Hi, my name is Lorraine Sommerfeld, I’m 47 and live in Burlington, Ontario. I’m a columnist for the Toronto Star, writing in both the Living section and the Wheels section.Though I’ve driven most sorts of vehicles because of my career, I’d never driven a snowmobile until February of this year.

We’ve had a cottage near Parry Sound since I was a kid; I still became one of those people who only considered ‘Up North’ – anything north of Barrie – as a summer destination. Spending the day on the trails has convinced me I’ve been missing out on a huge part of something Ontarians have every reason to be bragging about.

In five minutes, every preconceived idea I’d held was thrashed. I wasn’t cold; I wasn’t driving  into trees; I could control every part of this machine, and I finally understood that there is joy for beginners and long time enthusiasts alike. Mastering a new skill in this gorgeous part of the world is more accessible than ever before. I should have listened to my teenaged sons long ago.

Click here to check out Lorraine in action.