Get The Scoop on Organized Snowmobiling in Ontario

Posted on | by OFSC

What Is The OFSC and Where Did It Come From?

(Barrie, ON: September 23, 2021) – As a snowmobiler, why should you read this article? Because it’s all too easy to take the OFSC trail system for granted. Our trails seem to appear by magic every winter, but 30,000 kilometres don’t just happen by chance. So we hope that this snapshot of what really goes on behind the scenes at the OFSC will help you better understand and appreciate why we became and need to stay well organized…

Annual General Meeting

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) held its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 18th. For the second consecutive year, we adapted the event to a virtual platform, adding special entertainment on Facebook Live the night before. A strong showing of delegates from over 85% of our member 183 snowmobile clubs attended AGM, which included an “Ask The Executive Committee” information session and our business meeting, hosted by Chair Harold McAdam.

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Province Introduces $5 Fee Increase for 2022 Seasonal and Classic Trail Permits

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Following 3 Year Price Freeze, Increase Puts More Money On The Snow

(Barrie, ON: September 7, 2021) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is announcing a $5 permit fee increase for 2022 Seasonal and Classic Trail Permits. The increase will help the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member organizations to keep pace with rising operating costs associated with Ontario’s favourite winter pastime, all while ensuring snowmobiling remains affordable across the province.

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OFSC Delivers Strong Snowmobiling Season Despite Challenges

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Season Peak of 26,000 Kms of Available OFSC Trails Reached on February 25, 2021

(Barrie, ON: March 31, 2021) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) extends sincerest appreciation to our 6,000 volunteers, whose trail-building expertise and operational dedication are the grassroots backbone of our local snowmobile clubs across Ontario. Despite facing unprecedented and continually evolving challenges, their volunteer efforts, cooperation and determination during the past season helped achieved the commitment we made to snowmobilers in our Trails To Ride 2021 plan – to deliver the best possible trail riding experiences.

“I want to commend everyone on Team OFSC for our collective achievements this winter,” commented CEO Landon French, “from volunteers to landowners to stakeholders, and to staff who helped steer us through uncharted territory this year.”

In addition, the OFSC wants to thank each and every permit buyer for your patience and understanding through the season. We really appreciate your support of OFSC trails and your willingness to adapt to local riding this winter and for taking the necessary precautions. Certainly, if the positive, post-season feedback from snowmobilers on social media is any indicator, many of you agree that this season was a success story given the circumstances. And what a story it was…

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OFSC Provides Final Update For Snowmobile Trail System and Interactive Trail Guide

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(Barrie, ON: March 25, 2021) – During this OFSC Landowner Appreciation Week, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is confirming that there are now no OFSC Prescribed trails available for snowmobiling anywhere in Ontario. All of our more than 30,000 kilometres of trails are showing RED on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), meaning that the entire provincial trail system is now shut down for the season, thereby ending safe and legal snowmobile trail riding opportunities in every OFSC district until next winter. Meanwhile, we join the Ontario Provincial Police and other police services in warning snowmobilers to stay off any ice, which is disappearing rapidly now that Spring has officially arrived.

Out of respect for our landowners and to protect private property, crops and livestock from off-season trespass by other trail motorized users, the ITG will go offline effective March 26, 2021 until November 2021. Our Go Snowmobiling Apps will not show OFSC trails until December 1, 2021, while your subscription to PRO remains valid for 12 months from your date of upgrade purchase.

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OFSC Announces Landowner Appreciation Week with New Recognition Initiatives

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March 22 – 28 Proclaimed OFSC Landowner Appreciation Week 2021

(Barrie, ON: March 18, 2021) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has declared the week of March 22 – 28 as OFSC Landowner Appreciation Week 2021. Across the province, landowners are the unsung contributors to organized snowmobiling who donate the use of a portion of their private property for snowmobile trails each winter. Their land not only provides OFSC snowmobilers with safe and legal places to ride, but also connects thousands of sections of disparate trails into an integrated, seamless trail network. In addition, private land provides connections to hundreds of rural winter communities for their recreational, social and economic well-being in our traditionally most dormant season.

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OFSC Reports End of Season Shut Down of Many Farm Country Trails

Posted on | by OFSC

Snowmobilers Warned To Stay Off Closed Trails Until They Re-Open Next Winter

(Barrie, ON: March 11, 2021) – After delivering some of the best trail riding opportunities in recent memory throughout much of Southern Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reports that snowmobile operations are ending for this winter in many of its southern-most districts.

With the trail base deteriorating rapidly from mild and rainy weather this week, many local snowmobile clubs, especially those in predominantly farm country areas, have now closed almost 10,000 kilometres of trails, many for the season. More are expected to shut down soon if early spring-like conditions continue. Other clubs are asking snowmobilers to stay off their trails this weekend, until groomers can roll again next week, so as not to increase existing damage to the fragile snow base.

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