WEST CARLETON – A cold, snowy winter made for a great year for snow machines, but the trails are now closed for the season.

“Wow, what a fantastic season it has been,” the West Carleton Snowmobile Trail Association (WCSTA) released in a statement yesterday (March 23).

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off WCSTA OFSC prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as ‘Unavailable’ (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide, and WCSTA have stopped regular grooming operations and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed.

“Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous on closed trails,” the WCSTA said. “In our area, roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable.”

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as ‘Unavailable’ means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. 

“On behalf of our club and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter,” the WCSTA said. “We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.”

A very special thanks is also extended to all the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling.

“Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year-round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter,” the WCSTA said.

The WCSTA is actively looking to fill a number of roles within the West Carleton club. 

“We are looking for people to work with the board of directors to assist with the delivery of our required programs and to develop club initiatives,” the WCSTA said. “We are increasing our efforts to identify and coordinate our volunteers, one of our most valuable resources.”

If you would like to volunteer please fill in the volunteer contact form on the WCSTA’s volunteering web page. 

“We will put together groups of people to help repair and maintain trails this spring and summer, as well as prepare for the 2019-2020 season,” the WCSTA said. “In order to remain strong, your club needs more involvement from its members. In return, we are also focusing on member engagement in a fun way and hope to have a number of activities and get togethers next season for everyone. The board of directors thanks you for a fun and accident free season.  See you on the trails next winter. Remember to buy your permit in WCSTA.”