Get Ready for Snowmobiling This Winter
It’s said that a photo is worth 1,000 words as the ones with this article clearly demonstrate. Yes, winter is coming and hundreds of snowmobile club volunteers associated with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are busy with pre-season trail preparations throughout the Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft areas. They’ll be ready when the snow comes – but will you? As a resource for beginners and a reminder for enthusiasts, here are some get ready tips for trail riding in our region.
Equipment Prep: You won’t be going anywhere without reliable equipment. First up, your snowmobile needs to be ride-ready. If it’s a new one, have it properly customized by your dealer for your weight (don’t forget alternate suspension setting adjustments for 2-up riding), gear and riding preference. Also, add any accessories that will make your ride safer and more comfortable, including carbides, studs, ice scratchers and mirrors – and don’t forget to read your owner’s manual. Heated seat, high windshield and handlebar muffs are also accessories to count on for extra warmth on brass monkey days – and ensure that your handlebar and thumb warmers are working!
Same goes if your sled is pre-owned but new to you this season; also give it a thorough double check for any wear parts needing service or replacement. If you’re riding the same sled as last winter, hopefully you summerized it properly last spring and also identified what service it needs before hitting the snow again. If you haven’t already arranged service at an area snowmobile dealer, do it now!
Next, if you travel to the snow by road, do a complete winter service on your tow vehicle. Make sure the service department knows you’re winter towing, and also check winter tires, wiper blades and tow package components. Be sure to give your snowmobile trailer a full inspection and lube, paying close attention to tires, wheel bearing, axles, coupler components, hinges and electrical system. Also, assess your trailer and tow vehicle security to help prevent theft.
Gear Prep: Prepping your body for winter is equally important – and don’t forget your kids! Primarily, this means staying warm and dry, while maintaining good visibility in all conditions. Ensure that purpose-made snowmobile suits fit properly and have comfort and safety features like water/wind proofing, removable liner, sealed seams, vents, bright colours and reflective material. A TekVest adds warmth and can save your life, while underneath, proper layering of wicking/breathable synthetics or merino wool is your best first line of defence against catching a chill.
Pay close attention to your extremities. A properly sized, full face helmet with heated visor and helmet safety lights, heated gloves, and Arctic-rated boots can make your day on the trail. Heated vest and socks are also available for extra warmth (don’t forget your battery chargers!)
Legal Prep: Last but not least, attend to your paperwork. Ontario law requires that a 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit be affixed to your sled to access OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails. You must also carry a valid sled registration document (including numbers on the side of your sled with current sticker), driver’s licence (or Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Permit) and proof of insurance.
This is also a good time to start planning this winter’s rides and while you’re at it, give your local snowmobile club a hand by volunteering a few hours to help get trails ready:
Buckhorn & District – buckhorn@district2ofsc.ca
Haliburton County Snowmobile Association – info@hcsa.ca
Havelock & District – hdsc-info@district2ofsc.ca
Kawartha Lakes Snowmobile Club (Fenelon Falls) – klsc@sympatico.ca
Old Hastings Snow Riders (Bancroft) – oldhastings@district2ofsc.ca
Paudash Trail Blazers (Apsley) – volunteer@paudashtrailblazers.on.ca
Stoney Lake Sno Riders – stoneylake@district2ofsc.ca
Twin Mountains (Bobcaygeon) – twinmountains@district2ofsc.ca
Save by getting your 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit early and learn more about OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails at: www.ofsc.on.ca
Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler, is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at
Photo Credit: Bottom Right Martin Lortz
Photo Credit: Main & Top Right Craig Nicholson
