Anybody who buys a new Arctic Cat snowmobile this month can ride Quebec or Ontario snowmobile trails for free.

Arctic Cat is providing a free Ontario or Quebec Snowmobile Trail Permit with every 2010 – 2012 Arctic Cat Snowmobile purchased from November 1 – November 30, 2012. This offer excludes 120s, Race, Rental, Government and Special Service Models.

For every qualifying 2010 – 2012 Arctic Cat snowmobile retailed during this promotion period, Arctic Cat will issue a refund to the consumer for the amount of the Ontario or Quebec snowmobile trail permits – $210 for Ontario and $280 for the Quebec.

The provincial snowmobile trail system operated by members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is now closed for the season.

“Please avoid taking any foolish risks – for your own safety keep your sled parked until trails open again next winter,” says the OFSC.

The provincial trail closure means that grooming operations have ceased, regional trail connections are shut down, gates are locked and signs are being taken down. The snow base on most trails has disappeared entirely or has deteriorated to the point of being unsafe to ride, leaving many hazard exposed, including rocks, stumps and bare ground. All ice is now becoming too unstable to support sleds or has melted away to open water. Spring runoff and flooding is underway, making trails impassable, breaking trail connections and resulting in extreme danger. The OFSC also cautions snowmobilers that off-trail locations and conditions are now unsafe for riding, including roads and open fields.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), citing a source from Environment Canada, says Ontario can look forward to a good winter for snowmobiling. That forecast sets the celebratory tone for Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week, November 22 – 28. This annual launch of winter by the OFSC invites Ontarians to discover the many social, health and recreational benefits of snowmobiling, including the world’s largest recreational trail system.

As its name implies, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making ride plans and preparing sleds and gear. Sled dealers and snowmobile clubs across Ontario are marking Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week with open houses and other special events. Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the last full week for purchasing Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits at the pre‐December 1st fee of $200. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.

This season, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week also celebrates many OFSC firsts to improve the rider experience, including:

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) welcomes Ontario’s new Zero-Alcohol Limit for riders 21 and under.

The OFSC has been promoting Zero Alcohol for all riders since 2002 by challenging every snowmobiler to take personal responsibility for choosing to be 100 percent alcohol free prior to going snowmobiling or during any ride.

“The new Ontario legislation gives OFSC Zero Alcohol a significant boost by making it much more than a peer-pressure campaign,” says Eric Saunter, OFSC safety manager. “Now our Zero Alcohol position gains considerable legitimacy as part of a legalized behavior for those under 21, which helps formalize as a clear and acceptable choice for the entire snowmobiling community.”