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Trails ready for snowmobilers across the region

January 27, 2022   ·   0 Comments

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 the recent 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 Alliston Snowmobile Club posted a statement on Thursday, January 20, saying their trails were open on a limited basis.

“All ADSC trails are open on a limited basis,” the statement said. “Our groomer operators have been working around the clock to get the trails ready. Although we did get a lot of snow from the storm this week there are still some sections of trail that are still a little rough, so please ride with caution.”

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 the ice accounts for forty 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 make snowmobiling a fun and exciting sport.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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