Just wondering if the OFSC website will have all trails in Ontario posted as either open or limited after this snow.

No

Not a chance ......... still way to much unsafe ice out there, if anything this dump will prolong opening a lot of trails. Some small lakes are doing all right but the big lakes, rivers and swamps need way way way more cold then we've been having.

not open in this area

I saw 1 trail that wasn't open (gate closed) in my travels today.

OFSC website will not show the trails open until all the clubs relay that they have finished making the trails. Did we not go over this already? I think I might do tomorrow what I did today.. try and finish the signage.


Had 9 guys out today, the best showing yet this year.

not a chance in hell

won't be til mid Jan before we see 90% of trail listed as open/limited

I betcha after this storm it might be 35%

even though they are closed, I cant tell ya how many freaking sleds I saw yesterday riding along some trails in Shelburne and Markdale.

they were every where. parking lots at Superburger and Champs were both filled with trailers. even the groomer stopped for lunch.

Just curious though,

Can these guys get fined for trespassing as the trails are still closed??

I just hope no one got hurt as they are closed for a reason

Thats what im wodnering too. I admit to taking some of the trails already, but I havn't done anything stupid back there.

Yes and no on fining

depends on what part and what trail they are using

If the trail is not gated nor signed as closed there is not much that you can do

maybe you should set up a vigilante group and stop them

Well contrary to belief you have done something stupid back there. You TRESSPASSED! If your on private property without permission.

And Yes tresspassing is worthy of a fine!

but if it is not posted there is nothing a club or landowner can do

Hence why we have Trail Closed signs and the red tresspassing signs that are to be at every trail enterance

many trails like Nutter mentionned in an earlier thread are concession rds or right of way where nothing can be done unless the town has a bylaw and a bylaw officer handing out tickets

I wish it was as simple as everyone that had a sled gets a call to say trails are open by the clubs but that is not going to happen

I only seen one trail closed sign and about 10 ft. after it there was a huge fallen tree.

Gee Saturday seemed like another regular day out near Singhampton. Seemed like everyone was out including the OPP and the trail patrol...not a bad day considering the fact that the trails were closed up there!

here in lines the problem with some on here

Many times when a trail is listed as closed on the OFSC site people assume don't go

But in reality it is due to insurance/ofsc bureaucratic

It does not mean it is exactly closed

they could need packing,many area need sledders to pack the trail,before a groomer can go out

If it is not groomed a club will not list it as open/limited sometimes,but is rideable

Trail Patrol will be out as will police to see permits/(police)insurance ownership etc depending on their policies,they are human beings

Like I said it is not as simple as waiting on your duff and getting a phone call from Barrie saying your trail is now open

If the trail is NOT gated nor a closed sign there is nothing that can be done

like I always said 20cm on the ground here,I am out riding,but also no that the trail is not groomed nor do I remove gates to access trails. I am also removing /brushing

Besides the quads will be out if we sledders do not make a presence

The OFSC should have an official start date as they do in the states. This way there will not be any trespassing issues and if there is its the operators fault as he knows the trails are closed. What do you think about that, it works well elsewhere.

They can't all landowners have difering criteria

Also I am not advocating to go ride closed trails but rather try to find out the most info you can before heading out and assume if you are riding a trail listed as closed, you are not covered under OFSC insurance

The OFSC should have an official start date as they do in the states. This way there will not be any trespassing issues and if there is its the operators fault as he knows the trails are closed. What do you think about that, it works well elsewhere.

If there is no snow who would be on the trail anyway. At least once the snow did hit a few would be able to legally hit trails in some districts and take full advantage of an early ride. Without being worried about a trespassing charge.

I thought the OFSC had us all sign waivers that removed our right to sue while using the trails. Not sure what liability they have for this season.

Waivers are a joke and hold no water, signing one does not take away ones right to sue, that is why we see law suits against clubs. The fact is the trails in many wetland swampy areas must be packed prior to being groomed the best thing is to do some research and find out where you can go when the trails are not groomed without tresspassing. I just rode almost to Pine falls from coniston not one km of groomed trail and was not tresspassing at any time. By the way the railbed from 83 heading east is shit all the snow has blown off of it and the slag is bad I turnred back there, The worst trail I saw today is one they listed as open, now that is fucked up. I hate rail beds much rather ride through the forest.

If you Guys took the time to look Shelburne is open Arthur & Mt. Forest also as well as West Barrie Creemore ect , all post on the OFSC website