Local snowmobile trails are opening

The North Bay Snowmobile Club says thanks to the recent snowfall some of the local trails have been able to open. 

"Our volunteers have put in many hours to get trails to this point," stated Shawn Flindall Director, Marketing and Public Relations North Bay Snowmobile Club.

"However, only about 50 per cent of the trails in our immediate area are open – the rest remain closed."

Flindall says those trails that remain closed are because of safety reasons. 

"Some trails are just not ready," he said.  

"So we ask riders to check with the online trail maps to see where they can and can not go. Plan your ride accordingly."

Flindall notes that trails are open under yellow caution conditions.

"This is early season riding and trails are by no means perfect," he said.  

"Please ride with caution."

Flindall notes waterways are an issue too. 

"Ice conditions on all area lakes, swamps and waterways are inconsistent in these early season conditions, and with a lot of slush," he said.  

"Please stay on the staked trail, and if the lake trail is not open – don’t go! People need to use extreme caution."

He adds that trail conditions will change regularly due to the weather. 

"We ask riders to refer to the trail maps via the OFSC website regularly for updates," he said. 

"Many trails are on private property – illegal to be on them if they are still closed. Please only ride on open trails."

Aside from weather and trail conditions, Flindall reminds riders to make sure their sled is in working order. 

"We encourage riders to ensure that their sled is in good working condition, know and share their planned route, dress appropriately, never ride alone, carry safety gear and follow all the speed limits, and rules of the trails," he said. 

"The North Bay Snowmobile Club and all area clubs thank the many landowners who allow us to use their property for our trails – without them, none of this is possible."