RADAR
Full-Throttle Fun
Shred the trails on a snowmobile for a whole new perspective on winter.
By Karen Eull
Over 1.5M people use the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail annually. | PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/@DAVEYANDSKY
JOE THIEVIN AND HIS SNOWMOBILE have been to every province, and his favourite stretch is in Saskatchewan, northwest of the town of Hudson Bay. “It’s all through the forest, where the trees bend and form a snow canopy overtop the trail in the winter. It’s like driving through a tunnel,” he says. “It’s a picture that you just can’t forget. Every time I go to Saskatchewan, I have to travel that section of trail.” Thievin, who lives in Stonewall, M.B., has been riding for 55 of his 60 years. He’s noticing lots of changes on the trails these days, including more families and couples enjoying experiences that range from leisurely guided day trips to advanced backcountry adventures. “Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.”
“Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.”
As president of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), he oversees a national, volunteer-led organization that advocates for the sport and partners with local snowmobiling clubs to keep trail networks in good repair. The CCSO relies on thousands of volunteers to groom and maintain the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail (GCST). The GCST is the world’s longest recreational snowmobiling trail, with a network of over 131,070 km. It stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic coasts, putting it within reach of 90 percent of the Canadian population.
All these well-cared-for trails are not just for sledders — that’s what snowmobile enthusiasts call themselves — they’re used year-round by hikers, bikers, skiers and ATV riders. “We tried to develop a system that takes [you] through the most scenic country.”
According to the CCSO, snowmobiling has a $9.3B impact on the national economy each year, thanks to the over 1.5M Canadians and visitors who enjoy this classic winter pastime.
Sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
Finding your path Today, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, there’s a path for everyone — and thousands of advocates willing to act as teachers and guides to get you out there. “For new riders, I always say take a snowmobile safety course and go out with somebody who is a respected rider,” advises Thievin. “Start in the daytime. But most importantly, just get out and enjoy it. Nothing puts a bigger smile on someone’s face once they get the hang of it.” There are snowmobile trails, regional clubs and travel operations in every province and territory — including these favourites. The guides at Call of the Wild offer a five-day Snowmobile Safari in Algonquin Park, Ont., that zips through forests, scenic lookouts and charming towns with warm hotel beds. Residents are permitted to operate sleds in downtown Whitecourt, known as the snowmobile capital of Alberta. There’s a 485-km route in the area with scenic lookout spots, warm-up shelters and staging areas with parking, loading ramps, shelters, firepits and restrooms. Northeast Saskatchewan offers 1,610 km of trails with stops in 12 communities from St. Brieux to the town of Hudson Bay, and 261 warm-up shelters along the way. Hotels and cabins in each town are set up to accommodate multi-day trippers.
Happy snowmobilers at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ont. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CALL OF THE WILD
Sledding for all For those who want to shred slopes in the backcountry, Julie-Ann Chapman of She Shreds runs snowmobile clinics in Nelson and across British Columbia. She started with the first “all-girl” snowmobile clinics 15 years ago. Now, she offers clinics, avalanche courses and training to anyone who wants to learn — including lots of couples looking to share an adventure.
Chapman grew up riding snowmobiles in Québec, but found sledding in deep snow and on steep mountain trails quite challenging at first. There weren’t many other women around to help her learn, and it took her a year to get the hang of it. So, she created She Shreds to introduce the sport to other women in a safe and friendly environment. “Women really have to figure out [their own] technique, because we [often] don’t have as much body mass to throw around, and so it’s a lot of figuring out the throttle and how to move your body to help you maneuver the snowmobile in off-camber, deep powder conditions.”
Though sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice, her clinics can cater to absolute beginners and advanced snowmobilers alike. Even those with trail experience often need training to navigate steep, unfamiliar terrain on a mountain sled designed for deep snow. She also teaches riders about avalanche safety and how to use the transceiver, probe and shovel in every avalanche kit — essentials for anyone on the slopes.
It’s a joy for Chapman to introduce riders to alpine trails. “It’s one thing being able to hike to the mountaintop in the summer — of course, it’s gorgeous. But being able to get to the top real quick, you can do multiple mountain passes in one day. And you’re able to get to these insane places — ice fields and glaciers…. It brings you to the most beautiful places in the entire world.”
Smart Sledding
By law, all riders must wear a CSA-compliant helmet. It’s also smart to have well-insulated, protective clothing, waterproof snowmobile suits and gloves, and rubber-bottomed boots.
Travel in groups of two or more, and only in permitted areas. Riding off-trail can damage crops and disrupt wildlife. Routes may run through unceded land and small communities — show respect for locals.
Carry a first aid kit, an emergency tool kit and a survival kit with flares, blankets, food, water and any gear you’d need to survive outside on a cold night. Every rider should have a communication safety device, such as a satellite communicator, that works outside of cell phone range.
Stay on top of your maintenance. This will not only protect your safety, but help protect the environment by making sure you’re not leaking engine fluids on the local flora and fauna.
Snowmobiling in Atlantic Canada
Each winter, Atlantic Canada becomes a sprawling snowmobile expressway of sheer beauty and grand scale. From the rugged wilderness of the mainland to the windswept coasts of the islands, riders have access to nearly 20,000 km of groomed trails to explore. New Brunswick leads the charge with an expansive 8,000-km network, followed by Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, which each offer roughly 5,000 km of scenic backcountry routes. And Prince Edward Island provides 900 km of riding, anchored by the iconic 435-km Confederation Trail that stretches from tip to tip.
These trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers and are funded by their communities. When riders purchase trail permits from provincial organizations — namely Snowmobile-Motoneige New Brunswick, the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia, the PEI Snowmobile Association or the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation — they are investing in the grooming and preservation of these beloved snowy paths.
Preparation is key before hitting the powder, as every rider is required to carry both provincial snowmobile registration and a valid trail permit. While the thrill of the ride is universal, safety regulations and age requirements shift from province to province. In New Brunswick, riders under the age of 16 must complete safety training and be supervised by an adult at least 19 years old. Nova Scotia requires a valid driver’s license for anyone 16 or older, while younger riders must undergo formal safety training. On Prince Edward Island, riders between 10 and 14 years of age must be under the direct supervision of an adult who holds a valid driver’s license. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador mandates safety training for all riders under 16, with the additional requirement that those under 13 must be accompanied by someone 19 or older.
Despite these regional nuances, one law remains absolute across the entire Atlantic region: impaired operation is strictly forbidden. The legal system treats a snowmobile trail with the same gravity as a paved vehicular roadway. Whether you are navigating a dense forest in the Highlands or crossing a frozen plain in Labrador, the mandate is clear: ride sober, stay alert and respect the trail as you would any other vehicular corridor. By following local guidelines and supporting the volunteer-led associations, snowmobilers ensure that Atlantic Canada’s “winter wonderland expressway” remains a safe and spectacular destination for future generations.