(Barrie, ON: October 1, 2021) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) launched early bird permit sales online on October 1st, giving riders an opportunity to save 30% on Seasonal Permits when purchased on or before November 1st, 2021. Permits can only be purchased online at https://permits.ofsc.on.ca.
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.
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.
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…
Help Support Our Landowners and Protect OFSC Trails On Private Property
(Barrie, ON: March 4, 2021) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is asking all snowmobilers to join us in keeping OFSC trails available to ride every winter. Thanks to 18,000 generous landowners, about 60% of OFSC trails cross private property, providing access to communities and services, as well as connections neighbouring regions, and safer riding for everyone. So each snowmobiler who loves trail riding shares a common goal of protecting our trails on private property, respecting our landowner partners, and maintaining the inter-connected trail system that provides so many positive benefits for rural economies.
All of us have a part to play in preserving snowmobile trails and standing up for our landowners. Together, our goal is to make wandering off the marked trail and trespassing on private property as socially unacceptable within the snowmobile community as drinking and driving, driving without a seatbelt, or smoking in the workplace are throughout our province.
A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Economics of Delivering Snowmobile Trails
(Barrie, ON: February 25 , 2021) – As the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) enters its 54th year as the voice for the volunteer snowmobile clubs in this province, it’s informative to look at a few of our “Snowmobiling By The Numbers”. Hopefully, they help all of us better appreciate the big picture of organized snowmobiling in Ontario – and what a massive, complex and valuable undertaking this year-round enterprise really is. It’s also a sobering look at the economic benefits that are being lost to snowbelt communities as too many trails are closed due to snowmobilers wandering off marked trails.
Most of these Snowmobiling By The Numbers are from the 2018-2019 riding season, the most recent figures available. While the numbers vary slightly from year to year, and may be down this season due to current restrictions, a primary and very unpredictable variable is consistent: What kind of season we get from Old Man Winter?
