The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) says snowmobilers can start preparing for the upcoming season by going online to purchase a 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Permit which is now available.
The permit allows legal access to OFSC prescribed trails throughout the winter months.
When purchasing on or before Nov. 1, early trail permit buyers can support their local club while saving $80 off the regular fee of a full season permit sold after Dec. 1.
Information on 2024 permit types, availability and FAQs can be found at https://www.ofsc.on.ca/permits/.
With National Snowmobiling Day set for Oct. 28, it’s also a great time to sign up for an online OFSC Driver Training Course, the federation said.
Delivered under the authority of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, the course has graduated more than 260,000 students aged 12 and older since 1976, teaching the rules and behaviours necessary to be a safe and courteous snowmobile operator, the federation said in a news release.
Upon graduation, course participants qualify to obtain an online motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence.
Trip planning for the season also gets underway with the online OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) going live Nov. 1. Access to this free online tool is available on the OFSC website.
The ITG is the only authorized source of OFSC prescribed trail information, and riders are advised to always refer to it for route planning and trail status, the federation said.
Snowmobilers can also download the OFSC Go Snowmobiling App from either the Apple and Android app store. Available in a free basic version, additional features are also available with the upgraded Pro version for $4.99/year.
But the federation says the best way to celebrate National Snowmobiling Day is to contact your local club and offer to lend a hand with trail preparations this fall.
Even a few hours can make a big difference to getting trails ready, the federation said.
