Snowmobiling Safety Programs
Learn Safe Snowmobiling
Safe snowmobiling instruction and driver training for a snowmobile operator's
permit is available through the OFSC Driver Training Program. For information
on courses available in your area call the OFSC Driver Training Office
at 1-905-562-4922 or email by clicking on the mailbox at the bottom of
the page. The OFSC safety video No Second Chance and accompanying
Leader's Manual are available to interested parties and groups. For information
call the OFSC at 1-705-739-7669 or visit their web site www.ofsc.on.ca.
OFSC Stop Program
In this trend-setting program, OFSC volunteers are trained by partnering police services, and sworn in as Special Constables
and Provincial Offenses Officers. They then become members of the Snowmobile Trail Officers Patrol (S.T.O.P.), empowered to
enforce provisions of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act by issuing tickets or making arrests. They also assist police in sobriety
enforcement. For MSVA enforcement purposes, S.T.O.P. Officers have the same authority as police officers. Visit their website at
www.stopofficer.com.
OFSC SledSmart Program
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs initiated the OFSC safety programs under the umbrella of "SledSmart" in 1993/1994 and
it has been recognized as the most sophisticated and well-respected snowmobile safety program in North America. The main objective
of the SledSmart Campaign is to reduce the overall injuries and fatalities among Ontario snowmobilers. Visit
www.sledsmart.com for more information
Warden Program
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Snowmobile Trail Patrol Program commenced in 1983 at the time when snowmobile
trails were being managed under a user – pay system. Trail Patrol Officers are dedicated Snowmobile Club Volunteers who regularly
patrol Ontario’s snowmobile trails, provide valuable trailside information to snowmobilers and promote the provincial user pay system.
Unique opportunities exist by joining the Trail Patrol Program. It demands an adventurous spirit and a high degree of personal integrity.
You will often deal in unstructured situations that will test your resourcefulness. For more information about volunteering contact
info@ganaraskasnow.ca
Insurance Programs
The OFSC maintains General Liability Insurance to protect itself, member clubs and landowners on claims arising from trail-related
operations and incidents. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance offers protection for executives and boards of the OFSC and member
clubs on claims arising from actions and decisions made on behalf of the organization. Environment Liability Insurance protects clubs on
claims arising from environmental incidents, while a Special Event General Liability Insurance Policy covers clubs for "racing type"
activities such as radar runs and grass drags. Volunteer Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance protects registered volunteers while
engaging in club sanctioned activities. Finally, Trail Smart offers affordable snowmobile insurance exclusively to OFSC Trail Permit Members
Landowner Program
The existence and usage of snowmobile trails is a privilege, not a right. OFSC snowmobile trails depend on land use permission from both
private and public land owners. To assist clubs with land securement and retention, the OFSC provides clubs with standardization land use
permission forms, liability insurance, the Warden Program, and special Landowner Benefit Cards. Every OFSC member has a responsibility to help
keep trails open by staying on the trail at all times and respecting private property.
Environment Program
Funded since 1993 from a dedicated levy of $1 from every Trail Permit sold, the OFSC's 'Conserving Ontario's Last Frontier' Environment
campaign supports a broad range of initiatives from Deer Feeding (with Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters)
and Tree Planting Projects to research, college bursaries, and trail signs with key messages such as "Leave Tracks Not Trash" and "Protect Our
Environment - Stay on Trail". The Environment Fund also sustains grants for club environmental projects. Each January is designated as OFSC
Environment Month to promote responsible riding.
Know Your Hand Signals
Hand signals help everyone and help to prevent accidents. Follow the link below, you might be surprised at what you are
missing out on.
Know your Hand Signals
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