Trails ready for local snowmobilers

Written By Brian Lockhart

The recent dumping of snow may have caused concern for some people, but for those who enjoy snowmobiling, it was a welcome sight to see the trails finally
covered.

The snowmobile season got off to a late start this year, with a lack of snow in southern Ontario.

That all changed when last Monday's storm allowed volunteers to get the grooming machines out and start making the trails usable for the winter sport.

Even after the snowfall it still took a couple of days to get the trails ready for use.

The Dufferin Drift Busters Snowmobile Club posted a statement on Wednesday, Thursday, January 19, saying their trails were open on a limited basis.

“We're hoping to open some trails tomorrow. Please refer to the OFSC interactive trail guide for up-to-date information. Some areas are good, other area not great coverage but limited,” read the post. 

Their Facebook page uploaded photos of grooming machines out after dark in an effort to get the trails groomed and ready.

This year, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is stressing safety while out on the trails.

They are reminding riders to always stay on the marked trail and avoid driving across private property, including farm fields. Snowmobilers should also ride within their abilities and comfort level and always ride with a companion.

Riders should always have the right safety gear including a proper snowmobile helmet and brightly covered outerwear with reflective materials.

The Ontario Provincial Police also sent out a safety notice this year warning that alcohol and drugs were factor in almost half of snowmobile fatalities. Riders are also cautioned against riding over frozen lakes, rivers, and ponds. Falling through ice accounts for 40 per cent of snowmobile deaths.

Excessive speed also factored into a number of accidents.

“Making every snowmobile ride a safe one starts with avoiding unnecessary risks,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Our fatality data sends a clear message that snowmobilers who speed and drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, as well as those who dismiss our warnings that no ice is safe ice, are tipping the scales towards a tragic outcome to their ride. The OPP, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, asks all snowmobilers to make getting home to your family the most important part of every ride.”

Snowmobiling has experienced an increase in riders over the past two years as it is one of sports that has not really been affected by the pandemic. Snowmobile sales are up and so are memberships in clubs across the province.

There are over 30,000 km of snowmobile trails in Ontario.

Sticking to the trails and riding safely makes snowmobiling a fun and
exciting sport.