Winter Wonderland

Here in the north, we know how to enjoy the winter. Snowmobiling is the fastest growing form of winter recreation and, with almost 21,000 miles of well groomed and marked inter-connecting trails, there's a good chance you'll have one to yourself.

There are about 286 snowmobile clubs in the north and each takes on the responsibility of maintaining sections of the trail and organizing races, social events and runs such as the Poker Run and Fun Weekend in the Almaguin District. Trail fees provide the necessary funding to maintain the trails and make these events a success.

Guaranteed, you'll encounter spectacular scenery and, with a little luck, you'll catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that inhabit the area. ...there's an adventure waiting for you.

Come enjoy the finest and safest snowmobiling in the World! Ontario boast's the world's largest contiguous snowmobile trail network. 46,000 km (over twice the length of the provincial highway network)of signed and groomed trails make Ontario a virtual winter playground for the snowmobile enthusiast.

Near North Trail Association (NNTA)

Get your comprehensive Near North Trail Maps with GPS (Global Positioning System) accuracy from your local snowmobile club or at the Almaguin Nipissing Travel Association. Call 1 - 800 - 387 - 0516 Ext. 15 or 705 - 474 - 6634 to order. (Call John Marcil for mailing request or write to: Almaguin Nipissing Travel Association, P.O. Box 351, North Bay, Ontario P1B 8H5)

At the hub of the Near North travel area is Lake Nipissing, smack dab in the middle of 3,500 km of snowmobiling pleasure.

Incorporated in 1992, the 15 local snowmobile clubs in the NNTA co-operate to maintain the trails using modern grooming equipment.

R. A. N. TOUR

Ride Around Nipissing - Experience some of the most scenic and variable terrain as you enjoy the wilds around Lake Nipissing. The R. A. N. is a self - directed tour of 400 km or longer if other trails are explored. Accommodations and services from the practical to the luxurious are available along the way to accommodate the needs of every snowmobiler.

For more information on the R. A. N. call (705) 474 - 6634 or 1 - 800 - 387 - 0516 Ext. 31 if outside the North Bay area.

PERMITS

An OFSC trail permit is required to ride this trail network. Available at local snowmobile dealers or through various snowmobile clubs, a permit can be purchased for $110.00 (Canadian Funds) for the season. Seven day temporary permits are also available for $40.00 (Canadian Funds).

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

A self - sustaining, volunteer - driven, non - profit organization made up of 294 local snowmobile clubs. The OFSC is the largest association in international snowmobiling, having 190,000 family snowmobilers in its membership. 1996 marked the 30th anniversary of the OFSC and organized snowmobiling in Ontario. Thanks to an early winter and late spring melt this celebration was marked by a banner year for snowmobilers. For further information call Tim West, OFSC external relations at (705) 739 - 7669 or ( 705) 746 - 4400.

Trail conditions

Up to date trail conditions can be heard on the Mix 100 (Local North Bay FM Station) Thursday, Friday and Saturday, or... call the Portage Hotel at (705) 474 - 8800.

Winter is a wonderful time of year and offers many outdoor activities - but you must respect for weather and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. Always dress properly and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Here are some things to keep in mind. (Courtesy of the Almaguin News - WINTER 1996)

• Snowmobiles are harder to handle on ice and hard-packed snow.
• Watch for things like docks and logs hidden by ice and snow.
• Carry fire starter, snowshoes, flares, an aluminized blanket, high energy foods, compass and repair tools - keep an extra ignition key with you.
• If you must cross ice, wear a buoyant snowmobile suit, know the latest local ice conditions and watch out for slush. Don't slow down or stop till you're off the ice and never ride behind anyone through slush.
• Don't try to ride through snow squalls; you can get lost easily.
• Frostbite can happen without your knowing it. Remember the wind can be a lot colder than the air. Always dress in layers and wear proper clothing.
• Protect against hypothermia. If your body temperature drops below normal, you risk shock or falling asleep. Seek shelter and stay dry.
• Guard against snow blindness by wearing good-quality UV-protected sunglasses.