Winter light on flurries, but snowmobilers hopeful

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This article was published 30/01/2024 (615 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Many of Manitoba’s snowmobile trails remain closed because of limited snow conditions, but behind the scenes, volunteers are working hard to make sure those trails are ready once the weather co-operates.

John Fleming, president of the Eastman SnoPALS snowmobile club, has volunteered more than 300 hours so far this season.

“We have two or three guys that (have probably doubled) that number and we haven’t even opened a trail yet,” says the 68-year-old Lac du Bonnet resident. “Hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours. Why? Well, we love snowmobiling.”

The SnoPALS is one of 53 volunteer-run clubs throughout the province that clear, groom and put signs up on 13,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails.

Fleming’s club maintains approximately 325 kilometres of trails, stretching from Red Deer in the Brightstone Sand Hills in the north, Elma to the south, Seddon’s Corner to the west and Pinawa in the east.

Fleming moved to Lac du Bonnet in 2012 and got involved with the SnoPALS later that year.

It was a natural choice for two reasons: Fleming has been a snowmobiler since 1975 and he is used to getting involved where he lives.

During his 36-year career with the RCMP, he lived in 11 or 12 different places throughout Manitoba. Volunteering was always key to transitioning into new communities.

As president of the SnoPALS, he chairs the club’s executive and board. He also coordinates the maintenance for more than 60 kilometres of trails in the Agassiz Forest.

He enjoys the camaraderie with other volunteers and is proud of the benefits that snowmobiling can bring to small communities.

“The spinoff is the economic development for the restaurants and gas bars that cater to snowmobile traffic,” he says. “The reward is almost measured in someone else’s success.”

Like Fleming, Tanis Cheasley enjoys the camaraderie that comes with snowmobiling.

The Foxwarren resident volunteers with Snowtraxx, which maintains 380 kilometres of trails covering the communities of Russell, Rossburn, Ohla, Oakburn, Birtle, Foxwarren, St. Lazare and Binscarth.

“We have a Christmas party and wiener roasts across the different areas our club maintains and it’s just nice getting to know people from around the area,” says Cheasley, 48.

Snowmobiling is a family affair for the high school English teacher, who rides with her husband, her two teenage children and her parents.

“My family did a lot of snowmobiling even when I was a kid,” she says. “Long before there were groomed trails or anything like that, we’d get together with aunts, uncles, cousins, and we’d all go out for the day.”

For Cheasley, the best part about being involved with the club is enjoying the trails. Many of them go through valleys and fields, rather than following ditches.

“It gives us an opportunity to see lots of wildlife,” she says. “That’s one of my favourite parts: just seeing what’s out there.”

Snowmobile clubs are always looking for more volunteers, says Yvonne Rideout, executive director of Snowmobile Manitoba (Snoman), a non-profit organization that represents the clubs.

“I encourage anyone who enjoys riding, or even if you’re in the community and retired and are looking for something to do, to contact your local club,” Rideout says. “I also encourage students who are looking to volunteer for high school credit to get involved.”

Contact 204-940-SLED (7533) or info@snoman.mb.ca for details.

Weather conditions have been less than ideal so far this season, but that could change.

“We’re hoping that February gives us the snow we’re all hoping for, so we can volunteer more and work more hours,” Fleming says.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.