Snowmobiling Tips For Late Winter Trail Riding
Snowmobilers agree that March can be the best time for recreational day riding on OFSC Prescribed Trails across the Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft region. Temperatures are more moderate, longer days provide more riding hours, and trail bases are set and firm.
But March is also transition time. Trails can begin to deteriorate, ultimately disappearing as the weather becomes increasingly spring-like. Some years, trails remain available to ride longer than others, but predicting their longevity is a chancey proposition.
Any prolonged stretch of abnormally warm temps accompanied by sustained sun or downpours can signal an imminent end. Either one starts irreversible meltdown that can’t be absorbed by frozen ground. The resulting run-off and ponding in low areas can irreversibly erode the trail base. At the same time, snow disappears off road shoulders, crossings and access to services, making steering a sled more challenging and causing undue wear & tear.
March is also when slush can form on frozen water bodies and ice begins to weaken. So, snowmobilers must be very cautious about doing any lake running. Area snowmobile clubs have kept most trails off major waterways, and existing ice crossings are well staked and tracked. Still, when the weather begins to turn, the smart choice is day riding opportunities offered on land trails.
These include OFSC trails on abandoned rail lines, utility corridors, forest access or old logging roads, as well as unopened municipal road allowances, where the trail base usually lasts longer. These options often provide optimum available March day riding, even though some access trails may not be as durable.
Trails in the more northerly area of Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft tend to last slightly longer. So, many day riders choose to trailer closer to alternative trailheads in March, instead of snowmobiling from your door. Both the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) and printed trail guides for OFSC Districts 2 and 6 show useful parking areas, including at clubhouses.
As March trail status can change quickly, be sure to check the ITG regularly and often. While the ITG is the sole authorized source of trail availability, visiting Facebook pages of local clubs for their “on the snow” observations and photos can also provide useful commentary.
With a little luck, safety-conscious snowmobilers might even be able to ride available OFSC trails through the end of March. But when snowmobile trails close, cooperate with your local club by staying off and avoid trespass on your ATV in any season. Until then, why not take advantage of any remaining winter days by OFSC trail riding in the Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft?
Learn More About March Trail Riding At:
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – www.ofsc.on.ca
Snowmobile Clubs On Facebook – Buckhorn & District, Haliburton County Snowmobile Association, Paudash Trailblazers, Twin Mountains, Stoney Lake Sno Riders.
Intrepid Snowmobiler – www.intrepidsnowmobiler.com
Story & photos by Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler
