Sports: Snowmobiling
[ Background | Equipment | Where ]
Background of the Sport
This sport is a Canadian invention, having been jump-started by Bombardier's invention of the Ski-Doo snowmobile. It became a major recreational sport in the mid-sixties, and has become a great family winter sport. Today's snowmobiles are quieter, more stable, and more reliable than the early snowmobiles, and some models are downright luxurious, with foot and snack warmers aboard.
To drive a snowmobile, remember that you throttle (accelerate) with your right hand and brake with your left. You straddle the seat cushions, and rest your feet on the running boards, letting your legs absorb the bounces on the bumps. Today's snowmobiles can go as fast as 100 km/h, though you do not want to go at speeds beyond 50 km/h if you wish to see the natural terrain around you.
For safety, when snowmobiling, stick to marked/tracked trails, carry emergency food & fuel, and if in the backcountry, carry emergency transceivers.
Equipment
To go snowmobiling you need a snowmobile, and a truck or trailer to carry it. You do not need a licence to drive a snowmobile, but the vehicle must be registered with the provincial Motor Vehicle Branch. Snowmobiles can cost from $4000 to $15000, with trailers starting at $400. Fortunately in good snowmobiling areas, you can rent them by the hour or by the day. You should also wear warm winter clothing, like a one or two-piece snowmobile (or ski) suit, goggles and helmet.
Where
Good snowmobiling areas near the Sault include: Blind River, Bruce Mines, Dubreuilville, Echo Bay, Elliot Lake, Iron Bridge, Sault Ste. Marie, Spanish, St. Joseph Island, Thessalon, Township. of the North Shore, and Wawa.
In Michigan, take Trail 8 heading west through Brimley and on to Paradise; both located on the scenic Whitefish Bay of Lake Superior (The Falls Trail takes you to the spectacular Upper Tahquamenon Falls, which is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, with magnificent ice formations.
For a complete list of trails in the "Upper Peninsula" and trail maps
You can also watch the famous Snowmobile races held each winter in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
To snowmobile legally in Ontario you must have:
- Minimum age of 12 with a driver training course
- proof of snowmobile ownership
- validated registration plate
- mandatory $500,000 third party liability insurance
- helmets
Contact the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
If you wish to snowmobile in the State of Michigan, you are required to purchase a Michigan snowmobile trail permit sticker for $16.50, valid for one year.
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