The mammoth snowfall that has coated east central Saskatchewan continues to deepen with additional flurries in the last few days. That has snowmobile enthusiasts prepping for an early start to the season. 

In fact, this year because of limited travel both internationally and in the country, people who have drifted away from the sport are returning, and equipment is at a premium. While snowmobilers are anxious to get out crushing the drifts, the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) and affiliate members like the Naicam Snowblasters have some important reminders. 

Like all trails in the northeast, the sanctioned trail leading from Humboldt/Muenster and northeast through Naicam toward Kipabiskau Lake is not yet open. Darrell Crone with the Naicam Snowblasters estimates another couple of weeks before the trail will be declared open.

“Just because you see markers on the trail, it doesn’t mean it’s open,” cautions Crone. “It has to be declared open by the SSA, otherwise it’s still considered trespassing.”

Because most of Saskatchewan’s sanctioned snowmobile trails run across private property, opening the trails has to be done in conjunction with land owners. Many are reluctant to give the go ahead during hunting season, says SSA Executive Director Leah Switzer. 

“Some of those landowners will keep their trails closed until after hunting season, so the club has to work along with them. They can’t get in and do any work with them until they are okayed by the land owner.”

The early and uncharacteristically heavy snowfall has also led to concern about snowmobiler safety when it comes to open water.

“People venturing across water and sloughs or small reservoirs, it’s simply not safe,” explains Crone. Despite recent cooler temperatures, ice has not had a chance to form and the snowfall further insulates it, extending the time in which it will form a base thick enough for snowmobiling.

Another issue for the winter is the situation with COVID-19. While the warm up sheds stationed along the trails will be in use, they will not be regularly sanitized and the shacks are subject to all provincial health orders, explains Switzer.

“We have worked with the provincial government and established snowmobile shelter guidelines. Each shelter in our system will have a sign on the door advising everyone that you have to take it upon yourself to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and abide by provincial regulations at gatherings.”

That means a maximum of five people are allowed in the shelter at a time, subject to available physical distancing. Sledders stopping at any commercial facility on the route will also be subject to any health regulations. 

The good news is that the sport inherently requires distancing and protective gear from the cold. That is what has drawn many enthusiasts back to the sport, and for some, it will be their first taste. That’s led to an evident increase in interest, says Switzer. For new sledders, Switzer has some important tips to follow.

“For new people coming in, it’s important to make sure they are taking the proper safety precautions and registering their snowmobiles. There is a snowmobile safety course for anybody who is born on or before January 1, 1989.”

The is plenty of useful information, including an interactive trail map for all Saskatchewan SSA sanctioned trails, at sasksnow.com.

The Naicam Snowblasters will send out an advisory once their trail is officially opened.