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Someone remind me why I shouldn’t go out on Sundays…. traffic was nuts and trails weren’t the best. Good thing was, we all got out and enjoyed the trails! I usually stay away from weekend riding, but kids got their licenses for this year so kinda gotta go when there’s snow. Good learning experience for them anyways. Most people were very respectful, but there’s always a couple idiots that don’t slow down while passing or coming in hot into a corner. We made the best of it though. Bravo performed like it always does, and kids did great! Got a text late last night from my son…”can you take me out of school so we can go sledding tomorrow?”🤣 Thanks to all landowners, volunteers and the snow gods!

Saturday late afternoon we took a break and tossed our old TP vests on and counted permits at a stop sign for a half hour. Out of 54 sleds 7 had no visible permit. Out of the 7, 4 had it on their phone and 3 no permit at all. Out of those 3 one guy didn't know he needed permits to ride, new to him sled his buddy was riding, and his dads new sled that he was riding, he was genuinely mortified about it lol. But happy he was able to buy on line, which he wanted to do right there before carrying on. The other was guy who finally just got over a crappy Christmas holiday flu bug and was able to finally get out of the house, he said he'd have his wife go on line and buy it as soon as he got home. The reason we decided to do the count was because we thought we noticed a huge amount of none permitted sleds through out the day, but seems it's more a case of difficult to spot permit due to color and places to put them on new sleds. For some reason we found this years color combo harder to spot then the black and silver permits in 2016 and 2022 ? Will pass on the suggestion that the black permit be canned going forward. Awesome to see tons of happy riders

Just came back from 5 days snowmobile trip with my family, a lot of snow, awesome trails, but extremely cold day -20C., night -29C plus 50km/h wind gust. Usually we rode there at end of March longer day time and comfortable weather Sharing a couple pictures as well

Wife gave me this for christmas. Testing follow mode.

With the impending crappy 3 days coming I decided to rub out a quick 172km local boot for breaky, and ride some of the other stuff that just opened. We'll miss this weekend, but likely be back in the groove by Wed/Thu next week by the looks of it. Here's some random shots, all in all a decent early morning rip. Rolled at 7:15 -4 and back just before noon -1 ...... hit a high of 3 today back down to 1 now 🍻

Me and my son rode in North end of d5 into south of d9. Had a burger and hot chocolate at lake. All in all trails are fair to good in most spots. Some thin areas in ploughed fields that weren't flattened in fall. So be careful. Nothing really poor besides some bush trails that still have water holes, but easily possible. We didn't do any of red trails.

Spent Saturday at the forest, trails were decent not overly busy was nice to get out for first ride.

Did some bulldozing on Saturday

Picked up the new sled today. Deerhaven powersports in Belleville was great. Leftover 24 650 switchback sp. 11800, plus belt and 2 gallons of oil. Nice unit, well worth the money. Will report back how the SP with the cheaper shock package rides once we get out. I was topd by dealer the shocks can be rebuilt, but to by others they cannot. Does anyone know? Maybe Nunz?

My daughter put our 83’ into the rhubarb last year on the in-laws property, she was pretty upset about it. The skis/spindles are pretty loose, holes are definitely oblonged so it’s a challenge to keep it straight forsure. The way we see it, is the kids can learn on the old junk before and if they decide to buy their own newer sled as they get older. It’ll just make them a better rider and I won’t worry near as much about repairs if needed. This will get them started on the cheap, if they want a better ride in the future, that’s on them. Christmas gift this year was insurance, Val tag & trail pass for the both of them.

Up to 5293 kms available now ..... 🍻 Hali Rail Trail about a half hour ago here at Howland Junction

That's the reason why I said to use a Windshield Washer jug. After emptying, we flattened them, put the cap back on and stuff them under the bungee cords that help hold our luggage on until we get to the next gas station and leave them there if no longer required.

My buddy from the city put my wife's venture.on it's side twice with her on the back. Lol. He has one of our bike helmets on.

When I first read the title of this post, I thought I was going to learn the benefit of ribbed.....😉

Copied from the Milverton FB page. Do you know where you are when you are out snowmobiling and something happens to you. Maybe you run out of gas, maybe you get stuck. Maybe your sled catches fire, or you have a medical emergency. Know where you are, and share your location using What3words app for both Android and Apple. The whole world is broken into 3M x 3M square grids with a unique 3 word location for each. The app is in use by Emergency services in our area, to quickly find your location https://play.google.com/store/search?q=what3words&c=apps... https://apps.apple.com/.../what3words.../id657878530 On the weekend, 2 local FD were dispatched for 2 sled fires. One call took an extended amount of time to find the sled, due to unknown location. Using what 3 words would have quickly saved a lot of time. Had this been a medical emergency, the results could have been much more adverse due to extended response.

Sled Orillia (Orillia District Snowmobile Club) · Subject: A Milestone for Regional Snowmobiling: ODSC Expansion Proposal Approved We are proud to announce a significant milestone for organized snowmobiling in our region: the Orillia District Snowmobile Club’s (ODSC) proposal to extend ODSC operations into the area previously known as Carden has been formally approved by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC). This decision marks the re-energization for riders, communities, and businesses that depend on a strong, connected trail network. The loss of trail management in this area had left a noticeable gap across multiple districts, disrupting long-standing routes and impacting both local and transient riders, and businesses alike. With this approval, ODSC is extending East to restore those essential links and ensure their long-term sustainability. The reopening of Trail B104 and Trail 100 will re-establish the only direct connection between Orillia and the Kawartha Lakes region and provide reliable access to the communities of Norland and Coboconk for fuel, food, and services. Beyond the trails themselves, this approval represents renewed collaboration, repaired relationships, and a shared commitment to responsible, volunteer-driven trail stewardship. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers, the cooperation of landowners, the support of local communities, and constructive engagement with the OFSC. It reflects a collective belief that these trails matter — not just as corridors on a map, but as links that connect riders, regions, and economies. Next Steps With approval in place, ODSC will immediately move forward with the following priorities: 1. Land Use Agreements Finalizing and securing land use agreements with landowners along the B104 and Trail 100 corridors remains our highest priority. Strong, respectful relationships with landowners are fundamental to the success and long-term sustainability of this expansion. 2. Trail Clearing and Signage Upon securing access, volunteer crews will begin trail clearing, brushing, and the installation of proper trail signage to ensure safe, clearly marked, and sustainable routes for riders. 3. Packing, Grooming, and Trail Opening Once trail preparation is complete and conditions permit, ODSC will begin packing and grooming operations, leading to the official opening of Trail B104 and Trail 100. This final step will mark the full restoration of these critical corridors and the return of groomed connectivity between Orillia, Norland, and Coboconk. As work progresses, we will continue to share updates and provide opportunities for members and volunteers to participate in this exciting effort. This approval is not an endpoint — it is the starting line for rebuilding connectivity, strengthening partnerships, and delivering lasting benefits to the snowmobiling community. As always, refer to the OFSC Interactive Trial Guide (ITG) for updates as we onboard this area. Please understand, that these next steps take time, and we would appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate this process. Significant work prior to the approval has been ongoing, to reduce - as best we could, this onboarding timeline. On behalf of the ODSC Executive, thank you to everyone who contributed time, effort, and trust to make this vision a reality. We look forward to welcoming riders back. Sincerely, Jeff Earl Vice President Orillia District Snowmobile Club

Orillia was out packing the trail base this evening.

My money is on 8000-10,000 km reopened by Friday, more then double that by the following Friday. We've been here before. Always amazes me how fast things can bounce back with a few days of cold and some snow. Like the last rain event, more will open after it then we had open before it.

That's a crazy amount!! We are nowhere near that. I'm in the hate part of this relationship!😂 We are doing removals now as well. Fortunately, I haven't had to do any yet. Loading dump trucks is fun for the first 30 mins. Not so much 8-10 hours later.😉 We did trail work today. 7 guys showed up so we split into 2 groups. 3 guys went west on a trail we share with ATVs and 4 of us went the other way to work on the snowmobile only part of the trail. The threesome had a few downed trees and some leaners and banged through 2.5 kms in 4 hours. The foursome, which I was a part of, spent 4.5 hours and cleared the 0.8 km snowmobile only section. It was a nightmare again! Trees down everywhere and now buried/frozen in 3 feet of snow. Fun day!! The good news is that access trail, from one of our lakes, is now cleared!

Crazy up here too. We have more snow on the ground now, than we normally have in March. Arrived to dig out buildings yesterday about 4pm, we had another 3 feet to shovel from around doors, decks, walkways, we can't access with a plow or blower. This was the second 3 feet dig we had this season, and it is only the first week of Jan. Supposed to get some rain today, I need to finish our dig before the snow gets too wet and heavy to deal with. Not sure what we are going to do, or where we will put the snow, the rest of the season. It's deep up here. Ski

I was in New Liskeard at the Waterfront Inn in 2003 and woke up to -30 temps. I was riding a '97 ZRT 800. The thing was a pig to pull over in warm temps and rope was locked solid on this day. Well, 3 of us pulled on the rope, ended up pulling the plugs and hitting them with a lighter, gas down the plug hole. Finally fired after 20 minutes. I thought I'd teach her a lesson and I ripped wide open across the lake to the trail. It ran ok the rest of the day but the next time I rode it she just wasn't right. Tear down showed she'd had a crank bearing in the bottom blow apart, went through the cylinder destroying the piston and cylinder.....lol Sold it for parts. I was a bit more gracious with warm ups after that.

I feel for you brother. Its been a tough winter and its only the first week of Jan. I sledded Sunday with my buddy who plowed for me for 5 years. He said "fawk, I'm glad we quit when we did. This winter would have killed me." I miss plowing but this year its been enough just taking care for my own property and my mother's. Oh, and I love driving by my old lots and seeing how terribly they are been cared for.

Yes there is a salt shortage so we have to plow more so we use less salt. I suggest using limestone screenings to provide grip for the trucks. Works well for our laneway and driveway. May be cheaper than salt as you don't have to melt all the ice. Your grass may also be happier in the spring so you can use that Zero Turn to its full potential!!😂😂

Rode 250 kms on Sunday. St Jacobs to Palmerston, in to Mildmay with lunch at Harley’s. Just jammed with sleds when we arrived. We had to park out on the street. After lunch we rode to Wroxeter and down the west side of Listowel, back through Lake Conestogo. Best trails were the ones across the top. They had seen a groomer Saturday night. A couple trail section we rode near Palmerston were so whooped out that 20kph was pushing it. Moguls that swallowed the entire sled. Still a good day. Took a ride tonight right from my driveway for the first time this season. Went across the south side of Elora and Fergus, up to Alma and back. Tons of sleds out there. Everyone looked at the weather like I did and realized this may be it for a couple of weeks. Trails were great for the most part. Close to Arthur got rough so I turned back. Still put on 150 kms. But that’s probably it until the weather changes.

We were out Saturday sledding from Wroxeter to Markdale for lunch and then back. On the way there sleds were being stopped by two OPP on sleds and checking for permits. 👍

My KLIM vest arrived and after trying it on I thought ....NOPE! Went for a 325km ride yesterday and after an hour forgot it was there. No discomfort and I didn't feel the added weight. Bonus I can still fit into my jacket while wearing it. Near the end of the day I saw a farm tractor pulling a sled out of the trees. There were enough guys standing around but they did give me the thumbs up when I slowed to offer help. Don't know if anyone was injured, but that confirmed I made a right decision to purchase the vest.

Thanks! I think it great to put numbers to the numbers so to speak - gives an overall glance of the sport, its health, etc…. and should help justify increase, status quo, etc…to sustain what can be with what there is from ridership. then there is the other side of it that’s equally important, the base of people to keep it going and those numbers.

I say the exact same thing about condoms. 🤣

My place is just at the lower right edge of the pic where the 5-72 trail # sign is underneath the right turn icon. The St. Clements Trail Boss & myself just finished a trail inspection of our trails and opened the remainder of them. That trail inspection ride was also my inaugural ride on the Mach Z that my best friend of 40 years left me after his passing. We had ridden many different sleds well over 50,000 km. together during those years.

Tuesday morning in Barrie we had 10-12" of fresh snow. Wednesday morning another 12" and the way it's snowing right now I'd say we are going to get another 12" today. Can't tell you how the trails are since I haven't been away from the house in a few days. Pic is looking out my back door on Wednesday..

Got outfor a little ride. Checking local trail for downed trees.

Making a deal on a 2024 leftover 650 sp for the kid. 11800. Leftover prices higher this year, paid 12500 for the 850 xc last year.

Had a look at this today. its beautiful. i honestly have to say I really would be torn on to buy one of these or a new Polaris.

Ended up driving up Friday anyway. Just as we finished shopping in the Soo, hwy17 closed at 315pm. Knowing the forecast and radar, I had a feeling it was going to be a long closure. It was... almost 48 hours, with 2 brief openings that led to more closure due to weather, visibility, road surface conditions. Took the Ranger lake road to 129, to 101 to wawa route. 100 miles and 3 hours further. Arrived Friday night about 930pm, Dug out the entrance to the house, cleaned up the garage entrance, and waited for the plow operator to do the rest. Saturday was cold but sunny, dug out the walkways, decks, barn. Moved the sleds from the barn to the house garage, installed the new seasonal permits. No riding due to not feeling well. Packed up Sunday, left at noon, found hwy17 was open albeit a bit snow covered in areas. Another system comes tomorrow calling for another big dump. We have over 3 feet now. Nothing was frozen underneath so, be aware! We went from 55 degrees on October 30th straight to snow on Halloween, and it pretty much kept snowing. Swamps, lakes, rivers, creeks will be treacherous for a very long time. Heading back up, Christmas day, if all goes to plan. Ski

Found some good stuff in my closet at the cottage on Sunday. List price scratched out and dealer price confirmed on the XLT Special.

Groomer is out in Elmvale on the rail bed.

Us sledders are the most optimistic people on the planet I think. Winter will return. Snowing in fergus and penetang now!

nice looking sled

So permit #0014 - You must know someone to be able to order that early - I can only imagine the discount you must get!

Sorry for your loss. Nice memory of your friend to keep forever.

Another week, another big storm! Look at the front yard snow pile from the previous pic, until today's pic. It has to be record snow for this early. We still have 4 months to go. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, to all of OC.com. Ski

Just received my QC trail pass in the mail today, that was pretty quick....the ON trail pass should arrive any day now too..

Here is some pics from Friday