The snowmobile season is upon us

PRESS RELEASE

The snowmobile season is upon us:
the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec invites snowmobilers to exercise caution.

Terrebonne, December 14 2020– The trail permits pre-sale, ending on December 9, was a success despite the pandemic we are currently experiencing. The commitment of snowmobilers to the activity of snowmobiling is as important as ever. In doing so, you contribute to the sustainability of our trail network and to the industry, which also preserves thousands of jobs in the province. We are grateful to you.

Regions throughout Quebec will soon be in the midst of the next snowmobile season, we already have a few centimeters of snow on the ground in some regions! The wait has been long and we must be patient in order to have beautiful trails. We still need a few important elements before we can fully enjoy snowmobiling. We need for the ground to freeze and be covered with a fair amount of snow to cover the elements that may affect the safety of users. Furthermore, groomers need to get out and make several runs in order to adequately prepare the trails. Enthusiasm should not take precedence over your obligation to exercise caution. The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) reminds snowmobilers to exercise caution and awareness, particularly on bodies of water, notably by not riding on trails which have not yet been staked by club volunteers.

Club volunteers are currently hard at work preparing the trails for the coming season. Snowmobilers are thus advised to contact their local club in order to confirm the official opening of their trails. Whether it is via its Web site (www.fcmq.qc.ca), its Facebook page or its iMotoneige mobile app, the FCMQ provides various means for snowmobilers to verify trail conditions throughout the season.

Snowmobiling in times of pandemic

By its very definition, snowmobiling generates travelling, so we must adapt our practice of snowmobiling to the prevailing conditions. Concretely, this will require a prudent and proactive approach when the time comes to plan and execute outings. The FCMQ is aware that the restrictions in place may alter the practice of snowmobiling as we have known it for several years.

We are counting on you to respect all the rules in effect according to the alert pillar of the region in which you are located. We suggest you some precautions to take before leaving your home for your excursions:

• Make sure that services such as gas stations, restaurants and hotels on your rides are open and that the schedule is appropriate for your itinerary.
• Stay tuned to your club's communications to validate the opening of shelters you will cross during your travels.
• Avoid peak hours for your stops to avoid being unable to use the service due to lack of space and limit gatherings in public places.
• Access to services may be limited, so don't forget to bring your water, snacks, lunch, etc.
• Same snowmobile users must live at the same address.