Snowmobiling is trying to change its image from roughriding, young redneck to family portrait.
More spouses and children are hitting the trails, says Chris Brewer, chief executive officer of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. The demographics are changing for the 30,000-40,000 snowmobilers in the province, a number that he said is the highest per capita in Canada. Brewer’s group gets memberships from half of the riders.
The 52 clubs affiliated with his association help maintain 10,000 kilometres of groomed trails in the province.
“On trails we have sign-up books. We can see who’s there.”
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Brewer said snowmobiling is dictated by snow conditions and with recent warm, dry winters have reduced machine sales.
“When the snow does come, we see sales increase and its Mom and Dad and the kids coming into the dealerships.”
The association uses volunteers who spend thousands of hours patrolling the trails, removing hazards, erecting reflective signs and checking that riders have permits. Usually only one in five has the permit, which was made mandatory in 1999. Snowmobilers are supposed to pay $55-$65 per winter for each machine that rides on the patrolled trails.
Brewer said the permit income brings in $275,000 a year but it costs $900,000 to operate the trails. He is frank about what he calls “theft” of the service. In return for the permit, riders get a trail that is free of rocks and fallen logs, that marks dangers like culverts and has speed limits.
Some hazards are difficult to avoid, such as collisions with wildlife. That’s why Brewer’s association runs safety courses each year. Children aged 12-15 have to take the course to operate a snowmobile and the association encourages parents to take the training along with their children. Helmets are mandatory for all riders.
Brewer said another safety issue is visibility. Cloudy days can make snow-covered objects hard to see, while night riding can be dangerous.
“Snowmobiles today have enough power they can overdrive the headlights.”
Brewer, who has been snowmobiling since 1966, said he doesn’t drive at night because of the hazards.
With the maturing of snowmobiling, accidents have decreased, he said. So far this year the province has had four deaths on snowmobiles, all north of La Ronge. Brewer said alcohol is often a factor in fatal crashes.
While Manitoba snowmobilers have a similar organized group and trails, Brewer said Alberta lacks that infrastructure.
“Speaking personally, I think Alberta is so driven by money and business, that it ignores the work of volunteers.”
