WCSTA Working Together with Ottawa Fire for Improved Safety

On January 9, 2015   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
WCSTA working with Ottawa Fire Services to make locating riders on the trail faster and easier

West Carleton Trail patrol co-ordinator Scott Hamilton meets with the rescue snowmobile at Stn 63 in Constance Bay, providing them with up-to-date maps

The West Carleton Trails Association and Ottawa Fire Dispatch have worked together to have our snowmobile trail maps online with fire dispatch.

This means that in case of an accident on the snowmobile trails the rescue snowmobiles of Ottawa Fire can be dispatched with greater accuracy. For example if a snowmobiler calls in that an accident is on trail number W17 the dispatcher can reference the trail location, and send emergency services to best location.

Just before Christmas West Carleton Trail patrol co-ordinator Scott Hamilton and equipment manager Paul Asmis met with the rescue snowmobile at Stn 63 in Constance Bay and provided them with up-to-date maps. Trail patrol is looking forward to partnering with the rescue crews during snowmobile events this winter.

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OFSC Trails Now Closed for the Season

On April 3, 2014   /   Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Spring thaw - Trails Closed

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations, and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable.

It has been a phenomenal season, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that a OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

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Media Release; Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week – November 24 to 30

On November 27, 2013   /   Media Release, News and Events, OFSC  
Media Release; Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week – November 24 to 30

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON. November 22, 2013) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are celebrating the coming sledding season during Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails. Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great 2014 snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already having experienced below zero temperatures and early snowfalls.

With tens of thousands of trail permits already sold, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week invites more Ontarians to discover the family fun of organized snowmobiling, plus its many social, health and recreational benefits. Get Ready Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making their Ontario ride plans and preparing their sleds and gear. As well, Get Ready Week marks the final days that Seasonal and Classic Snowmobile Trail Permits are available at pre-December 1st savings. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.

This season, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week also celebrates many OFSC initiatives to improve the rider experience that can be found online at www.ofsc.on.ca:

  • Tour Loops: The OFSC has launched a new winter product with eight exciting tour loops that make exploring Ontario easy and convenient. Each loop delivers a unique snowmobiling adventure on well established, marked and maintained trails with good access to services and amenities.
  • Interactive Trail Guide: The OFSC Interactive Trail Guide features the most accurate and up to date display of the entire OFSC trail network available anywhere. This online tool enables OFSC snowmobilers to plan their rides and view the latest
  • Colour-coded trail status updates: (Red = Trail Not Available; Yellow = Limited Availability; Green = Trail Available.)
  • Early Season Priority (ESP) Trails: Snowmobilers looking for their first ride of the season can find it on ESP Trails. These OFSC trails on old logging roads, abandoned rail lines, utility corridors and unassumed road allowances will signal their early limited availability by turning from red to yellow on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide.
  • New Website: The OFSC’s new public website is being revamped for this season with a new look, improved navigation and updated information. The new site will be launched in December.
  • Mobile Apps & Routable GPS: OFSC snowmobilers will soon be able to check trail status from their smart phones by downloading the latest version of the OFSC trail network with the OFSC’s faster new snowmobile apps. Routable versions of
  • The OFSC provincial trail system will also be available for download to popular GPS units. Coming in December!

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable and environmentally sustainable.

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