Snowmobile trail conditions can change quickly, so be prepared: OPP

Northern Ont. police are teaming up with Timmins Snowmobile Club for a ramp up in patrols to ensure riders are having fun safely.

A downed tree was spotted Thursday on a North Bay-area Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail.

Tree downed on North Bay-area OFSC trail - Feb 27 A downed tree on a North Bay-area Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail on February 27, 2025. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

“Obstacles like this can appear suddenly, especially after storms or high winds,” said Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in a social media post.

OPP offered several snowmachine safety tips in its post:

• Obey posted speed limits – riding at a safe speed gives you more time to react to unexpected dangers.
• Stay alert and scan the trail ahead.
• Ride sober and within your abilities.

The OFSC echoed many of these pointers during their annual safety week blitz earlier this month.

Snowmobile riders with OPP crest Two snow machine riders on a snowy trail. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

“Trail conditions can change quickly – always be prepared for the unexpected,” said police.

“Stay safe and ride responsibly.”

“The investigation is ongoing,” added OPP Const. Kyler Brouwer.

This post came less than hours before a 54-year-old was killed in a single-vehicle snowmobile crash in the Village of Sunridge – about 45 minutes south of North Bay.