You won’t hear snowmobilers in Ontario grumble about this winter’s heavy snow and icy cold weather. This winter’s ideal riding conditions are a great opportunity to enjoy the sport safely.
From February 9th until February 16th, the OPP, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), are hitting the trails for Motorized Snowmobile Week. The week-long education and enforcement campaign targets the unsafe riding behaviours that lead to death, injury and property damage both on and off Ontario snowmobiling trails.
Excessive speed, loss of control, alcohol impairment and inattentive riding are the leading contributing factors to fatal snowmobile collisions in Ontario.
OPP West Region members want to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 riding season, when five riders lost their lives in fatal motorized snow vehicle (MSV) collisions: Middlesex County (1), Perth County (2), Huron County (1), Lambton County (1). So far in 2026, there have been three fatal snowmobile collisions in West Region -Brant County, Oxford County and South Bruce.
Before hitting the trails, make preparations to ensure your ride is a safe one:
- Wear a helmet and other safety gear
- Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Don’t ride on private property. Instead, stay on approved trails.
- Check current trail status on the OFSC website.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Let someone know about your riding plans.
“Taking a few extra steps helps ensure everyone gets home safely and can keep enjoying everything Ontario’s winter has to offer,” says Inspector Mike McConnell/OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager.
