The images are shocking. Snowmobile trails run through the countryside. A very thin layer of snow or ice covers the mud and rocks. Tracks that cross waterways are at risk of collapsing under the weight of the machinery.
This usually happens around the end of March, which coincides with the end of snowmobile season. But not in mid-February. It's a disastrous winter for snowmobilers.
Alton Snowmobile Club President Roger Tessier is waiting for about a foot of snow before reopening all of his trails. “February is usually snowmobile month, but that is not the case this year. I hope Mother Nature can treat us in March… We'll see.”
A few flakes are expected this week, but it won't change the world. It will take much longer to get the resurfacing machines back into operation, says Mr. Tessier. There isn't even enough snow to get him back on the trails.
The President of the Alton Snowmobile Club will report on the situation later in the week. However, he doesn't believe all trails will reopen soon unless multiple snowfalls occur in Greater Quebec in the coming days.
The decision lies with the property owners
Although the majority of snowmobilers understand the reasons for the trail closures, others are outraged by the snowmobile clubs' decision. In fact, this decision isn't even theirs.
The network of snowmobile trails in Quebec totals more than 33,000 kilometers. The Federation of Quebec Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) mentions that the Ministry of Transportation grinds more kilometers of snowmobile trails than maintains kilometers of asphalt roads.
Of these 33,000 kilometers, more than 50% of the paths are on private property. Clubs therefore have to negotiate rights of way with property owners in order to be able to drive on their land.
“These individuals receive no compensation or compensation for providing this privilege to the snowmobiling community,” the FCMQ adds.
Rights of way authorize the snowmobile club to use a specific piece of land to create a snowmobile trail for a specific time of the year. Some owners, often farmers, also impose conditions such as a minimum snow depth for the trails to be open.
“There is currently not enough snow to meet these conditions. Unfortunately we have no influence on this. However, we want to respect the owners because we are lucky enough to travel for free on their private property and we do not want to lose our rights of way,” mentions Roger Tessier.
Rights of passage at risk
A right of way can actually be revoked by the landowner at any time. For example, if snowmobilers endanger a farmer's crops, the farmer might decide to close the path.
Paths are usually constructed on plowed land where traffic does not damage crops. However, there is currently little snow, so dirt quickly forms on the paths.
“When a snowmobiler sees a dirt road, they are tempted to get off the road and play in the snow. We want to avoid that. It is important to stay on the right track to respect the owners,” says Roger Tessier.
Clubs often use signage or other means to alert snowmobilers of the procedure and ensure they respect the assigned corridor. Despite everything, many people decide to go off-piste.
“It only takes a few people deviating from the rules to create problems,” says Mr. Tessier.
A small excursion off the trail can have a big impact on the sustainability of the trail. Failure to comply with the rules could result in an owner's right of way being revoked.
“If we don’t have a right of way from the landowners, we forget about the snowmobile.”
– Roger Tessier, President of the Alton Snowmobile Club
For this reason, some clubs decide to close all trails during rare snowfalls. This way, snowmobilers won't be tempted to have fun anywhere other than dirt roads. Additionally, driving the machine in mud and hay is not ideal.
Additionally, under Section 70 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act, people who venture onto a closed path can face fines ranging from $350 to $700.
Snowmobilers must therefore be patient when encountering snow-covered paths.