Some snowmobile enthusiasts will be ringing in the New Year in Timmins by going out for a rip on their sleds.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs says a number of the area trails in Timmins are officially open today, while others have limited availability.
“We're actually a couple weeks earlier from the past five years, so Mother Nature's been somewhat with us, but definitely we could use more snow. “ says Gilbert Fortin of the Timmins Snowmobile Club.
The local club takes care of more than five-hundred kilometers of the trails which connect to thousands throughout the province. And it’s all done by people who work for free.
"What the public has to understand is all the trails are maintained by volunteers, I repeat, volunteers. The money from club members goes directly to paying some operators, paying dues, paying obviously for that grooming machine you see in the back. But everything else is done by volunteers and for the love of the sport."
Fortin says a healthy snow season will see local groomers put in more than fifteen-hundred hours to keep the trails in top condition, and those in the industry surrounding this sport say its popularity is growing, and that's good for business.
"More lodges are getting into it. You got Horwood Lake Lodge, you got a few other lodges around that are very actively trying to bring people here.” says Mike Mason of Mikey’s General Sales and Repair.
“Tourism is really focused on bringing people here for the winters. We do have the snow! If we have a good snow season, it's good!" says Mason.
Timmins Snowmobile Club Officials encourage everyone to use and enjoy the trail system, provided they have a valid permit. Fortin also advises riders to check out trail conditions on the online map, since not every trail is open yet in an unlimited capacity.
