
More Snow, More Cold, More Fun!
Schedule:
- 0830 EST: Drivers Meeting
- 0900 EST: Depart the Island Resort and Casino
The Banquet
- 2000 EST: SnoBall Banquet/ Awards presentation in the Island Resort and Casino’s banquet room, there will be a Cash Bar open at the banquet.
Tuesday (1/17/17)
Depart for Home: Safe Travels
COST
$500 per Truck/Driver and Co-Driver: Includes 2 SnoBall sweatshirt, The SnoBall Placards, driver’s bag and entrance into closing event.
$125 per additional Passenger: Includes 1 the SnoBall sweatshirt, entrance into closing event.
RULES
- 100% Sober Driving. Alcohol consumption will not be tolerated on trails or any time you are driving. Remember these are state/public roads. If caught you will be asked to leave.
- Illegal drug use will not be tolerated. Same as alcohol consumption
- Do not tailgate
- No littering
- Know the limitations of your driving ability and your Raptor for the conditions.
- No whiners!
- Everyone in your vehicle must have a filled out waiver. NO Exceptions! You will not be allowed to participate without everyone having a completed waiver.
- FUEL YOUR TRUCK UP EVERY EVENING!!!!!!!
What you need to bring
First and foremost every truck, Driver and Co-Pilot must be ready for the Ultimate cold weather Raptor Run ever planned. A positive attitude goes a long way. We will stay as a group though out this event and arrive at each destination as a pack, this is NOT a race. There will be times where the group is moving along great and other times where someone is stuck. The person stuck could be you one of the times so get out and help your fellow group members, its part of the appeal. Being as it is winter there maybe changes along the way depending on snow level for better and worse. Snow is the key to this trip, while it will be fun with minimal snow, blizzard type conditions make it unbelievable. Please keep an open mind and be prepared to be a part of the best cold weather Raptor Run ever planned.
Every truck must have these items at a minimum before participating in The 2017 SnoBall:
- VHF Radio or a MUR’s Radio (Marine VHF radios will not work)
Radio Frequencies (Please make sure that your radio is programmed for these frequencies)- 151.820 MHz GLRE1
- 151.880 MHz GLRE2
- 151.940 MHz GLRE3
- 152.000 MHz TRR1
- 152.750 MHz TRR2
- Working 4wd and all maintenance up to date with no major issues
- Rear facing amber lights. KC Cyclones or Whelen Vertex are the popular choices
- Good tires: With a lot of thread remaining.
- Spare tire/Tires secured and located in the bed of the truck. Contact WSI Fabrication, TMX, RPG Offroad or KHC for mounting solutions
- 2 bags of sand or cat litter
- One shovel
- 1 Quart of ATF Fluid
- Tow strap at least 20’ and rated to pull the truck
- Winter boots: Lacrosse, Muck, Sorels, etc. You may have to get out into very deep snow.
- Winter clothing: Just like above it is more than likely going to be cold and you will have to get out of your vehicle.
- Ice Scraper/Snow brush & -30 degree windshield washer fluid
Recommended Additional Items
- You do not need a Co-pilot but it is recommended to help with communication traffic and navigating the trails/roads. Plus it’s more fun with someone in the truck with you.
- Snatch and tow straps
- Navigation: Lowrance, Garmin, iPad, or Android tablet with an off-road map app.
- 5 gallons extra gas
- A Come along
- Floor jack and some wood blocks to help support it in the snow
- Auxiliary lighting: While it can’t be used on road it would be a great benefit on the Truck trails, Forrest Service roads.
- First Aid Kit
Cost:
- Driver & Passenger(Truck Included)- $500
- Each additional Passenger- $125
Lodging:
Island Resort and Casino
W399 U.S. 2
Harris, MI 49845
800-682-6040
$99.99 + Tax [Code: 12G61D ] The Whole event is now based out of 1 hotel
http://www.islandresortandcasino.com
(Harris, MI is in the Central Time Zone)
Above Information Subject to Change