Snowmobiling
Getting All Reved Up!
By Nadene Nicholas Twin Mountains Snowmobile Club
Once again Mother Nature turned her back on snowmobilers who were looking for 2019
start to the 2020 season. The cold temperatures and early snowfall in November brought excitement and anticipation to those eagerly awaiting the upcoming season. Then, everything changed. Mild temperatures and copious amounts of rain were enough to dampen the snowmobiler’s enthusiasm as a new season approached. Slow seasonal starts seem to be the norm in this area of Ontario, and yet snowmobile clubs always seem to be able to overcome early disappointment once January is in full swing. It may be a slow start, but usually everything falls into place and trails start to take shape. Once 2020 arrived, trails slowly started to open one by one across the region. Initially, trail status is posted as “limited availability”. The first “early season trails” to open are usually trails on old railway beds, logging roads, unassumed roads, etc. where the underlying surface is wide and smooth. All that is needed for these trails is a good solid trail base and a decent amount of snow. Bush and other trails with rougher underlying surfaces require a greater amount of snow that is used to pack and fill in holes and other areas, in order to make the trails smooth. These trails usually take a little bit longer to open, but once they’re prepared and the groomers start rolling, they are often the most beautiful trails around. As the area receives more and more snow and the conditions improve, trail status will change from “limited availability” to “available” until such time as trail conditions change or spring creeps in. Before planning and heading out for a ride, sledders need to know what trails are available for riding, so snowmobilers are urged to check the interactive trail guide (ITG) online or via the Go Snowmobiling app for trail availability updates. The ITG has the most current, up to date information on trail status, and is updated as trail conditions change. Trails are not available for riding unless it is reflected on the interactive trail guide. The ITG is a great resource for other important information that sledders will also need to help plan rides and tours such as accommodations, staging, lodging, food, tour loops, etc. OFSC District 2 is located in the heart of the Kawathas, and consists of seven member clubs. Page 32
