Under Ontario law, a Snowmobile Trail Permit is required for a recreational sled to enter, access or ride any trail operated by the non-profit Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

With a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit, a rider can use any part of the OFSC’s 34,000 kilometres of marked, mapped and maintained trails at any time during the winter months when they are available for snowmobiling.

Buying a Snowmobile Trail Permit also supports the community-based snowmobile club where the permit was purchased, enabling club volunteers to keep their trails available for the enjoyment of local residents and visiting riders.

In addition, the OFSC distributes revenues from permit sales across Ontario so that clubs with a lower population base or long trail distances through remote areas have the necessary funding to operate.

This OFSC “User Pay” system has been in place for almost 50 years and supports the world’s largest recreational trail network. As the primary funding for the cost of trail operations that typically runs about $20 million each winter, the Snowmobile Trail Permit ensures that snowmobilers pay their own way for the trails they ride.

Snowmobile Trail Permits can be obtained from any OFSC snowmobile club or online at www.ofsc.on.ca.

With 229 community based clubs and 168,000 family members, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to and on behalf of, its member organizations. Its 34,262-kilometre provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities, providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable.

“Please avoid taking any foolish risks – for your own safety keep your sled parked until trails open again next winter.” That’s the urgent safety message from the OFSC as it warns all snowmobilers to stay off closed OFSC trails and not to trespass on private property.

The provincial trail closure means that grooming operations have ceased, regional trail connections are shut down, gates are locked and signs are being taken down. The snow base on most trails has disappeared entirely or is deteriorated to the point of being unsafe to ride, leaving many hazards exposed, including rocks, stumps and bare ground.

All ice is now becoming too unstable to support sleds or has melted away to open water. Spring run off and flooding is underway, making trails impassible, breaking trail connections and resulting in extreme danger.

The OFSC also cautions snowmobilers that off-trail locations and conditions are now unsafe for riding, including roads and open fields. The OFSC thanks all of its permit buyers for their support of the provincial trail system and their participation this winter.

We salute our clubs, volunteers and landowners who made it all possible and look forward to another great winter of OFSC snowmobiling in 2012.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.

Visit OFSC.on.ca for more information.

Use these two statements and questions at every opportunity, such as candidates’ meetings and when candidates come to your door.

Link to:

Ask Your Federal Candidates!

Statement #1: The Harper government supported snowmobile trails across Canada with $25 million from Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which greatly benefited winter tourism and was much appreciated by club volunteers and tens of thousands of Canadian snowmobilers.

Question: If elected as an MP, will you work through your government to provide more infrastructure funding for organized snowmobiling through a national program?

Statement #2: The Harper government supported snowmobiling in Quebec with $6 million of funding for new groomers, which has been very beneficial to winter tourism and much appreciated by Quebec riders.

Question: If elected as a MP, will you work through your government to confirm similar groomer funding across Canada through a national program?

Quick Facts

$6 B+ – Annual economic impact of snowmobiling nationally
50% – Almost half of Canada’s recreation trails are provided by organized snowmobiling
128,00 – Total kilometres of Canada’s snowmobile trails
1,166 – Number of pieces of grooming equipment in Canada
$150 M – Value of Canadian grooming fleet
765,000+ – Number of registered snowmobiles in Canada

OFSC partners offer great discounts, preferred rates and savings on their products and services.

Some of those partners include: Delta Hotels, York Fire Insurance, SPOT GPS, Softub Canada, Marks Work Warehouse and of course Supertrax Magazine.

Whether you need boots for your snowmobiling season, or a hotel for business in July, you’ll save.

The OFSC is dedicated to adding more value to your membership, and will continue to look for great ways to enhance your snowmobiling experience.

For more information on how to become an OFSC member, please visit www.ofsc.on.ca and be sure to sign up for the OFSC e-newsletter to stay up to date on new offers.