OFSC 56th Convention and AGM Kicks Off New Snowmobile Season - Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Source: OFSC 56th Convention and AGM Kicks Off New Snowmobile Season - Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit Fees for 2024 Season

(Barrie, ON. September 26, 2023): Recreational snowmobile trails do not just appear by magic each winter. That’s why hundreds of grassroots volunteers from across Ontario recently gathered in Muskoka representing 181 community-based snowmobile clubs who are members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

“Our volunteers are the backbone of snowmobiling in Ontario, and the 2023 Convention theme celebrated their perseverance, resilience and grit,” said Murray Baker, OFSC President. “Our provincial gathering provides an important opportunity for our volunteers to reconnect with peers, share best practices and appreciate collective accomplishments as trail preparations for the 2024 season move into high gear.”

OFSC AGM is also when Clubs approved Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit fees for the upcoming season. Over the past two years, the OFSC has invested more than $44,500,000 into the network through groomer acquisitions and refurbishment, major infrastructure replacement and maintenance, and trail preparation and grooming operations. Last year alone OFSC Clubs logged in excess of 77,000 hours of grooming across our 30,000 km of trails, all with the mission to deliver the best possible snowmobile trails for the recreational enjoyment of Ontarians this winter. With approval from our program partners at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit fees will be as follows:

* $7.50 processing fee applies for each permit purchased.
** Classic Permit for snowmobiles with a model year of 1999 and earlier (based on registration and ownership). $7.50 processing fee applies for each permit purchased.
*** Minimum two consecutive days.

“As a not for profit organization, our goal is to deliver the best possible trail experiences for permit buyers, all while ensuring good value for each Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit purchased.” said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC CEO. “In order to continue meeting this goal, it is imperative that investments in our network continue. The increase is reasonable and necessary to meet the standards snowmobilers have come to expect of the trails, with the overall fee remaining affordable considering the recreational access the permit provides. Most importantly, we can thank the 6,000 volunteers who generously donate almost 500,000 hours of their time each year for helping keep this price down. I encourage snowmobilers across Ontario to support their local clubs by purchasing a permit this season, and to discover all that our 30,000 km of trail has to offer.“

These winter recreational trails generate billions of dollars of annual economic activity for Ontario by connecting hundreds of snowbelt communities and local businesses. As one of the world’s longest recreational networks, the OFSC trail system is the province’s premier winter experience and a mainstay of Ontario’s winter tourism economy.

By purchasing a 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit between October 1 and November 1, snowmobilers can also take advantage of the best permit deal of the year, saving $80 off the regular seasonal fee for a permit bought after December 1st. Information on 2024 permit types, availability and FAQ’s can be found at: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/faq. When affixed to the snowmobile for which it was purchased, a 2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit allows legal access to available OFSC trails throughout the winter months. Under Ontario law, Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits are authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) with the OFSC as exclusive sales agent. Only snowmobiles displaying a valid trail permit can legally access available OFSC recreational trails throughout the winter months.