PITTSFIELD -- The Pittsfield Driftbusters Snowmobile Club is revving up for a new year of riding and maintaining some 100 trails in the area.

And this winter is shaping up to be a challenge for the popular local club. Although membership numbers would likely be strong following an abundance of snow last season, a worsening economy may force many enthusiasts to hold off, said Alan Stevens, the club's trail project director.

The club typically has between 100 and 130 members each year.

"It's a challenge. Last winter it was a lot of fun because there was snow pretty much right straight through," Stevens said. "But on the other side is the economy and people not wanting to spend the money on the recreation side of things."

Memberships to the club are $25 per family from October to September.

Higher fuel costs will be a big issue this season, Stevens said.

"Last year we spent $10,000 on fuel alone; it really remains to be seen what it will be this year, but if we spend that much we'll be in trouble," he said. "We got to more efficiently use the equipment this time."

The club is funded through a combination of member dues, state grants, municipal funding and private fundraising. Its members are hosting a "Super supper" Oct. 11 at the Elks Inn in Pittsfield, costing $100 per couple.

The Town Council recently authorized the town manager to sign a grant- in-aid application for $38,039 to improve snowmobile trails for the club. The grant comes from the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

That grant application is the largest yet for the club. Last year it applied for $21,041. Typically, about 60 percent of the grant is awarded, Stevens said.

To help snowmobile clubs pay for higher fuel costs of maintaining trails, the state government last year came through with extra grant money. That assistance isn't expected this year, Stevens said, though he hopes more money will be authorized through individual club grants, which are based on $115 per mile of trail.

Municipal grants pay for the maintenance of 35 miles of trails, from Newport to Unity, while the club is responsible for trails that run through Palmyra, Burnham and Unity, Stevens said. There's also an interconnecting trail from Pittsfield to Clinton.

Maintaining the snowmobile trails with volunteers can be costly. The club maintains 100 miles of the area trail network and organizes rides.

Last year, the club purchased a new $83,000 snow groomer. A state equipment grant helped pay for almost half of the cost, and the club took out a loan for the balance.

"It certainly provides better trails. We got it at the beginning of the season and it was great," Stevens said.

Although membership renewals have started for the new season, Stevens says the club won't know how many people are on board until January or February -- the peak of the snowmobiling season.

While economic factors may play a role in snowmobilers' decisions, the biggest factor will be snowfall, Stevens said. "If it isn't good and solid snow by January a number people will say it's not going to be that good of a season," Stevens said.