Tips for Safe Snowmobiling this Winter
Before you head out for some fun on a sled, here are some important tips to help keep you safe on your ride.
In Ontario, snowmobilers must:
- Have and carry a valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL)
- Carry proof of snowmobile ownership and proof of insurance
- Have a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit affixed to your sled when on trails
- Wear an approved snowmobile helmet
Trail Riding
Adhering to land-based Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) prescribed trails whenever possible offers the safest snowmobile terrain. Interactive trail maps and trip planners can be found here.
- Always check trail availability before entering any trail
- Obey all signs and signals
- Adjust your speed to the weather and trail conditions
On Ice
Travelling on ice is always risky and should be avoided if possible. Conditions can change quickly so if you do plan to travel on ice:
- check with your local snowmobiling club before leaving
- wear a personal flotation device and proper survival clothing
- carry ice-picks that are easily accessible
OPP statistics show that excessive speeds and drug or alcohol impairment have been significant factors past snowmobile fatalities. Always drive sober and adjust your speed to the weather and trail conditions.
The Ministry of Transportation along with the OPP have put together Snowmobile Safety, a brochure that outlines what you need to know to snowmobile in Ontario and the OFSC website has great information to ensure you enjoy a safe riding season.
OPP 10-year Data Report on Snowmobile Fatalities
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released a ten-year data report on snowmobile fatalities, which officers hope will encourage snowmobilers to avoid the recurring behaviours that have contributed to the majority of the incidents over the past decade.
During the past 10 snowmobile seasons (2009-2019), the OPP has investigated 175 snowmobile fatalities throughout the province. Among the findings in the report, excessive speed, loss of control, driving too fast for the conditions and ability impaired by alcohol were listed as the top contributing factors. In fact, alcohol was involved in almost half (45%) of the deaths.
Another compelling fact is that almost half (45%) of the snowmobilers who died were traveling on frozen lakes or rivers at the time of the incident. The circumstances that led to the deaths include intentionally driving onto open water (puddle jumping/water skipping), breaking through the ice and collisions with other snowmobiles and natural landmarks.
Here is the OPP graphic of this report:
The OPP want to remind all operators that no ice is safe ice. All riders should ensure they use proper safety equipment in addition to wearing appropriate outerwear for the environmental conditions they may encounter.
“Whether you are a beginner or seasoned snowmobiler, it is important to avoid all manner of risk while enjoying the thousands of kilometres of diverse, scenic snowmobile trails Ontario has to offer. Maintaining control of your snowmobile at all times and never making alcohol or drugs part of your ride will go a long way to keeping snowmobilers and their passengers safe”
— Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP