2021 Season Includes Many Positive Indicators For Organized Snowmobiling
(Barrie, ON: February 18, 2021) – Overcoming many of this season’s uncertainties, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is making considerable progress on our promise to deliver the best possible trail riding experiences for snowmobilers this winter. Following extraordinary efforts, our districts, clubs and volunteers made over 22,000 kilometres of OFSC trails available for your local riding pleasure on the 2021 Family Day Long Weekend. This included many close to home, day ride opportunities throughout Southern Ontario.
In fact, local trail riding was allowed and available last weekend in about 89% of the 27 Ontario public health units (of 34 in the province) that have OFSC trails within their boundaries. Now the OFSC is pleased to report some additional riding opportunities. With the new re-opening framework easing into place, even more OFSC trails are becoming available again between Yellow or Green public health units. But note that in keeping with continuing provincial restrictions, any OFSC trail crossing the boundary of a Gray, Red or Orange public health unit will remain temporarily closed under the OFSC Flex Trails plan.
To date, the 2021 season is highlighted by numerous positive indicators for organized snowmobiling, including these signs of increased interest and participation (no final numbers yet available):
• Trail Permit sales up over last season.
• New sled sales surge by about 20%.
• Highest demand for used sleds in years.
• Record number of students signing up for online OFSC Driver Training courses.
• 100% increase in OFSC Go Snowmobiling App downloads.
• Big jump in visits to OFSC Interactive Trail Guide.
Old Man Winter has also contributed to our growing positivity. With fresh snow falling across many OFSC districts this week, our grooming fleet will be out to restore trails again for the coming weekend – and, with an encouraging 14-day forecast for traditional snowbelt regions, we are optimistic about more weeks of enjoyable OFSC trail riding this winter.
We wish to express our appreciation to the tens of thousands of permit holders who have enabled our efforts this season by purchasing a permit early so we could invest in getting trails ready to ride. Your faith in and support of the OFSC also assisted us to implement successful strategies such as Trails To Ride 2021 and Ride Smart 2021 that have helped keep riding snowmobile trails as an approved recreational activity and provided many local riding options, notwithstanding other provincial restrictions.
The OFSC will continue to monitor the situation and share updates about snowmobile trails as they become available to ensure snowmobilers are informed. Please check the OFSC website, Facebook Page and newsletter regularly for these updates.
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.
