The North Bay & District Snowmobile Club is opening up snowmobile trails in the region.
Shawn Flindall, public relations director with the snowmobile club, says they needed one more good snowfall to get going and Mother Nature helped them out this week.
"We are super excited at long last to announce that trails are starting to open across our region," he said.
"Trails north of the Portage as well as trails in Mattawa have opened as of today. Great riding through Sturgeon Falls and north of Sudbury as well and some great loops up to Marten River so we are really excited to get trails opening."
Flindall says sledders can check out the trails online of the OFSC site and he encourages them to keep an eye on the sight so they do know what is open and what is still closed.
"They are going to start opening rapidly in the next few days both in our area and south of us, so you will see lots of that in the coming days," he said.
"The trails that are open are mostly open on a yellow caution condition which means they are not perfect, there are still some rocks exposed; their might be the odd stump, certainly not in perfect condition so we need people to ride with caution."
Flindall says the trails will be busy so riders need to be careful.
"For many people, this will be the first opportunity of the season to ride – 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 some safety gear and follow all the speed limits, rules and public safety protocols," he said.
Flindall notes that fuel and take-out food are both available at various locations throughout the trails.
"We encourage all riders to know these locations," he said.
