News
Ontario Snowmobiling 2016: Late season advantages
Tuesday, March 1, 2016, 10:10 AM - By now we've all heard the winter weather predictions, and we've seen the news: After a mild start to the season in Ontario, it's time for the cold and snow to make a return.
For the growing population of veteran sledders and budding snowmobilers in Ontario, the switch to winter could not come at a better time as Ontario closes in on its first long weekend of the new year with Family Day holiday ahead. So get out there and reignite the passion for the sport or make good on your resolution to try it out.
What do I need to get make the most of the late season conditions?
You're going to need a sled, a permit, insurance, gear and a plan. That's right, a plan. Because if you're not thinking about what weekend or week you're going to turn into this year's trip, winter will be over before you know it.
And you know what else? Rust never sleeps. Keep those motors revving. If you're the kind of person who waits until the last minute, then you'd better stay connected with the clubs on Facebook.
Where are people going to go for the big sled trips?
If you live in Ontario, we're going to bet that people will be heading north and west this year - either to ride the trails in the Algoma Region, or the Northeastern Ontario region. This "loops" craze seems to be resonating with sledders and I'm guessing we're going to see even more people trailering far from home to experience totally different trail systems than the ones they have in their backyards. If I were picking destinations to hand out to all the sledders I know in the province, this is how it would go (in no particular order)
- Gateway to the North Loop
- Gold Rush Tour(check the killer video of this loop here)
- Abitibi Canyon
- The RAP Tour
- Chiniguchi Loop
- Park to Park combined with Ride the Edge
And some version of an Algoma ride that includes Halfway Haven, a legendary sledding, ATVing and off-road joint that has just re-opened. By all accounts it looks like things will be different in Algoma this winter - but we don't know what that will look like yet.
If you live in the U.S., my bet is Sault Ste. Marie is gonna see a lot of sledders this year as Ontario gets the snow and Michigan gets the shaft. The good thing is Canadians are supposedly welcoming and polite.
Are we going to see any more amazing snowmobiling videos, like "The Groomer Guy" or "This is Winter?
Well duh. Of course we are. You just saw one. But more importantly, are we gonna see other people jump in the epic Ontario snowmobile video game? I mean, those guys in Scandinavia can launch sleds off mountains and parachute into the valleys below, so where are our great sledding videos?
My guess is that someone, or some bunch of people are going to step up and start regularly producing killer snowmobile videos that set a new standard.
What game changers are we going see on the Ontario trails this year?
Side by side sleds, like the Ski-Doo Elite are gonna make a comeback in a big way...just kidding. The biggest thing in sledding in the province that no one sees coming? The demand for off-trail riding. The massive playground northeast of Wawa known as the "Top Secret Boondocking Location" changed the way a lot of people thought about sledding here.
Will we see more of these powder playgrounds. My money says yes.
But I've never been snowmobiling before! How can I get in on the fun?
You're in luck young man - we'll take your money! Check out one of a dozen rental places all across the province. They are all good people who want you to have a fun and/or safe time.
Top videos to get you pumped for the winter:
The groomer guy
Klim rides Ontario