Off-trail snowmobiling is growing in popularity in Quebec. In particular, the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec does not want to stop or harm this phenomenon. She invites her followers to practice it responsibly, in places where it is possible.
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When the snowmobile first entered Quebec society, winter travel was sometimes difficult. It was not uncommon to see people with snowmobiles on the roads or just wherever they were tempted to travel.
This situation, complicated and dangerous in many cases, led to the idea of creating snowmobile tracks, as we called them at the time. Over time, the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec was born. His job was to create a network of trails so snowmobile enthusiasts could move and have fun.
Among this new generation of touring snowmobilers, there has always been a faction that wanted to retain the freedom to go anywhere, off-piste.
In 1994, the launch of Ski-Doo’s Summit 583, the first snowmobile designed specifically for mountains and deep snow, revived the activity.
The four manufacturers quickly understood that there was a market. They have therefore developed more and more efficient snowmobiles that allow the enthusiast to go further and higher.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
It’s always nice to drive in the loose snow that lashes the windshield, but you still need to be sure that that nice snow doesn’t hide any traps.
It’s not uncommon for people to break their snowmobiles or seriously injure themselves because they didn’t anticipate the rocks or stumps under the snow.
To reduce the environmental impact and hazards associated with blind off-trail training, the FCMQ recommends the following for amateurs:
- Avoid driving snowmobiles in areas where you risk damaging trees or hampering forest regeneration, especially when there is little snow.
- If you are lucky enough to encounter wild animals, slow down and stall the engine to avoid startling them.
- You have to slow down when you meet other users of the territory.
- Remember that it is strictly forbidden to stalk or harass wild animals on snowmobiles, regardless of species.
What is certain is that the biggest challenge right now is presenting off-trail enthusiasts with areas to have fun.
Several ideas are on the table and meetings are held to find interesting solutions for everyone. Off-trail snowmobiling is not going to decrease.
Instead of judging these amateurs, we help them practice their hobby in the best possible conditions.