Trails Built on Trust

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Snowmobile network thrives when riders put respect & safety first

By Mary Loggan

Across Ontario, snowmobilers continue to explore the vast network of scenic Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) prescribed trails. But those sparkling, snow-covered fields are working farmland – home to valuable overwintering crops. When riders ignore or stray from designated OFSC trails, the damage can be costly.

Better Farming recently spoke with Ethan Wallace, vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, about the impact of snowmobilers trespassing off-trail and how farmers, snowmobile clubs, and riders can work together to protect property and ensure everyone’s safety this winter.

Potential damages

Wallace explains that in Ontario, farmers dedicate significant time and resources to protecting soil and perennial crops through winter.

He says, “Every off-trail pass of a snowmobile across a field carries the potential to undo part of that work, and the problem has only intensified as machines become more powerful.”

“Modern snowmobiles are heavier and much larger than older models,” he points out.

“With deeper tracks and higher horsepower, it doesn’t take much for a sled travelling off-trail to dig right through the snowpack. That exposes the soil under it and tears into winter crops.

“We’ve seen damage this season already, in some cases before there was even a proper snow base.”

Wallace, who runs a third-generation dairy operation outside Seaforth, notes that while many riders mean no harm, the damage happens quickly.

“A great deal of harm can be done in a hurry. One quick trespass across a field, and suddenly there’s exposed earth and ruts. That will directly affect the crop come spring.”

Even with an adequate snow layer, the risk remains.

“The snow hides everything – fences, rocks, culverts, even old implements. Things get buried fast, and an off-trail rider might not realize what they’re crossing.

“Hitting something under the surface can wreck equipment or cause serious injury or death. These aren’t small obstacles; they’re dangerous.”

For producers, the mix of property damage and potential injury can be highly stressful.

“Most landowners are worried about trespassers – not just because of the crops but also because of liability,” says Wallace.

“If someone goes off-trail and gets hurt, the farmer can still be dragged into that situation. It’s not fair, but that’s often how it happens.”

He adds that communication remains key. “We always stress that snowmobile trail riding on private land is a privilege, not a right. When land is donated for trail access, we owe it to those landowners to respect that decision. Otherwise, those trails can disappear.”

Risks and liability

Every winter, local snowmobile clubs collaborate with farmers and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) to build and maintain a network of groomed, marked trails stretching across the province. To access these trails legally, each rider must be operating a sled that displays a valid Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit.

He notes that prescribed trails are insured through the OFSC, protecting landowners and club volunteers.

Every local OFSC club provides insurance protection to cover legal liability for landowners who allow an OFSC trail(s) on their property. This coverage pertains to the club’s snowmobile trail operations related to OFSC prescribed trails, including trail maintenance, signage, grooming and use by snowmobilers.

Wallace explains that these routes exist only through the generosity of property owners who allow their land to be included – permission that can be revoked at any time.

“When a landowner invites a trail through their property, that’s a gesture of trust.”

“If that trust is broken by trespassing riders going off-trail to cut across closed fields or ignore fencing, the opportunity will vanish. Riders need to remember that a single act of disrespect can close a route for an entire community.”

Economic losses add to the concern. “Farmers already operate on tight margins. Damage from a few machines can erase an entire crop’s profit,” says Wallace.

“With input prices where they are today, that’s not a small problem. That could easily be the difference between a successful year or not.”

To minimize risk, Wallace encourages riders to use the OFSC’s Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) before heading out, and to never ride on unavailable (Red) trails.

“It’s more safe and necessary for crop protection and soil preservation,” he explains.

“Riding on unavailable or unmarked trails makes matters worse. It damages the snow base, delays reopening, and damages farmer relationships.”

Wallace, who is himself a snowmobiler, notes that trespassing issues often spike early in the season.

“Riders sometimes think, ‘there’s snow on the ground, so it must be fine.’ But when the snow base isn’t ready, OFSC trails show unavailable on the ITG and the tracks of any riders who ignore this can compact the soil and tear up crops. One person’s impatience can wreck months of carefully prepared ground.”

Building trust for the future

Wallace believes long-term success depends on cooperation and respect.

“Producers aren’t trying to stop anyone from enjoying OFSC trails. Most are supportive because they understand the economic and recreational benefits that snowmobiling brings to rural Ontario.

“But respect has to go both ways. It only works when riders treat that access with care.”

He credits local snowmobile clubs for their efforts in managing relationships with rural communities.

“Club volunteers do an incredible amount of work to maintain these routes. They fundraise, groom trails, and often help mediate when damage happens. They deserve recognition for handling tough situations with professionalism.”

Still, he acknowledges that ongoing education remains essential.

“Every farmer has stories about snowmobiles or four-wheelers illegally cutting across their fields. We’ve come a long way in building awareness, but it only takes a handful of bad actors to undo years of progress.”

The OFSC has introduced several campaigns to reduce those incidents, notably the ‘Stay On The Trail’ video (mandatory to view on the OFSC permit-buying site) and the ‘Friends Don’t Ride with Friends’ campaign, which discourages riders from joining others who trespass, disrespect property, or act recklessly.

“Peer pressure can do more than any warning sign,” Wallace says.

“If riders hold each other accountable – if they refuse to ride with someone who won’t follow the rules – the message spreads faster and stronger.”

He also highlights the broader environmental impact of damaged farmland.

“When snowmobilers ruin a cover crop or kill winter wheat, the soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion and weed growth,” he warns.

“That can cause issues long after the spring thaw. This isn’t just about one season’s damage – but how we can prevent losses in the future.”

Ultimately, Wallace says, the future of Ontario’s snowmobile trail network depends on respect, effective communication, and responsible use.

“It comes down to how we treat each other and the land.

“Enjoy the sport, enjoy the outdoors, but ride with respect. Farmers and clubs are doing their part to make this possible – now riders must do theirs.

“Every time a snowmobiler chooses to stay on the trail, they’re protecting someone’s livelihood. Every time they stop a friend from trespassing, they’re preserving access for everyone. Respect isn’t complicated – but it’s just essential.” BF