As more trails open across Ontario, snowmobilers can expect to see a greater police presence on those trails.
The messaging remains the same from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) including to sled smart and no ice is safe ice.
Unlike last year's mild winter and limited opportunities for snowmobiling, this season is proving to be much improved with 'available' or 'limited availability' status on most trails in Simcoe Muskoka as of Saturday, according to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).
In the last week at Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment, officers on sleds logged over 70 hours of patrol checking more than 400 snowmobilers for equipment, required licences, registration and trail passes were applicable.
Over that period, police say 32 riders were issued warnings for various Motorized Snow Vehicle Act (MSVA) offences, mostly for failing to have a valid ownership permit on their snowmobile.
One rider was charged with speeding, five were charged with riding without a trail pass and two riders were charged for not having a valid machine registration permit.
Officers from the detachment, fire services, and paramedics attended three snowmobile crashes. Police say injuries ranged from a broken bone to a flight to a Toronto trauma centre for treatment of serious injuries.
With a forecast that shows no sign of a thaw in the next 14 days, trail conditions should remain ideal.
This is also International Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week.
Ready to to go snowmobiling?
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 18, 2025
Check the OFSC interactive trail guide before heading out.
Conditions change daily, and if you venture onto frozen water, understand the risk and be prepared in case you break through. #NoIceIsSafeIce
Trail guide ➡️ https://t.co/clTORAoJHi ^ks pic.twitter.com/aEotOXlTOs
In a video posted to X, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt reminded those who plan to take their snowmobile out that they must operate safely and responsibly.
