OPP & OFSC Caution Snowmobilers Not To Ride This Weekend!

ORILLIA, ON, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - With the onset of winter throughout much of the province, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are advising snowmobilers that early snow conditions are very risky and dangerous for riding: the smart choice is not to ride a snowmobile anywhere this weekend.

According to the OFSC, while some locales have received considerable snowfall, the ground underneath is not yet frozen properly. The snow itself has little base or substance, thereby providing insufficient protection from crevices, ruts, rocks, stumps or other hidden obstacles. At least another full week of sub-zero temperatures and more snow is needed before a few trails may be available for early season riding.

The present situation means that no snow conditions anywhere in Ontario are safe for snowmobiling at this time, including:

OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails - All OFSC snowmobile trails are closed at this time and for the coming weekend. The OFSC advises snowmobilers that riding on closed OFSC trails on private property may result in trespass charges.

Lakes, Rivers, Swamps and Bogs - Waterways remain open or with not enough ice to support the weight of a snowmobile or for travel across any frozen surface.

Off-Trail/Cross Country - Riding on other snow-covered places is not recommended. This no-go advisory includes public roads, open fields, utility corridors and public lands.

The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program. Visit opp.ca for more information.

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca.

For further information:

Contact:	OPP Sgt. Michael Price, Coordinator, Off-Road Safety Program
	Provincial Support Unit
	OPP Highway Safety Division
Phone:	[phone]
	OFSC:  Leta Elsner
	Phone: [phone]