Dude and Nadine Zowada are living proof that those in their golden years can still enjoy snowmobiling. This retired Buffalo, Wyoming couple spent most of their married life in the deep-snow country of the Bighorn Mountains. As members of the Powder River Sno-Buffs, they still don their snowsuits and head for the mountains when the ground gets white.

The pair hold a unique place in the history of Wyoming snowmobiling as they were the original owners of the state's oldest existing snowmobile, a 1958 Polaris. The antiquated machine held a place of honor in 2000's Wyoming Antique Snowmobile and Market in Lander. It is now part of a museum-like display in Lander and South Pass City.

When Dude's job led the couple to a permanent home in the mountains, they found getting around wasn't so easy. Both Nadine and Dude enjoyed fishing, but the only way to get where they wanted to go was on snowshoes. When the late 1950's saw snowmobiling start to come of age, the Zowadas decided such a machine was "just what we needed."

The Bighorn Mountains boast 172 miles of snowmobile trails with more than 130 of those miles well groomed. The lowest elevation trailhead is The Pines Lodge some 14 miles west of Buffalo along US Highway 16.

The president of the Powder River Sno-Buffs recommends that a senior outdoor enthusiast with less experience take the trail from Deer Haven, also known as the Wild West Town to West Tensleep, following the "A" trail for an enjoyable 15-mile round trip. If the individual feels comfortable with a longer ride, the "D" Loop is a 25-mile round trip.

Gas, food and limited lodging are available at both ends of the trail system. Complete services are available in Buffalo. There are snow machine rental places at Meadowlark Lake Lodge, South Fork Inn and Deer Haven Lodge.

The weather in northern Wyoming is unpredictable, no matter the season. Elevations begin at 6,000 feet, so outdoor activists should wear layered clothing. Don't forget that helmets and eye goggles protect from the sun, wind and snow. Good snowmobiling weather usually exists from November to March. The peak months are January and February. With temperatures ranging from 30 degrees above zero to a bone-chilling -20 degrees.

For information on trail conditions, call 307-777-7777. A $15 user fee is required in Wyoming for both residents and non-residents. A decal showing proof of payment must be displayed on the snow machine's exterior.