Snowmobiling is a tight-knit community, with all of us sharing a common passion. Whether it be a weekend ride with the family, racing, or participating in a charity event, we all enjoy everything that the sport has to offer. As soon as the first sign of snow is on the ground, we all start getting excited for the snowmobiling season. Planning trips with friends, looking for new destinations to ride and events to attend is exciting for passionate snowmobilers. If you’re looking for something new or enjoy the sport as much as I do, here are a few snowmobile events that you won’t want to miss.
Celebrating their 20th year, the Kelly Shires team raise money for women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. You may have seen them at your local snowmobile show. Their mission is to provide financial assistance to people in these situations in order to make their fight with cancer a little less challenging. The first weekend in February will bring together women with a common interest to raise money for a great cause.
There is an entire weekend of events, with Saturday being the main event. There are plenty of loops available which cater to any snowmobiler. The host venue is Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville. To donate or register for the event, visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org. All money raised goes directly to the families who need it right away. Dress those sleds in pink and get out for the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run.
What is more exciting than seeing snowmobiles fly through the air as they battle head to head for the checkered flag? If you have never had the chance to attend a snowcross race, 2019 is the year to do it. There are multiple classes that include 120cc, all the way up to Pro classes. With several locations and dates throughout the winter, there are races throughout Ontario. If you want to feel the rumble of high horsepower sleds, check out a Canadian snowcross race this winter. Bring the family, check out the vendors and win some prizes. This is a fast-paced event that you won’t want to miss! For more information and race schedule, visit www.snowcross.com.
Looking for something to do over the Family Day long weekend? Why not head to Sudbury and be a part of the Royal Flush poker run? If you have never taken part in a poker run, it works like this: Each snowmobiler rides to checkpoints along a designated route to collect playing cards. Once the ride is completed, the people with best poker hands win some cash and amazing prizes from this year’s sponsors FXR, Fountain Tire, and Vitto brand foods!
There are two loops to choose from, a family run of 65 km and a seasoned rider loop of 165 km. Cost to enter is only $20, and if you are one of the first 100 to register you get a free grab bag courtesy of Royal Distributing worth at least the equivalent to your entry fee. Tickets can be purchased at the Sudbury trail plan office, the Broder-Dill snowmobile club, the Coniston Driftbusters club, or Royal Distributing in Sudbury. 100% of the proceeds raised from the event benefit the NEO kids’ hospital in Sudbury, and all stay within the community. Not a snowmobiler? No problem. You can buy a poker hand onsite for a chance to win. The event starts at Royal Distributing, 3085The Kingsway in Sudbury at 9 am. With plenty of trailer parking and trails that run adjacent to the property, this is an ideal location for putting on those poker faces. For more information, follow the Royal Flush Sudbury event on Facebook.
On March 2, 2019 snowmobilers will put themselves and sleds to the endurance test. Covering high miles is the name of the game. Hitting checkpoints along the allotted route, snowmobilers will navigate a long-distance course on OFSC trails. There are two rides to choose from, a 400-km or a 600-km loop. Those who participate will be entered into a draw for prizes such as Bergstrom Skegs triple point carbides, Mack Stud packages, HMK outerwear, Royal Distributing prize packs and much more.
The Best Western Swan Castle Inn in Cochrane has special rates for those participating in the event. Enter the online code “endsnowride” on www.bestwestern.com when reserving your rooms. The start and finish locations will be adjacent to the hotel.
This unique event benefits the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Do you have what it takes to conquer long distances and win some great prizes? Find out and register for The Great Northern Expedition. Bring your friends, pack up the family and cover high miles on Northern Ontario trails. To register, go to www.canuckpowersports.com. Cost for the event is only $30/rider.
As the snowmobile season ends, there is always that one last blast to finish off the season. The Calabogie 500 is a snowmobile drag race up the ski hill, with classes from the juniors on 120s and 200s to the action-packed ProMods and Outlaws. For those interested in participating, registration takes place on Friday the 5th from 5 pm to 7 pm, then doors open at 7:30 am Saturday the 6th for tech and registration. All sleds must go through the tech line first, and then proceed to registration.
Pro classes are $40 registration fee + $10 insurance fee, while amateur classes are $25 registration fee + $10 insurance fee. Pros will race for 100% of the registration cash and amateurs will race for trophies and prizes. If you’re up for seeing snowmobiles being ridden to their absolute max, then these races are for you. Enjoy the entire weekend at Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort. For more info, visit https://nesnowmobiledragracing.com
With so many events happenings this winter season, there are plenty of options to satisfy your snowmobile fix. Whether it be a weekend at the race track or putting on high miles participating in an endurance snowmobile run, there is something for everyone. Any of these five events will put a smile on anyone’s face. Get those snowmobile suits on and get out to an event near you. Ontario is snowmobile friendly for a reason!
