Last Monday, the snowmobile season officially came to an end, as the PSSD shut down all of the trails maintained by its members. In a press release from the club, it warns snowmobilers to stay off Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs prescribed trails, because the snow cover levels and ice crossings on lakes, creeks and ditches are unsafe and unpredictable.

According to West Parry Sound OPP Constable Kristine Dawson, there were 10 snowmobile accidents this year. All trail grooming has stopped, as well, volunteers are in the process of removing signs, stakes, cleaning up garbage and closing gates and fences on the trails. More on this Ontario Snowmobile news story here...

Snowmobile crashes; Dufferin OPP recently investigated two single vehicle snowmobile collisions on a trail northeast of Marsville.

On February 26, at about 11:15 a.m., a 40year-old Elmira man lost control of his 2004 Polaris snowmobile and fell off.

On March 4, at about 8:55 a.m., a 27-year-old Brampton man lost control of his 2002 Ski Doo snowmobile, which rolled over several times.

In both incidents the men were transported by ambulance to Headwaters Health Centre for treatment of major, but non-life-threatening, injuries.

Excessive speed is said to have been a factor in both collisions.
***

SUPER TEAM STRONG AT BRACEBRIDGE REGIONAL
(Wednesday, February 15, 2006)

Press Release -

The Ski-Doo/Dodge Trucks/Supertrax Super Team enjoyed great racing action at a new venue – the Bracebridge Fairgrounds - in the middle of snowmobile country in Central Ontario. Great crowds all weekend made this event exciting for the team as both Matt and Justin railed qualifying with enormous holeshots and impressive scores.

Matt Turner rode superbly on Saturday scoring wins in qualifying rounds for both 440 and Open. His Sean Tilley tuned Ski-Doo’s looked untouchable as Matt consistently ran out front, tripling and doubling on command with finesse and precision.

Matt has been protecting an injured shoulder all season but his on-track performance certainly belies the North Bay, Ontario rider’s injury. When it came time for final round racing on Sunday Matt had a less than satisfying run in Pro 440 holding fourth behind team mate Justin Parnell - scoring fourth at the checkers.

Matt currently sits in second place in National Pro 440 CSRA Championship Snowcross. In Pro Open Matt’s 600cc Mod produced a fluke ignition problem on the starting line – leaving Matt unable to wick up the power and deliver his trademark consistent start or strong finish in this class. Matt stayed on the track to collect as many points as possible.

Justin Parnell continues to mature in CSRA Pro class competition with more poise and confidence every week. This weekend saw Justin struggle somewhat late on Saturday with a scary off in qualifying and some less than strong finishes.

Parnell, quiet and determined, focused his attention on Sunday’s final rounds of qualifying and most importantly, on the Pro 440 and Pro Open Finals. Looking more comfortable on his Sean Tilley tuned Ski-Doo’s than any previous weekend thus far – Justin railed his way to a strong third place finish in Pro 440.

Parnell’s starts are becoming as consistent as team mate Matt Turner’s – an indication the two are establishing an impressive rider dynamic that’s sure to lead to wins as the season wears on.

In Pro Open competition Parnell put qualifying problems behind him, scoring a hard fought and hard earned third at the checkers. That’s a pair of thirds for the CSRA’s hottest new Pro rider.
***

wednesday, February 22, 2006; Sudbury Ontario Canada; Snowmobile safety taught at Lively High; The "S" Days are back again as Greater Sudbury Police, along with a collection of community partners, are preaching snowmobile safety to area high-school students. In 1993, a snowmobile safety program, "S" Days, was developed and implemented at Lively District Secondary School in response to a rash of snowmobile fatalities at the time. The goal of the program is to teach kids safe snowmobiling practices. The title "S" Days stands for student, snowmobiles, safety, security and survival. more news here...

***
February 14, 2006; Exploring Ontario in the Winter - Hello from Barrie Ontario:

Lots of Winter Fun without the Need for High Mo; by Susanne Pacher;

Our winter getaway over the last two days was supposed to include a couple of different activities: snow-tubing and outdoor skating. Well, our outdoor skating fell through, due to the extraordinarily warm conditions, however, we had a beautiful day yesterday on Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, where we enjoyed some great outdoor time on frozen Lake Simcoe.

Today, after our delicious filling breakfast at Nicholyn Farms Bed and Breakfast, we headed off for another adventure: snowtubing at Horseshoe Valley. Unfortunately the weather today was even less cooperative: as the day progressed it went from freezing rain to rain to a veritable downpour as we drove back to Toronto.

Nevertheless the morning was cold enough for our snowtubing adventure. My 8-year old nephew had never been snowtubing before, and knowing his penchant for high-speed adrenaline-filled activities, we knew that he would fall in love with this sport.

Horseshoe Valley is one of several Ontario winter resorts and in addition to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and skating, it also features a snow-tubing hill. It's a thrill to get pulled up on the hill, sitting on a refunctioned inner tube, and then getting linked up in a group of 2, 3 or 4 snow-tubers, who hold on to their neighbouring tuber's handle and then get pushed down the hill by one of the staff members - with a spin and a momentum that feels almost like a roller coaster!

Snow tubing is just one of the many fun winter activities that Ontario has to offer. Snow Valley Resort just on the other side of Highway 400 also offers snowtubing. Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood is another place for Ontario snowtubing enthusiasts.

Skating: Obviously hockey is Canada's national sport and skating runs in the veins of many residents of this northern country. Virtually all Ontario cities, towns and villages have outdoor skating rinks and indoor arenas. Outdoor skating is free in many cases, and indoor pleasure skating is generally a very inexpensive sport.

One of the best known skating Ontario opportunities exists in Ottawa, on the 7.8 km long Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink according to the Guiness Book of Records. The City of Ottawa lists its public skating information on the Internet.

Toronto's well-known outdoor skating venues include City Hall, Harbourfront and Grenadier Pond in HIgh Park and the City of Toronto provides a list of leisure skating opportunities in Toronto.

Skiing & snowboarding: Although Ontario certainly doesn't have the greatest vertical drop compared to international ski resorts, but it does offer 41 resorts for downhill skiers and snowboarders at the Ski Ontario website.

Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing: Ontario's more than 120 cross-country ski areas are rivalled only by Quebec for sheer number and variety. Ski areas are operated by various organizations ranging from parks to clubs and resorts. The Ski Ontario website provides an extensive listing of cross-country opportunities across Ontario. Special offers for snowshoeing and cross-country getaways are featured on the Ontario Outdoor website.

Snowmobiling: Ontario offers more than 43,000 km (26,000 mi.) of maintained, interconnected, uncongested trails. It is the longest network of recreational trails in the world. The 248 member clubs of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs build and maintain this extensive trail network. Find more information about snowmobiling in Ontario in the Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine.

Ice climbing: The north of Ontario is the heart of Ontario's iceclimbing country and features ice-clad routes with heights of more than 90 m. Special ice-climbing getaways are featured on the Ontario Outdoor Website.

Dogsledding: Dog sledding has evolved from a utilitarian form of transport in northern countries to a unique travel experience. Some dogsledding operators have a guide drive the team, where at other places you may drive the sled yourself. The Ontario Outdoor Website features a variety of dog sledding adventures and getaways.

Urban Winter Getaways: For those who want to enjoy the best that Ontario's cities have to offer over the winter time, there are a variety of special events going on. Many cities and towns throughout Ontario feature special winter festivals, starting with many festivals of light, tree lighting ceremonies and New Year's celebrations in November and December, and continuing with a variety of special events, trade fairs and restaurant promotions throughout January and February. The Success with Ontario website features a listing of Ontario's Festivals and events.

Major festivals include: Toronto's WinterCity Festival and Winterlicious Ottawa's Winterlude Winter Festival Niagara's Icewine Festival Ontario

Accommodation Choices: Ontario offers a wide variety of choices for getaways. From all-inclusive feature-packed resorts, to down-to-earth farm vacations, to cozy bed and breafasts, secluded cottages and chalets and inviting country inns, Ontario has a wide selection of accommodation providers. Unique boutique hotels, and centrally located urban hotels round out the accommodation offers. Ontario Travel's website offers a great overview of the accommodation choices available in Ontario.

There is plenty to do in the winter in Ontario, indoors and out. Nature lovers, urban explorers, adrenaline junkies, and romantic lovebirds will all find something to choose from to brighten up those cold winter days.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

3/22/2006 Thunderbay Ontario Canada; Inquest called into skier's death; An inquest has been called into the death of a cross-country skier found on the ice on Red Lake.

The coroner announced Wednesday an inquest would examine the death of John Kovala. Kovala's body was found March 5, 2004, on the frozen surface of McNeely Bay on Red Lake near Balmerton, north of Dryden.

He had been cross-country skiing when a snowmobile struck him from behind earlier in the night. The inquest will examine issues surrounding snowmobile use on winter waterways that are also used by others, such as skiers. It will also look at regulations for snowmobilers travelling at night.

The inquest will begin April 10 in Thunder Bay and is expected to last four days. See news source here...

***

Tuesday March 14, 2006; Snowmobile corridor next issue for council; Mayor Dave Canfield made a public apology to Sunset Trail Riders at Monday’s council meeting for the public criticisms recently leveled at the snowmobile club. By Reg Clayton Miner and News

Mayor Dave Canfield made a public apology to Sunset Trail Riders at Monday’s council meeting for the public criticisms recently leveled at the snowmobile club.

The criticisms occurred in letters and a series of deputations resulting from an unauthorized detour along a city walking trail in the Portage Bay area. The mayor noted their detour resulted from safety concerns and to avoid thin ice on the west snowmobile corridor beneath Channel Bridge in Keewatin.

Although the club received verbal permission from city staff to set the detour, procedure required council to approve changes in the bylaw governing changes to the designated snowmobile trail and that process wasn’t followed.

“They’re volunteers and it is unfortunate that we don’t always treat our volunteers very well and that’s certainly true in this case,” the mayor said. “The city needs the corridor, not them and it’s very unfortunate for a service group to take the criticism. It wasn’t their fault, something went wrong.”

“There is a process to follow and it wasn’t followed,” Coun. Ingrid Parkes commented. More on this Ontario snowmobile news story here...
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14 charges laid on snowmobile trails; By David Helwig; SooToday.com Tuesday, February 28, 2006

OPP NEWS RELEASE; SAVE team On snowmobile patrol

(Elliot Lake, Ont.) - The North East Region OPP SAVE Team in conjunction with the Elliot Lake Snowbird Club conducted patrols of the local snowmobile trails on February 24 and 26.

189 snowmobiles were checked with the following warnings and charges issued;

- 19 warnings
- 14 charges
– 9 trail permit charges
- 1 speeding charge
- 1 illegal modification charge
- 3 insurance charges

The East Algoma OPP Detachment Commander A/Inspector Ron Faulkner would like to remind all snowmobilers that upon approaching any roadway, all drivers must come to a complete stop prior to entering or crossing the roadway, even if a stop sign is not posted.

If not in compliance, you are guilty of failing to stop and liable to a minimum fine of $110 plus victim surcharge, under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Here are some other Provincial Offences and Fines, under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act:

No Permit
$205 plus $50 victim surcharge

No licence – drive along highway
$90 plus $20 victim surcharge

Drive – no insurance
$205 plus $50 victim surcharge

Speeding – in excess of 50 km/h on public trail $90 plus $20 victim surcharge

Careless Driving- $265 plus $60 victim surcharge

An officer at his or her discretion always has the option, instead of issuing a ticket, to write a summons to the driver to attend court, where a higher penalty or fine may be decided.

Officers may choose this option if they feel the infraction was excessive or if the defendant is a repeat offender.

Ride Safe, Ride Sober!

***

02.17.06; Marmora and Lake - Snowmobile drag racing coming to Crowe Lake

The frozen surface of Crowe lake at Booster Park will be a happening place on February 18 when the fourth snowmobile drag races get underway at 11:30. It’s been 12 years since the last races on the lake, so interest is high.

Response to advertising has been great, with Jeff Bonter noting that he had heard from people in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal who were thinking of coming. In fact, he says, there is potential for as many as 20 to 30 classes.
A four-lane 1,500 foot track has been cleared, 650 feet of which will be used for the actual races, the winners being those to arrive at the finish line in the fastest elapsed time.

Entry fees are $20 per sled for the first class, with $10 more for each additional class entered with the same sled. For a $5 admission fee, spectators will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of powerful machines flying across the ice at top speeds.

Proceeds generated at the event, which is being run by the Havelock and District Snowmobile Club, will be shared by that club as well as the Marmora and Cordova Fire Departments which are providing volunteer help.

***

Snowmobiler's body missing; By SUN WIRE SERVICES

Ottawa police and firefighters couldn't locate the body yesterday of a 20-year-old snowmobiler believed to have fallen through the ice in Fitzroy Harbour last weekend.

Brendan Nash of Kanata went missing after his machine plunged into the water early Sunday. He is presumed dead. Officials yesterday suspended their search for the night. It was one of two snowmobile deaths on the weekend. A 32-year-old Renfrew man died Saturday after he was thrown off his sled near Cobden.

COPS SEEK TEEN; City police asked for the public's help last night to find a teen who wandered away from an area hospital. Alexander Muir, 17, was last seen at 5:45 p.m. in the area of Island Park Dr. and Hwy. 417, which is near the Royal Ottawa Hospital. Muir is white, 5-foot-11, weighs 145 lbs. and has short blond- spiked dreadlocks. He was wearing a light- brown pullover sweater and light brown trousers. Anyone with information can call 236-1222, ext. 5212.

GARAGE DESTROYED; A burning snowmobile caused $120,000 damage to a Stittsville home yesterday morning. Ottawa fire officials said the snowmobile was in a garage on Abaca Way. The fire destroyed the garage.

*****

by Craig Nicholson - Wednesday, February 15, 2006

After years of snowmobiling, I can laugh at even the worst experiences.

I recall snowmobiling near a popular ski resort in the mountains. Our guide worked for a local tour and sled rental company catering mainly to novices, primarily skiers looking for a new adventure. The tours followed a groomed logging road to a play area in a large, open meadow, with no trees or rocks, just oodles of deep powder.

It looked to me like a very safe place for beginners to play, yet each of the new rental sleds had suffered serious dings, bends and cracks. “With nothing for renters to hit but snow, how do your sleds get damaged? I asked. Our guide replied that when each new group arrives at the meadow to play, they inevitably do two things: run into each other and get stuck, hitting the throttle while the sled digs itself a burial hole.

Apparently, the guides spend all of their time either separating collided sleds or hitting kill switches before excavations start. Maybe leaving them stuck would reduce collisions!

Another favorite memory is simultaneously trying a prototype, pre-studded track and a new aftermarket suspension. We were far from home when my engine warning light came on.

A mismatched combination of studs and suspension had holed my tunnel heat exchanger, allowing coolant to escape. We towed my sled back on a Krazy Karpet. Like dog paws slipping on a vinyl floor, the back end of my machine careened from side to side while I tried to steer a straight line on that groomed trail.

Two hours of terror later, we found a country store. I figured buying extra antifreeze to top up my coolant might enable me to ride my sled back–except none was available!

Just as I had resigned myself to resumed towing, I noticed a large display of window washer fluid and bought 12 jugs, tying them to every sled. Three hours later, we made it home, after refilling the reservoir countless times and consuming all but a half jug of washer fluid. I didn’t even get a chance to clean my windshield!

When the Great Ice Storm hit the northeast, we awoke to check our sleds and slid halfway across the parking lot on glare ice. Crawling on hands and knees, we made it to the ice sculptures that used to be our sleds.

At almost 1 and a 1/2 inches thick, the ice had to be cracked with a hammer and brute force before prying it off. Even so, we had to lay over for a day because the going was too treacherous.

Two days later, we were trailering home, still blissfully ignorant about the true extent of the ice storm damage. Except for emergency vehicles and us, the roads were empty, with most exits were blocked with stranded vehicles or impassible snow banks.

The power was out, including for gas pumps. Consequently, countless cars were abandoned on the roadside, but we made it, thanks to a siphon hose, an empty jerry can and the fuel remaining in our snowmobiles.

Later we found out that highways were actually closed as part of a disaster plan. It pays to have emergency gear on board, just in case! Until next time, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs says to be a safe rider this winter. Check out trail conditions at ofsc.on.ca.

(Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer, Canada's Snowmobiling Magazine. The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television.)

Sept 14th 2006; Hamilton,Ont,Canada; On snowmobile story. Three claims filed for bag containing $165,000 spotted alongside rail tracks Canadian Press; Three parties are laying claim in federal court to $165,580 in cash that was discovered in a black bag found alongside railway tracks in northern Maine.The bag of loot was found on Feb. 4, 2005, when workers aboard a train noticed it by tracks near the Van Buren-Grand Isle town line shortly after a snowmobile veered off the tracks in front of the train. In a case before U.S. District Court in Bangor, an engineer and a conductor on the train claim ownership of the cash. Read this Ontario snowmobile news related story here...

Monday, Feb 27, 2006;Garson, Hanmer and Kukagami; Police busy on local snowmobile trail . Police were out in force on the snowmobile trails this weekend checking for infractions and impaired riding. Police charged 23 people while out on patrol. Friday Feb. 24, police checked 31 snowmobiles in Garson, Hanmer and Kukagami, charging one person for not having a trail permit. Police patrolled trails in Massey Saturday, charging one person for failing to ride with a trail permit and another for not having proof of insurance.

Police were busy Sunday as 20 people were charged with various offences in Garson and Hanmer. Four were charged with failing to show proof of insurance, three for expired validation stickers, two for failing to surrender their licences, four were charged for not having trail permits, two for failing to notify of ownership change, two for speeding, two for riding without insurance, one was served with a notice of licence suspension and five people were warned for speeding. Get the full Ontario snowmobile news here -

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Snowarama a success; Clinton Ontario Canada; News-Record staff; Wednesday February 22, 2006.

Clinton News-Record — Area snowmobilers took to the trails last weekend, braving the cold and blowing snow for a greater cause.

More than 40 members of the North Huron Snowmobile Clubs and surrounding areas participated in the annual Snowarama on Feb. 18, raising over $7,300 for Easter Seals.
In addition to the ride, participants enjoyed a hot breakfast in Clinton, 50/50 draw and snow scooter raffle – the latter courtesy of Good Choice Appliances and Liquidation. Mike Garrick, of Clinton, and Doug Volland, of Vanastra, won the sled and draw, respectively.
The event ended with a barbecue sponsored by the Wingham Snowmobile Club.

Easter Seals district manager Jennie Christian said all money raised would directly benefit the 52 children in Huron that depend on the organization’s support. It will be used for vital communications and mobility equipment – walkers, wheelchairs and communication devices – providing summer camping experiences and funding of recreational classes.

Yolanda Vandriel was the top fundraiser for the day, at $360.
Since 1975, Snowarama for Easter Seals has raised more than $15.2 million for kids with physical disabilities.
***

Feb 22 2006; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Fitzroy Harbour; CBC News; River search continues for missing snowmobiler; Divers are still searching the Ottawa River for a missing snowmobile driver who went through the ice on Sunday night. David Parker, 36, of Constance Bay was trying to cross the river near the dam at Fitzroy Harbour when the snowmobile fell through thin ice, sending him and his passenger into the frigid water.

FROM FEB. 20, 2006: Police search for snowmobile driver in icy river. The passenger, also 36, made it to shore and pull himself out of the river. It was the second time in eight days that a snowmobile went through ice near Fitzroy Harbour. The first incident happened on Feb. 12 and involved Kanata's Brendan Nash, who died in the incident. That same weekend, another snowmobile driver died in a crash. more on this snowmobile news story here...

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By David Helwig; SooToday.com
Friday, February 17, 2006

OPP NEWS RELEASE; Dangerous ice conditions - Whiskey Lake

(Gaiashk Twp.) - A Sudbury man escaped an icy bath in Whiskey Lake on Thursday February 16 when his machine broke through the ice.

A group of snowmobile riders were traveling on the F trail between Spanish and Elliot Lake when they came across a bad section of the "lake trail" causing the trailing rider to break through the poorly formed ice and lose his machine.

The rider rolled off the machine onto the ice and was rescued by his fellow riders, however the machine was lost.

Signs are posted on the trail advising of the poor/ unsafe conditions but due to the blowing snow were not seen by the riders.

Police are advising snowmobile riders to check with local clubs and fellow riders to inquire about local conditions and unsafe locations before venturing onto the trails.

Ice conditions are generally poor even on small lakes and probably will not improve to any great degree - Ride with caution!

***

Havelock; Belmont-Methuen Township - Drinking and driving a snowmobile don’t mix;

Peterborough County OPP are reminding area residents that drinking and driving a snowmobile don’t mix. Members of the Peterborough County OPP Snowmobile Enforcement and Safety Team charged three men Monday with operating a motorized snow vehicle while in possession of an open container of liquor.

Members of the team were patrolling area trails in the Kasshabog Lake area of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township on February 13 when they checked a number of snowmobilers. Police say the check found three riders in possession of open containers of liquor.

Two of the men were from Bowmanville, the third from Orono.
Members of the snowmobile team continue to patrol area trails in an effort to ensure that riders using the trails do so in a safe manner, said OPP Communications Officer Constable Jim Searle, who noted that officers are on the trails every day, ensuring that riders are in voluntary compliance with the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, the Liquor Licence Act and Drinking and Riding laws. The four-member team patrols various trails and attends assorted outdoor activities over the snowmobile season.

***
Ontario Government Reminds Snowmobilers To Ride Safely
Milder Weather Means Extra Caution Needed

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 2 /CNW/ - With unusually mild weather in many parts of the province, snowmobilers are urged to check ice conditions and follow basic safety tips for a safe and enjoyable winter season.

"Most snowmobile-related deaths occur at night off the trail system.

Alcohol, high speed and riding on thin ice are often factors. I urge all
drivers and passengers to take the necessary precautions to avoid tragedy," Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar said today.

A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that snowmobiling is the number one cause of winter sports and recreation-
related injuries and that young people are most at risk.

Every season, an average of 30 to 40 people are killed and more than 300 are injured while
snowmobiling in Ontario.

"Our government recognizes that snowmobile-related injuries are one of the most preventable health challenges facing this province, particularly among Ontario's youth," said Minister of Health Promotion, Jim Watson.

"Our government is committed to the health and safety of all Ontarians, and that's why we are currently in the development of a comprehensive provincial strategy for the prevention of snowmobile related injuries."

Ice and snowmobiling

- Ice conditions can be unpredictable and change quickly so avoid travelling on unmarked frozen lakes and rivers
- If you must ride on ice, always check ice conditions before going out and stay on trails that have been marked by the local snowmobile club

Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks to improve your chances of survival if you break through ice or drive into open water.

Don't drink and ride

- Alcohol affects judgment and response times, increases fatigue and the risk of hypothermia

- Drinking and riding is a criminal offence that can affect your
driving record and insurance rates.

Speeding
- Always respect the speed limits posted on trails and roadways. The speed limit on a trail is generally 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Night riding
- Lower your speed. Reduced nighttime visibility makes hazards such as rocks, trees, fences and gates more difficult to spot.

- Every snowmobile must have working head and tail lights
- Wear reflective clothing
- Avoid riding alone
- If you must stop on a road or trail, pull off to the side and keep
your snowmobile running so your lights will be visible to oncoming traffic

Protect yourself from the elements - Always wear an approved helmet - Wear layers of warm, waterproof and windproof clothing - Install a visor on your helmet, wear UV protected sunglasses, or goggles to reduce glare and guard against snow blindness.

The province and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) work together to encourage snowmobilers to ride with a Snowmobile Trail Permit on OFSC-prescribed trails maintained and marked for improved safety. Ontario has
the largest snowmobile trail system in the world with more than 41,000 kilometres of OFSC trails.

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