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.
The OFSC reminds snowmobilers to respect our clubs and landowners by staying off any closed trails, now shown in RED on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG). Going on any last rides on trails closed for the season is not only unsafe and illegal, it could jeopardize their re-opening again next year.
Please check the ITG next week for any remaining available (GREEN or YELLOW) trail opportunities in other OFSC districts throughout Ontario, and always stay on the marked trail.
With the snowmobile season winding down, the OFSC also cautions all motorized trail users, such as ATV and Side X Side riders, that OFSC trails on private property are for winter use only by snowmobiles. Illegally entering these closed snowmobile trails at any time is a chargeable act of trespass under Ontario law, so please respect our landowners and stay off.
The OFSC thanks our landowners and club volunteers for making trail riding enjoyable and safe this winter.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led, not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in Ontario. OFSC snowmobile trails managed by 200 community based, member clubs generate up to $3.3 billion in economic activity in the province each year.
