The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is asking all snowmobilers to join us in keeping OFSC trails available to ride every winter.

Thanks to 18,000 generous landowners, about 60% of OFSC trails cross private property, providing access to communities and services, as well as connections neighbouring regions, and safer riding for everyone.

So each snowmobiler who loves trail riding shares a common goal of protecting our trails on private property, respecting our landowner partners, and maintaining the inter-connected trail system that provides so many positive benefits for rural economies.

All of us have a part to play in preserving snowmobile trails and standing up for our landowners. Together, our goal is to make wandering off the marked trail and trespassing on private property as socially unacceptable within the snowmobile community as drinking and driving, driving without a seatbelt, or smoking in the workplace are throughout our province.

After all, trails that cross private land are a privilege, not a right. And it’s a privilege that the OFSC takes very seriously by providing comprehensive liability insurance coverage for incidents related to snowmobile trails for each landowner who enters into a land use agreement with their local snowmobile club. But there’s more our snowmobile community can do to show landowners we appreciate the privilege of using their land.

Most of us already view wandering off the marked trail as socially unacceptable. We understand that this release may be preaching to the converted, but what better group is there to help spread the word about staying on the marked trail?

We also understand that trespass persists among a minority of riders who don’t get that such behaviour is not only illegal and dangerous, but also threatens the future of safe and legal organized snowmobile trails for all of us.

So together, we must encourage these offenders to change their attitude. To assist, the OFSC has taken the lead by creating a new OFSC Trail Rider Code of Conduct. This code will help ensure that every snowmobiler clearly understands what is acceptable behaviour while riding on private land. It will also be an important tool for educating new riders of all ages about what our snowmobile community expects from them.

In addition, the OFSC is getting our message out by posting the below graphics on our social media and sharing them as widely as possible. Last week, we shared an informative “Stay on Trail or Stay Home” post in our weekly newsletter that described the dire consequences resulting from wandering off trail.

In cooperation with other concerned stakeholders, we are currently working on a short video that delivers a hard-hitting call to action to help stop trespass and save our trails. We are also working with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to address landowner issues of mutual concern.

Next, we are asking responsible snowmobilers to work with us to help foster socially acceptable trail behaviour. It won’t happen overnight and it won’t be easy, but we owe it to ourselves, the club volunteers who work so hard on our behalf, and the landowners who support our trails to act now. Isn’t that better than feeling powerless and just watching our trails disappear without doing anything to stop it?

Together, our collective individual efforts will make a big difference. Here are a few suggestions for how you can take personal action to support with these important anti-trespass initiatives:

* Read and understand the OFSC Trail Rider Code of Conduct.

* Make sure that everyone you ride with reads it and knows the importance of staying on the marked trail, by mentioning it as part of a pre-ride briefing.

* If you know any newbies, please take a minute to deliver the stay on the marked trail message.

* Refuse to ride with anyone who doesn’t stay on the marked trail.

* Talk to your children about staying on the marked trail so it becomes their habit whenever and with whomever they ride.

* Share the OFSC graphics with family, friends and riding companions on your social media.

* Only post photos or videos on social media that show snowmobilers riding on the marked trail.

* If you see any social media posts that condone wandering off the marked trail, comment that this is not acceptable and causes trail closures. Delete the post if possible and if necessary, unfriend the poster.

* If you see any posts on snowmobile groups that promote wandering off the marked trail, report to the group admin asking for the post to be removed.

* Be friendly and courteous with any non-snowmobilers you pass on the trail as anyone could be the owner of that land or a friend of the owner.

* Any time you see someone who could be the landowner on a farm or at a structure near the trail, give them a friendly wave of appreciation.

We realize that changing socially unacceptable behaviour is only part of the overall solution to keeping riders on the trail. But it is one significant way we can be empowered to work together immediately to encourage a much-needed shift in attitude that will benefit every snowmobiler, every landowner and every rural community. So let’s be part of the solution – each individual effort will move us one step closer to our common goal.

Arctic Cat Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today its 2022 snowmobile lineup, which continues Arctic Cat’s 60-year tradition of infusing new technology and innovation into the industry.

Headlining the lineup is the new Thundercat, offering electronic power steering (EPS) for the first time on a high-performance, turbocharged sled.

The BLAST lineup welcomes two new sleds to the family with the addition of the BLAST XR 4000 and BLAST XR Touring 4000, the first mid-sized touring sled.

Arctic Cat has also enhanced existing models with new options and equipment for the 2022 model year. To celebrate 60 years of Arctic Cat snowmobiles, all models will include a commemorative 60th anniversary badge.

“This model year, Arctic Cat celebrates 60 years of sharing the passion for snowmobiling. From the track to the trail to the deep snow, our heritage is strong, and we’ll continue to build upon that tradition to innovate the snowmobile riding experience,” said Troy Halvorson, Vice President, Arctic Cat for Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. “This year’s lineup offers key features and sleds our customers want, while providing more options for first-time and value buyers to help attract more people to our sport.”

The new Thundercat with EPS combines industry-leading technology and comfort on the fastest stock trail sled available. Paired with Arctic Cat’s revolutionary ATAC™ on-the-fly suspension that allows riders to adjust the suspension for any riding condition, the sled is more agile and provides less fatigue so the rider can enjoy its industry-leading power longer.

Last year, Arctic Cat introduced the first true, mid-sized snowmobile lineup that included the mountain BLAST M 4000, trail BLAST ZR 4000 and sport-utility BLAST LT 4000.

The sleds are powered by the industry’s first electronic fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine — the 65+ HP-class C-TEC2 4000, with 397cc. This year, the company is expanding the category with the addition of the BLAST XR 4000 and BLAST XR Touring 4000.

The XR model brings crossover capabilities to a mid-size snowmobile, while the XR Touring is the first mid-size touring option. Both sleds are perfect entry-level options for customers looking for a value-priced sled, or experienced riders wanting an easy-to-ride snowmobile that is a blast to ride.

Also new for 2022 models:

• All 6000, 8000 and 9000 sleds receive the new ADAPT CVT System by Arctic Cat for upgraded performance and serviceability.

• The crossover lineup is offering a RIOT 8000 and RIOT X model with Arctic Cat’s revolutionary, adjust-on-the-fly ATAC suspension system.

• The M 8000 Hardcore ALPHA ONE adds a 146-inch x 2.6-inch lug track model.

• The M 8000 Mountain Cat ALPHA ONE 154 receives ATAC on both standard and electric start models.

All 2022 Arctic Cat snowmobiles will be available for pre-order at the season’s best deals through the Snowmageddon sales event, which ends April 30. A limited number of models will also be made available in-season through eligible dealers without Snowmageddon program benefits.

For more information on all Snowmageddon deals, visit a local Arctic Cat dealer, or go to ArcticCat.com and use the new sled builder to visualize different track lengths, colors and accessory choices. Join the conversation on Arctic Cat Snowmobiles’ Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts.

About Arctic Cat – The Arctic Cat brand is iconic in the powersports industry, representing 60 years of snowmobiles, side-by-sides and ATVs that are renowned the world over for their power and performance. Arctic Cat snowmobiles, side-by-sides, ATVs and affiliated products are designed and manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minn. by Arctic Cat Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company that operates as part of the Textron Specialized Vehicles business.

From the mountain peaks to the ditches and trails of the flatlands, the all-new 2022 Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) Snowmobile lineup brings the next level of performance and comfort to new riders and enthusiasts alike.

With an impressive 22 new models introduced on the revolutionary, rider-first, Matryx platform, there’s a perfect choice for every rider that delivers effortless control and unrivalled performance with the most advanced technology on snow.

New for 2022, the Indy XCR joins the Indy VR1 and XC on the Matryx platform. This XCR is a true factory mod, forged through years of racing success, from the Iron Dog to the I-500. The 2022 XCR is packed Polaris Racing Technology components, coupled with industry leading Matryx platform built to dominate the toughest terrain.

Adding to the Indy lineup, is the new Indy Cross-Country Racer. This true factory race sled is available exclusively to Polaris racing teams and is the ultimate combination of proven Polaris Race Technology components and a high-output 600cc engine, all built on the Matryx platform to take Team Polaris one place: the podium.

Adding to the Ultimate 50/50 Crossover Lineup, the Switchback XC joins the Switchback Assault as the industry benchmark for ride and handling both on- and off-trail. The Switchback XC delivers superior handling and performance on the trails and in the backcountry, with the standard IGX rear suspension, FOX QS3 shocks and available Patriot 650 and 850 Engine choices.

For over 25 years, Polaris RMK has set the standard for deep snow performance. For 2022, the Rocky Mountain King sets the new standard in the deep snow yet again. The all-new RMK Matryx and RMK Matryx Slash platforms redefine what is possible in the backcountry, with a rider-first design purpose built for dynamic deep snow riding.

The narrow, sculpted seat and tank provide effortless control moving around the sled, and the raised, lightweight platform with an all-new short, tapered tunnel provide unmatched lift and response.

The PRO RMK Matryx Slash is the world’s most capable mountain sled in technical terrain, and the RMK Khaos Matryx Slash brings a wild child attitude to dominate any deep snow terrain.

The all-new Patriot Boost engine features an industry exclusive, patent pending turbocharger system that delivers more power from sea level to the mountain peaks. The patent pending SmartBoost system enables unrivalled combustion stability, creating 10% more power at sea level and 50% more power at 10,000 feet over the 850 Patriot.

Based on internal Polaris testing, it is projected that Patriot Boost models will be 10% more powerful and at least 20 pounds lighter than competitive snowmobiles. With all that it has to offer, the Matryx Slash platform with the Patriot Boost engine will be the sled to beat in the deep snow next winter.

The 2022 Polaris Snowmobile lineup sets the industry standard for performance and technology, all built with pride in Roseau, Minnesota.

About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2020 sales of $7.0 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Check out PolarisSnowmobiles.com for all the details on the 2022 lineup, for additional new releases, and to learn more!