Things may seem a little quiet in snowmobiling right now - but quiet doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

With fall just around the corner, clubs and districts across Ontario are already looking ahead. Plans are being made, equipment is being maintained, landowners are being contacted, meetings are happening and volunteers are tackling the countless behind-the-scenes jobs that will eventually bring another snowmobile season to life.

Because winter doesn’t just happen. People make it happen.

Throughout July, snowmobilers continued recognizing those people through Volunteer Shout Outs - celebrating individuals, clubs and teams whose time, effort and commitment make a difference in their communities and across Ontario.

As we continue to Ignite Volunteerism, here are the people you told us deserve a little extra recognition this month.

1. Old Hastings Club “They kept trails in great condition all season.” ~ submitted by Gary U
2. John, Muskoka Sno-Bombers Inc. “John has assumed so many roles and functions at our club it's hard to keep track of. Here are just some of his contributions to snowmobiling in Muskoka, ON in 2025/2026 season:
   - he manages our groomer shed and keep it organized and clean. That's quite a task given how many volunteers and board members go in and out over the season
   - he does regular maintenance on our groomer and gets our drag painted and maintained
   - he has done emergency on trail service to groomer, e.g. hydraulic line failure
   - John does extensive trail signage work. Any time we need a sign somewhere he volunteers and gets it done.
   - he is a board of director, now our VP and does all our paperwork, manages the property owner lease agreements for hundreds of landowners and is our interface to D7 and OFSC.
   - John identifies trail and shop related improvement opportunities. For example this year he got a design built and approved by the Town of Bracebridge for a shelter for our Propane tanks for groomer shop furnace, then personally led the volunteer work committee to build and install it all, after ordering materials.
   - he managed and got bids for groomer drag repairs
   - he designed and got quotes and hired a cement company for a pad to clean our equipment
   - John told us we need chain saw training and arranged for all club Directors and trail brushing volunteers to take and certify in the OFSC recommended Chain Saw Operator course.
   - John arranged and managed multiple trail brushing work parties.
   He is a huge asset to the club, don't know how we operated so effectively without his volunteer work.” ~ submitted by Michael H
3. Brent, District 9  “Keeping on top of the trails, organizing the groomer lots of thankless work to make it a great season every year.” ~ submitted by Joanna
4. Rob, Manitoulin Show Dusters “What doesn't Ron DO!!!!” ~ submitted by Anthony N
5. All volunteers, Hanmer “Beautiful work this year, just beautiful.” ~ submitted by Denis L
6. Steve W, Muskoka Snow Bombers “Under Steve’s leadership the club has been brought back to a very strong position. And it’s a good thing as this season required all landowners to sign the agreement. This put a huge amount of work onto the Snow Bombers and thanks to Steve’s hard work, professionalism and leadership, all trails in the area were opened.” ~ submitted by Rob B
7. Pat M, Georgian Bay Snowriders “I FOUND THE TRAILS TO BE THE BEST IN ALL OF THE AREAS I RODE THIS WINTER . YOU KNEW WHEN YOU LEFT OUR CLUB, AND WHEN YOU RETURNED. OUTSTANDING JOB "GEORGIAN BAY SNOWRIDERS.” ~ submitted by Tim P
8. Scott S, Pineridge District 5 “Countless hour working to coordinate many project, attending hours of meetings, operating groomer, maintaining trails. Defineatly a hard core snowmobiler, working to continue to keep ahead of the required details to ensure everything is taken care of. Very appreciated.” ~ submitted by Tim R
9. Du Yu Wanna “Great parking, trails were mint where we went! Best day of the year and I went all over Ontario and Quebec. Great job!.” ~ submitted by Nicolas
10. Dan C, Elliot Lake Snowbirds “Tireless work on trail preparation and maintenance. Dedication beyond compare.” ~ submitted by Michael R
     

Help Us Get to 365! The snow may be months away, but the work behind the trails never really stops. Across Ontario, volunteers are already planning, maintaining equipment, connecting with landowners, fundraising and tackling countless other jobs that will help make the season ahead possible. Our goal is to collect 365 Volunteer Shout Outs - one for every day of the year. Every submission helps us recognize another person, club or team making a difference.

11. Gilles P, Spanish River Snowmobile Club “Gilles is a member of the Board of Directors and has served as a groomer operator for the past two years. He has become a dedicated and valued volunteer, playing a key role in organizing events and supporting club initiatives. For events, Gilles takes on the important task of installing and removing all event signage. 
    He also assists with setting up and taking down infrastructure, helps with registration and ticket sales, and is always ready to step in wherever needed. Gilles is heavily involved in brushing and packing trails at the start of the season, as well as installing and removing lake pickets. He is quick to respond when unexpected issues arise - whether with the groomer or out on the trails. Simply put, Gilles is the club’s go-to person. 
    Gilles played a key role in relocating the newly constructed shelter - a 10 km haul -and assisted with the grand opening by transporting food and supplies to the site. Over the past four years, the club has undertaken major bridge re-decking projects. Gilles has been one of the core volunteers, even using his own equipment to transport timber and materials. 
    Gilles is also known as the club’s “funny guy.” He has a natural ability to make newcomers feel welcome and to lighten even the most challenging situations with humour. Gilles enjoys bringing people together. His garage is always open, offering a welcoming place for members to gather after workdays, fundraising events, and social occasions. 
    He has a special ability to make everyone-new and long-time members alike-feel included. His enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the club, and he truly embodies the spirit of S.R.S.C.” ~ submitted by Christine M
12. Chris S, Klondyke “Chris has been our VP for many years! We are beyond grateful for his years of dedication to our community. Chris is always a phone call away. We had a safety issue a few years ago and within a few days Chris had all the materials delivered to the trail and had it repaired. His dedication is the reason our trails stay open and safe for all to enjoy. Chris is always kind! Thank you Chris for your years of dedication we appreciate you!” ~ submitted by Jennifer
13. Doug & Joanne R, Whitewater Sno Goers “Doug and Joanne are always ready to help in any way they can. This season, they picked up and cut over 400 buns for our Bacon on a Bun events-an incredible contribution behind the scenes. 
    They’ve also helped by connecting with our partners and picking up clothing and merchandise when needed. Despite not having sleds, they attend every club event, always showing their support and proudly wearing WWSG merch. 
    Their dedication and willingness to help never go unnoticed-we’re so lucky to have them.”  ~ submitted by Hillary B
14. Danny & Heather D, Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Sno Travellers “Danny and Heather create parade floats that are an absolute spectacle! It brings so much joy to all ages. Each year they strive to outdo the year before. It’s pure magic! It helps show how deep the club roots are in our local communities. We truly appreciate all that they do! Thank you Danny and Heather!” ~ submitted by Ann
15. Seaway Valley “Amazing trails. Great signage and a great trail system.”  ~ submitted by Steve L

Volunteer Strong Since 1967.
Built by generations of people willing to give their time to something they believe in.
 

16. Doug B, Valley Trailmasters “Organized trail rides, helped at charity events, hosted outdoor BBQ for the public, responded to trespass issues on my land. Happy to have their trail on my property.” ~ submitted by Dave R
17. Kris R & Troy M, Whitewater Sno Goers “Kris Raby, President of RCATV, lent a hand alongside director and volunteer Troy MacKay in installing trail signs. It’s great to see collaboration between neighbouring clubs, supporting and strengthening our shared trail network and community.” ~ submitted by Hillary B
18. Patrick B, Club Alouette Dubreuilville “Everything,from trail ,sign,maintenance, etc”  ~ submitted by Daniel
19. Colleen M & Bill G, Great Pineridge Snowmobile Association “For always being involved in every facet of the clubs support, events & maintenance. Folks like this make this club a success, and make snowmobiling in our area possible.”  ~ submitted by Brent G
20. Andrew C, Percy Boom River Rats “Maintain trails put up signs etc.”  ~ submitted by Tim G
21. Steve S & family “Opened trails, clear trails, kept the trails going.”  ~ submitted by Jennifer
     

So much of what makes Ontario snowmobiling possible happens without fanfare. It’s people showing up, pitching in, solving problems and doing what needs to be done - often without expecting anything in return.

That’s what makes a Volunteer Shout Out so meaningful. It’s a simple way to say: we see what you do, and it matters.

To everyone giving their time to a club, district or community - and to the landowners and supporters who help make it all possible - thank you.

And to those who took a few minutes to recognize someone this month, keep them coming. There are thousands of volunteers across Ontario and plenty more stories worth celebrating.
 

KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

Submit your shout out and be part of what comes next.

Submit your shout out today!