As an OFSC club volunteer, I’m writing to fellow snowmobilers about how we can keep enjoying snowmobiling in Ontario. These reflections come from my own volunteer experience and my enjoyment of this wonderful winter sport.

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Ontario has the largest snowmobile volunteer network in Canada. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) connects permit-buying riders with safe, groomed trails across the province. Supported by dedicated volunteers, generous landowners, and riders who purchase annual permits, the OFSC helps keep Ontario snowmobiling strong and sustainable for the future.

With 178 clubs and more than 6,000 OFSC volunteers, Ontario has a dedicated group of people who welcome Jack Frost. They eagerly head out on the trails to prepare for winter, bringing the heart and spirit that make snowmobiling possible across the province.

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Many snowmobilers may think volunteers simply prepare trails each winter, but volunteers know trail readiness is a year-round commitment. Each club has many jobs and tasks to complete throughout the year, and volunteers continually step up to help deliver the best possible trails for permit buyers to enjoy.

I encourage you to take the time to attend a local club meeting. Seeing a new or returning face means a lot to the club. Attending does not mean you have to become a volunteer, but it does show your support and lets other volunteers know fellow snowmobilers care.

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If you would like to join this special group of volunteers, clubs are always happy to welcome new people. You may wonder what jobs or tasks you could help with-the answer is plenty. Opportunities include paperwork, grant writing, trail projects, training, fundraising, equipment maintenance or simply meeting other volunteers and having fun.  

No matter your age, there is a volunteer role waiting for you. For young people, volunteering is a chance to learn valuable skills that can help guide them through life and provide insight into what they may want to do in the future. For others, it can bring a sense of satisfaction and a smile when you see families enjoying the trails and events you helped make possible.

One common myth I would like to clarify as a volunteer is that OFSC volunteers are not paid for their work. They give their time out of the goodness of their hearts.

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I would like to close this note by sharing how I first became involved as a club volunteer. After moving to a new community, my husband and I noticed a newspaper ad for a club meeting. We thought it would be a great way to meet other snowmobilers, and it became one of the best decisions we ever made. That meeting opened the door to a new adventure, lifelong friendships, plenty of fun, and lots of laughter.

Your willingness to step up as an OFSC volunteer will help ensure the continued success of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for many years to come.

Thanks for listening!
OFSC Club Volunteer.