Late-season snowmobiling is also the perfect time to spend with younger family members, or introduce new prospects to the sport. In the months of December, January and February, weather systems can be unpredictable, with frequent snow storms and colder temperatures making it more of a challenge to accommodate less-experienced riders. With the warm spring sun and optimal trail conditions, this composition can create an incredibly pleasant experience. The spring sun eliminates snow dust and rarely do visors fog up, which can sometimes frustrate new riders.

For the experienced and acclimatized ridership, late season snowmobiling offers a variation from the normal. Snowmobiling at this time of year spawns an environment that allows you to reach new levels of distance. From December to January, the daylight hours were short, with the sun rising around 8 am and setting just close to 5 pm. By late March, the equinox delivers over twelve hours of ‘day’, creating the opportunity for epic rides that would, earlier in the season, result in departing at dawn and returning back to your hotel in the dark.

The abundance of snow in late season is sometimes referred to as ‘hero snow’ by backcountry enthusiasts—it's the time of year when you can snowmobile almost anywhere, as the snowpack is thick, compressed and relatively easy to maneuver in. For those of us that are keen on chasing the last bit of powder snow in Ontario, riding areas like the Laurentian Foothills, located north of Mattawa, and the Abitibi Canyon north of Cochrane, are generally reliable locations to hunt down untouched, undisturbed snow.

This spring is the perfect time to book a 3 or 4 day weekend adventure in Northern Ontario. While areas in the south of Ontario are losing trail connections due to melting fields, lakes and roadways, the trails in the north are in superb condition. The powder is still in abundance and even though all signs point that spring is around the corner, it’s amazing the difference a few hours north on the highway can make!

A few Late Season Riding Tips for your Trip

1. Know before you go! Don’t take chances on ice conditions!
2. Phone ahead and talk to local snowmobilers or hotel operators about the conditions. You may have to trailer from your hotel to the trails if roads are deteriorating.
3. Bring all your riding gear—it can go from +5 C to -20 C in a matter of hours
4. Let friends or family know your itinerary, just in case something happens
5. When you’re done your last ride, wash your snowmobile and trailer and perform storage procedures now! Don’t wait till next fall!

And don't forget, This Is Winter!