International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week is fast approaching – Jan. 18-25, 2025.  

Did you know?

It has been more than 70 years since the first snowmobile was made.

There’s a familiar name behind the invention of the snowmobile, you might have heard of it -- Bombardier.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, a Quebec mechanic, invented the motorized sled in 1927 using a propeller. Bombardier used the wheel and track system to further improve his invention, and in 1935, the first snowmobile was born.

Did you know?

Each winter, snowmobilers ride an estimated 150 million km on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) snowmobile trails . 

Did you know?

There’s an app for snowmobiling trails in Ontario.  The ‘Go Snowmobiling Ontario’ app displays trails, points of interest, Snow Tours and your current position. As long as it’s regularly connected to the Internet, it also provides the latest trail conditions and allows you to plan your route. You can learn more about the app and download it here: https://ofsc.evtrails.com/#

Did you know?

You can take an online snowmobile safety course. The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help you test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices. Take the course here: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safe-riders/

Tips for riding with caution, care & control on OFSC Trails

Source: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

In addition to snowmobile trail safety fundamentals like avoiding alcohol/drug impairment and excessive speeding, and to always “know before you go” on any ice, the OFSC reminds snowmobilers of best practices for recreational riding with caution, care and control on OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails, including:

• Always stay on the trail
• Only ride trails showing as Available (Green) or Limited Availability (Yellow) on the ITG
• Ride within your abilities and comfort level
• Know your sled and its capabilities, keep it well-maintained
• Always ride with a companion(s)
• Ride in single file on the trails
• Ride your side of the trail
• Leave plenty of space between you and the sled ahead
• Take responsibility for the rider behind you
• Be especially vigilant coming into corners or cresting hills
• Pass groomers and other riders cautiously
• Always stop at crossing roads and take extra caution riding trails on active logging roads
• Slow down at night or when visibility is poor, when non-motorized users are on the trail, or when passing through towns or residential areas
• Stay alert to the trail ahead and aware of your surroundings
• Stop on the trail at locations with clear sightlines in both directions
• Check area the ITG and weather conditions before your ride
• Before leaving home, notify someone where you will be riding and when you expect to return
• Always carry an emergency kit, snacks, extra fuel, a tow rope and a communication device.