KAMSACK — One hundred kilometres of outdoor winter fun is solely because of the volunteers who are part of the Kamsack Sno Drifters Club.
The club’s group of dedicated volunteers grooms and maintains over 100 kilometres of backcountry trails that form a sweeping circuit between the communities of Kamsack, Togo, Veregin, Madge Lake, the Snow Palace warmup centre outside Canora, Norquay, and as far as Roblin.
As part of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, the membership fees paid by the club’s members help support the management of trail maps, conditions, snow reports, along with public awareness of snowmobile safety issues and safety training.
A snow cat with a blade is used to drag the trails. Volunteers also maintain route signage and ensure warm up shacks are clean and stocked with wood.
The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association notes that snowmobiling is one of Saskatchewan’s greatest tourism draws as snow sled enthusiasts love the open skies and trails to explore the outdoors and help remedy winter cabin fever.
The Sno Drifters are also committed to educating snowmobilers on safety during their winter sledding experiences.
International Snowmobile Safety Week is recognized the third Saturday in January for eight days and promotes events and education to keep snowmobilers secure while having fun on the trails all season long. Snowmobile owners, organizations and manufacturers and clubs like the Kamsack Sno Drifters, want enthusiasts to enjoy their sport safely and with enthusiasm.
10 Snowmobile Safety Tips:
Maintain your snowmobile. Complete safety checks before and after rides.
Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and helmet.
Carry emergency supplies.
Like any other motorsport, don't consume alcohol or drugs before or while snowmobiling.
Snowmobile in familiar areas and where permitted
Don't exceed the speeds of the trail
Stay aware of the weather
Learn the terrain and where frozen bodies of water are located.
Never ride alone. Communicate where you're riding and when you will return.
If riding at night, reduce your speed.
It is important to stay vigilant when on or near frozen lakes and water bodies. People are urged to check ice thickness before heading out on Saskatchewan water bodies to avoid any unnecessary tragedy.
