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Snowmobile trails in Nova Scotia are busy during what’s being called a terrific winter for the sport, with rider safety top of mind for many.
There was up to 250 centimetres of snowfall in the heart of the Cobequid Mountains in December and January, according to Environment Canada.
Gordon Ryan, president of the Sutherland’s Lake Trail Groomers Association, said snowfall levels haven’t been like that for at least six years, but the focus remains on user safety.
“We’re all teaming for the same goal,” he said. “Have safe trails that a family can get out and enjoy the day,” said Ryan.
The Cumberland County group is holding a snowmobile rally Saturday. The two-day event started Friday and includes live music and family skating.
Safe trails
Jeremy Cromwell, a safety co-ordinator with the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia, said the organization is promoting best practices through social media.
“It’s one thing to go out snowmobiling, but there’s always people at home worrying about you, and we want everyone to get home to their families at the end of the day,” he said.
Cromwell said safety advice has evolved with the sport. Previously, riders were encouraged to let oncoming riders know how many snowmobiles were behind them by raising a hand and doing a finger count.
But he said they now encourage people to keep their hands on the handlebars.
“There could be a snowmobile coming around every corner,” said Cromwell. “There’s so much traffic in the woods these days.”
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Cromwell said the association encourages the Department of Natural Resources and Nova Scotia RCMP to patrol trails.
Staff Sgt. Marc Rose, district commander for Colchester County RCMP, said police help educate snowmobilers on legislation, such as requirements for insurance and registration. He said impaired operation of a snowmobile is another thing officers look for.
“We know that unsafe operation of snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles leads to a large number of injuries Canada-wide,” said Rose.
He noted that a snowmobile can weigh around 225 kilograms and travel over 100 km/h.
“Take this heavy object moving at fast speed on a small trail, it can do a lot of damage and cause a lot of harm.”
Speed recommendations
Ryan said caution is encouraged on the winding trails.
“Technically, we have no speed limit on the trails. However, we promote being in care and control of the vehicle all the time,” he said.
But on Sutherlands Lake, where radar runs — timed races — happen on the frozen lake, top speed is the goal.
“Sutherlands Lake was born around racing on the lake,” said Ryan. “There’s been races on the lake forever.”
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