OPP REPORT SEASON’S FIRST SNOWMOBILE FATALITY, ISSUE WARNING WITH OFSC AHEAD OF HOLIDAYS

Posted on | by OFSC

(ORILLIA, ON) –. With mild temperatures forecast for many parts of the province into the holidays, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are warning snowmobilers to stay off closed OFSC trails. The OPP is also urging riders to stay off frozen waterways as they too remain unsafe.

The OPP responded to its first snowmobile fatality of the season earlier this month after a man lost control of his snowmobile. The tragic death is the latest reminder that snowmobiling comes with an unpredictable environment and unique set of risks.

Excessive speed, driving too fast for the conditions losing control and alcohol are among the top contributing factors in OPP-investigated snowmobile fatalities every season.

Snowmobilers are reminded to regularly check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for real-time trail availability information over the holidays and throughout the season. OFSC prescribed trails are subject to laws governed under the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and enforced by police throughout the province.

The OPP remains committed to saving lives on Ontario highways, waterways and trails.

The OFSC wants to remind snowmobilers to Go Safe when they Go Snowmobiling Ontario!

 

LEARN MORE

 Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

 Snowmobile Safety in Ontario

 

OPP Contact:         Sgt. Paul Potter, Coordinator, Specialized Patrol

Phone:                       (705) 329-7660

 

OFSC Contact:      Andrew Walasek Director, Stakeholder Relations,

Phone:                      (705) 739-7669

GSO App Launches

OFSC Launches Go Snowmobiling Ontario 2019-20 App

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – December 2, 2019) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has released the Go Snowmobiling Ontario 2019-20 App. With the success of the GSO App last year, we’ve taken rider feedback and added some exciting enhancements and new features for the upcoming season, including:

  • Optional views (portrait, landscape and 2.5D);
  • Location sharing enhancements;
  • Ride planning, saving and sharing;
  • Real time location sharing;
  • Access to trail accessible and nearby amenities and attractions;
  • Optimized performance and battery usage; and
  • Increased zoom detail
    • Riders will be able to download district views to have more detail available while in remote areas without cell services.

Most importantly, snowmobilers will have real-time access to trail availability information from their mobile device.

For only $3.99 a season, snowmobilers can purchase the app from either the Apple or Google Play stores.

OFSC Announces Resignation of CEO Ryan Eickmeier

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – November 12, 2019) – It is with a mix of gratitude and regret that the OFSC Board of Governors announce Ryan Eickmeier will be leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 11, 2020, to help lead his family business.

During his time at the OFSC, Ryan has been instrumental in advancing a host of programs and services critical to our Clubs, snowmobilers, our partners, and the long-term sustainability of our sport. Ryan’s energetic approach to the business of snowmobiling in Ontario has altered the landscape and will allow us to continue to build the organization as we move forward. Ryan leaves the Federation positioned very well for future success, and we sincerely thank him for his contribution, dedication, and leadership during his tenure as CEO.

“It has been the privilege of my career to serve as the CEO of such a passionate organization. The way snowmobilers welcomed me in to their homes, clubhouses, and meetings helped us listen, learn and deliver on many new initiatives. My departure is certainly bittersweet, and I can only hope that I’ve left this community better than how I found it. I wish to thank the OFSC Board of Governors, my staff, our Clubs, government partners, and over 100,000 snowmobilers for their confidence and trust in me.”

The Board has named a committee to lead the search for the next leader of the OFSC. Please join us in thanking Ryan for his dedication to advancing snowmobiling in Ontario and wishing him continued success in leading his family business.

OFSC Board of Governors

Online Driver Training

Online Driver Training Now Available

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – October 18, 2019) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is pleased to announce that online driver training is now available in Ontario. The new online course will increase access to safety training and licensing in an effective way to ensure riders receive the proper information on how operate a snowmobile.

“We all know how busy families are and that time is a highly valuable commodity,” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan J. Eickmeier. “By making the driver training course available on-line we are offering choice, particularly for those who live in rural and remote areas of the province, to receive proper training in time for the upcoming season. I sincerely thank Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney and the officials at the ministry who supported this initiative over several months.”

“This is great news for the next generation of snowmobile drivers and anyone else looking to brush up on snowmobile safety,” said Mulroney. “Our government is committed to bringing more services online and making life easier for the people of Ontario.”

The OFSC, in co-operation with the Ministry of Transportation, issues Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licences (MSVOL) which require the successful completion of a snowmobile driver training course. Anyone with a valid Ontario driver’s licence (any class) may also drive a snowmobile on Ontario’s 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails.

Click here to access the course.

For further info, please contact: Andrew Walasek 705-739-7669 x251

OFSC GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Posted on | by OFSC

 

The much-anticipated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Gift Cards are now available for purchase online. Everyone now has the opportunity to purchase permit gift cards both for sleds which have not yet arrived and for others as gifts.

The gift card fee is the same as the permit fee at the time of purchase and can be redeemed any time throughout the season. All Gift Cards purchased for the 2020 season expire on May 31, 2020.

The process is simple and the purchaser only requires the last name and postal code of the registered sled owner. Gift cards can be purchased at: https://permits.ofsc.on.ca/giftcard

“Gift cards are unquestionably a welcome and convenient option that directly benefits consumers” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Eickmeier.

Give the gift of snowmobiling this season!

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits

ONTARIO SNOWMOBILE TRAIL PERMITS NOW ONLINE!

Posted on | by OFSC

October 1, 2019 (Barrie, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) launched early bird permit sales online on October 1st, giving riders an opportunity to save 30% on a Seasonal Permit until midnight November 1st. Classic Permits are also available at a savings of 20% until midnight on December 1st. Permits can only be purchased online at ofsc.on.ca and snowmobilers will require an email address, VIN and registration numbers to purchase their permits.

“On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, I am thrilled to officially open permit sales for the 2019/2020 Season.” said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC Chief Executive Officer. “With a favourable winter forecast ahead of us, I invite snowmobilers from near and far to purchase their permits so they are ready as soon as trails become available.”

Ontarians will also soon be able to purchase permit gift cards both for sleds which have not yet arrived and for others as gifts. The OFSC will announce additional details pertaining to permit gift cards shortly.

Further details on permits, snowmobile destinations in Ontario, and the latest news can be found online at ofsc.on.ca.