In the dead of Saskatchewan winter — that period between January and March when temperatures plummet to -40 C, making you forget what spring is like — vintage cars are tucked away under protective tarps, never to see the blinding light of snow.

Meanwhile, vintage snowmobile owners are hauling out their prized sleds for the racing season.

The Snow Leopards Vintage Family Snowmobile Club (and larger Saskatchewan Vintage Snowmobile Association) attracts dozens of racers from across the province who zip their rattlebox time machines across fields from small city (Prince Albert) to small town (Plunkett).

For the purposes of this club, 'vintage' is defined as 1981 or older. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: For the purposes of this club, 'vintage' is defined as 1981 or older. (Greg Huszar)

For the purposes of this club, 'vintage' is defined as 1981 or older. (Greg Huszar)

On a weekend in early February, racers are lined up on Gary Gibson’s land in Earl Grey. He got involved in the early days — some 25 years ago — and started offering up a section of his land for races not too long afterwards. He prides himself on “making the best track in the circuit” — not that the weather always co-operates.

Gary Gibson offers up a portion of his land for races every year. He can start work on the track, packing snow, as early as October. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Gary Gibson offers up a portion of his land for races every year. He can start work on the track, packing snow, as early as October. (Greg Huszar)

Gary Gibson offers up a portion of his land for races every year. He can start work on the track, packing snow, as early as October. (Greg Huszar)

Gibson rides the Junkyard Dog, which earned its name for being a hodgepodge of parts from a few sleds. It’s done him well, cinching him several titles over the years.

Gary Gibson's 'Junkyard Dog' is made up of parts from several snowmobiles. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Gary Gibson's 'Junkyard Dog' is made up of parts from several snowmobiles. (Greg Huszar)

Gary Gibson's 'Junkyard Dog' is made up of parts from several snowmobiles. (Greg Huszar)

“Vintage” for this race means anything made in 1981 or before. Beyond that, there’s little to categorize the Crayola-bright vehicles that run in the races. They run the gamut of size and speed, from 65 km/h to 160 km/h.

The lack of snow and warm weather has made races a bit difficult this year. Some have had to be cancelled. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: The lack of snow and warm weather has made races a bit difficult this year. Some have had to be cancelled. (Greg Huszar)

The lack of snow and warm weather has made races a bit difficult this year. Some have had to be cancelled. (Greg Huszar)

Some of the snowmobiles can get up to 160 km/h. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Some of the snowmobiles can get up to 160 km/h. (Greg Huszar)

Some of the snowmobiles can get up to 160 km/h. (Greg Huszar)

The vintage snow gear many participants wear is equally bright.

People have travelled from as far as Florida to participate. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: People have travelled from as far as Florida to participate. (Greg Huszar)

People have travelled from as far as Florida to participate. (Greg Huszar)

Interest in vintage snowmobiles has caused their prize to increase by hundreds of dollars. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Interest in vintage snowmobiles has caused their prize to increase by hundreds of dollars. (Greg Huszar)

Interest in vintage snowmobiles has caused their prize to increase by hundreds of dollars. (Greg Huszar)

The popularity and cache of vintage has turned some old snowmobiles from relatively cheap purchases to heavy hits to the wallet. Gibson said the tight-knit community in Saskatchewan makes for a good marketplace, with folks giving one another deals on sleds or offering to trade parts.

The vintage snowmobiling community is a tight-knit one of folks willing to help out with repairs and trade parts. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: The vintage snowmobiling community is a tight-knit one of folks willing to help out with repairs and trade parts. (Greg Huszar)

The vintage snowmobiling community is a tight-knit one of folks willing to help out with repairs and trade parts. (Greg Huszar)

‘Community’ also extends to who’s involved: the races attract people of all ages. Gibson’s daughters started racing at age 10. The now-19-year-old is still a keen participant, following her dad to races around the province — not that she’ll dare race against him.

“I'm just here to have fun and race and make sure my girls have fun,” said Gibson.

Gary Gibson's daughters (not pictured) have been involved in the races since they were kids. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Gary Gibson's daughters (not pictured) have been involved in the races since they were kids. (Greg Huszar)

Gary Gibson's daughters (not pictured) have been involved in the races since they were kids. (Greg Huszar)

"It's something everybody wants to do once they've done it,” said Gibson.

"It's addicting — very addicting.”

Races tend to run through March. (Greg Huszar) Post image on Pinterest: Races tend to run through March. (Greg Huszar)