Canadian snowmobile clubs call for volunteers

Snowmobile clubs in communities from coast to coast are joining in a national call to all snowmobilers from the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) for volunteers to help clubs prepare for the upcoming winter. Canada’s 673 snowmobile clubs operate 103,843 kilometers (64,525 miles) of snowmobile trails for 648,174 registered snowmobiles used by over a million riders.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is asking those interested in volunteering to visit its website and then click on the ‘Volunteering’ button.

Throughout the autumn, volunteers from hometown clubs prepare trails, groomers, signage, bridges, staging areas and shelters for the benefit of snowmobilers. Frequently, their task becomes more challenging thanks to storm damage, flooding and other natural events that occurred during the off-season. Clubs also need a hand in the office, with websites, social media, accounting and other administration.

Without volunteers, Canada’s snowmobile trail system would not survive.

“Organized snowmobiling depends on volunteers and we invite every snowmobiler to lend a hand, even for a couple of hours,” says Kevin Sweetland, volunteer CCSO president. “We understand that everyone is very busy in their own personal lives, but even one day each fall would make a huge difference.”

“Most folks say that volunteering for their local club makes them feel more apart of snowmobiling and appreciative of all that goes on behind the scenes,” says Eric Saunter, OFSC manager, Safety and Volunteer Development. “Besides, volunteering for your club in the fall is absolutely the best way to take the edge off your eager anticipation for the coming winter. Now is the time to call and volunteer.”