What does your Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit get you and how does that final product “The White Ribbon” everyone wants get there?
It starts long before the snow flies. Some trails take weeks, months or even years of work to be ready to groom and open.
Even the trails that have been a part of a club for years can require extensive off-season work to keep them available. Sometimes there is no choice but for clubs to seek out and explore other options! Or land gets sold and the new owners don’t want trails on their property. There are many possible reasons trails need to change.
Throw in mother nature! Storms, beaver dams, washouts or fallen trees that need to be dealt with every year either before or during trail opening.
Creeks and swamps that need to be packed before groomers can cross!
Lakes and rivers that need to be flooded and/or staked when safe to do so.
Fields that need to be fenced!
Equipment (from chainsaws to groomers) that need seasonal and routine maintenance!
Signs to be installed!
Land Use Agreements (MOU’s), not only obtaining them but many need renewed annually with some clubs having 100’s of them. Landowners have generously agreed to sign an MOU to let permit buying snowmobilers cross their property, which could be across someone’s backyard, a business, a rail bed, a power line and even entire towns!
At the end of the season someone must close gates, remove markers and signs, repair and get equipment ready for the next season.
Every club is powered by volunteers that are passionate, dedicated and spend countless hours before, during and after the season to try and provide the best and safe trails they can.
Whether the trail is available for only 1 day or 4 months, whether you ride 10 or 10,000 kilometers a year, all the behind-the-scenes stuff still has to happen to get the trails ready for you to enjoy.
Without a permit you are not only trespassing, but you are not doing your part in supporting all the efforts that go into providing trails for you and your riding buddies each year!
A lot of businesses also rely on trails to bring riders to their establishments.
This hasn’t even touched on the operational cost of grooming and everything that goes with it.
Finally, there is nothing better for our club volunteers than seeing riders with permits out enjoying their year round efforts! And conversely, nothing worse than watching riders enjoy it but aren’t supporting it by purchasing a permit, a small ask really for all of the work that goes into Ontario’s world class trail network.
Thank you to all those who support the system and the value in your permit. Trails are waiting for you!!
Kirk Brassard
President Wawa SnoRiders
Always refer to the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for the latest Trail conditions.
