Mother Nature has delivered the best season in a decade for snowmobile enthusiasts across Ontario after years of dismal and disappointing conditions.
“It’s been a couple of years without enough snow, so we are really happy to see this,” said snowmobiler Kevin Smith.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) report that abundant snowfall and consistent cold temperatures have created ideal trail conditions, compared to December, when not a single trail was available due to significant rainfall.
“Last year was brutal,” said Scott Campbell, owner and operator of Grounded Coffee Co. in Midland in a Jan. 17 interview with CTV News. “We didn’t see the groomer go by more than once.”
But now it’s a much different story.
Staff with Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association said they have roughly 136 kilometres of trails, with the remaining trails expected to be open by the weekend.
Groomers have been working tirelessly to maintain trails, and, according to Steve Walker, these are the best riding conditions in recent memory.
“I was grooming the other night, and the trails were coming up better than I have ever seen them in 20 years,” said Walker.
According to the association, one good year on the trails can bring in more than $125 million to the local economy as an influx of riders seek out businesses, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and equipment retailers.
Bala Bay Inn is open on weekends only during the winter months, and owner Rob Wilson said the return of sledders has certainly helped with their bottom line.
“We do have overnight accommodations, and the restaurant, and bar, so overnights have been a lot busier on weekends,” he added.
“I’d say business probably goes up about 25 per cent for most stores compared to what it would have been without sledders,” stated Cal White with the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
For enthusiasts, this is the winter they’ve been waiting for.
“There’s nothing better than being about to snowmobile local,” said sledder Brett Gratrix.
As always, riders are encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines, ensure to have valid permits, and stay on marked trails.
